Ask anyone who works in (or volunteers for) a non-profit organization (NPO) what they need more than anything else to fulfill their life-changing — and in some cases, life-saving — mandate, and they’ll basically give you the same answer in a variety of ways: THEY NEED MORE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES.
NPOs: Not Just Important — but Essential
The notion that nonprofit organizations don’t need the same advanced tools as private businesses is simply not true. In fact, it’s arguable that nonprofit organizations need technology resources even more urgently, because so many people in the community are counting on them each day. That’s a lot of pressure and a heavy responsibility. But then again, folks who work in a nonprofit organization wouldn’t have it any other way. Part of what motivates them is knowing that their contribution isn’t just important, but it’s essential.
Nice-to-Have vs. Need-to-Have
Obviously, the reason that many nonprofit organizations don’t have the technology resources they need isn’t about attitude, or a belief that doing things the old fashioned way is better. Executive Directors and Board Members would love to give everyone an iPad, and equip staff with the latest and greatest apps (especially advanced fundraising software!). But that’s simply not realistic. It’s on the wish list, but not the procurement list.
Why a Cloud Telephone System Makes Sense
However, there is one technology resource in particular that actually SAVES money for nonprofit organizations, and at the same time elevates them to the same level of private sector enterprises. This resource is a cloud telephone system.
While every nonprofit organization is unique, generally speaking here are 5 reasons why nonprofit organizations have switched to a cloud telephone system, and their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner:
1. Save Thousands of Dollars a Year
Non Profit organizations that switch to a cloud telephone system don’t have to worry about pulling budget from priority programs and projects. That’s because as mentioned above, a cloud telephone system is actually less expensive to run and maintain than a conventional phone system, with annual savings of anywhere from 20-50% (and sometimes more).
2. Connect Staff and Volunteers
A cloud telephone system brings everyone together on a single, centralized platform. In addition to dramatically improving collaboration, this fosters unity and teamwork, and keeps everyone in the loop.
3. Link Multiple Offices or Outlets
Many nonprofit organizations have multiple offices or outlets, and trying to coordinate communications can be frustrating. Just as it does with individual team members, a cloud telephone system links all locations together. What’s more, since the system is run on the existing data network (i.e. the same one that each location uses to access the web and send/receive emails), there are no costly lines to install, or property managers to consult. Each location simply plugs in their IP phones (or launches an app on their smartphone) and they are good to go within seconds!
4. Get Local Numbers
With a cloud telephone system, nonprofit organizations with multiple locations throughout the state or across the country can give each one its own unique local number. This is valuable when it comes to connecting with the community, and demonstrating that they are part of the local landscape.
5. Get Advanced Enterprise-Grade Features
As far as workers and volunteers are concerned, we’ve saved the best aspect of a cloud telephone system for last: access to a full range of enterprise-grade features such as auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email, live call forwarding, video conferencing, and the list goes on. Staff can stop wishing they had the same tools available in private sector enterprises, and start using them each day to do their jobs better, faster and easier.
Proudly Serving Nonprofits
Here at Carolina Digital Phone, we’ve proudly served many nonprofit organizations over the years. For example, our team recently concluded a multi-phase cloud telephone system implementation for nonprofit organizations in the Greensboro, NC area, including: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro (both main office and ReStore outlet), Housing Consultants Group (multiple locations), Greensboro Housing Coalition, Community Housing Solutions, Partnership Homes Inc., and Tiny Houses Greensboro.
Here’s what Jennifer Figgs, Director of Human Resources at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro says about her experience:
“Chris Villa and the Carolina Digital Phone team recently helped us transition into what is now known as the Housing Hub here in Greensboro. After an amazing presentation, all organizations moving into the Housing Hub decided to work with Carolina Digital Phone. Our transition has been seamless and we were up and active on time. Our phones are amazing and the customer service team answers our questions right away. We are greatly pleased and would recommend to everyone!”
Read the press release for more details.