Salesforce for Nonprofits Implementation: What to Expect
Salesforce is a robust CRM tool for nonprofit data management, empowering organizations to manage data in one place, create workflows, automate key processes, and build long-term strategies for success.
However, before you can begin using Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), you need to transition to and implement Salesforce Sales Cloud CRM. Implementing Salesforce for your nonprofit is fairly complex.
In this guide, we’re going to cover key considerations and a high-level overview of what your organization should expect from the implementation process.
Budget
Salesforce provides 10 free licenses to get started with. However, mid-sized to large NGOs will need to purchase additional licenses, so you can’t expect it to remain free.
The NPSP is free. But, this is not a full solution for nonprofits since it’s missing a built-out marketing and fundraising tool. Therefore, you’ll need to integrate NPSP with additional apps and integrations to expand its functionality.
The cost of implementation extends beyond the initial purchase. A Salesforce consultant or technology expert can help you build out the solution and data migration process.
Data migration
Effective data management strategies, like data hygiene procedures, are necessary for the effective migration of your data from the previous CRM to Salesforce.
Before the migration, you’ll need to clean your data and outline the hygiene process so it stays uncorrupted going forward. The data migration process typically follows seven steps which involves careful planning and monitoring to ensure your data isn’t compromised:
Planning: Outlining the migration’s parameters, assigning responsibilities, checking the quality of data, etc.
Initiation: Synching with key stakeholders and finalizing plans.
Analysis: Reviewing the data that will be migrated closely and refining plans.
Design: Building a comprehensive plan for the migration, including how pre- and post- migration quality will be measured.
Building and testing: Translating the solution into a code that will be tested in a copy or mirror system.
Execution: Running the migration and monitoring the process.
Review: Checking the quality of migrated data and shutting down the old system.
Configuration
You may want to invest in additional fundraising and marketing tools, both of which are essential for nonprofits to connect with donors and supporters.
You can start by investing in Salesforce native apps built on Sales Cloud. However, since there are so many apps that can be integrated with Salesforce, your organization can choose to connect your existing solutions to the CRM.
Either way, a Salesforce technology consultant will configure your Salesforce securely. They can suggest new apps that will help you meet your engagement goals and develop implementation between your existing software and NPSP.
This ensures your CRM acts as a comprehensive ecosystem, rather than managing a handful of tools and software.
Support & Training
If your team is implementing this comprehensive solution for the first time and doesn’t have a strong foundation for navigating NPSP, you may encounter challenges such as:
Knowledge can be siloed to one individual only
Users can introduce errors to the system unintentionally, creating a corrupt database.
You may not reap the benefits of your CRM.
We recommend bringing a Salesforce technology expert to conduct training on navigating the system and get new team additions up-to-speed. This is the last step essential for adoption by your team to ensure success.
Following these practices can help you clean up your data and prepare your tech stack switch as easily as possible. Remember, the implementation process will require time from any member who interacts with your data.
