In The Nonprofit Imagineers we discussed the idea of “owning your own lights.” This meant that by having several versatile infrastructure pieces that could be used in different ways, you can add creative touches to programs and events that might not otherwise have the budget to rent these items… such as multi-colored up-lights.
Here are some solid purchases recommended by nonprofit professionals like you.
Electronics
High Quality Up Lights
These aren’t the cheapest up lights you can buy, but trust me – cheap ones only last as long as you’d expect cheap ones to last. This set of battery-powered up lights come with their own charging case, making it simple to set up lights for any event without worrying about finding plugs or running wires. You can set the lights to nearly any color using the remote control, and even connect them to a more sophisticated light board for more sophisticated events. When the event is over, store them safely in their secure case, that only requires a single wall outlet to charge!
Zoom with a Neat Bar
Whether you’re hosting a hybrid board meeting, class, or broadcasting services to worshippers at home, the Neat Bar is a high quality, all in one device designed to connect with a Zoom room without the need for a laptop or tablet.
Portable Audio System with Dual Microphones
Need to host events or services in outdoor settings, or rooms of your building that don’t have a sound system built-in? This karaoke machine with 2 wireless microphones is a great option!
Signage
8.5×11 or 11×17 Sign Stands
These are probably my favorite type of sign holder. These sign stands come in a couple of different sizes, depending on your printing capabilities (I’d go for the larger ones, assuming you can print 11×17). They look great, stand up to weather reasonably well, and hold a sheet of paper that you can design and print in house! Sign holders like these can be directional when placed in a courtyard or hall, but can also be placed behind tables to add height to a display.
Directional Arrow Signs
Tired of printing arrow signs and taping them to your doors in hopes that people will find their way? Grab a few of these directional arrows that are both magnetic and dry erase boards and never worry about running back to your office at the last minute to find the blue tape!
A-Frame Signs
These weather-proof, windproof, relatively easy to move and store A-frame signs are great for courtyards and sidewalks. The key with these, however, is that you MUST get your signs professionally printed! Please please please don’t buy poster board and hand-draw your signs, or tape an 8.5×11 sheet of paper in the middle!
Apps
BIGVU Teleprompter
If you’ve ever needed to record a “talking head” of your CEO or a board member and couldn’t get through a single sentence without forgetting the words, BIGVU is for you! It’s free (for what you’ll probably need), and all you need to do is load a paragraph of text into the app and hit record. Download it for your phone or ipad.
