E-mail programs, mapping software, blogs, Internet traffic analysis programs, and free search engine advertising are among the free tools being offered to nonprofits by Google, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reported March 19.

Google recently established a new nonprofit portal so that groups can more easily access the tools. In addition to the software, the site offers setup instructions and advice on how to use the programs to support the group's mission.

"Many of us have heard from our friends in the [charity] community that, while they knew our tools could be helpful to them, sometimes they weren't sure exactly where to start," said Bob Boorstin, Google's director of policy communications. The Google for Non-Profits site was announced at the Nonprofit Technology Network conference in New Orleans.