There were other benefits of this as well. For example, having people be able to edit project docs in a single location was a huge benefit because while we started with 3 people, we ended up with over 40 volunteers. Being able to easily allow others to add/change/delete everything from budget items to other users ended up being priceless. We were immediately able to start working as a team, and instant gratification is addictive for community organizers.
Of course the real value's not in the instant gratification, but rather the ability to have an infrastructure on par with most established businesses within minutes at little or no cost. Sure there were trade-offs, such as nice-to-have features we did without. It didn't look as pretty as we'd have liked, but it worked -- hundreds of people enjoyed an event we simply wouldn't have been able to organize without the cloud.
The price is right, the technical learning curve is mild, and who doesn't like instant gratification? Why aren't more nonprofits and local community groups reaping the benefits of the cloud? I would bet the main reason is related to the lack of exposure they have to the technology. Perhaps they simply need someone to point them in the right direction.
Maybe we should all get together and form a "cloud mentor" program to help educate nonprofits and other charitable organizations on the benefits of the cloud. If you think that's something you'd be interested in, leave your name and contact info in the comments. I know more than a few nonprofits that would love to meet you.
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