It is often assumed that a Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tool mainly benefits the administrative staff of a nonprofit, or that CRM is a technology expense proposed by the IT team.
The truth is, a properly implemented CRM is a time saver and revenue driver that benefits everyone across your organization, from your newest volunteer to your most senior staff.
Here are five nonprofit stakeholders who benefit from streamlined data, deeper constituent insight, and increased revenue opportunities made possible by your CRM.
- Executive Directors– CRMs increase revenue and boost results for an executive team. Engaging stakeholders in an ongoing relationship as opposed to a single transaction of giving or time volunteered will boost the bottom line and simplify marketing campaigns. Provide real-time data dashboards for busy executives.
- The Board– Demonstrate nonprofit successes more regularly and consistently. Better reporting shines a light on what’s working and where there are ready opportunities for improvement. Show the Board that you are making data-driven decisions; it goes a long way toward building buy-in and adoption for new ideas.
- Fundraising and Development Directors – Increase donor retention and secure more fundraising dollars with a CRM as you reach a bigger audience and fundraise more effectively. Automate secure giving and E-appeals, offer text to give options, and try crowdfunding campaigns to draw in new givers. Customize acknowledgment letters, track campaign metrics, and streamline updates about the mission to retain donors and make them feel more included in your mission.
- IT and Technical Teams – CRMs prove the value of technology and show that it is an investment in the future of the nonprofit, not a recurring expense. Secure your constituent data and keep it in one place so managing access becomes easier over time. Get the data security and compliance that comes built into the tool and collect consistent data so you can compare data sets.
- Constituents– Magnify your mission and increase both revenue and engagement. Retain members, recruit new ones, and show that you’re a best-in-class nonprofit by regularly communicating with your current members. Here are some benefits that become easier to offer when you have a great CRM:
- Buy merchandise in an online gift shop
- Register (and pay) for events
- Pay membership and renewal dues online
- Donate from any computer, tablet, or phone
Your nonprofit CRM benefits your extended community as you reach target audiences and simplify data collection, feedback, and communication. A tool that used to be seen as a marketing or software expense is now revolutionizing the nonprofit industry. As technology develops nonprofits will continue to utilize software to create margin for busy teams to focus on building relationships with donors and the recipients of the nonprofit’s services.