Choosing the Right Software for Your Non-Profit Organisation - The Necessary Guide

First things first - Managing all the donors efficiently can be quite a headache for charities of all sizes.

Reason - Charities usually think that their customers are their beneficiaries, which is also true to some extent. The truth lies in the fact that for the purpose of fundraising, the customer is the person on the other end of the phone/letter and without them, no charity could survive.

Choosing a system or software that's right for your charity isn't as simple as you think it is. Software for charities and churches cannot be a 'one size fits all' approach. Though the fundamentals maybe the same (e.g. event management, attendance management, fund management, etc.) but large and small organizations will have different considerations.

Mentioned below are some of the different things that you should consider depending on the size of the charity as well as the needs that you expect the software to fulfill.

For Large Charities and Churches

Software Implementation May Not Cheap for Large Charities - Large charities and non-profit organizations must understand that no matter what they're required to pay a certain sum of money for the implementation of an appropriate software for the management work. You may not be required to pay a large amount, but it will definitely not be cheap. Remember you're paying for the services that you avail.

Consider Software That Is Multi-Functional - There will be a number of things that you'll need to be managed, but this shouldn't mean that you purchase a number of software. Consider the idea of choosing the one that can perform a number of necessary functions - this will not only save your money but also your time choosing the one that's perfect for you.

Choose A Reputed Store - If you're buying charity management software for the first time, chances are that you'll have to do a lot of research before you can finally pick on the one that's perfect for your needs. However, sometimes it happens that despite research you tend to go wrong when buying the software. Choose a reputed store online or offline and once you're convinced with their software and services, go ahead and make the purchase.

For Small Charities and Churches

Bespoke Software? Really Not! Too many small charities think they do or are told they do. First, look at all the great 'off the shelf' fundraising/membership packages available and even the CRM systems - they almost certainly can do all (or most) of what you need. Since you're now functioning on a slightly lower level and going a way up might take some time, it is okay even if you drop the idea of choosing bespoke software.

Free Software Doesn't Mean Zero Cost - Getting a free software initially doesn't mean zero cost. You will be expected to spend where necessary, especially if your free software doesn't provide you the features of effective fund management.

Choose The Perfect Store - Choosing an absolute software for event management, charity management and even attendance management is important for small charities just as much it is for the big ones. Take reviews of various stores online and offline and only when you're satisfied should to initiate the purchase.

These three points each small and large charities act as a necessary guide for choosing the right charity and church management software. You can follow these simple steps and pick the best software for your non-profit organization.


 By Stephen Hendy

Article Source: Choosing the Right Software for Your Non-Profit Organisation - The Necessary Guide