Using Google for Non-Profits

Google for non-profits. [Last Updated January 2026.]

Set up your email account on your phone.

Adding a second Gmail account to your Android phone is straightforward and can be done either through the Gmail app or your phone’s Settings.

Since you are setting up a Google for Non-Profit email address to go along with your personal address, having both accounts on one device makes it easy to switch between “Work” and “Home” modes.

Method 1: Using the Gmail App (Fastest)

  1. Open the Gmail app.
  2. Tap your Profile Picture or Initial in the top right corner of the search bar.
  3. Tap Add another account.
  4. Select Google from the list of providers.
  5. Verify your identity (using your phone’s PIN, Fingerprint, or Pattern).
  6. Enter the Email Address and Password for the second account.
  7. Follow the prompts to agree to the Terms of Service.

Method 2: Using Phone Settings

  1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Passwords & accounts (or Users & accounts / Accounts & backup depending on your phone model).
  3. Tap Add account at the bottom.
  4. Select Google.
  5. Enter the account credentials as prompted.

How to Switch Between Accounts

Once both accounts are added, you don’t need to log out to see your other mail:

  • The Swipe Trick: In the Gmail app, you can swipe up or down on your profile icon in the top right corner to instantly toggle between your primary and secondary accounts.
  • The List View: Tap your profile icon to see a list of all accounts and select the one you want to view.
  • All Inboxes: Tap the Menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left and select All inboxes to see emails from both accounts in a single feed.

Proviso: Sync Settings
When you add a second Google account, Android will automatically try to sync everything (Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Drive). If you only want the email:

  1. Go to Settings > Passwords & accounts.
  2. Tap the new Gmail account.
  3. Tap Account sync.
  4. Toggle off the items you don’t want on your phone (like “Contacts” or “Calendar”).

Setting up Google Chat on your Phone.

To set up Google Chat on your Android phone.

The Dedicated Google Chat App

This is the best way to keep your business messaging separate and easily accessible on your home screen.

  1. Open the Play Store: Tap the Play Store icon on your phone.
  2. Search: Tap the search bar at the top and type “Google Chat“.
  3. Install: Look for the app with the green and blue speech bubble icon. Tap Install.
  4. Open & Sign In: Once installed, tap Open. It will ask you which Google account you want to use (select your new business email).
  5. Notifications: It will ask for permission to send notifications. Tap Allow—this is critical for a fast-paced restaurant environment so you don’t miss messages from the kitchen or management.

How to Use Google Chat

Once you’re in the app, here are the three things you’ll use most:

  • Direct Messages (Chat): Tap the “New Chat” button (bottom right) and type an email address to message one person (like the owner or a specific chef).
  • Spaces (Group Collaboration): This is where you create a “Room” for the whole team. You could create a Space called “Foster’s Rebuild” and add everyone involved so all photos and updates are in one thread.
  • The “History” Feature: Unlike some texting apps, Google Chat keeps a searchable history. If you need to find a photo of a cable run from three weeks ago, just use the search bar at the top.
  • Pro Tip: In the Chat app, you can set your Status. If you are on a ladder pulling wire and can’t talk, set your status to “Do Not Disturb” so people know you won’t reply immediately.