As a former executive director, I only heard about our CRM (Constituent Relationship Management system) when something was wrong. When things were going well? Not a peep.
Let me guess, that sounds all too familiar to you too.
Whether you have a CRM you love, one you’ve outgrown, one you inherited and never quite understood, or no CRM at all – this conversation will help you think more clearly about how to find the right match for where your organization is now and where it is headed.
Afterall, your CRM is one of the most important tools your nonprofit will ever use. It’s where you track your donors and every other meaningful interaction that occurs with your organization.
It’s your shared source of truth. Your institutional memory.
And yet so many organizations are either using the wrong one, barely using the one they have, or avoiding the whole conversation altogether because it feels overwhelming.
That’s exactly why I was so excited to hear Glennda Testone’s conversation with Julia Gachenbach of DonorPerfect. Together they walked through the full matchmaking process – from making your initial list of needs and wants, to navigating the painful moments of data transfer, to knowing what questions to ask before you commit.
TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- The difference between a database and a CRM: Why simply storing data isn’t enough and what a truly useful system should be helping your nonprofit do every single day.
- The pitfalls that trip nonprofits up during the shopping process: From overanalyzing the details to being seduced by features you will never use, what to watch out for when you’re evaluating options.
- What to ask before you commit: The questions that reveal whether a CRM can grow with you and how to know if you’re about to outgrow a system before you even start using it.
KEY QUOTES:
- “I’d say those three things are the biggest part of CRMs. Relationships, longevity, and the [shared] source of truth.” – Julia Gackenbach
- “I would argue this is one of the most important tools that you will use as a nonprofit organization. And choosing the right one is really critical.” – Glennda Testone
ABOUT GUEST:
Julia Gackenbach has spent over a decade working locally and globally with nonprofits. This has sharpened her skills to raise funds, care for donors and communicate impact. Her experience tied in with her desire to create community through a mission gives her unique passion to work with all types of organizations. Julia now uses that enthusiasm and expertise to lead communication strategies from DonorPerfect to industry practitioners.
RESOURCES:
- Julia Gackenbach LinkedIn
- Glennda Testone LinkedIn
- Nonprofit Leadership Lab
- Joan Garry’s Guide to Nonprofit Leadership – 2nd Edition by Joan Garry
- FREE WORKSHOP: Let’s Build the Nonprofit Board of Your Dreams!
- FREE WORKSHOP: The 5 Practices of Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders
- Music by Jukebox the Ghost
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sponsorship
Sponsored By DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect provides nonprofits with powerful fundraising tools to drive success. Built on a foundation of integrity and innovation, the company prioritizes its clients over investors, cultivating a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to making a difference.
Check out their resource(s) below.
- The Donor Journey Guide
Get the free how-to guide on donor journeys from the fundraising experts at DonorPerfect. Start mapping the path to lifelong donor engagement with confidence.
- The Clean Data Checklist for Nonprofits
Messy data slowing you down? DonorPerfect is here to help! Grab our free Clean Data Checklist to keep your CRM organized and your team working smoothly together.
Sponsored By DRG Talent Consulting Experts
DRG Talent Consulting Experts partners with nonprofits to help them build thriving teams and cultures. With a focus on integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning, DRG supports organizations in finding and developing the right leaders. Their work is grounded in compassion, accountability, and a commitment to helping clients make the world a better place. Check out their resource(s) below.
- Navigating Founder Transitions
Founder-led organizations often face a unique and delicate moment when it’s time for leadership to evolve. This one-page guide breaks down the key pieces every board and leadership team needs to think through — from honoring the departing founder and separating their identity from the organization to creating a clear succession plan and setting up the next leader for success. If you want transitions that strengthen mission and culture (not shake them), this is a must-read.