Connected Islands: A Story of Nonprofit Opportunity

With people in the field, and remote work causing staff to be more spread out, it’s imperative nonprofits have connected systems.

Over the years, nonprofits collect different technologies for different departments. As part of the everyday busy-ness of nonprofits, staff and volunteers are responsible for collecting data. It’s as if each department is gathering data on their own island.

Volunteer information is generated and collected on the Volunteer Island while donor information is coming through to the Development Island (and there can be others). The result is multiple touchpoints for constituents and staff/volunteers taking on the responsibility of manually transferring information from one island to another.

A Story of Multiple Systems Spread across Two Islands
Volunteer Island Director, Valerie, just completed the onboarding process with Janet, a new recruit. All of her profile information is sitting in the volunteer recruitment database.

Janet wants to be a committed volunteer and is passionate about the mission of this particular nonprofit. Development Island is planning a gala. Janet is excited to sign up as a volunteer and makes a $1000 donation ahead of time.

Donor Communication Missed Cue
As the gala approaches, Janet’s kids go back to school and she’s had some extra large projects at work that prevent her from volunteering to help with gala preparation projects. So, she signed up for a monthly recurring donation of $200.

Valerie is wondering what happened to her new volunteer. She’s emailed and called to no avail, leaving her feeling disappointed and frustrated that she has lost this volunteer right before the big event. She’s crossing her fingers that this stellar volunteer will show up on the day of the gala for her shift but arranges a backup, just in case. Meanwhile, Valerie has no idea Janet has converted to being a solid donor for the organization.

Data Story Plot Hole
It’s Gala Day! Valerie arrives early and sets up the volunteer posts. Janet comes rolling in at the last minute ready and excited to finally fulfill this one volunteer commitment she was able to follow through on. Valerie has a hard time hiding her surprise and is annoyed at Janet’s tardiness, but she welcomes Janet and walks her through the responsibilities. Janet senses something is up but chalks it up to stress as it is a very large volunteer event.

At the end of the night, Valerie is discussing the donations with Don, Director of Development Island. She mentioned Janet’s stellar volunteer skills and her disappointment that she hasn’t been able to participate more. Don shares that Janet has recently become a recurring donor. Valerie has that gut sinking feeling, hoping her disappointment didn’t come across and dissuade Janet from donating more.
Long wood bridge over water, goin to an island.

Wouldn’t it be great to have connected systems that can think for you?
Technology systems do not have to be on different islands. One system can be easily accessible across the organization. If proper assessment is done, the components would meet the needs of staff in their specific work. This leads to Island Directors having access to the full picture of a relationship with donors, volunteers and other stakeholders.

The result
Imagine the difference it would have made if Valerie could have immediately known that Janet converted to a monthly donor? What if Don had noticed Janet was volunteering but dropped off after making a donation? Both of them could have nurtured Janet into her role as donor better, garnering more donations instead of the awkward situation described above.

It doesn’t have to break the bank.
Regardless of how large or small your nonprofit is, there is a system that can combine processes. We can help you assess which one. Contact us for more information.