How does a Non-Profit CRM Help Organizations

What is a CRM?

A CRM is a customer relationship management tool that helps you cultivate current and prospective donor relationships. Here are multiple ways to use Microsoft Dynamics 365 as your Non-Profit CRM.

Non-Profit CRM uses

Major Gift-Giving Program

The example here is a major gift-giving program. If your goal here is for the board of directors to attract major gifts then keep in mind that is a long-term process.

It’s going to take time to build up the relationships, get to the ask, and get to the point where they can bring in $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, or million-dollar-plus donations. They don’t come around every day.

If you want to build up those relationships, you need to stay on top of the donors. Keep in mind that it takes time.

A CRM helps you with task reminders to stay on schedule, so you broaden your circle, and communicate and build your community through more donations.

Fundraising Events

Many organizations use a CRM for their fundraising events. A lot of non-profits live and die on their fundraising events.

Whether it’s a charity ball, walk, run, or golfing event, fundraising events are a core piece of many non-profits. Being able to tie this in with your project management software, you can track what donors might come to the event and also how you could work with those donors to raise funds.

For example, one of the ways you could pair up board members with donors through the CRM.

For example, making sure they sit at the same table or have the same foursome. That way you could build a relationship with all your attendees, and track the progress of that relationship after the fundraising events.

Volunteer Management

Running a non-profit is not just about building donors. A lot of organizations’ lifeblood is in the volunteers. Think about community kitchens or Habitat for Humanity; they’re using volunteers for the organization for the purpose. It’s very important that they maintain and sustain communication with those volunteers so they can improve their impact in the community.

Non-Profit CRM Customization

What we’re going to talk about here is how a CRM can work, but the truth is your CRM are probably a little bit different than the other organizations because you have a specific need. Having a custom CRM for what you’re doing is important.

For example, if you want to apply for grants, you need grant management software. It’s important to understand how the grant management software will help you with compared to whether you use a major gift-giving program. Neither one is wrong. It’s about what’s right for you.

Non-Profit CRM Final Thoughts

Non-profits looking for an edge in getting new donors can use every tool in their toolbelt. Whether they want to attract those donations from grants, fundraising events, or major gift-giving campaigns, having the right CRM can help.

If your non-profit organization needs help setting up Dynamics 365 for your CRM, please schedule a free consultation with us today.