Master Excel Like a Pro: Must-Know Tutorials & Templates for Nonprofits

How These Tutorials & Templates Can Help Nonprofits Work Smarter

Nonprofits often have to do a lot with limited resources, so finding affordable and efficient ways to manage data is a game-changer. However, knowing how to use Excel effectively can be a challenge. That’s where Excel’s built-in tutorials, templates, and additional learning resources come in—they provide step-by-step guidance and ready-made solutions to help nonprofits:

• Stay organized – Whether you’re tracking donations or planning events, Excel keeps everything in one place, and templates like the Project Tracker make managing tasks easier.
• Work smarter, not harder – Automate calculations, generate reports, and analyze data without needing an IT team, with help from formulas tutorials and tools like the Expense Report Basic template.
• Visualize your impact – Use charts and graphs to turn numbers into stories that resonate with donors and stakeholders, aided by tutorials on Pivot Tables and data visualization.
• Collaborate effortlessly – Since Excel integrates with Microsoft 365, your team can work together in real time, making tools like the Weekly Schedule Planner even more effective.

By leveraging these tutorials and templates, nonprofits can overcome the learning curve and unlock Excel’s full potential, making everyday operations smoother and more efficient.

Easy-to-Follow Excel Tutorials

If you’re new to Excel (or just need a refresher), Microsoft has free tutorials to help you get the hang of things. Here are some great ways to learn:

1. In-App Guided Tutorials

Did you know Excel has built-in tutorials? Just open Excel, click New, and search amongst the tutorials and templates to find interactive lessons that walk you through different features. Some of these include:

• Pivot Table Tutorial
• Formulas Tutorial
• Python in Excel Tutorial

2. Microsoft’s Official Excel Help & Learning

Microsoft offers a user-friendly Excel Help & Learning page with step-by-step guides on:

• Formatting spreadsheets
• Using formulas to automate calculations
• Creating charts and pivot tables
• Automating tasks with macros

3. Microsoft Learn Platform

If you’re looking for deeper knowledge, check out Microsoft Learn for structured courses on everything from basic spreadsheets to data visualization and automation.

Must-Have Excel Templates for Nonprofits

Excel comes packed with ready-to-use templates that can save you time and effort. Here are some of the most useful ones for nonprofits:

1. Project Tracker

Stay on top of ongoing projects by tracking tasks, deadlines, and progress in one easy-to-use template.

2. Weekly Schedule Planner

Plan out your week efficiently by organizing meetings, tasks, and deadlines in a structured format.

3. Marketing Project Planner

Manage your nonprofit’s marketing efforts by outlining key strategies, deadlines, and campaign milestones.

4. Expense Report Basic

Keep a clear record of expenses to maintain financial transparency and simplify reporting.

5. Weekly Timesheet

Track staff and volunteer hours effortlessly with a weekly timesheet template.

6. Budget for Fundraiser Event

Organize and manage your fundraising event budget to ensure financial planning is on track.

How to Find and Use Excel Templates

Using a template in Excel is super simple:

1. Open Excel.
2. Click New.
3. Use the search bar to find templates like Project Tracker, Weekly Schedule Planner, or Expense Report Basic.
4. Click Create and start using the template right away.

Final Thoughts

If you’re not using Excel to its full potential, you’re probably working harder than you need to! Whether you’re tracking donations, managing budgets, or planning events, these tutorials and templates can help you save time and focus on what truly matters—your mission.

Take a few minutes to explore these features and see how they can simplify your work. Do you have a favorite Excel trick or template that helps your nonprofit? Share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear about it!