Taking action after your charity’s CRM review to make impact

Completing a thorough review of your charity’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a crucial step towards optimising your operations, achieving your organisation’s mission, and leading to impact. However, the real value lies in the actions you take based on the insights gained from the review.

Let’s explore the best practices for taking action after your charity’s CRM review to drive positive change, enhance donor relationships, and maximise your impact.

Action Plan

1. Prioritise and Set Clear Goals: Begin by prioritising the findings and recommendations from your CRM review. Identify key areas where improvements can have the most significant impact on your organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency. Set clear and measurable goals for each priority area to ensure focused action and tangible outcomes.
2. Develop an Action Plan: Create a comprehensive action plan that outlines the specific steps, timelines, and responsible parties for implementing the recommended changes. Break down the plan into manageable phases to ensure progress and allow for adjustments along the way. Assign accountability and establish regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any challenges.
3. Allocate Resources Appropriately: Taking action based on your CRM review requires appropriate resource allocation. Determine the financial, human, and technological resources required to implement the proposed changes effectively. This may include investing in additional staff training, upgrading technology infrastructure, or reallocating existing resources to prioritise the necessary improvements.
4. Engage Staff and Stakeholders: Successful implementation of CRM review recommendations requires the engagement and buy-in of staff and stakeholders. Communicate the importance of the review findings and how the proposed actions will benefit the organisation and its mission. Involve relevant team members in decision-making and provide training and support to ensure they are equipped to implement the recommended changes effectively.
5. Implement System Enhancements: One of the key outcomes of a CRM review is often identifying opportunities for system enhancements. Work closely with your CRM provider or partner to implement the necessary updates, customisations, or integrations to address the identified gaps or inefficiencies. Leverage the expertise and support of your provider to optimise your CRM system for improved donor management, data integrity, reporting, and analytics.
6. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of your CRM review action plan. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your goals and track the impact of the implemented changes. Continuously assess the effectiveness of the actions taken, making adjustments as needed. Solicit feedback from staff, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure ongoing improvement and alignment with their needs.
7. Embrace a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Taking action after your CRM review should be seen as part of an ongoing process of continuous improvement. Foster a culture within your organisation that values feedback, embraces change, and encourages innovation. Regularly review and refine your CRM strategy to align with emerging trends, evolving donor expectations, and technological advancements in the sector.

A CRM review can provide invaluable insights into your charity’s operations, donor management, and overall impact. However, the true value lies in the actions you take based on those insights. By prioritising goals, developing an action plan, allocating resources appropriately, engaging staff and stakeholders, implementing system enhancements, monitoring progress, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement, your charity can drive positive change, enhance donor relationships, and maximise its impact. Grab the opportunity to turn your CRM review into a catalyst for transformation and ongoing success in pursuit of your organization’s mission.

To learn more about FundraisingForce’s CRM Reviews, please contact us.