How to choose a CRM for fundraising

Choosing new technology is a challenge for charities. Every organisation is different, has unique needs, and differing levels of capacity and resource. Then there’s the additional challenge of replacing the tech you currently have – how do you know when it’s the right time? 

Fortunately, the new e-book from Blackbaud, How to choose a fundraising CRM solution, is here to help charities with everything they need to when looking for their next CRM software, from assessing their needs to adopting it into their everyday routine. 

The CRM guide, now in its sixth edition, outlines all the information charities need to make an informed decision on their new CRM system, such as what they need to prepare, how to select the right provider, and the next steps once the system has been implemented. 

Indeed, making the right choice on a CRM system now can pay dividends in the future. With the right CRM system, charities can increase engagement with their supporters, improve the supporter experience, and gain insight into their supporters’ behaviour over time.  

Almost all (93%) of charities surveyed in Blackbaud’s 2022 Supporter Experience report said that supporter experience is important to them, so being able to identify key trends and adapt to user needs is vital.  

The guide is “specifically tailored towards choosing a cloud-based CRM solution” and starts by explaining the key benefits of using one, including its longevity as an investment. 

The first chapter offers charities a handy checklist of questions to ask when beginning their CRM journey and help organisations identify potential areas of friction that they might want to solve using their new software.  

As the guide advises, “Procuring a new solution can sometimes be a lengthy and complex process, so it is important to have a strong foundation of reasons of why you’re taking on the project and what you want to achieve at the end of it to constantly refer to.” 

The guide also helps charities pick the people who will be managing the project, as well as the technology itself. Having the right people in place, who know what they’re looking for and have the charity’s needs at heart, is just as important as doing your research into the different technology available. Nobody knows a charity’s needs like the people who work within it and getting people involved at the project’s outset can iron out any pain points you might meet right at the start.

The report says: “Having the right solution in place will have a positive impact on your whole organisation, so you need a well-rounded project team who can provide the essential technical know-how, an understanding of wider organisation requirements, and who can also represent the needs of different teams, such as the fundraising or event requirements.” 

Whether it’s setting your objectives, getting your team together, or researching vendors and booking in a demo, How to choose a fundraising CRM solution has everything a charity could need to pick their new system. You can download the full guide below.