Web Browsers & Browser Extensions for Nonprofits

For nonprofits relying on Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for email, choosing the right browser and extensions can enhance productivity, security, and ease of use. Both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are built on the same Chromium engine, but they offer specific advantages when used alongside their respective email solutions.

Web Browsers

Google Workspace and Google Chrome

If your nonprofit uses Google Workspace for email, Google Chrome is the most seamless browser choice. Since both products are developed by Google, Chrome integrates tightly with Google services, offering enhanced authentication and accessibility. Single sign-on (SSO) through your Google account simplifies login processes, reducing the risk of credential fatigue and improving security. Additionally, Chrome offers Google-specific features like quick access to Google Drive, Docs, and Gmail, further streamlining your workflow.

Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Edge

Similarly, if your nonprofit uses Microsoft 365 for email, Microsoft Edge is the ideal companion. Edge integrates perfectly with Microsoft’s ecosystem, making authentication and navigation more straightforward. Single sign-on through your Microsoft account makes access to email, OneDrive, and Office apps more efficient, while the browser’s built-in security tools ensure better protection against online threats. Edge also offers enterprise-grade features like managed security settings, helping nonprofits stay compliant and secure.

Chrome vs. Edge

While Chrome and Edge are customized for their respective platforms, they are built on the same Chromium engine, so their core performance and capabilities are similar. The real advantages come from aligning your email service with its corresponding browser, which enhances security, simplifies login, and streamlines the user experience. Nonprofits can fully use Google or Microsoft’s organizational management tools, keeping workflows secure and efficient.

Browser Extensions for Nonprofits

Browser extensions can greatly enhance productivity, security, and privacy for nonprofit organizations. Here are some valuable extensions that can help nonprofits streamline their online tasks and safeguard their digital environment.

Privacy and Ad Blocking Browser Extensions

• Ghostery Ghostery is a powerful privacy extension that blocks trackers, ads, and other third-party scripts that could compromise your browsing experience. By preventing advertisers from collecting your data, Ghostery improves both security and page load speeds, while enhancing privacy for nonprofit staff and volunteers.

• WebRTC Leak Prevent This extension ensures that your IP address remains hidden by blocking WebRTC leaks that can bypass VPNs. It’s beneficial for nonprofits working with sensitive data or in regions where privacy concerns them. By preventing leaks, the extension keeps user identities safe while browsing.

Productivity Browser Extensions

• LanguageTool LanguageTool is a free, open-source alternative to Grammarly. It checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation in multiple languages and is a useful tool for nonprofits that rely on clear communication in emails, documents, and online content. It works directly within your browser, ensuring accurate and polished messaging. See this page for more info about LangaugeTool.

Tech Tools Browser Extensions

• Wappalyzer – Technology Profiler Wappalyzer helps nonprofit tech staff quickly identify the technologies a website is using, such as CMSs, analytics tools, and eCommerce platforms. It’s a great tool for developers, IT staff, or tech-savvy team members looking to analyze the technical structure of a website for integration or troubleshooting.

• Rich URL This functionality is already built into Microsoft Edge, but for Google Chrome, Rich URL is a simple tool that enhances how you share links. It provides a preview of a URL’s content before you click, allowing users to see if the link is relevant or trustworthy easily.

Microsoft Accessibility Browser Extensions

1. Microsoft Single Sign-On For nonprofits using Microsoft 365, the Microsoft Single Sign-On extension helps simplify authentication by streamlining the login process across Microsoft services. With this extension, users can seamlessly access their Microsoft apps, reducing the need for multiple logins and increasing efficiency while maintaining robust security.

2. My Apps Secure Sign-in Extension The My Apps Secure Sign-in Extension offers additional security layers for Microsoft 365 users. It facilitates easier, secure access to the My Apps portal, ensuring that users are signed in correctly and safely across various Microsoft applications. This extension enhances both the ease of use and security of Microsoft 365 services, making it an essential tool for nonprofits using Microsoft’s suite of tools.