It’s been challenging for the nonprofit sector to create iPhone and Android Apps that people want to first download and then repeatedly use – at least in large numbers. In general, your supporters have minimal interest in downloading a budget-friendly app that only includes a news or blog feed, a link to your YouTube Channel, and “Donate” option. For an app to be successful, it needs to be useful and well-designed and that’s a financial and creative challenge for most nonprofits. That said, the 12 nonprofit iPhone Apps listed below are good examples of what’s right to do when considering launching an iPhone App for your nonprofit. Known as productivity and lifestyle apps, each one in some way is meant to make an individual’s life easier or more enjoyable.

1. NPR Music App
Engage, explore and discover new music of all genres with the NPR Music app. You can read music news and reviews while listening to interviews, live concerts or exclusive streams of albums before they’re released.

 

2. PETA Action Alerts App
Help animals while on the go with PETA’s mobile app. You can participate in urgent action alerts against cruelty to animals and donate to support PETA’s lifesaving work. For added fun, every action you take will earn you points and badges.

 

3. American Red Cross First Aid App
The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Get the app and be prepared for what life brings. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid.

 

4. National Geographic Society World Atlas App
Designed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch, National Geographic’s new and improved World Atlas puts our best maps in the palm of your hand.

 

5. Wildlife Watch App
Join the fight against the wildlife trade! Wildlife Watch is an app which aims to increase awareness and protect the wildlife of Southeast Asia. Stay informed about heavily trafficked species, pinpoint trade hotspots, and learn how to identity products and foods made from threatened animal or plant species. Through the Incident Report feature, you can also easily notify Wildlife Alliance when you see illegal trade occurring.

 

6. PBS KIDS App
Watch videos from your favorite PBS KIDS television series anytime, anywhere iin the USA. “PBS KIDS Video” features more than 1,000 videos from over a dozen top PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! television series, including Curious George, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, Dinosaur Train, SUPER WHY!, Sesame Street and Wild Kratts.

 

7. Transfair USA Fair Trade Finder App
Fair Trade Finder is the first-of-its-kind crowd-sourced directory that lets you find, add, tag and photograph Fair Trade Certified products wherever you are.

 

8. Sierra Club Trail Explorer App
Powered by AllTrails.com and building on the legacy of the Sierra Club’s founder, John Muir, Trail Explorer provides an easy way to explore and enjoy the wilderness in your own backyard and across the country.

 

9. NRDC Eat Local App
To help you find out what’s in season in your state, locate nearby farmers’ markets anywhere in the United States, and check out seasonal recipes, NRDC created Eat Local, the quickest way to put the freshest food on your table.

 

10. RSPCA ‘My Pet’ App
The RSPCA ʻMy Petʼ app brings you some great features which will help you and your pet get the most out of life. With the Pet Diary you will never forget when your pet was last vaccinated or when their next treatment is due and the Pet Care section gives you handy pet care information with expert advice on how to keep your pet healthy and happy.

 

11. American Lung Association State of the Air App
The State of the Air app from the American Lung Association gives you the ability to see what your lungs are collecting anywhere in the United States.

 

12. Audubon Society Birds App
The award winning, must-have bird guide. Now including 49 new species and field marks for over 650 birds.

Related Links:
Webinar: How Nonprofits Can Successfully Utilize Mobile Technology and Mobile Fundraising
10 Free Nonprofit iPhone Apps