Large nonprofits have extensive, complex data collection and management needs. From gathering and analyzing vast quantities of first-party data to keeping supporter information simultaneously secure and accessible, nonprofits with multiple branches need technical solutions tailored to their needs.

Nonprofits of this size should consider turning to customizable, cloud-based platforms like Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud. While these software solutions are an investment, they can provide unmatched support for streamlining administrative tasks and effectively using data.

Whether your nonprofit plans to use Salesforce or another customizable solution, this guide will explain the benefits of these highly customizable nonprofit management platforms.

1. Scalability

Customized software grows as your nonprofit does. As long as you update your platforms, your tools are infinitely scalable. A few ways your software can scale include:

• Integrations. Many customizable platforms like Salesforce have a wide range of integrations, allowing you to add new features to your platform as needed and enjoy data synchronization. These integrations improve your operations by preventing data silos and reducing the need to toggle between platforms.
• Expansive data storage. The extensive storage that cloud-based platforms provide allows nonprofits to collect data without fear of reaching record limits. Expand your data with appends, collection strategies, and AI-driven analytics to better understand your constituents.
• Continuous updates. Ensure your software currently receives support from its developer. While you can still use tools with maintenance support but no updates, they are unlikely to scale and support your nonprofit as effectively as a product that remains a vendor’s current priority. For instance, Fíonta’s guide to Salesforce for Nonprofits emphasizes how Nonprofit Cloud receives three updates per year to expand its features, whereas Nonprofit Success Pack is no longer actively being upgraded.

When investing in software, choose platforms that give your nonprofit room to grow. Nonprofits that use limited solutions will eventually need to change platforms, requiring data migration and retraining. In contrast, software that can scale with your nonprofit will always serve your needs and can be updated to acquire new features as required.

2. Strong security standards

Customizable, cloud-based software platforms typically maintain high security standards. While you should never assume a specific vendor is secure without doing research, trusted providers in the space, such as Salesforce, are reputable for a reason.

Look for platforms with cybersecurity measures, such as:

• Multi-factor authentication
• Controlled permissions
• Password vaults
• Automatic removal of terminated team members
• Restricted IP access
• Activity checks

These practices protect your nonprofit’s information while also allowing you to take advantage of cloud-based tools that let your team work from anywhere.

eCardWidget’s guide to hybrid workplaces recommends investing in appropriately secure software and having employees complete cybersecurity training so they take proper precautions as part of the software implementation process. After all, while security software can circumvent most human error—such as automatic logouts to prevent unverified users—data breaches due to social engineering and stolen equipment still happen regularly.

3. Enhanced data analysis capabilities

Nonprofits with extensive databases know that analysis is not as simple as looking at a few spreadsheets. Especially when it comes to large amounts of data, data analysis is a multi-step process that cloud-based data management software like Databricks and Snowflake can help you with, including the following tasks:

• Collection. Your software can help gather data from sources like surveys and donation transactions and upload it automatically to the correct donor records. For example, the event management component of your software might record which supporters bought tickets to your latest community event and note this in their profiles.
• Storage. Data must be maintained long-term. Your database should include detailed profiles for donors, volunteers, sponsors, and constituents with custom entry fields corresponding to your unique data collection needs.
• Organization. Software with tagging systems, segmenting tools, and searchable databases makes organizing and finding the data you need easy.
• Cleaning. Some software solutions come with or can integrate with data hygiene tools. For example, your platform might have a plugin that identifies duplicate donor profiles and lets you decide whether to delete, merge, or maintain separate profiles.
• Analysis. Look for a platform that comes with pre-built reports for common needs and allows for custom report creation. Additionally, assess software for its use of AI-powered analysis. Some software will provide helpful AI tools that can perform predictive analytics.

The better your software manages your data, the easier analysis will be. By maintaining a centralized platform, you can better feed your data through your analytics process and obtain actionable insights.

4. Extensive adaptability

Nonprofit organizations often opt for customizable software because their specific requirements are not fully met by existing out-of-the-box solutions available in the market. These organizations have distinct missions and workflows, necessitating tailored features and functionalities that adapt to their individual operational challenges. By choosing customizable software, nonprofits can ensure that the technology aligns perfectly with their goals, allowing them to serve their communities more effectively.

For example, you might have unique administrative processes that require maintaining separate databases for multiple chapters of your nonprofit, or you may need a custom middleware solution to connect your software with a third-party platform.

If your nonprofit has unique needs, investing in a platform a developer can fully customize may be necessary. When assessing technical consultants, consider their:

• Area of expertise. Developers should provide details on what types of software they commonly work with. For example, if you need assistance setting up your Salesforce instance, you should work with a certified Salesforce partner rather than a consultant specializing in Blackbaud products.
• Ongoing support. Consider if you may have additional software-related needs after your initial customization. For instance, you may need additional support for training new team members or look for a partner that provides data management and marketing services.
• Timeline. Fully customizing a new software platform is an extensive process that may take several months. Speak with consultants about timelines and budget needs to ensure you are working with a partner who will complete your project promptly without overpromising results.

Working with a developer is also an opportunity to learn more about your software. These professionals work with a wide range of nonprofits, all with unique needs. As such, they can assess your software and identify opportunities to improve your processes with custom development.

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Customizable, cloud-based software can transform nonprofits’ operations for the better. From improved scalability to reliable flexibility, these solutions can adapt to your organization’s needs with the right investment. Assess if your nonprofit is a good candidate for this type of software and start researching top vendors.