This is a completely subjective document but I hope is sparks a discussion.
I have always been a big proponent of the need for Open Source software applications in the nonprofit community. Open source can provide thousands of dollars in savings, and provide capability that would otherwise be out of reach for most nonprofit orgs.
This list is in no perticular order or ranking structure. The following are just the five applications I have found the most use for in my consultancy.
- Wordpress - This application is probably the most widely used and supported blogging tool on the internet. You can even get a hosted blog on the website for free.
http://www.wordpress.org [1] - OsCommerce - This Ecommerce Shopping application has all the major features you would expect in an expensive shopping cart application. Including Full search, Product Reviews, and Bestseller lists.
http://www.oscommerce.com [2] - Drupal - The cleanest look and feel of the open source content management systems. Also the best content manager for search engine results.
http://www.drupal.org [3] - Openoffice.org - I transact every day with microsoft office users. but I am not paying microsoft. Every consultant that places this into an office and saves thousands for the organization should be branded a hero.
http://www.openoffice.org/ [4] - PHPList - With this Opt-In mail system I have been able to help clients save thousands in email fees. One of my clients has over 5,000 emails opened each week by donars because of this application.
http://www.phplist.com [5]
I use many more applications, but these probably more often than the others.
I am always on the lookout for new tools to help my clients, I would love to here about other open source applications people have found to be useful.