As a nonprofit leader, you probably know the advantages of using a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) solution. With CRM software, you can ditch those pesky, unsecured, and inefficient spreadsheets in exchange for a more sophisticated system that allows you to manage your relationships with your volunteers, staff, donors, and clients more efficiently.
Using top CRM software will boost your workflow, productivity, people management, and donation campaigns.
Of course, not all CRM software is made equal. Some CRM for nonprofits can be clunky, challenging to learn, and pose privacy or security risks.
When looking for CRM solutions for your nonprofit, search for the following features:
1. Data Security
Data security is under the spotlight. The Personal Identifying Information (PII)nonprofits utilize is being targeted by hackers for malicious purposes. Due to rising complaints, countries are applying stricter laws. Violating these laws can result in heavy fines and even expensive penalties in civil courts.
Rather than risk expensive consequences, your nonprofit should invest in CRM technology that uses secure servers to protect data. Your CRM tools should also be PA-DSS compliant to protect sensitive information. Additionally, it should be HIPAA & PIPEDA compliant to satisfy local laws.
2. Multifunctional
Top CRM solutions offer multiple useful tools to help your nonprofit with its tasks and goals. For example, the easy-to-use yet incredibly powerful nonprofit CRM software by Sumac offers the following facilities:
- Case management
- Donation management
- Memberships
- Calculator
- Fundraising thermometer
- Integrations
- And more
3. Competitive Pricing
The best developers of nonprofit CRM realize that their clients need competitively priced products. That’s why top CRM solutions are reasonably priced despite offering an array of functionality.
4. EasyToUse
Before selecting a CRM for your nonprofit, try it out. Get input from your staff and long-term managers too. Your new CRM software should be robust but easytouse with an intuitive interface. Of course, the advanced features may take time to master, but the learning curve for basic functionality should be low.
5. 24/7 Support
No user is perfect. We all need help sometimes, even if the software is stable and intuitive. Look for a CRM solution that provides support via message, email, or phone. In addition, your CRM solution provider should offer tutorials, seminars, and other teaching mechanisms to help you learn the system inside and out.
6. Niche Support
Advanced CRM solutions offer niche support to nonprofit entities, such as transitional housing, shelters, hospices, palliative care, and other organizations. For example, to transitional housing organizations, it may offer:
- Resident data, service, and status management
- Caseworker, caregiver, volunteer, and donor tracking
- Key metrics reporting
- Real-time data capture for resident admission, discharge, and service delivery
- Personalized client email integration
- Task scheduling with reminders
- Progress, outcomes, and history recording
7. Event Management
A modern CRM solution wouldn’t be complete without event management tools. Such tools help you control your event by streamlining event tracking, donation collection, event registration, and much more. Using a robust CRM’s event management tools, you can pull off successful nonprofit events that generate revenue, develop your brand, and increase your donor base.
While there are many CRM solutions on the market, only a few have the right features for a modern nonprofit’s needs. Take the time to try several CRM solutions before picking the best one for your organization.
