With so many database options out there, it is tough to know where to start. CRM tools are not a “one size fits all” product but matching your organization with the right CRM will maximize your time and donations.
What is a CRM?
A CRM is cloud-based software used to track data and manage relationships with donors, members and volunteers. CRMs are used in business to manage leads and sales, but nonprofits use them to keep everything in one place enabling instant insight into donor and member activity.
Should Nonprofits use a CRM?
Nonprofits should avoid CRMs designed for business and focus on nonprofit solutions. Nonprofit CRMs are built by and for nonprofit leaders and facilitate relationships with donors, volunteers, and members.
Why does it matter?
Saves Time – The people who work for nonprofit CRMs often come from the nonprofit industry. They understand your challenges and know how to solve for them.
Saves Money – It’s easy to customize a nonprofit CRM without internal IT support or expensive consultants.
Data Insight – Sets you up for long term success with your constituents through accurate and helpful analytics. You will understand more about your contacts and reach out to them more often.
Donor Management – It’s a two-way street. As you use a CRM to better understand someone’s communications preferences and offer more meaningful ways for them to get involved, they reward you with long term support.
Increase Clarity – It speaks your language. Nonprofit CRMs are built with the right vocabulary in place where contacts are called donors and volunteers, not prospects or leads. It serves as one tool every team in the organization can use and understand.
Adopting a CRM tool is an essential task with 64% of the 1.6 million U.S. and Canadian nonprofits are already using one.(1)
Learn about all our Lumaverse for Nonprofit solutions here.