The title of the article, “How to Streamline Your Nonprofit's Payroll Process.”

How to Streamline Your Nonprofit’s Payroll Process: 3 Tips

Administrative tasks are the foundation upon which your nonprofit’s accomplishments are built. When your organization t operates efficiently, you can spend less time worrying about internal tasks and more time fulfilling your mission.

Administrative tasks aren’t strictly limited to organizing donor data or handling cash and non-cash donations. Recording financial transactions so that you can produce a financial scorecard monthly is just as important to long-term sustainability.

Payroll is one of the largest expenses a nonprofit incurs. Therefore, preparing it is an essential administrative process that often can be streamlined while still ensuring that your organization complies with legal obligations and compensates its hard-working employees. In this guide, we’ll explore three ways to streamline payroll.

1. Partner With a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)

When it comes to managing your nonprofit’s finances, you’ve likely considered outsourcing accounting to an experienced professional. But have you considered outsourcing your employment practices as well?

Professional employer organizations (PEOs) provide expert resources in payroll, human resources, tax compliance, and more. This enables your nonprofit to:

  • Lower the cost of benefits through economies of scale: Chazin & Company explains that PEOs leverage the collective bargaining power of multiple organizations to negotiate lower rates for health insurance and other employee benefits. As a result, your nonprofit can offer competitive benefits packages without financial strain and can even reallocate its savings toward your organization’s mission.
  • Reduce the risk of legal complications and financial penalties: PEOs are familiar with federal and state compliance requirements related to hiring and employment practices. Partnering with a PEO provides access to their expertise, often backed by years of experience and specialized knowledge.
  • Eliminate the need for an in-house HR department: Instead of developing an in-house HR department to hire candidates with adequate qualifications and conduct staff training, partnering with a PEO allows your nonprofit to access personnel support without needing to fund an entirely new department.

If your organization decides to work with a PEO, look for experienced and knowledgeable professionals with certifications in HR and payroll management. Certifications such as Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) indicate that the PEO’s staff bring reliable expertise to the table.

2. Simplify Your Payroll Process

There are a lot of moving parts in a nonprofit’s payroll process. For example, you’ll withhold money from employees’ paychecks to pay certain taxes, but not from contractors’ paychecks since they pay their own taxes. Volunteers, on the other hand, shouldn’t be compensated at all, aside from non-monetary thank-you gifts.

Be sure to properly classify everyone who works for you to keep your records accurate. Also, track essential employee information, such as:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Withholdings
  • Benefits
  • Overtime
  • Bonuses

Along with keeping your records organized, compensation practices impact your nonprofit’s overall cash flow. As Double the Donation explains, a healthy nonprofit operating reserve should be sufficient to cover one full payroll cycle, including taxes. This means you’ll need data on each employee’s overtime pay and bonuses to accurately calculate your payroll obligations.

To make tracking compensation easier, establish a standard pay schedule for every employee. Standardizing pay periods reduces the amount of time spent tracking each employee’s pay. Plus, your team will know exactly when to expect their paychecks, fostering trust in your organization.

3. Maintain Compliance

As a nonprofit leader, you’re likely no stranger to the compliance requirements necessary for maintaining tax-exempt status. These regulations extend to payroll processes, as well, and can lead to significant financial penalties if not followed.

Specific regulations include:

  • Tax exemption: Just because your nonprofit has tax-exempt status doesn’t mean it’s exempt from paying all taxes. Organizations must withhold and file Federal Income Taxes (FITW) and Social Security and Medicare Taxes (FICA) on behalf of their employees. Additionally, most employers must match and remit FICA taxes withheld.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): According to the Department of Labor, The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. Non-profit charitable organizations are not covered enterprises under the FLSA unless they engage in ordinary commercial activities that result in sales made or business done, such as operating a merchandise shop or providing veterinary services for a fee. If your nonprofit is engaged in activities subject to the FLSA, you’ll likely need to familiarize yourself with this act’s provisions.
  • Wage requirements: Nonprofits must follow federal and state wage laws that require employers to pay minimum wage. When paying more than minimum wage, compensation must be reasonable but not excessive. To familiarize yourself with appropriate compensation amounts and potential overtime requirements, review your state’s laws and industry standards.
  • Unemployment compensation: While 501(c)(3) nonprofits are exempt from filing Federal Unemployment Taxes (FUTA), they must still adhere to their state’s unemployment program requirements. This means either contributing to the state’s unemployment program or annually reimbursing the state for paid unemployment benefits.

Compensation laws and regulations may change, meaning your nonprofit must check in regularly to determine whether there have been any updates. To check for changes, the IRS website is a great resource. Additionally, local and state government websites also lay out tax laws that vary by municipality.

You can also brush up on nonprofit accounting basics to learn more about compliance standards your payroll (and other financial) processes must follow. Also, consulting a CPA can help you access the professional insight needed to ensure your finances are in order.

Along with the benefits your nonprofit can realize from a streamlined payroll process, your employees will also appreciate their employer maintaining an organized approach to compensation. With the right practices in place, your nonprofit won’t just retain employees and boost team morale—you’ll do the right thing by taking care of the team that makes your mission possible.

The article’s title, “Key Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Event Venue.”

8 Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Event Venue

Selecting the perfect event venue is a critical step in the planning process that can significantly influence your event’s success. The venue sets the stage for the entire experience, from its atmosphere and accessibility to the resources available for your attendees.

A well-chosen venue can enhance engagement, support your event’s objectives, and reflect your organization’s values. This guide outlines key considerations for finding a venue that aligns with your event goals and creates a seamless and memorable experience for everyone involved.

1. The Purpose of Your Event

Before exploring venue options, it’s essential to clearly understand your event’s purpose and objectives. Whether you’re hosting a conference or a fundraising gala, your venue should support and enhance the event’s primary goals.

Consider the following when defining your event’s purpose:

  • Event Goals: Are you aiming to educate, inspire, or connect attendees? Understanding the primary goal will help you choose a venue that facilitates the desired interactions and activities.
  • Audience Engagement: Consider the type of experience you want to create for attendees. For example, a venue with flexible spaces can accommodate both formal presentations and informal networking sessions.
  • Event Format: Think about the structure of your event. Will there be breakout sessions, panel discussions, or hands-on workshops? The venue should be versatile enough to adapt to different formats and schedules.

By aligning your venue with your event’s purpose, you set the stage for a successful and impactful experience.

2. Location and Accessibility

Selecting a venue with the right location and accessibility is key to maximizing attendance and ensuring a positive experience for all participants. A centrally located venue makes it easier for attendees to reach the event, especially if they are traveling from different regions.

When assessing potential venues, consider:

  • Proximity to public transportation, highways, and airports to accommodate both local and out-of-town guests.
  • Parking availability and/or shuttle services if space is limited.

Additionally, ensure the venue complies with ADA guidelines by providing accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating for attendees.

3. Venue Capacity and Layout

The size and layout of your chosen venue can significantly affect the comfort of your attendees and facilitate the flow of your event. A venue that is too small can feel cramped and chaotic, while one that is too large may seem empty and disengaging.

Aligning the venue with your event’s format and attendance expectations is essential. When evaluating a venue for capacity and layout, consider these key points:

  • Capacity Requirements: Match the venue capacity to your expected attendance, accounting for different areas such as main sessions, breakout rooms, and networking spaces. Ensure there is enough space for everyone to move around comfortably.
  • Flexible Layout Options: Look for venues that offer a variety of room configurations to suit your event’s needs. For example, classrooms for workshops, theater setups for presentations, and open areas for networking or exhibitions.
  • Flow and Accessibility: The venue should support a smooth flow of movement. Attendees should be able to navigate easily between different event areas, such as check-in, main sessions, and breakouts.
  • Additional Space Needs: Determine if you need extra space for exhibitors, sponsors, or interactive activities. A venue with versatile spaces can help you incorporate these elements without disrupting the main event.

Choosing a venue with the right capacity and layout ensures that your event runs smoothly and creates a comfortable and engaging environment for all participants.

4. Technology and AV Capabilities

In today’s digital age, robust technology and audio-visual (AV) capabilities are essential for delivering a seamless and engaging event experience. From event check-in kiosks to live streaming to interactive sessions, the right tech setup can elevate your event and ensure that all attendees, whether in-person or virtual, can fully participate.

When assessing a venue’s technology and AV capabilities, consider these options:

  • Internet Connectivity: Reliable, high-speed internet is a must, especially for hybrid events or those requiring live streaming. Check for Wi-Fi availability and any associated costs for access.
  • AV Equipment Availability: Check if the venue provides essential equipment such as projectors, screens, microphones, and speakers. Verify the quality and compatibility of these tools with your presentation requirements.
  • Technical Support: Look for venues that offer on-site technical support during your event. Having a dedicated AV team can quickly resolve any issues, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smooth experience.

Selecting a venue with strong technology and AV capabilities ensures you can keep your audience engaged and prevent unexpected issues from popping up during your event.

5. Ambiance and Brand Alignment

The ambiance of your chosen venue plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall experience of your event and reinforcing your organization’s brand identity. When evaluating venues, consider how the style, decor, and atmosphere of the space will resonate with your attendees and reflect your organization’s values.

A venue that aligns with your event’s brand can make your event feel more cohesive and memorable. For example, a modern, minimalist venue might suit a forward-thinking, tech-focused event, while a historic or elegant location could be ideal for a more formal, traditional gathering.

Ultimately, choosing a venue that matches the tone and spirit of your event will create a more engaging experience for attendees and help communicate your brand’s story effectively.

6. Catering and Refreshments

The right catering can enhance your event’s atmosphere, keep attendees energized, and even serve as opportunities for networking. When choosing a venue, consider how you’ll handle catering and refreshments to meet the needs of your guests.

Here are some key considerations:

  • In-House vs. External Catering: Find out if the venue has in-house catering or if you need to hire external vendors. In-house catering can be more convenient and cost-effective, but external vendors may offer more customization.
  • Menu Variety and Dietary Accommodations: Include diverse options in your menu to cater to different dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy considerations. A flexible menu can make all attendees feel welcome and included.
  • Service Style and Timing: Decide whether you prefer a formal sit-down meal, buffet, or casual food stations. Align the service style with the event’s format and schedule to ensure smooth transitions between activities.
  • Budget and Package Options: Review the catering costs and what’s included in the package. Look for venues that offer customizable packages to fit your budget, including options for coffee breaks, snacks, and meal service.

Well-planned catering and refreshments will contribute to a positive attendee experience, helping your event run smoothly and keeping participants engaged throughout the day.

7. Contract Flexibility and Terms

The terms of your venue contract can significantly influence your event planning process. Having a clear, flexible, and fair contract is essential for protecting your organization and facilitating a smooth planning experience.

One of the primary aspects to consider is the cancellation policy. Ensure you understand the terms, including deadlines and penalties, if your event needs to be postponed or canceled. Knowing these details upfront allows you to mitigate financial risks and make informed decisions should unforeseen circumstances arise.

Another important element is the flexibility to change dates. Look for a venue that allows for date adjustments with minimal fees, which can be a lifesaver if unexpected changes occur in your event timeline.

It’s also vital to confirm that the contract includes force majeure clauses, which protect both parties in the event of uncontrollable circumstances such as a natural disaster. These clauses provide a legal safeguard and help avoid disputes in situations beyond your control.

8. On-Site Support and Services

A venue’s on-site support and services can significantly impact your event’s success. Having a dedicated team to assist with logistics, technology, and attendee needs ensures a smooth and professional experience for everyone involved.

Keep an eye out for the following:

  • Event Coordinators: Look for venues that provide an on-site event coordinator to help manage logistics before and during your event. They can serve as your primary point of contact, helping to address any issues quickly.
  • Technical and AV Support: Ensure there is a dedicated technical team available to handle any AV or tech-related problems that may arise. This support is crucial for keeping presentations and activities on schedule.
  • Logistical Support: Assess the availability of additional services such as security, parking attendants, or setup and teardown assistance. These services can significantly reduce the burden on your team.
  • Extra Services and Amenities: Some venues offer additional services like marketing support, integration with event management tools, or access to vendor networks. These can enhance your event’s reach and impact.

Having robust on-site support helps your team focus on delivering a successful event without getting bogged down by logistical challenges.

Choosing the perfect event venue requires careful consideration of numerous factors, from location and capacity to technology and contract terms. By taking the time to align your venue choice with your event’s goals and your organization’s values, you can create a memorable and impactful experience for your attendees and a profitable event for your organization.

Remember, the right venue not only supports the logistical needs of your event but also enhances its overall success by providing a welcoming and engaging environment for guests. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that your next event is not only well-organized but also truly unforgettable.

The title of the article, “A Guide to Children’s Ministry Volunteer Training Programs.”

A Guide to Children’s Ministry Volunteer Training Programs

As a children’s ministry leader, you know that volunteers are the backbone of your program’s environment. They lead fun activities, build relationships with the kids, and ultimately take charge of the hands-on tasks needed to run your ministry.

But it isn’t simply enough to recruit volunteers and thank them when their work is done; it’s your responsibility to equip them for this essential role with the training and resources they need to excel.

A dedicated volunteer training program supports the spiritual growth of the kids in your ministry and the volunteers who serve them. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of volunteer training and how to start an effective program for your volunteer team.

Importance of a Training Program for Volunteers

It’s no mystery that volunteers need some background information before they start serving your children’s ministry. For instance, what roles will volunteers fill? What teaching materials can they use, and how should they answer kids’ questions about the content?

While it may seem like these questions could be answered in a quick orientation session or a new volunteer handbook, a dedicated training program offers consistent and comprehensive instruction for all volunteers. As a result, your volunteer team will gain:

  • Coaching: As Wonder Ink explains, your children’s church curriculum should offer user-friendly tools to prepare volunteers for upcoming lessons. A training program standardizes coaching for logistics such as this, including how to use teaching tools.
  • Community: Training alongside other volunteers and under the guidance of your ministry’s leaders will cultivate a supportive culture. Plus, volunteers will gain more from the experience when they find community in your ministry.
  • Confidence: In a structured program, volunteers can learn to exercise authority and become more comfortable in their roles. This will give them the confidence needed to handle any situation that comes their way.

Plus, a dedicated program provides fundamental training that applies to various ministry activities. Whether you’re kicking off vacation Bible school or hosting a fundraiser, volunteers will be prepared to work with the kids in your program and represent your children’s ministry well.

How to Start a Children’s Ministry Volunteer Training Program

Follow these steps to create a solid volunteer training program for your children’s ministry.

1. Develop a training plan.

First and foremost, you’ll need to define your training program’s goals. What is most important for your volunteers to learn, and how will you teach them?

Here are some key elements your training plan should include:

  • Details about the curriculum: Familiarize volunteers with your curriculum’s scope to ensure they understand the core values being taught and the schedule your teaching will follow.
  • Volunteer responsibilities: Your training program will center on volunteers’ specific responsibilities. Identify your ministry’s expectations for these roles and plan to provide tips on how to meet these expectations.
  • Your ministry’s mission: Ensure volunteers align with your ministry’s overall mission by discussing your vision, statement of belief, and any other key background information. If your ministry has a website, you can use your About page as a guide for choosing the most important information to highlight.

Once you’ve determined which objectives are top priorities for your training program, break it down into structured modules covering essential topics. For example, you may plan for one training day to cover the curriculum’s basics, while a few days are needed to explain age-appropriate teaching methods.

2. Recruit experienced trainers.

Next, select experienced individuals in your church or ministry to train incoming volunteers. These could include individuals with lengthy experience volunteering for your ministry or leaders who understand your ministry’s needs.

Also, consider recruiting trainers who specialize in different aspects of your ministry. For example, one trainer may have been involved in choosing your curriculum. This individual would be best equipped to help volunteers navigate the curriculum and its features, while another trainer with counseling experience might be able to teach conflict resolution.

3. Host a new volunteer orientation day.

Once you’ve created a team of experienced trainers, it’s time to start the training process! Host an orientation session that covers the top priorities you defined in your training plan, including your ministry’s mission, curriculum’s scope, and specific volunteer responsibilities.

To guarantee a positive experience and encourage volunteers to come back, eCardWidget recommends following up after the orientation session with a library of training resources, such as:

  • Mentoring
  • Roleplaying activities
  • Interactive quizzes
  • Q&A sessions

Remember to make these resources accessible to volunteers throughout their time serving your ministry in case they forget anything that was discussed in training. For example, periodic Q&A sessions can help refresh volunteers’ memories of teaching techniques they should employ.

4. Evaluate and improve the program.

Your training program shouldn’t end once volunteers start their roles in your ministry. In fact, you can take significant strides toward an improved training program after volunteer training is complete!

Gather feedback to evaluate what your training program did well and where it could improve. As you collect this data, you’ll be able to make adjustments to your training program accordingly. You can encourage volunteers to provide their feedback through:

  • Surveys
  • One-on-one discussions with trainers
  • Group meetings

For example, did volunteers feel adequately prepared to teach the lessons from your curriculum? Did their values align with the lessons they taught? You may need to adjust your training program to better prepare volunteers for your curriculum’s content. Or, perhaps you need to search for a children’s Bible curriculum that more fully reflects the theological values of your ministry.

Make adjustments according to your volunteers’ feedback to encourage them to continue volunteering and improve the experience for future volunteers.

A dedicated training program is necessary to set your children’s ministry volunteers up for success. It’s the key to going beyond simply recruiting volunteers and assigning tasks—a training program allows you to cultivate relationships with like-minded believers who will have a significant impact on the kids in your ministry. Take the time to develop a program that will equip them for this role and encourage them to stay connected with your ministry in the long run.

The title of the article: Nonprofit Catalog: Volunteer Time Off (VTO).

Volunteer Time Off (VTO) – Nonprofit Catalog

30% of volunteers state that one of the main reasons they volunteer is because they have the time available to do so. Conversely, 49% of individuals state that their work commitments are their biggest obstacle to volunteering. 

Fortunately, some of your volunteers make time to volunteer with volunteer time off (VTO). VTO helps nonprofits earn more volunteers, meaning more hands available to run your programs, raise funds, and spread awareness of your cause. 

To get your nonprofit up to speed on VTO, this quick guide will go over how VTO works, how it helps nonprofits, and what your organization can do to leverage these programs.

3

What is volunteer time off?

Volunteer time off is a benefit some companies offer their employees where they can take paid time off to volunteer. This is different from voluntary time off, which is when a company allows employees to take unpaid time off but remain employed. 

A venn diagram showing the differences and similarities between volunteer time off and voluntary time off.

VTO is widespread, and many top companies offer some form of program where employees can request time off to volunteer. The majority of these companies offer employees between two and three VTO days per year, though some businesses offer as much as two weeks. 

What are the benefits of volunteer time off?

Here’s how VTO programs benefit everyone involved:

  • Companies offer VTO as a business decision. When employees take time off to volunteer, they’ll be more engaged, think of their employer as socially responsible, and feel increased loyalty to their employer. Plus, having their employees volunteer in the local community can improve the business’s reputation. 
  • Nonprofits earn extra volunteers from VTO programs. After all, if supporters have time off specifically to volunteer, then they are more likely to volunteer. Nonprofits can also earn highly skilled volunteers from professional and specialized companies that provide VTO.   
  • Employees get extra days off and the freedom to support the causes they care about. As such, VTO can be a major draw for job candidates looking for socially conscious workplaces. 

While everyone benefits from VTO, these programs are underused. This is why it falls on nonprofits to make their supporters aware of VTO, create positive volunteer experiences that encourage supporters to spend their VTO with their organization, and show appreciation for all volunteers.

Common Volunteer Time Off Guidelines

Different companies have varying VTO policies, and employee volunteers should check in with their employers to ensure they follow the right procedures for requesting VTO. That being said, most VTO programs focus their guidelines on the following criteria:

  • Employee status. Some companies only offer VTO to specific employees. For example, a multinational department store chain might provide VTO for its executive employees but not its retail workers. Or, a company might provide VTO to full-time but not part-time employees. 
  • Hours accrued. How employees earn VTO hours differs across companies. For example, one business might provide a set amount of VTO hours at the beginning of its fiscal year, whereas another might have employees accrue hours throughout the year. Additionally, some businesses may allow unused VTO hours to roll over from the previous year, whereas others may operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis. 
  • Nonprofit eligibility. To prevent employees from misusing VTO on activities that should be covered by regular PTO, businesses often specify what types of nonprofits and activities are eligible. Commonly, most types of nonprofits, excluding political and religious organizations, are valid. 

Let’s look at a breakdown of a sample VTO request form:

An example volunteer time off request form that asks for information about the employee and nonprofit.

VTO requests are like regular PTO requests with one key exception: some companies may require employees to provide details about your nonprofit. Most information will be fairly straightforward, such as your nonprofit’s name and address. However, some companies might request the volunteer supervisor’s contact information or details about the activities the employee will perform. 

How to Educate Supporters About Volunteer Time Off

VTO programs are increasing in popularity. Around 65% of companies offer paid volunteer time off. However, the average participation rate is only 33%. This means there’s a good chance your nonprofit has several supporters who are eligible for VTO but aren’t taking advantage of this benefit. 

You can earn more volunteers for your cause by promoting VTO to your supporters. A few ways you can spread the word include: 

  • Add information to your volunteer page. On your volunteer page, add information about the different ways supporters can volunteer or supplement their volunteer efforts. This might include information about volunteer grants, team volunteering, and VTO. 
  • Include details in your regular messaging. If your nonprofit regularly posts on social media, sends an email newsletter, or updates its blog, consider creating content about VTO. For example, you might highlight a story about a supporter who made a difference by using their VTO, share research on unclaimed VTO, or call for volunteers and mention VTO. 
  • Invest in a corporate giving database. You can help your volunteers discover if they’re eligible for VTO by investing in a searchable corporate giving database. Since every VTO program is different, corporate giving databases compile company data on various employee giving and volunteer programs into one place. Your supporters can then enter their employers’ names to see what corporate giving programs they qualify for and how to apply for them. 

Additionally, be sure to educate your volunteer managers on VTO. This way they can answer supporters’ questions and encourage them to look into VTO, earning your organization more dedicated volunteers. 

More Volunteering Resources

Nonprofit Catalog – Read up on more nonprofit essentials by exploring our Nonprofit Catalog.

Volunteer Grants: Get More Out of Your Volunteer Program – Volunteer grant programs are another corporate volunteerism program that benefits nonprofits. Learn how to tap into these opportunities and generate revenue from your volunteer program. 

Employee Volunteer Incentive Programs: Get Your Team Active – Some companies offer programs to incentivize their employees to volunteer. Discover common volunteer incentives and what these mean for nonprofits. 

The title of the post, “How to Streamline Hiring with Artificial Intelligence”

How to Streamline Hiring with Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days—and for good reason. Many believe it to be the future of all technology-based operations and activities. 

For nonprofits, this is great news. Many such organizations struggle with managing workflow and allocating resources efficiently, especially when it comes to recruiting new talent (which is already an overshadowed area of nonprofit management). 

Leveraged correctly, however, hiring software with AI-powered features can change your hiring process for the better. In this guide, we’ll review different ways to integrate AI into your workflows so you can secure the right talent to achieve your mission. 

1. Automate routine tasks.

Perhaps the greatest use of AI for nonprofits is to streamline or eliminate mundane tasks entirely. According to Jobvite, here are some areas of hiring that AI can take care of:

  • Candidate communication. Individually notifying each applicant that their application was submitted successfully, they advanced to the next phase, or you made a hiring decision can be cumbersome. However, AI can send out messages when certain conditions are met or triggered so nothing ever slips through the cracks.
  • Interview scheduling. Between your programs and your applicants’ busy schedules, it can be challenging to find a mutually beneficial time for you both to meet. However, AI can instantly find the best open slots for both applicants and your hiring team—simply ask your applicants to provide their availability and it’ll fill in the gaps.
  • Manage candidate profiles. AI can quickly and easily organize important candidate data, such as demographics and certifications, into digital profiles in your database. This way, you can easily access the information you need without manually creating and updating each profile.

These are just a few of the possible ways AI can help your organization advance your hiring process. To learn even more about functionalities for specific software solutions, schedule demos, reach out to product experts, and read unbiased third-party reviews.

2. Enhance resume screening.

A foundational part of the hiring process is reviewing each candidate’s resume. This helps you make educated decisions about who might be a good fit and who likely isn’t. However, poring over resumes, while important, can be time-consuming and inaccurate—but AI can streamline and improve the process. It can do this by:

  • Blocking hiring bias. Companies are increasingly prioritizing hiring people of diverse backgrounds to improve innovation and unlock new perspectives. However, identifying factors can trigger hiring professionals’ implicit biases and prevent diverse hiring decisions. AI can remove these identifying factors for you so your team is presented with what matters most: a candidate’s skills, experiences, and ideas.
  • Creating talent pools. Your hiring team might be faced with a tough decision to let a qualified candidate go because they aren’t the right fit for your needs at this time. However, AI can help you maintain that connection in case they become a better fit down the line with talent pools. These are databases of candidates that you can filter by qualifications, experience, and other categories—and when the time comes, AI can pinpoint the best people to engage with. 
  • Eliminating unqualified candidates. If there are any must-have qualifications for your role posting, AI can identify exactly which candidates can be in the running. For instance, let’s say you’re a nonprofit professional looking for a new fundraising coordinator with at least five years of experience. AI can comb through all resumes provided and present you with only the most qualified options.

For resume screening to function at its full potential, you’ll need to ensure your AI-powered software is fed the right data. NXUnite suggests incorporating various data hygiene standards into your workflow, such as standardizing data entry and disregarding irrelevant data that can bog down your software.

3. Matching candidates.

A challenge talent acquisition specialists might face is ensuring candidates are the best match for certain roles. After all, matching the right applicants with the right roles is key for reducing turnover rates and the cost of hiring. 

AI can help by providing razor-sharp insights about who would be best suited for each open role based on qualitative and quantitative data. If you have multiple roles open, AI can suggest moving candidates to different talent pools that are more relevant to their traits. Let’s look at a hypothetical example from the perspective of a nonprofit hiring professional:

  • The hypothetical nonprofit is looking for a new fundraising manager with at least five years of experience in the nonprofit world and two years of experience fundraising.
  • Down the line, the nonprofit wants to hire an in-house marketing coordinator for its fundraising initiatives.
  • An applicant with a degree in marketing applies for the fundraising role. Their experience is tangentially related to fundraising via creating fundraising campaign marketing materials.
  • AI reads this candidate’s resume and automatically determines that they’d be a better fit for the marketing role, not the fundraising role. 

It’s important to remember that this process still requires human oversight in case there are further nuances to your hiring approach that AI doesn’t know. However, AI can at least provide suggestions for which people to move to different talent pools.

4. Scoring candidates at the end of the process

Remember, talent acquisition is never black and white—rather, it’s a strategic process that requires long-term planning and relationship building. However, using an objective scoring system at the end of your hiring process can give you quantitative data to rely on. You might include the following qualifications in your scoring rubric:

  • Does the candidate have certain qualifications?
  • Does the candidate have the relevant type and extent of experience?
  • Has the candidate performed well in interviews?
  • Does the candidate have any recommendations from respected industry professionals?
  • Does this candidate mesh well with other employees, and do we expect them to contribute to our employee engagement initiatives?

AI can help come up with the credentials and score candidates accordingly. All you need to do is configure your hiring software appropriately, work with your team to pinpoint the most relevant criteria, and stay on top of updating the information. 

Paying attention to these essentials early in the hiring cycle helps you find the best candidates for your organization, improving long-term employee retention in stride. Ensure that you’re keeping tabs on AI advancements throughout this process—there are new updates to consider every day.

The article’s title beside an illustration of people with gift presents.

Answering 4 FAQs About Starting a Workplace Giving Program

You’ve likely heard about workplace giving and its potential to transform your company’s reputation, culture, and employee engagement for the better. By becoming an industry leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR), you can stand out from competitors and enact lasting change in your community.

However, launching a successful workplace giving program requires thoughtful planning and implementation. After all, you need to ensure that your employees are aware of the opportunities you create and consider how you’ll maintain transparency when reporting your social impact.

If your company is looking to join the ranks of other mission-driven businesses by starting a workplace giving program, explore these frequently asked questions to establish a strong foundation for success.

1. Why should companies start a workplace giving program?

Your business already has many priorities to focus on, from managing customer relationships to meeting project deadlines. While implementing a workplace giving program requires some initial investment, the benefits you reap will be well worth the effort. According to Uncommon Giving’s workplace giving guide, many companies experience:

The benefits of starting a workplace giving program, as explained in more detail below.
  • Improved talent acquisition. 81% of employees believe that it’s important to work for a company that integrates CSR into its business practices. Providing workplace giving opportunities can help your business catch the attention of talented job seekers who want to make a difference in the world.
  • Higher employee engagement. Of the 51% of companies that measure the connection, 96% find that employees who volunteer are more engaged than those who don’t. A workplace giving program makes it easy for your employees to find a sense of purpose, belonging, and connection in their day-to-day responsibilities.
  • Better employee retention. Companies see a 52% lower turnover rate among newer employees who participate in corporate philanthropy programs. When employees can make an impact through your business, they’re more likely to feel fulfilled in their roles. Plus, social opportunities such as team volunteering events allow them to develop closer friendships with their colleagues.
  • Enhanced brand reputation. 76% of companies use CSR reports to boost their reputation. Beyond producing stellar products and services, many consumers expect your business to act as a force for social good within its community. A workplace giving program demonstrates that you’re committed to more than just earning high profits.

Any business, regardless of its size or resources, can set up a workplace giving program tailored to its needs, goals, and employee preferences. You don’t need to go all out to begin tapping into the benefits of your improved CSR—start with a low-lift, reasonable approach and expand gradually from there.

2. What are common types of workplace giving?

Depending on your company’s priorities and resources, there are several types of workplace giving that you can include in your program. The most common ones are:

  • Matching gifts. Your company can match the donations that employees make to nonprofits, typically at a 1:1 ratio. Through matching gifts, employees have the opportunity to double or even triple the impact of their donations.
  • Volunteer grants. When an employee volunteers regularly with a nonprofit, they can submit a volunteer grant request to your company after contributing a minimum number of hours. Then, your company will donate to that organization, with the amount depending on the hours served.
  • Corporate volunteering. Your company can encourage employees to provide pro bono skills and services to nonprofits by hosting team-wide volunteering events throughout the year. Additionally, you can promote upcoming volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits through your internal channels.
  • Payroll deductions. Some employees are looking for an easy and consistent way to support the charitable causes they care about. Through payroll deductions, they can automatically deduct a portion of their paycheck to donate to nonprofits.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your workplace giving campaigns to find the ones that appeal most to your employees. For example, Double the Donation shares several engaging ideas to get you inspired, such as auctions, nonprofit sponsorships, and back-to-school drives. To manage it all, simply look for a workplace giving platform that can handle a variety of initiatives all in one place.

3. What should you look for in workplace giving software?

As with any nonprofit software, when building out your CSR technology toolkit, it’s important to first conduct thorough research into your options. Doing so ensures that you find a platform that fits your specific budget and needs.

The top workplace giving solutions should:

  • Be user-friendly and come with extensive support resources.
  • Allow you to make grants to nonprofits.
  • Automate the matching gift process.
  • Streamline volunteer grant requests and processing.
  • Facilitate planning and hosting volunteering events.
  • Integrate with your payroll system to facilitate automatic deductions.
  • Provide real-time reporting dashboards on social impact and employee participation.

Explore workplace giving platform product pages and read their reviews to compile a list of top choices for your business. You can even reach out to connections at other companies in your industry to ask if they have any recommendations. Then, request demos to get a firsthand understanding of how each platform works and make your final decision.

4. How can you encourage participation in workplace giving?

Ultimately, the success of your workplace giving program depends on the participation of your employees. Use the following tips to maximize engagement and make it easy for employees to get involved:

  • Promote your workplace giving program. Take the time to inform employees about all the workplace giving opportunities they can participate in. When you first launch your program, send out a company-wide announcement, incorporate it into your onboarding materials, and organize Q&A sessions for employees who want to learn more. Then, share updates through internal channels and social media.
  • Set broader criteria for participation. Some companies only allow full-time employees to take part in workplace giving. To power more impact, however, you can consider extending participation to their spouses and part-time employees. Additionally, you could set a low minimum gift match amount or volunteer hour requirement to encourage more people to engage with matching gifts or volunteer grants.
  • Recognize employees for their workplace giving participation. Recognition is a highly effective way to reinforce your company’s values and make employees feel acknowledged for their efforts. Express your appreciation when employees join your workplace giving initiatives by sending personalized eCards, shouting them out on social media, or hosting a celebration event for everyone to enjoy.

With your workplace giving software, you should be able to generate real-time reports on impact, employee participation, fundraising progress, and volunteer hours contributed. As you test out new strategies to encourage engagement in your workplace giving program, use this data to evaluate your success.

Launching a workplace giving program is a pivotal step toward improving your CSR and establishing your company as a powerful champion of social good within your community. To design opportunities and criteria that align with your purpose and employee values, send out regular surveys to collect their direct feedback. Use their responses to identify ways you can improve your program and amplify your impact in the long run.

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15 Questions to Ask to Strengthen Your Donor Stewardship

Acquiring donors can be an uphill battle. It takes a lot of work to identify prospects, learn more about them, introduce them to your organization, and ultimately make the ask. However, once you’ve acquired a donor, keeping them around is a whole separate challenge.

To build a sustainable base of support for your organization, you have to focus not only on gaining new donors but also on retaining existing supporters and building strong relationships with them.

One of the best ways to do so is through proper donor stewardship. In this guide, we’ll help you retain your supporters by introducing you to the concept of donor stewardship, how you can practice it, and specific questions you can ask your donors to dig deeper into their preferences and create a well-informed stewardship plan.

What is donor stewardship?

Donor stewardship refers to the process of building lasting relationships with donors after they contribute to your nonprofit.

No donor wants to feel like their relationship with your organization is purely transactional. By prioritizing donor stewardship, you can get to know your donors, provide them with relevant engagement opportunities, and create a community of advocates for your cause.

While your donors receive a more personalized, engaging experience, your nonprofit increases the chances that these individuals will continue contributing to your organization, setting you up for long-term success.

How does donor stewardship relate to donor retention?

Donor retention measures how many donors continue giving to your organization after their initial gift. You can calculate your donor retention rate by dividing the number of donors who gave again this year by the number of donors who contributed last year.

The average one-year retention rate for 2023 was 44%, meaning that over half of donors who contributed in 2022 didn’t contribute again in 2023. Many organizations struggle to keep donors returning and put abundant time, energy, and resources toward donor acquisition.

When you focus on donor stewardship, you can retain donors, saving your nonprofit the costs of donor acquisition. A dedicated donor stewardship plan helps you stay in contact with donors, update them on your work, and show your appreciation to retain their support.

How can my nonprofit practice donor stewardship?

The best way to practice donor stewardship is to develop a comprehensive strategy or plan. To ensure your plan covers all your bases, follow these steps:

  • Develop a stewardship team. To kick off your stewardship efforts, assemble team members who can drive your strategy forward. This team may consist of people like your director of donor relations, major gifts officer, board members, and volunteers.
  • Create a communication cadence. Determine how you’ll move donors through the stewardship process with an underlying communication cadence. Your first communications with donors should give them background information about your organization whereas subsequent messages should aim to deepen your relationship with them.
  • Segment your donors. To target your donors more effectively, segment them into relevant groups once you get to know them better. Bloomerang’s donor management software guide recommends creating donor profiles within your database and organizing them into segments, such as ones for first-time donors and monthly contributors.
  • Demonstrate donors’ impact. Donors want to know that you’re using their gifts as you intended. Assure them that their contributions are being put to good use and making an impact. For example, if you run an in-kind donation drive to collect school supplies for underfunded schools, send an update about how many students now have the items they need to succeed.

One of the most practical ways to steward donors is to ask them for their feedback. When you show donors that you’re open to hearing and implementing their suggestions, they’re more likely to feel appreciated and stick around. Read on for some questions you may ask your donors to steward them properly, organized into relevant categories.

Questions to Ask to Strengthen Your Donor Stewardship

Use the questions below in email surveys, phone calls, in-person check-in meetings, or any other instances in which you’re directly interacting with donors.

Communication Preferences

One of the keys to donor stewardship is communicating with donors on their own terms. To personalize your donor communications, ask them the following questions:

  • How do you prefer to hear from us? Communicate with donors through their preferred channels, such as email, direct mail, text messages, or calls, to increase the chances they’ll see your messages.
  • How often would you like to hear from us? Donors may prefer to hear from your nonprofit weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.
  • Are there any areas of our work you’d like to learn more about? For example, United Way may ask its supporters whether they’d like to explore the organization’s education, economic mobility, or health efforts.
  • What content are you most interested in? Some donors may want to receive educational blog posts, beneficiary success stories, or cause-related news in their inboxes.

Giving Preferences

Help donors contribute to your organization in the ways they prefer by asking them:

  • How do you prefer to make donations? Maximize donations by offering as many giving methods as possible, such as online, in-person, direct mail, and text-to-give.
  • How often do you prefer to make donations? Finding out whether donors intend to give one-time, monthly, quarterly, or annually can help you segment them accordingly.
  • Are there any specific programs or projects you’d like to support? Discover which programs or projects your donors are passionate about so you can contact them with targeted appeals.
  • Are you interested in learning about different ways to give? For instance, you may ask donors if they’re interested in participating in matching gifts. If your supporters work for matching gift-eligible companies, you can seize the opportunity to connect with these businesses and form mutually beneficial partnerships.

Engagement

Keeping donors engaged ensures they’ll continue supporting your nonprofit. Use these engagement-related questions in your next donor stewardship survey:

  • Are there any engagement opportunities you’d be interested in beyond donating? Show donors that you appreciate all forms of support, including volunteering, attending events, and participating in advocacy work.
  • If you’ve attended any of our events, what was your experience like? You may also ask more event-specific questions, such as how attendees felt about your latest auction items or the venue for your annual gala.
  • What types of events are you most likely to attend in the future? Ask donors whether they’re most interested in galas, auctions, walkathons, 5Ks, and more, and store these insights in your event management software for future reference.
  • Do you have any feedback on past volunteer experiences you’ve had with our nonprofit? Use donors’ feedback to improve your volunteer program.

Personal Connection

Build a deeper relationship with donors by exploring their personal connections to your cause:

  • What does our cause mean to you? Learn why donors support your cause so you can get to know them better and send them more heartfelt communications.
  • Do you have a particular story that illustrates your connection to our mission? Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your donors and show prospective supporters what your organization is about. Qgiv recommends incorporating stories into your donation page to motivate donors to give. With donors’ permission, you can share their stories for greater authenticity.
  • Is there a specific area or aspect of our work that resonates with you? For instance, a donor who supports a local children’s hospital may note that they’re particularly interested in childhood cancer research after losing a child to leukemia.

Building strong relationships with donors through stewardship hinges on centering the donor experience and incorporating their input. Store any valuable insights you gain in your constituent relationship management (CRM) system to drive your future fundraising, marketing, and engagement efforts. Additionally, remember to thank donors for their input, and consider offering a gift or other incentive for their time.

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Finding Your Nonprofit Niche: A Guide to Standing Out

Niche marketing strategies allow organizations to target very specific audiences. These audiences typically have unique needs and preferences. However, the benefit is that you’ll connect with individuals who are more likely to convert—for businesses, that might mean making a purchase. For nonprofits, that might mean donating or supporting in another way.

For nonprofits, niche marketing and fundraising means identifying and targeting individuals with a particularly strong affinity for your cause. Pinpointing these audiences will help you secure a loyal base of supporters ready to donate to your fundraisers, volunteer, and offer their help where it’s needed most. But to reach them, your nonprofit will need to understand and market its niche.

We’ll help you do that in this guide—here, you’ll learn how to define your unique place in the nonprofit sector and appeal to supporters.

1. Define your unique value proposition.

A unique value proposition (UVP) is a single, clear statement that explains the specific benefit or value donors will gain from supporting your nonprofit. In other words, why should they give to your nonprofit and not another?

To establish your nonprofit’s UVP, start by: 

  • Reviewing your mission statement and impact. Like the rest of your nonprofit’s messaging, your UVP must be grounded in your mission. Brainstorm some of the tangible ways your nonprofit makes your cause come to life. It can be helpful to study past impact reports during this step.
  • Analyzing data. Get a precise understanding of who you help, how you do your work, and who your supporters are. If you follow GivingDNA’s recommendation to segment donors based on shared characteristics like giving behavior or demographics, study the top-performing segments to identify common characteristics. Then, shape your UVP around their affinities and preferences.
  • Studying peer organizations. Examine peer organizations to determine what’s working well for them, what motivates donors to give to them, and which traits or benefits they highlight. How can your nonprofit address similar needs or take inspiration from your peers’ approaches while carving out your own niche?
  • Define your unique offerings or benefits. There are two sides to consider: the unique programs you offer to beneficiaries and the unique benefits for donors. Ideally, your target audience will value both. For example, perhaps your homeless shelter is open around the clock and offers more extensive services and resources than similar organizations in your area. Additionally, you provide donors with engaging welcome packages, invitations to exclusive events, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Once you’ve drafted a few preliminary UVPs, test them on trusted board members, supporters, and other stakeholders. Gather feedback on how well the message resonates with them and whether it accurately represents your organization. Refine the message as needed before using it for broader campaigns.

2. Establish your brand identity.

Kwala’s guide to nonprofit branding defines the term as a form of visual storytelling that communicates your mission and values with a distinguishable flair. New supporters will form a first impression based on your branding, and existing supporters will use it to visually identify your nonprofit. Done right, your brand can quickly communicate its niche to your audience. 

For example, environmental causes often use shades of green or tree icons to communicate what they do. A cat rescue, on the other hand, might use cat ears, a paw print, or a ball of yarn to achieve the same goal. When building or refreshing your branding from a more niche perspective, focus on these core components:

  • Brand personality: This is how your nonprofit expresses its essence through tone, voice, beliefs, and more—think of ascribing human characteristics to your brand. If your nonprofit were a person, would it be serious, honest, wholesome, cheerful, etc.?
  • Brand design and visual elements: This refers to the visual elements of your branding, like your logo, brand colors, and typography. These elements should align with your brand personality. A playful, unique typeface like Pacifico might be a decent option for lighthearted causes while serious or heavy causes should use a more refined one like Garamond.

When you’re satisfied with your branding, ensure it remains consistent across every aspect of your nonprofit’s website, messages, and campaigns. Not only does this make your nonprofit appear professional and credible, but it will help supporters remember and identify your organization.

3. Appeal to the niche in your marketing campaigns.

This may seem obvious, but it’s all too easy to keep marketing messages broad and palatable. Avoid the trap of being so general that your messaging becomes forgettable.

Try out these methods to embrace your niche:

  • Address niche-specific trends. Stay up-to-date on trending topics, controversies, challenges, and regulations relevant to your niche. For example, an organization battling climate change might appeal to its audience of avid hikers by acknowledging ongoing local forest fires and unsafe temperatures that prevent them from getting out on the trail.
  • Secure endorsements from well-known figures. Employ celebrities, influencers, and other public figures to endorse your nonprofit’s work and message. Choose a figure your audience trusts or admires to build social proof and enhance your credibility.
  • Use slang, jargon, or other language related to the niche. Show that you are engaged in the niche and speak the same language as your audience. Work in terminology that those in your niche will pick up on and resonate with. Just make sure to work in this language organically to avoid coming across as disingenuous. 
  • Share real impact stories. With permission from the beneficiary, consider sharing real stories about your work. This cements that your nonprofit has earned a place within the niche you’re marketing to. It’s also a great way to show how you turn abstract concepts from your mission and values into tangible action.

You can also apply this principle to your fundraisers. Rather than opting for classic fundraising ideas, look for a way to weave in elements of your work. If your organization is focused on improving childhood literacy, for example, host a read-a-thon fundraiser that invites supporters to read favorite books from their childhoods.

4. Test and adjust your strategies.

At this point in the process, all that’s left is to launch your new marketing strategies and see how your audience responds. Test your niche marketing messages both on and offline. Remember to segment your audience to direct these more niche, targeted messages to the right individuals.

Monitor metrics like:

With this information, you can gauge how successful your efforts are. Study any gaps in your strategy and make adjustments to improve how effective your niche marketing efforts are. Remember to stay abreast of changes within the niche to cultivate an image as a knowledgeable, respected thought leader.

Using niche marketing strategies can help your nonprofit find and target its next group of top donors. It’s all about discovering and defining what makes your work special and worthy of support. After all, you know how much your work means and how much it can help your beneficiaries. Niche marketing just requires that you communicate that magic with those who will be excited to support an organization like yours.

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4 Tips for Managing Your Nonprofit Store’s Inventory

Although stores are generally associated with businesses and corporations rather than nonprofits, various mission-driven organizations run stores to generate sustainable funding. Just think of the gift shops in art museums or bookstores run by schools or colleges.

However, running a nonprofit store presents unique obstacles that your organization may not have experience handling. Key among them is inventory management. Much like with product fundraisers, it’s crucial to keep the items you’re selling well-stocked to meet customer demands.

If you’re feeling out of your depth, don’t worry — this guide will cover four tips for managing your store’s inventory. Let’s get started!

1. Set up an inventory organization system.

When you’re first starting your store, most or all of your inventory may be on the floor. In that case, it’s less about storage and more about creating visually appealing displays that draw customers in and entice them to make a purchase. Once your store grows and begins to store more inventory, that’s when it becomes complex.

Effective inventory management begins with an organized storage system. Start by purchasing physical storage solutions for your backrooms, including:

  • Shelving units
  • Storage cabinets
  • Storage bins
  • Wire shelving

Additionally, purchase a label maker and label your storage systems accordingly. This will help you locate items in the future, making restocking more efficient. Since you’ll be selling and acquiring inventory constantly, don’t be afraid to invest time into organizing your storage well. This is especially important for nonprofits that accept in-kind donations (think food pantries or thrift stores, for example), as you may acquire stock at unpredictable times.

As you continue running your nonprofit’s store, feel free to rearrange your storage until it makes the most sense for your unique needs. For example, if you have any particularly popular products or items, it might make sense to move them into a storage compartment nearer to the front of your back room. By doing so, you’ll make it easier for you and other employees to restock this particular item.

2. Monitor inventory regularly.

To ensure your store is never significantly under- or over-stocked, stay apprised of your needs by regularly monitoring your business’s inventory. We recommend implementing a dedicated inventory management method to help you stay on top of your stock levels, such as one of the following:

  • First-in first-out (FIFO). This is a common inventory management method wherein stores sell items in the order they are acquired. It’s most beneficial for stores that sell perishable goods, such as flower shops or bakeries, but it can be useful for other stores as well.
  • Just-in-time (JIT). With the JIT technique, your nonprofit will only order enough stock to meet current customer demand. This is a great technique if your store has limited storage space and can’t afford to hold excess items for long periods. However, it requires you to have a good understanding of customer needs at all times.
  • Economic order quantity (EOQ). EOQ refers to a formula companies use to calculate the ideal quantity of items they should purchase to meet customer demand while minimizing inventory costs. However, it assumes that demand and holding costs remain constant, making it an inventory management technique best suited for stores that expect steady and consistent customer behavior.
  • ABC analysis. In ABC inventory management, you’ll determine the value of your inventory based on the items’ importance, ranking items based on demand, costs, and risks. “A” items are high-value, high demand, and high cost, whereas “C” items are low-value, low demand, and low cost, with “B” items falling in the middle. Based on this system, you’ll know which items to prioritize purchasing and restocking.

Ideally, you want your store to implement the perpetual inventory tracking technique on top of the aforementioned methods. This requires inventory management software (more on this later) that provides real-time information on your inventory levels, so you always have accurate data to back up your decision to order new products.

3. Analyze inventory trends.

As some of the techniques in the previous section alluded to, another crucial aspect of inventory management is analyzing trends in your products and sales. Track key metrics such as days sales in inventory (DSI), gross margin, and inventory turnover to obtain an informed perspective of your inventory.

In particular, you want to determine your:

  • Most popular items. Stay informed about your popular items to ensure your store always stays stocked to meet demand. You may also conduct surveys and research into why these items are so attractive to help you offer similar items that will also sell well.
  • Least popular items. Similarly, knowing which items don’t sell well will help you keep your inventory moving. You can stock a smaller number of these items or even choose to discontinue them if your audience shows especially low interest.
  • High sales periods. This could refer to a time of day, day of the week, or a specific period in the month or year where sales are the highest. Knowing these periods allows you to strategically time your marketing efforts, ensuring that you offer discounts and promotions when customers are likely to buy.

After your nonprofit becomes more comfortable with analyzing this information, you may consider tracking other inventory trends for further insights. For example, you can calculate your inventory turnover ratio, track overstock incidents, assess supplier performance, and consider inventory aging and obsolescence.

4. Purchase inventory management software.

Usually, inventory management comes packaged as one of many features within larger point of sale (POS) systems. According to ThriftCart, POS systems usually have these core inventory management capabilities:

  • Real-time inventory tracking. With barcode scanning and an inventory database, nonprofits that use POS systems can track their stock levels in real time so that they always know when they’re running low on merchandise.
  • Inventory syncing for physical and online stores. A common challenge for organizations that run both brick-and-mortar and online stores is ensuring that they don’t accidentally sell products they don’t have. A robust POS system will include inventory syncing features, ensuring that you only sell items you have in stock.
  • Discounting and promotions. If you need to move products that haven’t sold, discounting and promotions are the way to do it. With this feature, you can easily mark down items that you want to sell while providing customers with an excellent buying experience.
  • Receipts. While not directly related to inventory management, receipts are important for your customers’ records. Plus, if a customer makes a donation on top of their purchase at your nonprofit’s store, eCardWidget recommends sending them a tax-compliant donation receipt within 48 hours. A POS system not only makes receipting possible but also extremely convenient.

Once you purchase software, be sure to train your staff on how to use it. Schedule an onboarding session with the software provider, asking questions about areas you need clarification. Then, put together a guidebook to ensure everyone knows how to operate the system and use it for accurate inventory management. You can also use it as a helpful resource for future team members during their onboarding.

Nonprofit fundraising takes many forms, and stores are a great way for nonprofits to generate a sustainable stream of income. With proper inventory management, you’ll ensure your store runs smoothly, raising an increased amount of funds to further your mission and aid your beneficiaries.

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The Role of a Nonprofit CRM in Personalized Fundraising

What would you say if someone were to ask you, “What goes into a successful fundraising campaign?”

Drawing on your experience as a nonprofit leader, you might talk about having clear goals, coming up with unique campaign ideas, or using storytelling best practices in your marketing materials.

While it’s true that all of these strategies are important, the groundwork for fundraising success is laid long before you ever start designing a campaign. True fundraising success stems from knowing and understanding your donors, which allows you to personalize the fundraising experience.

That’s where a robust constituent relationship management (CRM) system comes into play. In this mini guide, we’ll dig deeper into the role your CRM can play in personalized fundraising. Let’s begin.

Understanding Nonprofit CRMs

Also known as a donor database, a CRM is a software tool that helps your organization manage its relationships and interactions with its supporters, including donors, volunteers, members, and others.

Though every system has different features, typically a CRM allows you to:

  • Store and manage donor data like giving history, personal details, and contact information
  • Process donations
  • Track grants and grant applications
  • Automate and manage communications with supporters
  • Generate reports that allow you to visualize your organization’s performance
  • Manage and coordinate volunteer activities

Many CRMs can also integrate with other software tools, like your social media profiles, email marketing software, product fundraising platforms, and financial tools, allowing you to manage several aspects of your operations simultaneously.

There are several popular CRM platforms, but Blackbaud and Salesforce are particularly popular providers. Here’s a little bit about each:

  • Salesforce primarily offers CRM tools to for-profit organizations but also provides robust tools to the mission-driven space. Its primary solutions are:
    • Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), a series of packages that can be installed on the main Salesforce platform to make the tool useful for nonprofits
    • Nonprofit Cloud, Salesforce’s newest cloud-based solution for nonprofits that allows users to connect with other Salesforce Industry Clouds

Both tools are highly customizable solutions for mid-sized, large, and enterprise-sized organizations, but they take a little more know-how to get up and running with them.

Whether you choose to go with RE NXT or Nonprofit Cloud, or even turn to another software provider, depends on your needs. Take into consideration the features your organization wants and your budget as you start the shopping process.

Now that you know the basics of nonprofit CRMs, let’s explore two ways your CRM can help you create a more personal experience for the supporters you’re targeting with your fundraising campaign.

1. Managing Donor Data

Your CRM allows you to capture, store, and manage your donor data in dedicated donor profiles. Your team can then review the data and note specific trends and patterns, which can inform your fundraisers.

For instance, you might notice that your mid-level donors often increase their contributions after attending a fundraising event. You could then plan more events into your fundraising strategy and tailor them to your mid-level donors’ interests and preferences.

To ensure the data in your CRM is primed to provide useful insights like these, practice good nonprofit data hygiene. Here are a few tips for doing so:

  • Remove unnecessary information, like contact information for deceased individuals, incarcerated individuals (who cannot respond to marketing materials), minors, and individuals on do-not-call or do-not-mail lists.
  • Get rid of duplicate entries in your database.
  • Standardize how data is input into your CRM, like the formatting that addresses and dates should follow.
  • Verify phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Invest in data append services to supplement your own data-gathering efforts.

Prioritizing data hygiene is key to getting the most out of your data and the many fundraising features your CRM has to offer. As you set your standards for how data is collected, formatted, and updated, ensure you train your team so that everyone is on the same page and can help you maintain high-quality data.

2. Tailoring Donor Outreach

After you’ve studied your data to get a better understanding of your donors and their needs, preferences, and interests, you can put that information into action for your fundraising outreach efforts.

One of the best ways to do this is to practice thorough segmentation. Segmentation is the process of sorting your donors into groups based on their shared characteristics. Here are some common characteristics you can sort your donors by:

  • Age Group
  • Geographic Location
  • Giving Level
  • Donation Frequency
  • Engagement Level

Say you decide to sort your donors by geographic location. You would then use different outreach strategies for the different groups you create.

For example, you could invite donors who live in the city or state where your organization is headquartered to attend an in-person event or adjust your fundraising marketing materials to talk about how their donations will affect beneficiaries in their local area.

For donors who live out of state or even in other countries, you could promote virtual engagement opportunities and communicate the broader, long-lasting impact of their support for your global initiatives.

This way, you ensure your outreach resonates appropriately with the different groups and their needs instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all approach.

Personalize your outreach efforts further by using details from your CRM to make each message feel more catered to the individual. Even simply using a donor’s first name in a donation appeal instead of the generic “Dear Donor” can go a long way to grab their attention and enhance their opinion of your organization and its campaigns.

Having a robust CRM on your side can benefit several aspects of your nonprofit’s operations, but it can be especially useful for personalizing your fundraising efforts. Use the CRM shopping guidance and the personalization tips above to take your next campaign to new heights.

Should you need to upgrade your CRM or expand its functionality through custom integrations, don’t hesitate to reach out to a nonprofit technology consultant. These experts can help you implement the right solution for your organization’s needs.