Labs: exploring ideas, tools, and experiments
Heaps Smart Labs is where we explore new tools, technologies, and ideas that can help us work better. Here are some of our latest experiments and findings.
Privacy Check for Non-Profits: Is Your Organisation Up to Date?
Australia's Privacy Act reforms have raised the bar on data transparency, consent, and security. Here's what changed in 2024 and a checklist to keep your organisation compliant.
Kate Blank|August 27, 2025Affordable GIS Tools for Non-Profits: ArcGIS Discounts, QGIS, and Free Mapping Options
Quality mapping doesn't have to be expensive. Non-profits can access ArcGIS at discounted rates, or use powerful free tools like QGIS, Google Maps, and more.
Derek Blank|August 18, 2025AI Visibility Check for Non-Profits: Can AI Find and Represent You?
AI tools are becoming a first point of contact between organisations and the public. Here's a checklist to help your organisation stay visible and accurately represented.
Kate Blank|August 8, 2025How non-profits can get started with AI
AI is moving quickly, but you don't need all the answers to get started. Here's how to explore AI in a thoughtful, secure way that supports your team.
Kate Blank|July 15, 2025Running low-cost automations locally using n8n and Ollama
How we built a private, automated workflow to summarise blog posts into an email-ready newsletter. For free, without the cloud.
Derek Blank|June 3, 2025Doing more with less Part 2: What it costs to automate your comms with n8n
Automation can save time, but what's the real cost? What we learned running n8n with AI, Gmail and Google Workspace for our non-profit communications.
Kate Blank|May 30, 2025Doing more with less: How we automated non-profit digital comms using n8n
How a non-developer built an n8n workflow that turns one blog post into multiple communications, customised by audience and format.
Kate Blank|May 29, 2025Work smarter, not harder: The case for automation in your office
How automation can lift productivity, reduce burnout, and save costs without exhausting your team.
Kate Blank|May 20, 2025