Why Should Not-for-profits Consider Integrating Salesforce CRM?

Not-for-profits need a centralised system that can assist them with fundraising, recruiting volunteers, engaging with donors, and managing projects. Since Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms can help organisations collect data from different systems to give them a 360-degree view of their supporters, having a CRM platform is crucial for them to draw valuable insights regarding their campaign performance. 

Among all CRMs available on the market, Salesforce has become a preferred choice for not-for-profit organisations due to the following reasons: 

1. Easy to use 

Salesforce has a simple interface just like the websites you use every day. Its drag-and-drop functionality allows users to create landing pages or upload files directly to the record without having to rely on any IT support. As Salesforce was built on the ground with the end users and their everyday business tasks in mind, Salesforce Admins are not required to have years of technical experience. However, it is prudent to get in touch with a reputed Salesforce support provider to avoid post-implementation glitches.  

2. Easy to integrate with many apps 

Since there are plenty of applications available on Salesforce AppExchange, there will be plenty of tools that can integrate with Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP). That is not to mention that Salesforce can also integrate with many non-native tools, such as your current prospect research databases. Salesforce’s ability to connect with numerous apps means that your organisation can keep finding new tools to fill in the gap in your current operations, such as wealth screening, or matching gift opportunity discovery, and connect those with the Salesforce platform for consolidating data.  

3. Mobile-friendly 

Salesforce CRM offers mobile capabilities, meaning its apps can work on any mobile device. Your fundraisers and volunteers can access and update data, and complete tasks while they are still in the field to update their team members with the latest information. This feature will reduce your organisation’s dependency on on-premises work and promote remote work productivity. 

4. Secure and safe 

Salesforce CRM is considered a secure and safe platform because it was developed with security and safety in mind. The CRM allows admins across organisations to grant access to data files to employees who need them while keeping them secure from the rest of the staff. Salesforce company is also compliant with a set of security and privacy regulations, including GDPR, CPRA, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. 

5. Providing timely support and training 

With any Standard Success Plan, your organisation can have access to online support, tools, and training. Moreover, with Premier or Signature Success Plan, you can access additional services such as 24/7 Phone Support and Expert Coaching Sessions. Besides that, as Salesforce focuses on training and expanding its customers' knowledge, customers can learn more about Salesforce's best practices through workshops and courses and take exams to become certified. 

Final Words: Besides all the benefits mentioned above, Salesforce is also recommended for not-for-profits as they offer low initial costs. Not-for-profits are eligible for the first ten user licenses free for Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) as part of Salesforce’s Power of Us Program. Though the initial price of implementing Salesforce is comparatively low for not-for-profits, organisations need to set aside some budget for purchasing associated technologies and upskilling staff. If you are still on the fence regarding investment in implementing Salesforce, make sure you get in touch with a local Salesforce consultant.