Starting and running a nonprofit is hard work. There's managing volunteers, marketing, planning events and developing policies and procedures. Not to mention the all-important task of fundraising. Take some of the guesswork out of the process with these five resources, all designed to help nonprofits do what they're meant to do as part of their mission.

1. Idealist.org

Perhaps the best place to start research on nonprofit organizations. Idealist.org compiles the best resources on the web for nonprofits from starting, managing, funding and everything in between. Learn about topics like diversity in the workplace, management and recruitment. You can also read their blog, listen to podcasts, network and post additional resources you've found helpful.

2. Grants.gov

To get off the ground, a nonprofit needs funds. If the idea of writing grants is overwhelming, check out Grants.gov. The site is designed to guide nonprofits through the federal grant process by helping them find and apply for grants. It has a searchable database of over 1,000 grant programs from the 26 federal grant-making agencies. Suddenly, $500 billion in annual awards is at your fingertips.

3. TechSoup.org

As the founder of a nonprofit, you want to make a difference, not wrestle with your PC and worry about things like networking and security. TechSoup.org takes the stress out of technology with information, support, and access to donated and discounted technology.

4. CraigslistFoundation.org

Designed to support nonprofits through education, resources and increased visibility, the Craigslist Foundation strives to "help people help." Through the foundation, you can access a selection of presentations, handouts, podcasts and session notes at Craigslist Foundation's Nonprofit Boot camp. Topics range from tax-exempt status and lobbying to the basics of starting a nonprofit.

5. JustGive.org

Help individuals contribute to your organization through JustGive.org. It's a website that exists to make it easier to donate to charity and track contributions. Couples can even create a charity wedding registry. JustGive has a database of 1.5 million charities, is your nonprofit one of them?

The internet is fast growing as the starting place for volunteers and not for profit staff to do research, seek best practices and find solutions to their everyday needs. These sites are only a small sample of what is out there. In many cases they offer free or near free programs which help the charity organization focus on its core mission rather than its computer systems or researching information. Other resources offer a way to get the word out and provide volunteer matching to charitable causes.

Copyright (c) 2009 Chuck W