Technology

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Maximising Your Charity’s CRM in the First 90 Days Post-Go-Live

CRM
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a big step for any charity. A good CRM can streamline donor management, enhance fundraising efforts, and improve overall efficiency. However, the key to success lies in how you use it during the critical first 90 days after Go-live.

Here are practical steps to ensure your charity maximises the potential of its CRM during this foundational period.

1. Prioritise Staff Training

A CRM is only as effective as the people using it. Invest time in equipping your team with the knowledge they need to succeed.

  • Initial Training Sessions: Schedule hands-on training for all relevant staff members, tailored to their specific roles.
  • Documentation: Provide user guides or cheat sheets for quick reference.
  • Ongoing Support: Designate a CRM champion or admin to assist team members with questions.

2. Set Clear Goals

Define specific objectives for your CRM in the first 90 days. These could include:

  • Improving donor data accuracy.
  • Streamlining communications with donors.
  • Automating reporting for key metrics like donation frequency or event participation.

Having clear goals ensures your team stays focused on what matters most.

3. Clean and Organise Data

The quality of your CRM’s data will determine its effectiveness. Use the initial weeks to:

  • Verify Donor Information: Ensure contact details, giving histories, and preferences are accurate.
  • Eliminate Duplicates: Merge or delete duplicate records to avoid confusion.
  • Segment Donor Lists: Create categories based on donation frequency, amount, or engagement type.

This foundation will allow you to make the most of your CRM’s capabilities post Go-live.

4. Leverage Automation Features

One of the biggest benefits of a CRM is automation. In the first 90 days, set up:

  • Automated Thank-You Messages: Ensure donors receive immediate acknowledgment for their contributions.
  • Recurring Task Reminders: Schedule follow-ups with donors, event planning milestones, and team tasks.
  • Email Campaigns: Create drip campaigns to engage lapsed donors or onboard new supporters.

Automation saves time and ensures consistency in donor communication.

5. Track and Measure Engagement

Use your CRM’s analytics tools to monitor donor interactions and campaign performance:

  • Engagement Metrics: Track email open rates, donation responses, and event attendance.
  • Fundraising Trends: Identify which appeals resonate most with donors.
  • User Adoption: Monitor how frequently your team is using the CRM and address any gaps.

Regular reporting keeps you informed and helps refine strategies as needed.

6. Personalise Donor Interactions

Your CRM gives you the tools to move beyond generic communication:

  • Tailored Messages: Use donor data to craft personalised emails or letters.
  • Segmentation: Target campaigns based on donor preferences, giving history, or demographics.
  • Event Invitations: Send invites to donors based on their past event participation or interest areas.

Personalised outreach fosters stronger relationships and increases donor loyalty.

7. Foster Team Collaboration

A CRM can break down silos between departments by serving as a central hub for information. Encourage collaboration by:

  • Sharing Notes: Have team members add interaction details (e.g., phone calls, meetings) to donor records.
  • Task Assignments: Use the CRM to delegate follow-up tasks and track progress.
  • Cross-Departmental Insights: Share donor trends or campaign results with fundraising, marketing, and program teams.

Collaboration ensures that everyone works toward shared goals post Go-live.

8. Regularly Review and Optimise

The first 90 days are a learning period. Schedule regular reviews to:

  • Address Challenges: Identify and resolve any pain points or technical issues.
  • Refine Processes: Adjust workflows to improve efficiency.
  • Update Goals: Align CRM usage with evolving organisational priorities.

9. Engage with CRM Support and Resources

Take advantage of support offered by your CRM provider:

  • Customer Support: Reach out for troubleshooting or best practices.
  • Community Forums: Join online communities to learn from other nonprofits using the same system.
  • Webinars and Tutorials: Participate in training sessions to uncover advanced features.

10. Celebrate Early Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate the successes achieved during the first 90 days, such as:

  • Increased donor retention rates.
  • Time saved through automation.
  • Positive feedback from staff or donors.

Celebrating these milestones boosts morale and reinforces the value of the CRM.

Conclusion

The first 90 days post Go-live are critical for establishing how your charity will use its CRM to enhance donor relationships and operational efficiency. By focusing on training, data quality, goal setting, and continuous optimisation, your nonprofit can unlock the full potential of this powerful tool.

Start strong, stay proactive, and let your CRM become the foundation of meaningful donor engagement and long-term growth.

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Is Salesforce Going to Sunset the Nonprofit Success Pack?

CRM

Salesforce is a powerful customer relationship management (CRM) platform used by non-profit organisations, schools and universities of all sizes to manage their relationships with donors, alumni and other stakeholders. Nonprofit organisations, in particular, have benefited from a specialised tool called the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) to better manage their donor relationships, fundraising efforts, and program tracking. However, there have been concerns in the nonprofit community about the future of NPSP. Is Salesforce going to sunset the Nonprofit Success Pack, and what does it mean for nonprofit organisations? In this blog post, we will explore the current status and potential outcomes for NPSP.

Understanding the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP)

The Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) is a set of Salesforce tools and best practices specifically designed to address the unique needs of nonprofit organisations. It provides a customised CRM solution for nonprofits, helping them manage their donors, volunteers, programs, and fundraising campaigns. NPSP offers pre-built data models, reports, and dashboards, making it easier for nonprofits to track and report on their activities. For many nonprofit organisations, NPSP has been a valuable tool to streamline their operations and improve their impact.

Rumors of NPSP’s Sunset

In recent years, there have been rumors and concerns circulating within the nonprofit community about the potential sunset of NPSP. These concerns stem from a few key factors:

  1. Salesforce’s Focus on Industry Clouds: Salesforce has been increasingly focusing on industry-specific solutions through its Industry Clouds. These clouds offer customised solutions for various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and nonprofit. Some speculate that Salesforce might shift its nonprofit offerings to its Nonprofit Cloud, potentially phasing out NPSP.
  2. Evolving Technology: Technology is constantly evolving, and Salesforce is no exception. As Salesforce continues to innovate and enhance its platform, some nonprofit organisations worry that NPSP may not receive the same level of updates and support.
  3. Community Uncertainty: The nonprofit community relies on NPSP for its daily operations. Any uncertainty or changes in its future can cause concerns and disruptions in the nonprofit sector.

Salesforce’s Stance on NPSP

As of my knowledge based on interactions with the Asia Pacific Salesforce team, Salesforce does not officially have any plans to sunset NPSP. The company remains committed to serving the nonprofit sector and providing tools that cater to their unique needs. Salesforce continues to work on enhancing its nonprofit offerings, including Nonprofit Cloud, while keeping NPSP accessible and functional for nonprofit organisations.

Remember, there are over 40,000 active NPSP users worldwide. Salesforce have only just begun to explore the migration tooling for NPC. They are not encouraging NPSP users to migrate and suggest they consider future migration in line with their normal innovation cycle.

The Future of NPSP

It is essential for nonprofit organisations using NPSP to stay informed about any updates or changes from Salesforce. As of the last update, NPSP remains a valuable tool for many nonprofits. However, it’s also advisable for nonprofit organisations to consider the broader Salesforce ecosystem and explore other offerings, such as Nonprofit Cloud, that may complement their needs.

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What charities should do when their software is rumoured to be phased out

Starting line

In today’s digital age, software and technology play a pivotal role in the operations of many charitable organisations. From managing donor databases to running fundraising campaigns, software solutions, such as CRMs, have become essential tools for streamlining processes and achieving mission objectives. However, what happens when a charity’s trusted software is rumoured to be phased out? The uncertainty can be unnerving, but it’s also an opportunity for charities to adapt, innovate, and ensure their mission isn’t compromised. In this blog post, we’ll explore what charities should do when faced with this situation.

  1. Verify the Rumours

The first step when you hear rumours about your software being phased out is to verify the information. It’s crucial not to jump to conclusions based on hearsay. Contact the software provider directly or monitor their official announcements and updates. Ensure that the source of the information is reliable before making any decisions or taking action.

  1. Assess the Impact

If the rumours turn out to be true, it’s time to assess the potential impact on your organisation. Consider the following:

a. Dependency: How heavily does your charity rely on the software in question? What functions does it serve? Understanding the extent of your dependency will help you determine the urgency of your response.

b. Costs: Consider the financial implications of phasing out the software. Will you need to invest in new software, migrate data, or retrain your staff? Estimate the costs involved in the transition.

c. Compatibility: Check if your existing software integrates with other tools or databases. Will transitioning to a new software disrupt these integrations? This is crucial to maintain smooth operations.

  1. Explore Alternative Solutions

Once you have a clear picture of the situation, research alternative solutions. Look for software that can meet your organisation’s needs and align with your mission. Consider factors such as functionality, cost, user-friendliness, and scalability. Engage your staff and stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure their input and needs are considered.

  1. Create a Transition Plan

Develop a well-thought-out transition plan that outlines the steps, timelines, and responsibilities involved in phasing out the old software and adopting the new one. Your plan should include data migration, staff training, and a testing phase to ensure a seamless transition. Make sure the plan is flexible, as unforeseen challenges may arise during the process.

  1. Communicate with Stakeholders

Effective communication is key during times of change. Keep your donors, volunteers, and staff informed about the situation and the steps you’re taking to address it. Transparency will build trust and minimise disruptions in your charity’s operations.

  1. Test and Train

Before completely phasing out the old software, conduct thorough testing of the new system to identify and resolve any issues. Train your staff and volunteers to ensure they are proficient in using the new software. Provide resources and support to assist them in the transition.

  1. Monitor and Evaluate

After the transition is complete, continue to monitor the performance of the new software. Assess its effectiveness and ensure it meets your charity’s needs. Regularly evaluate its impact on your operations and make adjustments as necessary.

When a charity’s software is rumoured to be phased out, it can be a challenging time. However, it’s also an opportunity to adapt, grow, and embrace innovative solutions. By verifying the rumours, assessing the impact, exploring alternatives, and creating a thoughtful transition plan, charities can navigate this uncertainty successfully. Effective communication, testing, and ongoing evaluation will ensure a smooth transition to new software that supports the organisation’s mission and objectives. Remember, change is inevitable in the world of technology, and with the right approach, charities can thrive despite the challenges it may bring.

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Safeguarding: The Importance of Backing Up Your CRM

black server racks on a room

In the digital age, nonprofits and charities rely heavily on technology to streamline operations, manage relationships, and advance their noble causes. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become an indispensable tool for organisations, enabling them to maintain essential donor information, track engagements, and facilitate efficient communication. However, with increasing reliance on CRM systems, it is crucial to emphasise the significance of regular backups in safeguarding the invaluable data stored within them.

The importance of backing up your CRM

  1. Preserving Vital Donor Information: Your charity’s CRM likely contains a treasure trove of donor details, including contact information, transaction history, and communication preferences. Losing this data due to system failure, accidental deletion, or cyber threats can be catastrophic. By implementing regular backups, you can ensure the preservation of this invaluable information. This facilitates seamless donor engagement and effective fundraising efforts.
  2. Mitigating Data Loss Risks: CRM systems are not infallible, and various factors, such as hardware failures, software glitches, or human errors, can result in data loss. Investing time and resources in setting up a robust backup system allows you to mitigate these risks effectively. Regular backups create redundant copies of your CRM data. This provides a fail-safe mechanism that can be utilised to restore information in the event of a system failure or a data breach.
  3. Safeguarding Against Cyber Threats: The nonprofit sector, like any other industry, is not immune to cyber threats. If anything, it may be more prone than others to the actions of the bad guys. Malicious actors may attempt to breach your CRM system to steal donor information or disrupt your operations. Ransomware attacks, in particular, can encrypt your data and hold it hostage until a ransom is paid. By having secure and up-to-date backups, you can minimise the impact of such attacks. You can also ensure your charity can quickly recover from a potential data breach.
  4. Ensuring Business Continuity: Imagine the chaos and disruption that would ensue if your CRM system crashed and you lost access to critical donor information. Timely and comprehensive backups serve as a safety net, enabling your charity to continue its operations with minimal downtime. Whether it’s managing fundraising campaigns, engaging with stakeholders, or tracking program outcomes, having access to up-to-date data ensures that your charity can maintain its continuity and fulfil its mission.
  5. Compliance and Legal Requirements: Many countries and regions have introduced data protection and privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. Noncompliance with these regulations can result in severe penalties and reputational damage. Backing up your CRM data can help ensure compliance by providing the ability to recover and delete donor information as required by law.

Best Practices for CRM Backup

Regular Schedule: Set up an automated backup schedule that captures data at regular intervals, ensuring that any changes or additions are promptly saved.

Off-site Storage: Store your backups in a secure, off-site location or in the cloud to protect against physical damage or local system failures.

Test and Verify: Periodically test your backup system. This will ensure the integrity of your backups and verify that the restoration process works smoothly.

Security Measures: Implement robust security measures, including encryption and access controls, to protect your backups from unauthorised access.

Documentation and Training: Maintain detailed documentation of your backup procedures and train relevant staff members to ensure consistent implementation.

Backing up your charity’s CRM system is not a mere formality but a critical step in safeguarding your organisation’s valuable donor information, ensuring business continuity, and complying with data protection regulations.

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CRM project risks and mitigation strategies

man standing on rock against clear blue sky

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a software solution that helps companies manage their interactions with customers and potential customers. While a CRM project can provide many benefits, it also carries risks. In this blog post, we will discuss the top risks of a CRM project and provide some mitigations to help you minimise them.

CRM project risks and mitigation strategies

  1. Lack of executive support: One of the most significant risks to a CRM project is a lack of executive support. Without senior management buy-in, it can be challenging to secure the resources and funding necessary to implement and maintain a CRM system.

Mitigation: To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to secure executive support early on in the process. Involve senior management in the project planning stage and communicate the potential benefits of the CRM system.

  1. Poor data quality: A CRM system is only as good as the data it contains. Poor data quality can lead to inaccurate reporting and decision-making, which can impact the success of the project.

Mitigation: Invest in data quality initiatives, including data cleaning, deduplication, and validation. Establish data quality metrics to monitor the accuracy and completeness of data and develop processes to maintain data quality over time.

  1. Resistance to change: Change can be difficult, and resistance to change is a common risk in any project, including a CRM implementation. Employees may resist the new system, fearing that it will disrupt their work or make their jobs more difficult.

Mitigation: Involve employees in the project planning and implementation process, communicate the benefits of the CRM system, and provide training to help them adapt to the changes.

  1. Inadequate training: Inadequate training can lead to user errors, reduced adoption rates, and ultimately, project failure. Without proper training, employees may not understand how to use the system or use it incorrectly, leading to data inaccuracies and inefficiencies.

Mitigation: Develop a comprehensive training plan that covers all aspects of the CRM system and provides ongoing training and support to ensure users are comfortable with the system.

  1. Scope creep: Scope creep occurs when project requirements expand beyond the original scope, leading to delays, increased costs, and project failure.

Mitigation: Develop a clear scope of work and change management process to manage scope creep. Identify potential changes early and evaluate their impact on the project before implementing them.

  1. Integration challenges: Integrating the CRM system with other systems can be challenging, especially if the systems use different data formats or are located in different locations.

Mitigation: Plan for integration early in the project and involve all relevant stakeholders in the process. Use industry-standard integration protocols and tools, and consider working with a vendor with experience in CRM integrations.

  1. Lack of user adoption: Without user adoption, the CRM system will not deliver the intended benefits. If employees do not use the system, it will be difficult to achieve the desired return on investment.

Mitigation: Involve employees in the project planning process, communicate the benefits of the CRM system, provide adequate training, and ensure the system is easy to use and meets user needs.

  1. Vendor risk: Choosing the wrong vendor can lead to project failure, data security breaches, and other risks.

Mitigation: Conduct a thorough vendor evaluation process, including vendor references, security certifications, and financial stability assessments. Consider working with a vendor with experience in your industry and CRM project requirements.

  1. Poor project management: Poor project management can lead to delays, cost overruns, and project failure.

Mitigation: Assign a project manager with experience in CRM implementations, develop a detailed project plan, and establish a project management framework that includes clear roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.

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Fixed-price projects – risks and mitigation strategies

woman dropped fail failure

This week, we have focused on the differences between time and materials (T&M) and fixed-price engagements. Fixed-price engagements are a common practice in the world of project management. Under a fixed-price agreement, the contractor agrees to deliver a project for a set price, while the client agrees to pay that price regardless of any fluctuations in the project’s scope, timeline or complexity. While fixed-price engagements can be advantageous for both parties, they also have their share of pitfalls.

Pitfalls of fixed-price engagements/mitigation strategies

The most significant pitfalls of fixed-price engagements and offer suggestions for how to mitigate them are:

  1. Lack of Flexibility: Fixed-price engagements are inherently inflexible. Once the project scope and price are agreed upon, any changes to the project’s scope or timeline can result in additional costs or delays. This lack of flexibility can make it difficult to adjust to changing business needs or unexpected challenges.

Mitigation: The best way to mitigate this risk is to ensure that the project scope is well-defined and includes all necessary details. It’s also essential to establish a clear process for managing changes and scope creep. This could include setting clear guidelines for requesting changes, outlining the impact of changes on project timelines and costs, and outlining how any changes will be managed.

  1. Unrealistic Expectations: Fixed-price engagements can create unrealistic expectations for both parties. The contractor may be tempted to promise more than they can deliver to win the project, while the client may expect more than what’s feasible within the agreed-upon price.

Mitigation: To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to ensure that the project scope is well-defined and realistic. This requires open communication and collaboration between the contractor and the client, and a clear understanding of the project’s goals, objectives, and deliverables.

  1. Lack of Quality Control: Fixed-price engagements can lead to a lack of quality control, particularly if the contractor is rushing to meet the deadline and stay within the agreed-upon price.

Mitigation: To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to establish clear quality standards and include them in the project scope. This could include setting clear guidelines for testing, reviews, and approvals.

  1. Financial Risk: Fixed-price engagements can also pose a financial risk for both parties. For the contractor, there is a risk of underestimating the project’s costs and ending up losing money. For the client, there is a risk of overpaying for the project or not getting the expected value for the agreed-upon price.

Mitigation: To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to establish a clear payment schedule and include it in the project scope. This could include setting clear milestones for payment, outlining the payment terms, and outlining the penalties for non-payment.

  1. Misaligned Incentives: Fixed-price engagements can create misaligned incentives, particularly if the contractor is incentivized to deliver the project as quickly as possible to maximize their profits, even if this means cutting corners or sacrificing quality.

Mitigation: To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to establish clear incentives for both parties. This could include offering bonuses for meeting or exceeding project goals or including penalties for failing to meet quality standards.

In conclusion, fixed-price engagements can be advantageous for both parties, but they also have their share of pitfalls. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to establish a clear project scope, open communication and collaboration, and clear guidelines for managing changes, quality, payments, and incentives. By doing so, you can ensure a successful fixed-price engagement that delivers the expected value for both parties.

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Time and materials (T&M) projects – pitfalls to avoid

man person street shoes

In the previous blog post, I wrote about the differences between fixed-price and time and materials (T&M) projects.

Time and materials (T&M) projects are a popular method of project management in the software development industry. T&M projects are characterised by an hourly rate and materials cost, where the client pays for the time and resources required to complete the project. However, T&M projects are not without pitfalls.

Common pitfalls

Here are some of the most common pitfalls of T&M projects.

  1. Lack of predictability

One of the primary pitfalls of T&M projects is a lack of predictability. Since T&M projects are based on hourly rates and materials costs, it is challenging to estimate the total cost of the project accurately. This lack of predictability can make it difficult for clients to plan and budget for the project, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.

  1. No incentive to optimize

Another significant pitfall of T&M projects is that there is no incentive to optimize. Since the client pays for every hour worked, the development team may have no incentive to work efficiently or to find ways to reduce costs. This can lead to longer project timelines and higher costs for the client.

  1. Misaligned goals

T&M projects can also result in misaligned goals. Since the development team is paid for their time, their goal is to bill as many hours as possible. However, the client’s goal is to have the project completed within a specific timeframe and budget. This misalignment of goals can lead to conflict and may result in the client feeling dissatisfied with the project’s outcome.

  1. Lack of transparency

Another pitfall of T&M projects is a lack of transparency. Since the client is paying for every hour worked, they may feel that the development team is not transparent about their progress or the amount of time they are spending on the project. This lack of transparency can lead to mistrust between the client and the development team.

  1. No fixed scope

Finally, T&M projects have no fixed scope. Since the client is paying for every hour worked, the development team may continue to work on the project indefinitely, adding new features or making changes that the client may not have requested. This can lead to scope creep, resulting in a project that is more complex and costly than originally anticipated.

Conclusion

T&M projects are a popular project management method in the software development industry. However, they are not without pitfalls. Lack of predictability, no incentive to optimize, misaligned goals, lack of transparency, and no fixed scope are all potential pitfalls of T&M projects. To avoid these pitfalls, it is essential to establish clear expectations, set realistic budgets and timelines, and maintain open communication throughout the project’s lifecycle.

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Fixed-price or time and materials – which payment model is best?

person holding silver pen signing photographers signature

When it comes to engaging with service providers, non-profit organisations are often constrained by limited budgets and resources. As a result, it’s crucial to select a payment model that aligns with their goals and objectives.

Two common payment models are fixed price and time and materials (T&M). Fixed price is a model where the client pays a fixed amount for a specific project, regardless of the time it takes to complete it. T&M, on the other hand, is a payment model where the client pays for the actual time and materials used to complete the project.

So, which payment model is best for a non-profit organisation? Well, it depends on the nature and scope of the project.

Fixed-Price Engagement

A fixed-price engagement is ideal for projects that have a well-defined scope and budget. In this model, the service provider assumes the risk of the project going over budget or taking longer than expected. This is because the agreed-upon price is fixed, regardless of the time and resources spent on the project.

For non-profit organisations, a fixed-price engagement can be an excellent option for projects with a clear and concise scope. This model allows non-profits to manage their budgets effectively, with the assurance that the project will be delivered at the agreed-upon price.

However, fixed price engagements can be risky if the project scope is not well-defined. The service provider may end up spending more time and resources on the project than they anticipated, which can lead to a strain on the relationship between the non-profit organisation and the service provider.

Time and Materials (T&M) Engagement

T&M engagements are suitable for projects that have a high level of complexity and uncertainty. In this payment model, the service provider is paid for the actual time and materials used to complete the project. This model provides flexibility for both the service provider and the non-profit organization.

For non-profit organisations, T&M engagements can be an excellent option for projects that have changing requirements or require a more significant level of collaboration between the service provider and the non-profit organization. This model allows non-profits to adjust project requirements and scope as needed, without the constraints of a fixed budget.

However, T&M engagements can be risky for non-profit organisations if the service provider does not manage the project effectively. This model requires transparency and trust between the service provider and the non-profit organization.

Which Payment Model is Best for Non-Profit Organisations?

Both fixed price and time and materials engagements have their advantages and disadvantages. Non-profit organisations should select the model that aligns with their project goals, objectives, and budget.

For projects with a well-defined scope and budget, a fixed-price engagement is an excellent option. For projects that have a high level of complexity and uncertainty, a T&M engagement can provide the flexibility needed to complete the project successfully.

Ultimately, non-profit organisations should work with service providers that have experience working with non-profit organisations and understand their unique challenges and constraints. By doing so, non-profit organisations can maximize their investment and achieve their project goals.

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Cybersecurity – not just for our corporate counterparts

security logo

Cybersecurity is on the minds of Australians given the recent breaches of AHM, Medibank, and Optus data. In our sector, Blackbaud paid a ransom and faces lawsuits filed by multiple customers due to a data breach in May 2020.

According to a recent article published in UK Fundraising, 1 in 8 charities have been affected by cybercrime in the past 12 months.

How secure is your organisation? A UK Charity Commission survey suggested the most common types of attacks were phishing and impersonation, both of which can put personal data at risk.

The survey conducted by IFF Research in October 2022, showed 2,330 charities in England and Wales underreport incidents with only 34% of affected charities reporting breaches.

Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) White Paper

Every organisation has a duty to ensure cybersecurity. These and other actions can help ensure your organisation is as secure as possible. The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) published a white paper focused on cybersecurity, which suggests real potential issues for each of our organisations if we do not mitigate risk. Those issues include:

  • loss of crucial information
  • disruption to services
  • unauthorised changes to your charity’s information and systems
  • expensive costs to restore data and services
  • costs of notification and investigation (including legal costs)
  • costs arising from the attack itself (for example, extortion or ransomware)
  • regulatory action and penalties
  • loss of trust and reputation

According to the Identify Theft Resource Center, the information exposed in the Blackbaud breach included Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, personal health information (PHI), financial information, credit card information, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, mailing addresses, phone numbers, student I.D. numbers, biographical information, donation dates, donation amounts and other donor profile information. Blackbaud is calling this a security incident.

The Charities Commission in the UK has suggested a stronger use of two-factor authentication, which is something most CRM suppliers are requiring of their customers. Further, the Commission suggests:

  • updating training and policies
  • backing up data using cloud services
  • ensuring the latest version of antivirus and other software is used

The ACNC recommends four steps to prevent cybersecurity:

  • identify and assess the risks
  • prevent incidents and mitigate risks
  • engage people in the charity, and even third parties, to help manage risks
  • take action when concerns, suspicion or complaints arise
What is your organisation doing to mitigate the risks of a cyberattack? Are your suppliers mitigating similar risks? Your organisation and its suppliers have responsibilities to your supporters. Together you can create a ring around your data and your systems.

 

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Creative non profit event idea

 

Snip20160411_21It seems most non profit organisations conduct events as part of their fundraising plan. Most organisations conduct the same types of events. Frankly, it’s a bit difficult to come up with a “unique” event and not a “copy” of other non profit organisations.

Boston Children’s Hospital sent me a unique fundraising and education event proposition just last week.  It caught my attention. Why?

Boston Children’s Hospital suggested many of us spend too much time using our smart devices. The Email asked me to take a pledge to spend a day off technology and to spend this time with my loved ones. It seems Boston Children’s Hospital have a “mediatrician” who will provide me with tips to cut back on technology use once I sign the pledge. And, there is a fundraising angle to the pledge!

The program helps me, helps my relationships and helps Boston Children’s Hospital!