Limit Oversharing

Maintain Consistent Security Awareness Training

Implement the Basics of Secure Logins

Backups are Vital

Conclusion

How to Scale AI Capacity at Nonprofit Organizations

AI already plays a role in your nonprofit’s operations. If you use spellcheck or post on social media, you are engaging with artificial intelligence. However, the most effective AI use will involve increasing the AI capacity at your nonprofit.

• Identify Organizational Pain Points

The first step to improve AI capacity at nonprofits is to identify the problems you would like AI to solve. Where are the inefficiencies in your current processes? Do you currently pay employees to do administrative tasks that take them away from the more important goals of their position? What is slowing you down and causing a bottleneck? These cases are prime candidates for AI integration. 

• Research AI Tools

Once you’ve identified your pain points, consider the AI tools that will solve those problems. If you are looking to leverage AI for easier fundraising, PayBee, a software designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising, may be the solution. If your volunteer manager can’t devote time to volunteers because they have been handling the nonprofit’s social media accounts, try Buffer. AI vendors and platforms like Google’s AI for Social Good can help you discover the tools that are right for your organization.

• Run a Pilot Program

As you build your nonprofit’s AI capacity, you will want to test your chosen tools in a controlled experiment. Limit the scope and length of the trial, and afterward, get detailed feedback from staff and stakeholders. If the pilot is a success, you can begin implementing the AI tools on a larger scale. 

• Conduct Training

In order for your staff to truly benefit from AI, they will have to understand how to use it. Train your team (including volunteers) on AI usage, either using in-house or third-party resources, and consider compiling an AI handbook with best practices and organizational policies. Since AI is a rapidly developing technology, you will likely have to revisit AI training periodically.

• Prepare for Job Redesign 

Using AI will free up extra time for your staff members, allowing them to focus their energies on other tasks. Update job descriptions accordingly and guide team members as they redefine their workflow. 

• Ensure Security

Nonprofits handle a lot of sensitive information, and if you are going to be using AI to manage that data, you should be careful about what you share. For example, generative AI like Chat GPT uses any input to inform its own algorithm, so you should never add sensitive data to a prompt. Make sure that any AI tools you use comply with your data protection regulations.

• Measure Impact

The goal of scaling AI capacity at nonprofits is to improve efficiency, and you want to make sure that you are actually improving your organizational processes. Keep tabs on relevant metrics to see whether AI tools are worth the cost of implementation and identify any opportunities for optimization. 

Ethical AI Implementation

While new technology is exciting, AI has prompted some apprehension. In science fiction, AI becomes so powerful that it overtakes humans. However, the most pressing and realistic concerns revolve around how AI models are trained and implemented. Generative AI has come under fire for using artists’ work without consent or compensation, and many workers are concerned that their jobs may be replaced by AI.

As a nonprofit trying to make a positive impact on the world, ethical AI adoption is critical to your mission, and it should be at the forefront of your strategy to build AI capacity at your nonprofit.

• Stay human-centered. Make sure all AI tools are supervised by humans, and use AI to enhance jobs rather than replace them. Don’t just copy generative AI products; use them as a jumping off point for more personalized content. Not only will the material be more compelling, but you will avoid the risk of plagiarism.
• Fact check everything. Generative AI is trained to produce the most likely result—not the most correct one. It often fabricates information, pulls from unreliable data, or replicates grammar or spelling mistakes from its sources. Thoroughly edit and fact check AI-generated content. 
• Mitigate bias. Since AI is trained on other sources, it will reflect those source’s biases. The internet is filled with harmful opinions and misinformation, and AI tools may unintentionally amplify these views or generate insensitive content. Make sure that your AI use reflects your organization’s values.

Maximize Impact with VolunteerHub

AI is not the only tool that can optimize your nonprofit’s operations. VolunteerHub is an industry-leading software that addresses all of your volunteer management needs in one, intuitive platform.

VolunteerHub saves your organization time, money, and effort with resources for volunteer recruitment, scheduling, reporting, recognition, and communication. Our people-first approach is proven to result in a simpler and more enjoyable volunteer experience, and our knowledgeable team will guide you through every step of the implementation process for maximum efficiency.

It’s practically impossible for any business or organization in any industry to thrive without the use of technology. As technology becomes more advanced and the world becomes more reliant on these systems to stay connected, integrating tech features into your nonprofit is almost a requirement for success. 

Nonprofit organizations can use technology to improve their efficiency, expand their reach, and make their existing financial processes more effective. You don’t need to have a dedicated IT department or a tech guru on staff to benefit. Finding new ways to use technology is something that any organization can do across areas like communication and engagement, as well as fundraising and financial management. 

If you think your nonprofit needs a hefty budget to work with various tech products, think again. While highly sophisticated tech programs may be out of reach for many organizations, there are options across the cost spectrum, so any nonprofit can find something that fits its needs. Plus, implementing tech improvements in targeted areas can lead to lower operational costs and higher donations, so the initial cost is an investment that essentially pays for itself. 

Where to Use Technology in Your Nonprofit

Do you need more social engagement with potential donors and volunteers? Is there a disconnect between remote team members? Are nonprofit finances monopolizing your time? How you choose to integrate technology will depend on what specific areas your organization needs it the most. With that being said, many nonprofits find that managing their finances is an especially challenging task. 

Between managing employees, rallying volunteers, creating programs, and connecting with people who need their services, nonprofits rarely have time to give their financial management the attention it needs. Whether you know close to nothing about nonprofit finances or have a wealth of knowledge on the topic, financial management technology is beneficial. It allows you to focus on what’s most important – expanding your organization’s reach and helping those in need. 

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Many technologies that can provide solutions to the above questions can be solved with software-as-a-service or SaaS products. Companies create these software products that are targeted to resolve a specific issue that your nonprofit might be having. These products are built on a subscription model, so you can experiment with which solution your nonprofit prefers with a low cost up front investment. Examples of well known SaaS products are: Slack, Zoom, Donorbox, Salesforce, and more.

Financial Management

Technology for nonprofits can improve your data collection and allow you to make more informed analyses and reports. Certain softwares can help you better manage cash flow and allocate resources. Strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and fundraising can also benefit from targeted integration of technology. 

Access to grant funds is becoming increasingly competitive, so proving your organization’s effectiveness and presenting your service outcomes in a clear, convincing way is crucial. Tech tools can make applying for grants simpler and improve your chances of receiving grants. Further, donors want to know that their money is making a difference. Data-collection tech is an easy way to show the impact of an organization’s programs and show your donors exactly how their money is helping.

Even something as small as using accounting software tailored to nonprofits can make a significant difference in how your organization operates and the effectiveness of its systems. These programs help streamline nonprofit finances, and some programs even offer assistance with filing Form 990s at tax time. 

Artificial Intelligence

The rise of AI in the past year can benefit the world of nonprofits as well. Nonprofit treasurers can ask an AI chatbot for help with annual budget creation, with explaining complicated financial concepts or with just about anything! These chatbots are available mostly free of cost and can assist any member of a nonprofit board with their daily tasks.

Nonprofit Bank Accounts

Another area in which nonprofits can benefit from services targeted at their unique needs is banking. Business bank accounts and basic checking accounts are unlikely to fit the bill. Managing your various costs – operational, administrative, and program expenses – is cumbersome without the proper tools and systems. Choosing the right nonprofit bank account can also help you in other areas of operation, such as fundraising. 

How can a tailored, technology-driven nonprofit bank account help your nonprofit thrive? You’re likely to find it easier to manage and monitor your donations and expenses, process additional forms of payment, pay employees, and file your tax returns. As a nonprofit organization, your banking needs differ from those of an individual or a for-profit business. Banking with an institution that is familiar with your specific concerns is important for the success of your mission. 

Crowded Bank Accounts

Crowded offers bank accounts tailored specifically for nonprofits, which means its accounts and services were created with organizations like yours in mind. Crowded has no monthly fee, or minimum balance requirements, and includes unlimited free transactions. Plus, you can set up and manage your account completely digitally. 

Crowded understands how nonprofits function and what financial services they need to run smoothly. Collecting payments, controlling member spending, and establishing passive fundraising programs are all simpler with Crowded. 

Innovative Ways to Fundraise

Having a personalized place to put your donations and funds is helpful, but how can you raise money for your nonprofit and use technology to increase charitable giving?

Finding new and more effective ways to raise money for your nonprofit is the only way to continue operating and making an impact. Technology offers a tremendous opportunity to diversify your fundraising efforts, from fundraising software to donor communication systems. 

Fundraising software

Using a software geared towards fundraising can help your nonprofit reach your fundraising goals. These softwares can help you track donations and donors, create targeted messaging and marketing efforts and more. All of these technological advances are sure to bring in more donations to your nonprofit organization.

Shop-to-Give Programs

Your organization can receive free donations from shop-to-give programs, which allow shoppers to allocate a portion of their purchase each time they buy something at participating stores. You can make receiving funds from this method even simpler if you bank with Crowded because of their Crowded Rewards. 

Crowded’s shop-to-give program is a cashback fundraising tool that generates money for your nonprofit at no additional cost to your donors or to you. It takes minutes to set up, is endlessly scalable, and offers cashback on purchases at over 70K+ retailers. Your organization will receive 50% of the cashback earned by donors, and since supporters will still receive a portion of their cashback, this further incentivizes them to participate. 

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

You can utilize peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising to increase your donations through existing donor networks. Your current donors can create fundraising pages that broadcast your nonprofit’s mission and message to people in their social circles. This is an effective virtual strategy, and it presents a nearly passive method for connecting with new donors and increasing charitable giving.

Peer-to-peer fundraising operates on a large scale to raise awareness of your mission and expand access to donation sources. It also offers the added benefit of increasing volunteer and supporter engagement. 

Virtual Events

Fundraising events have long been a popular way to raise money for good causes, and with the help of technology, these events can be held virtually. Hosting virtual events means donors from any part of the world can attend, supporters with mobility or transportation challenges can participate, and your events won’t be limited by the physical space you have available. Your organization can get creative when planning virtual events and broadcasting live to supporters. Consider streaming a play, concert, ballet, or other live performance. You could organize an online auction, virtual black-tie gala, or trivia night. 

Website Giving

Giving through a nonprofit’s website is a popular cash flow source for nonprofits. If your website does not provide this option already, this is something you will want to implement as soon as you can. When visitors to your website browse your mission and programs pages, they will feel inspired to help. Don’t make it more difficult by leaving out an online giving page. Facilitate charitable giving by creating an online form where your donors can securely make donations right from your website. 

Technology and Your Nonprofit

How you use technology to improve your nonprofit overall, and its finances is dependent on your needs, goals, budget, and capabilities, but don’t feel limited by these parameters. There is technology that can make a difference in day-to-day operations, strategic planning, program implementation, or financial management for every organization. 

Implementation

Create a wishlist of technologies that you want to implement in your nonprofit organization. Figure out what would you need and what’s in your way before adopting that new technology. Recruit the right people from within your organization who can help you achieve those goals! Remember, ultimately technology is meant to make your job easier!

What is a Salesforce Implementation (SI) partner?

Implementation partners are experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of Salesforce products. A Salesforce implementation partner, also referred to as a Salesforce consulting partner or Salesforce implementation consultant is a company or organization that specializes in helping businesses and organizations adopt and effectively use Salesforce, a popular customer relationship management (CRM) platform. These partners should be certified and registered with Salesforce’s partner program, and have a deep understanding of the platform’s capabilities and best practices for its implementation.

As a registered Salesforce implementation partner, Nimbus Tech’s team of certified consultants, administrators, and developers use their expertise to ensure your new Salesforce system is set up and customized according to both industry best practices and your unique needs.

What do SI partners typically do?

At their core, SI partners help other businesses and organizations install, setup, and customize their new Salesforce products and technology. To dig into more detail, here are common functions and services that SI partners typically provide:

• Assessment and Planning: SI partners work with the client to understand their specific business needs, goals, and processes. This involves conducting a thorough assessment of the current CRM systems (if any) and business operations.
• Customization and Configuration: Based on the assessment, SI partners customize and configure Salesforce to align with the client’s unique requirements. This may involve creating custom fields, objects, and workflows, setting up automation, and integrating with other software systems.
• Data Migration: Some SI partners are equipped to assist in migrating existing data from legacy systems or spreadsheets into Salesforce while ensuring data quality and integrity.
• User Training: Salesforce implementation partners provide training to the client’s users, ensuring that they understand how to effectively use Salesforce for their specific roles and responsibilities.
• Integration: Many SI partners can integrate Salesforce with various other business systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, marketing automation tools, or e-commerce platforms, to create a seamless flow of data and information across the organization.
• Custom Development: If the client has unique requirements that cannot be met with standard Salesforce features, implementation partners can develop custom solutions using Salesforce’s development capabilities.
• Analytics and Reporting: SI partners help clients set up and configure dashboards, reports, and analytics tools within Salesforce to gain insights into their data and make informed business decisions.
• Compliance and Security: Salesforce implementation partners assist in setting up security measures and ensuring that the implementation complies with relevant data privacy regulations.
• Optimization: Over time, SI partners may work with clients to optimize their Salesforce implementation, making adjustments and enhancements as needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ongoing Support: Many implementation partners offer ongoing support and maintenance services, ensuring that Salesforce continues to meet the evolving needs of the client’s business. This includes troubleshooting issues, making updates, and providing guidance on new Salesforce features and updates.

Choosing the right Salesforce implementation partner is crucial for a successful CRM implementation. It ensures that Salesforce is tailored to the organization’s specific needs, helps maximize the return on investment, and supports ongoing growth and success. These partners often have various levels of expertise and certifications from Salesforce, so businesses should consider their experience, track record, and compatibility with their business culture when selecting a partner.

Do all nonprofit organizations need an SI partner?

No, not all organizations or businesses need SI partners, but the majority do. Partnering with an SI team is the best way to ensure the most frictionless rollout of your new Salesforce org. Especially if your organization is new to Salesforce, an SI partner will be essential. The few organizations/businesses that forgo an SI partner do so because they already have a dedicated staff member who is trained and certified in Salesforce.

How do I know if my organization needs an SI partner?

We’ve prepared a few key questions for you and your team to reflect on when it comes to determining if working with an SI partner will benefit your Salesforce implementation.

Do you have someone on your staff that already knows how to set up Salesforce?

Knowing how to use Salesforce differs from knowing how to set up and configure it. Think about: how much Salesforce experience does this individual have? Do they hold an active Salesforce Administrator certification at the minimum? Have they trained new users before?

If your organization does have a knowledgeable, certified individual, does that person have the capacity to take on a Salesforce implementation? How will this additional work impact their ability to perform their other duties? 

Salesforce implementation projects can range widely in scope, but with an SI partner like Nimbus Tech, we cover those long hours to get your system up and running. With us, your time commitment to getting your project to go-live is vastly reduced. Instead of anyone on your team devoting dozens or hundreds of hours to the implementation, your team will only need to attend a handful of discovery, review, and training meetings with our team. Our Nimbus Tech consultants willl guide you throughout the entire process, providing support and helpful resources.

What timeline does your organization have in mind for implementing Salesforce? Is this timeline achievable given your responses to the previous two questions with an in-house staff member?

If your organization is hoping for a quick turnaround or on a time crunch, we highly recommend partnering with an experienced implementation consultant. Because our Nimbus Tech team specializes in working with nonprofits and configuring Salesforce products to fit their needs, we are able to work efficiently without sacrificing quality. This means that working with Nimbus Tech as your SI partner may help you achieve your desired timeline.

Some quick-start implementations can be completed as quickly as 4-6 weeks once building begins, while complex projects may take a few months. A general idea of a partnership timeline includes a discovery phase, a design phase, a development phase, and a delivery phase. Here’s a quick overview of what often occurs at each phase of a project lifecycle:

• In the discovery phase, your SI partner will meet with your team to gain a deep understanding of your organizational processes that need to be handled or incorporated into your Salesforce platform. This may take one or a few meetings.
• In the design and development phases, your SI partner will begin building and implementing the components of your project with cyclical review sessions with your team.
• Finally, in the delivery phase, you SI partner will ask you and your team to test out your new Salesforce org. At Nimbus Tech, we also provide customized user training for your team along with recorded videos and documentation for how to use and navigate through your new Salesforce system.

Succeed with a Salesforce Implementation Partner

Still have questions about Salesforce implementation projects or partners? Send us a message today at https://www.nimbustech.com/contact!