Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system at a nonprofit can significantly enhance the organization’s ability to build relationships, manage data, and drive successful fundraising campaigns. Successful CRM conversions are more than implementing new technologyโit’s about transforming how nonprofits operate and engage with their communities.
The experiences of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Omaha and Arkansas Children’s Hospital demonstrate the profound impact switching CRM systems can have on a nonprofit and the people it serves.
Why CRM Conversions Matter
CRM systems are crucial for nonprofits, but not all are created equally. Be sure you find a robust system that will grow with your nonprofit and provide the insights you need to increase generosity. And, just as importantly, be sure your CRM provider is a partner in your success.
When looking for a nonprofit CRM, consider the following:
- Centralized Data Management: A CRM system houses donor and volunteer data, making it easier to track interactions, contributions, engagement history, and more. This centralized approach helps nonprofits make data-driven decisions and streamline operations.
- Enhanced Donor Engagement: CRMs enable personalized communication by segmenting donor data, which improves engagement and retention. Tailored outreach can foster stronger relationships and higher donor loyalty.
- Efficient Fundraising Operations: Modern CRM systems offer automation and real-time insights that streamline fundraising efforts, track campaign performance, and optimize resource allocation.
- Improved Volunteer Coordination: The right CRM can help manage volunteer data effectively, ensuring that organizations can coordinate schedules, track volunteer time, and acknowledge their efforts efficiently.
As daunting as switching CRMs seems, the results are absolutely worth it.
Related: Why Nonprofits Should Change CRMs Now: Empower Your Mission with Modern Tools
RMHC in Omaha: Data Optimization Led to Big Results
Before adopting Virtuous, RMHC in Omaha faced fragmented data and inefficient processes. The previous system was clunky and difficult to learn, and customer service was severely lacking. The switch to Virtuous not only gave RMHC in Omaha a better overall experience and a partner in success but also a 15% increase in average gift amount and a 44.3% overall donor retention.
Switching to Virtuous allowed RMHC in Omaha to:
- Increase Donor Engagement: By leveraging the segmentation and personalization features, RMHC in Omaha saw a marked increase in donor engagement and retention, including a 68% repeat donor retention rate.
- Enhance Fundraising Efficiency and Efficacy: Automating processes and real-time campaign tracking led to more effective fundraising strategies and a 15% increase in average gift amount.
- Improve Data Accuracy: Centralizing data with Virtuous improved accuracy and decision-making capabilities.
โFor any RMHC, knowing that their whole mission is serving families, the way that Virtuous does business is right in step with that, making sure that the nonprofit has the tools, the resources to continue serving, to continue growing, and to continue fulfilling that mission for many years down the road.โ
Hunter Samuels, Director of Stewardship & Communications, RMHC in Omaha
Arkansas Children’s: Breaking Down Silos to Find ROI
Arkansas Children’s, a leading pediatric healthcare provider, needed a more effective system to manage its extensive donor base and fundraising efforts. Without a modern CRM, siloed information and frustrating workflows impeded cross-team collaboration. The team was concerned that these inefficiencies could jeopardize donor engagement, revenue, and loyaltyโall vital for the organization’s future success and the well-being of the families it serves.
The Arkansas Children’s team is confident the hospital will achieve a positive ROI within the first year of using Virtuous and that the overall ROI will be substantial.
The transition to Virtuous led to:
- Enhanced Donor Insights: Arkansas Children’s gained a deeper understanding of donor behavior and preferences, enabling personalized outreach and improving donor relationships.
- Increased Fundraising Efficiency: Automating fundraising processes and using detailed reporting tools allowed Arkansas Children’s to streamline operations and boost fundraising effectiveness.
- Improved Time Management: Breaking down silos between teams was vital to Arkansas Children’s success. The team previously relied on Excel spreadsheets to track campaigns, retention, acquisition, and more, creating heavy manual workloads. Real-time reports can be shared, improving communication of essential data across the organization.
โThe overwhelming message from our users is they now have better access to data. They can actually go in and interact with the information, learn more about their own portfolios, and see the other marketing activities that are happening across the organization.โ
Matt Price, Director of Customer Relationship Marketing
The successful conversions to Virtuous of RMHC in Omaha and Arkansas Children’s illustrate the transformative potential of CRM systems for nonprofits. By centralizing data, breaking down silos, automating tasks, improving donor communications, and more, switching CRMs enabled these organizations to operate more efficiently and achieve more significant impact.
Nonprofits looking to follow in these organizations’ footsteps should focus on selecting a CRM system that aligns with their specific needs and goals and a dedicated customer success team. These organizations’ experiences demonstrate that a well-implemented CRM can significantly improve operations and profoundly impact their communities.
