Choosing the ideal Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for your nonprofit organization can feel daunting. To assist with this process, Julia Devine appeared on the podcast "Agents of Nonprofit," hosted by Alexander Lapa, to share invaluable insights and advice for nonprofits navigating the CRM selection and sustainability journey.

Julia Devine, a CRM consultant with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, delves into the critical considerations organizations should make when evaluating which CRM system will best align with their unique needs and goals. With a myriad of options available, each with its own features and benefits, Julia emphasizes the importance of identifying a CRM that not only fits your current operations but also has the scalability to grow with your organization.

During the episode, one key point Julia highlights is the concern many nonprofits face regarding employee turnover and the impact that can have on the use and maintenance of a CRM system. She advises on best practices for ensuring that the knowledge and expertise regarding the CRM does not leave with staff turnover. This includes maintaining comprehensive documentation, providing ongoing training to new team members, and establishing a culture where knowledge sharing is the norm, so the sustainability of the CRM does not rest on any single employee.

Additionally, Julia offers CRM recommendations tailored to nonprofits of various sizes and missions. She walks through the features that are most beneficial for nonprofit use cases, such as donor management, event planning, volunteer coordination, and grant tracking, among others. Her goal is to provide listeners with a clearer understanding of what to look for in a CRM system and how to keep it running effectively, even as personnel changes over time.

Listen to the full episode here.