Members of a nonprofit organization
Nonprofit organizations serve the underserved members of the community through time and money donated by other individuals, governments and corporations. With the changing trends around them, nonprofit organizations are sitting at the edge of the tech revolution.
With years of traditional operations and practices behind their backs, nonprofit organizations, just like all other organizations today, face challenges in implementing the tech revolution. Technology brings with it the promise of better efficiency, process improvements, increased profit margins and cost savings. Most importantly, technology helps nonprofit organizations extend their services to a greater number of less fortunate people in the community, in a faster manner.
Here are some of the ways nonprofit organizations today can make use of technology to become more efficient and effective at what they do:
1. Digital Fundraising
Nonprofit organizations today are trying to improve their usage of donor data to maximize their fundraising and marketing drives. Digital fundraising techniques take the fundraising potential online and allow individuals and corporate clients to donate money from their homes. In order to make digital fundraisers more secure and reliable, nonprofit organizations can also consider replacing outdated and open source software, tightening password policy to ensure the right people get in and relying on trusted online payment gateways, making fundraising easier for the masses.
Adding a convenient ‘donate’ category on their website’s menu can help make it convenient for donors to sign up and donate whenever they feel like it. Donors would appreciate the option to donate directly from their bank account or credit card without any unnecessary hassle. Additionally, you can also request for donations on a specific project. This helps donors be aware of what they are contributing to and can make them feel good about the cause.
2. Cloud Platforms
Cloud technology has been nothing short of a blessing for businesses today. Not only has the cloud given businesses an easy storage option, but it has also reduced the trouble while sharing data and private information among users. Like many other businesses, nonprofit organizations can also benefit from cloud platforms. With the benefits and fundraising solutions on the Cloud, nonprofit organizations can significantly reduce their costs in the longer run. The transition to the cloud seems even more significant and critical if you consider the number of mobile users currently thronging the internet.
3. Social Media Presence
All tech savvy and trained marketing personnel should remain vigilant at all times about posts made and shared on your social media platform. Many nonprofit organizations create a social media page, only to leave it unattended, without any monitoring or regular updates.
Once you create your social media page, you should make it a habit to follow it up with constant monitoring and updates. All irrelevant content being shared on your page should be removed. On the other hand, positive testimonials and reviews should be shared across social media to give potential members, donors, supporters and volunteers an idea of your services.
4. Public Relations
Much like the world of advertising, the world of public relations is extremely broad and widespread. There are a number of benefits, however, that nonprofit organizations can enjoy by utilizing this tool. The most important of these benefits is just how easily you can show off your work and skills in front of the general public.
Focusing on public relations allows nonprofit organizations to control the image they want the public to have about them. Creating a positive image is necessary for nonprofit organizations, because their reputation is based on just how they showcase themselves.
5. Email Marketing
Email marketing is the ideal communication strategy for nonprofits today. Email marketing enables these organizations to segment their target audience appropriately and send them the messages needed for keeping them interested and engaged. For instance, all first time donors would be interested in hearing about the work and mission of your organization. On the contrary, recurring donors would be interested in hearing about the progress of the work you have started.
Keeping the separate needs of different customers in mind, you can segregate your target audience and create different email groups. Send appropriate emails to each group and keep them hooked on.
6. Visual Storytelling
While content still is king, visual marketing has secured a lot of traction across industries. The nonprofit sector can also benefit from telling visually compelling stories to engage potential donors and supporters. This can be done by using elements such as photos, info graphics, videos, testimonials from fundraisers and short term videos.
This visual content will help deliver the essence of your services to your target audience and will help them understand just what you stand for. High quality content will eventually boost engagement and it speaks volumes about your professionalism. Finally, you can also add emotions and other feelings to your visual content. Hit them where it matters the most!
7. Contract Management Systems
Businesses globally are stepping toward contract management systems because of the relative ease they offer in operations. Nonprofit organizations enter into tens and hundreds of contracts with donors, relief agencies and other nonprofit organizations to expand their services to the community. Considering the number of these contracts, it is essential that you get the help of nonprofit contract management software.
This system can help you create, sign, store and access contracts in a flawless manner without any delays. Usually, contract management can be a hassle for nonprofits due to the extensive paperwork involved. However, a contract management system can reduce this hassle and give you a tailored solution.
With technology knocking on your door, nonprofit organizations should implement latest techniques and solutions for more efficiency and better fundraising.
