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Nonprofit organizations have been under as much financial pressure as any other business organization in the prevailing global economic slowdown. Cost-cutting in such times is an astute strategy for survival. The following are some useful tips that you can use for cutting costs at your non-profit:

Cut back on paid advertising
If you have been using paid advertising for promoting your non-profit, you may consider substituting it with lower cost alternatives such as online marketing and search engine optimization techniques. You can also make use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter that can provide you with wide exposure at no cost. With innovative marketing techniques such as these, you can cut down your promotional costs substantially.

Cut down on paper, postage and printing
Minimize your printing costs, and maintain online records wherever possible. If you have been using brochures and direct mailers to reach out to prospective donors, consider substituting such communication with emails and e-newsletters. In any case, use recycled paper which is cheaper and environment-friendly. Saving on paper is also a reflection on your pro-environment attitude.

Reduce communication expenses
Cut down on the use of regular telephones, mobile phones, and faxes for all communication. Substitute it with low cost or free alternatives by using free technologies such as Skype or Gtalk. Teleconferencing and videoconferencing through online methods are also excellent low-cost communication options.

Reduce travel overheads
Substitute expensive modes of travel with low-cost alternatives. Wherever a job can be done through teleconferencing or videoconferencing, avoid the travel altogether. This can help to reduce your overheads substantially, considering the high costs of travel and hotels.

Save on energy costs
Install energy saver lights and other energy saving equipment in your office wherever possible. Minimize the use of high energy consuming equipment. Run an internal campaign on energy saving within your organization to motivate the employees to save energy. It will also help your organization achieve an image of an environment-friendly entity.

Outsource services wherever feasible
Instead of increasing your manpower costs, try to outsource services wherever it is financially and strategically beneficial to do so. This will keep your fixed personnel costs under check, while the outsourcing costs will be incurred only when you need to hire such services.