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CRM Software and Your Fundraising Efforts

Many charitable organisations are now using CRM, or Contact Relationship Management software to manage their fundraising efforts. In fact, using this kind of software has become ubiquitous in the fundraising realm over the past few years.

A 35 Year History

The idea of CRM has been in existence since the early 1980s with the introduction of relationship marketing. The idea was that an existing customer was the best future customer. As such, these relationships with existing customers need to be nurtured so that the customer could be retained.

This concept evolved over the years to include both the reactivation of previous customers and the acquisition of new customers, and ultimately became CRM software.

A Complete Business Strategy

CRM does have several definitions. But one thing's for certain; when executed properly, it's highly effective. A CRM solution can be purchased from subscription software suppliers or be supplied via a one-off fee. But many wonder how to adapt a CRM strategy for a non-profit organisation, because in this scenario, anyone who benefits from, volunteers for or provides supplies for a charity is its customer.

Beneficial CRM Software Elements

CRM strategies should cover several elements, including donor and event management, the creation of campaigns, and data reporting and sharing.

A Different Kind of Donor Management

The management of donors is also effortless when a CRM software solution is employed. This is because everything needed for this purpose is already in the software and instantly accessible. But in order to be as effective as possible, a CRM solution needs to include instant access to other vital aspects of donor management, such as regular donors, letters of acknowledgement, pledge data and donor trends, all accessible from a central contact screen.

Effortless Management of Events

As far as event management is concerned, a CRM software solution allows for the planning of events using the same solution where fundraising information like donor data is stored. Not only is this convenient, but it also saves a lot of time. CRM software can also make other tasks like the cancellation of an event and refunds, electronic ticket and receipt delivery, event finance analysis and the publishing of partner events virtually effortless.

Easy Creation of Campaigns

The creation of campaigns is vital to any organisation. Using CRM software to create a fundraising campaign offers many benefits, both to your organisation and to those who donate to it. Providing secure online transaction options for donors not only protects their privacy, but allows for all donations coming in to be recorded and tracked. It also means that donor information can be organised by several criteria, including their personal information and donation history.

The Reporting and Sharing of Data

An organisation can have mounds of data to sift through. But CRM software can provide a means of aggregating and organising data into custom reports and mailing lists in a fraction of the time. The short processing time allows management to use that data more quickly in order to improve their future efforts. As well, it allows for the customisation of strategies at the individual level for more effective donation procurement. For the fundraising team, this data can be shared so that all are informed about anything that can help them to improve their interactions with donors.

Among some of the benefits of CRM software to a fundraising team are the ability to set reminders, enter time-stamped notes, and modify, filter and edit all manner of interaction with donors.

Although it's completely possible to raise money for your non-profit organisation without the use of CRM software, it is also more difficult. Use software, and your organisation will enjoy higher quality results more quickly.