{"id":8046,"date":"2020-05-12T14:30:11","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T14:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teamheller.com\/?p=8046"},"modified":"2023-01-09T21:41:11","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T21:41:11","slug":"whats-next-for-nonprofits-and-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teamheller.com\/resources\/blog\/whats-next-for-nonprofits-and-technology","title":{"rendered":"What’s Next for Nonprofits and Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s our new normal?\u201d and \u201cWhat technology will we need?\u201d This is what we are hearing after most nonprofits quickly implemented or improvised solutions to support fundraising, programs, remote working, volunteers, and more. Now, they\u2019re assessing the longer-term impact to their organizations in each of these areas.\u00a0 Our clients have started more carefully evaluating the technologies they\u2019re putting in place so they don\u2019t end up with disconnected systems. The desire for a thoughtful planning process is a challenging but admirable goal during all that nonprofits are managing right now.<\/em><\/p>\n

This was my recent contribution to an upcoming blog post by our friends at TechSoup, wherein they ask several industry experts to share what they are seeing in the field.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been participating in a lot of conversations with nonprofit professionals (and am wanting to speak with more of you!\u00a0 Email me<\/a> if you\u2019d like to schedule a call) and spending time reviewing the resources being made available to nonprofits (per this blog post<\/a> and this post<\/a>).\u00a0 We see three areas where nonprofits are starting to think longer term about the technology changes they\u2019ll need to fund and deliver on their missions.<\/p>\n

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  1. Operating virtually<\/strong> \u2013 Organizations are facing the practical challenge of shifting their internal communications and constituent interactions to virtual work environments. On top of that, they need their CRM system to enable them to run their programs from anywhere. From those who adopted such systems prior to this crisis, we\u2019ve been hearing how thankful they are that they made the earlier investments. Their CRM is now helping them scale and respond quickly<\/a>. For those still on legacy systems and who had pain points before, they are seeing an even greater need to adopt a more robust CRM for mission delivery, and start the thoughtful planning that leads to success<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  2. Engaging online<\/strong> \u2013 For years the words \u201cdigital transformation\u201d have been floating through the sector. Many organizations regarded it as a \u201cnice to have\u201d that they would get around to someday. That day has now come. It\u2019s no longer optional. Organizations intend on maintaining and building their supporter and stakeholder communities are prioritizing considered selection and accelerated implementation of more powerful email and marketing automation tools<\/a>, online portals and communities for volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and other key constituencies, and expanding and adapting their presence in the social media sphere.<\/li>\n
  3. Rethinking Fundraising<\/strong> – Some fundraising channels have collapsed (in-person Peer to peer events) while others are seeing growth (virtual peer-to-peer events) or a resurgence (telemarketing \u2013 recognizing that people are home to receive calls). New channels will inevitably emerge, though what they may be, we do not know. What we do know is that nonprofits that adopt a creative and flexible approach, and technology that is likewise flexible and powerful, will have the distinct advantage in this unfolding landscape. Forward-thinking nonprofits are looking past the immediate situation and considering what technology they need to have in place when things become un-stuck, so they can move nimbly and quickly to secure funding for their organization.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    While we\u2019re not in our current situation by choice, we do have the choice to make the most of it.\u00a0 For nonprofits this can include thinking sensibly about the solutions they\u2019ll implement, not just to meet immediate needs, but to build a foundation for thriving in the future.\u00a0 This is a possibility open to all, and we\u2019re pleased we can be a part of it.<\/p>\n

    (For additional reading, check out this great article from TechSoup: 5 Ways Coronavirus Will Change the Charity Sector<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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