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Train Campaign Tools & Materials
This toolkit was developed to help other grassroots rail initiatives.
First, a note about nonprofit status. The Barrington Institute is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and therefore donations to the Train Campaign, its main current project, are tax-deductible.
To establish a nonprofit entity generally requires a lawyer and costs several thousand dollars. It does, however, make it possible to get reduced prices on some equipment and services, and to apply to charitable grants and funds such as Amazon Smile. We have specified when a service we use has nonprofit pricing.
Online Tools
WordPress.com – website services
Like many companies, we use the free open-source website platform WordPress. Our web hosting space is provided by Berkshire Publishing Group, but there is an option to host a site at WordPress.com, too. There are many other options for setting up a website, some of them easier to use, but WordPress gives us a wide variety of options and integrates well with other services we use.
Mailchimp.com – email communication
Mailchimp is a well-known email management system that synchronizes with WordPress and other apps. Nonprofits get a 15% discount, and Mailchimp is free if you have a mailing list under 2,000. (We used the free version for years.)
Canva.com – graphic design tool
This is a terrific online graphic design program that makes it possible for someone with a good eye and reasaonable tech skills, but no graphic design training, to create professional looking graphic elements. We consider it essential, and there is a special nonprofit rate.
Cartography
Maps are extremely important in communicating about train service. We use the following:
- Google Maps
- GISCorps volunteers
PayPal, Donorbox, Stripe – donation systems
These payment system make it easy for people to support an organization, and they are relatively easy to set up with a bank account number. Nonprofit status means a lower commission charge.
Idealist.org – staff and volunteer recruitment
We have used Idealist to recruit our excellent summer interns. Nonprofit organizations only.
Amazon Smile charity link
Use this link when you purchase from Amazon (if you do – we’ll understand if you do not!): https://smile.amazon.com/ch/20-1670260
Train Campaign Graphics
We’re happy to share design components and the files for our promotional and educational materials. If you use them, we’d appreciate a line of credit on your website.
Take-one “train ticket” cards
Download high-resolution (for printing)
Design components that you can use and adapt
If you have questions, please drop us a line: thetraincampaign@gmail.com