5 Nonprofit Software Trends and How to Put Them to Work
The technology marketplace is continually changing, and it can seem hard to keep up. But knowing about technology trends can make it easier to set the right technology strategy and select the right software for your nonprofit.
So, let’s look at nonprofit software trends and how you can use them as you develop your organization’s technology plan for today and the future.
Five Nonprofit Software Trends and How to Put Them to Work
- Using artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is all over the news. But beyond the hype, it can be helpful to look at how nonprofits are using AI to help reach their goals.
For example, some nonprofits are using AI to improve their fundraising by gaining deeper insights into donors. AI-driven prospect identification tools can help you determine which individuals in your database are potential major or planned donors. You can also use these tools to do things like identify smaller donors who are likely to renew or upgrade their giving and forecast donor contributions.
What you can do: As you consider how your nonprofit might use AI, keep in mind that many software solutions are rolling out new and improved AI capabilities. A good way to get started is to look into what AI tools and functionality your current software offers, and think about experimenting with them before investing in a separate AI tool.
Start with one challenge or goal to apply an AI tool toward. Then, learn from what worked and what didn’t to make your next AI project better.
- Emphasizing cybersecurity
This isn’t exactly a new trend, but it’s growing in importance. As the risk of cyberattacks grows and changes, your software must support best practices for data security. Protecting your nonprofit’s data helps you comply with data security laws and regulations as well as maintain a high level of donor and constituent trust in your organization.
What you can do: Many software vendors are putting cybersecurity at the top of their priority list. So, as you assess your tech mix and consider buying new software, make sure that your solutions include security tools, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption. Also, set aside time for ongoing staff training on data security best practices to help ensure you’re doing what you can to protect your data and systems.
- Using process automation to streamline administrative tasks
There are increasingly sophisticated tools available for everything from sending an automated email series based on audience demographics and behaviors to automating reports. Nonprofits are seeing the value of automating these types of repetitive tasks to free up staff time for higher touch activities.
What you can do: Review the process automation capabilities of your current software. Many software solutions have built-in process workflow capabilities, and you might find that you have some powerful capabilities that you aren’t using. Also, when you’re ready to build more complex fundraising and marketing campaigns, consider investing in a marketing automation solution.
- Using analytics tools for data-driven decision making
While there are tools on the market that focus on data analytics, many software solutions are now including more sophisticated dashboards and reports that provide useful insights into donor and constituent demographics and trends, marketing and fundraising trends, key performance indicators (KPIs), and overall organizational health.
What you can do: Make sure you’re using the dashboards and reports that are available in your current software. If you haven’t learned how to use your dashboards and reports or if you need a refresher, take advantage of the training available from your software vendor or ask one of your vendor’s service providers to provide you with training. Also, see if your software includes data visualization and analytics tools, and be sure to understand how to use them. Once you know what reporting and analytics tools you own, consider if you need to supplement your current technology stack with a data analytics tool.
When you have the right tools in place and know how to use them, start to identify key metrics that your organization should be tracking for each of your departmental and organizational goals. Then, set up regular meetings with stakeholders in your organization to review reports and discuss how to put data insights to work.
- Software mergers, acquisitions, and evolutions
The nonprofit technology marketplace is changing rapidly – with mergers/acquisitions and new platform options available. In the last few years alone, Bonterra has acquired DonorDrive, EveryAction, and Network for Good. Bloomerang acquired Kindful and Qgiv, among others. In addition, we’ve seen new solutions for nonprofits from Microsoft and the rollout of the new Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud. The list goes on.
What you can do: When you’re considering software options for your nonprofit, make sure to understand what’s available in today’s nonprofit technology marketplace. Also, consider working with a nonprofit technology consultant to help you define your organization’s goals, identify software options that might be a good fit for your organization, and find the right software for your nonprofit’s needs.
Learn how to find and implement the right software for your organization. Read The Ultimate Checklist for Selecting Software for Your Nonprofit.
As you consider your nonprofit’s technology strategy, take time to consider these software trends. Make sure you’re using the right mix of software for your needs, getting the most out of the software you already have, and experimenting with new technologies.
If you’d like help with your nonprofit’s technology strategy, contact Cathexis Partners. We’re ready to help.
