Volunteer managers juggle so much: engagement, retention, reporting, impact… it’s chaos without the right numbers. Tracking the right key performance indicators (KPIs) turns all that chaos into clarity. With the right data, you can prove your program’s value, improve your processes, and make volunteers feel more connected to your mission. 

Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Let’s dive in!

Why Tracking KPIs Matters for Volunteer Programs

Tracking KPIs gives your volunteer program a heartbeat — a way to understand its rhythm, strengths, and weak spots. Numbers might sound cold, but in reality, they reveal the story behind every hour donated and every goal achieved. You can see where energy flows freely and where enthusiasm quietly fades. Maybe volunteers are showing up strong but slipping away after a few events. Maybe your training works wonders, but recognition lags behind. KPIs expose those patterns so you can respond with intention, not guesswork.

They also give your program credibility when you’re reporting to donors, boards, or community partners. It’s one thing to say your volunteers are making a difference; it’s another to show exactly how. With the right data, you can highlight progress, prove impact, and celebrate wins backed by evidence. Tracking KPIs isn’t about chasing numbers, it’s about shaping a more effective, sustainable, and deeply human volunteer experience.

The Role of Data in Volunteer Management

problems as they pop up.

When you track volunteer data, you start seeing your program from multiple angles — not just who shows up, but how often, how engaged they are, and how their contributions tie back to your organization’s mission. Over time, those patterns tell a story that can’t be faked: what’s thriving, what’s lagging, and what needs a total rethink.

Here’s where data makes a real difference in volunteer management:

• Recruitment: Identify which outreach methods actually attract long-term volunteers instead of one-time participants.
• Engagement: Track which events or roles inspire higher satisfaction and repeat involvement.
• Training: See how onboarding affects retention rates and volunteer confidence.
• Impact Reporting: Turn activities into measurable outcomes to prove value to funders and leadership.
• Retention: Spot warning signs of burnout early and take action before volunteers drop off.

When you start to embrace data as a daily tool instead of an annual chore, managing volunteers becomes less of a guessing game and more of a guided strategy. It helps you celebrate what’s working and fix what’s not without burning out your team. In the end, data doesn’t replace empathy — it strengthens it. 

You’re not just counting heads; you’re understanding the humans behind the numbers, and that’s how you build a volunteer program that grows with purpose and heart.

Common Mistakes When Measuring Impact

One of the biggest traps volunteer managers fall into is confusing activity with impact. Just because your volunteers are busy doesn’t mean your program is effective. Counting hours or events alone can paint a misleading picture — it shows what people are doing, not what difference they’re making. Measuring the wrong things gives the illusion of success while the real issues quietly grow underneath.

Another mistake is chasing data for data’s sake. Many organizations collect a mountain of numbers with no clear plan for how to use them. You don’t need twenty dashboards — you need a handful of metrics that actually guide decisions. If the data isn’t helping you improve recruitment, retention, or community outcomes, it’s just noise.

Then there’s the storytelling problem. Impact isn’t just quantitative; it’s emotional. Reducing everything to numbers strips away the human side of volunteering — the sense of connection, growth, and shared purpose. A strong reporting approach blends both: hard data that proves outcomes and stories that show why those outcomes matter.

Finally, there’s inconsistency. Data collection often starts with enthusiasm but fades once things get busy. Without consistent tracking, trends vanish, and you lose the ability to see real progress over time. Sustainable measurement requires discipline and buy-in from your whole team, not just one person with a spreadsheet.

Impact measurement isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. 

The goal isn’t to find flawless numbers but to create a clear, evolving picture of how your volunteers move the mission forward. When you measure with purpose and not panic,  you turn data into a living tool for growth instead of a box to check at reporting time.

The 4 Key Volunteer KPIs to Measure

Every volunteer program has a lot of moving parts: people, projects, events, and goals. But without the right measurements, it’s tough to tell if all that effort is actually driving impact. That’s where KPIs come in. These key performance indicators act like your program’s dashboard, helping you see what’s running smoothly and what might need extra attention.

The value of KPIs is simple — they cut through assumptions. They replace “I think” with “I know.” With clear data, you can celebrate what’s working and fix what’s not, without relying on guesswork or gut feelings. Strong KPIs turn volunteer management from reactive to strategic, giving you confidence in every decision you make. They also make it easier to share success stories with funders, boards, and volunteers. Instead of vague claims about doing good, you can show measurable, credible progress.

Every organization is unique, but some numbers matter everywhere. Whether you manage a small local program or oversee hundreds of volunteers across multiple sites, four KPIs consistently reveal how well your team is performing: volunteer hours contributed, retention rate, satisfaction score, and overall program impact. These indicators give you a grounded view of your program’s health and help you build a stronger, more sustainable foundation for growth.

Volunteer Hours Contributed

Volunteer hours are one of the most straightforward metrics you can track, but also one of the most revealing. They show the total time your volunteers dedicate to your mission and reflect how invested they are in your cause. Each logged hour represents real energy and effort that pushes your organization closer to its goals.

Tracking this KPI helps you spot patterns in engagement. You can see who your most reliable volunteers are, when participation peaks or dips, and which programs attract the most attention. This insight helps you plan staffing, events, and outreach more effectively.

It’s also a number that funders and partners pay attention to. When you can clearly show how volunteer time translates into outcomes, your case for support gets stronger. Accurate time tracking builds credibility—it turns goodwill into measurable impact.

To get the most out of this metric, go beyond counting hours. Use the data to understand where enthusiasm thrives and where it might be fading, so you can adjust and keep your program strong.

How to Accurately Track Volunteer Time

Tracking volunteer time works best when it’s simple and consistent. Choose one clear system for recording hours, whether that’s volunteer management software, digital check-ins, or a shared spreadsheet. A single, reliable process keeps data clean and easy to use. Encourage volunteers to log their hours immediately after each shift so details don’t get lost or forgotten.

Make time tracking part of your organization’s culture rather than a chore. When volunteers understand that accurate reporting helps show their impact, they’re more likely to take it seriously. Reliable data begins with reliable habits. Review your records regularly to correct errors, fill in gaps, and make sure your reports reflect reality. Consistency builds credibility, and credibility builds trust.

Why It Matters for Funding and Growth

Volunteer hours are one of the clearest ways to prove your program’s value. When you can quantify the time your volunteers give, you show funders and partners that your organization drives real, measurable impact. Many grants and sponsors ask for these numbers because they translate directly into financial value and community reach.

Tracking hours also helps you calculate the estimated dollar value of volunteer time, which strengthens your reports and proposals. Beyond funding, this metric highlights growth over time—showing how your program’s reach, engagement, and efficiency continue to expand. When your numbers tell that story clearly, support and opportunities follow naturally.

Volunteer Retention Rate

Retention is one of the most telling indicators of a program’s health. If volunteers keep coming back, it means they feel valued, supported, and connected to your mission. If they don’t, something in the experience isn’t clicking. Retention shows not just who joins your cause, but who stays to help it grow.

Tracking volunteer retention helps you understand your program’s stability over time. 

High turnover can reveal issues with training, recognition, or communication. Meanwhile, consistent retention often points to strong leadership and meaningful engagement. Comparing retention rates across programs or time periods can highlight where your volunteer experience is thriving and where it needs attention.

Retention also affects recruitment. A program that keeps its people builds momentum and community trust, while one constantly replacing volunteers drains time and resources. You can measure retention annually or by project cycles—what matters most is that you track it regularly and respond when the numbers dip.

A strong retention rate doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through respect, appreciation, and purpose. Celebrate milestones, offer growth opportunities, and make sure every volunteer sees how their contribution fits into the bigger picture. People stay where they feel seen and where their time truly matters.

Volunteer Satisfaction Score

Volunteer satisfaction captures how your people feel about the experience you’re creating. It’s an emotional metric, but it’s every bit as important as hours or retention. A happy volunteer is a loyal volunteer—and loyalty fuels long-term impact.

You can measure satisfaction through surveys, interviews, or quick pulse checks after events. Ask about communication, training, leadership, and whether volunteers feel their work has meaning. Anonymous feedback often gives the most honest answers. Once you gather results, look for trends: what makes people light up, and what consistently frustrates them?

Tracking satisfaction over time helps you spot small problems before they grow. Low scores might signal burnout, confusion about roles, or lack of recognition. High scores, on the other hand, tell you where your program shines and can guide your messaging when recruiting new volunteers.

Satisfaction isn’t about keeping everyone happy all the time—it’s about listening and responding. When you show volunteers their feedback leads to real improvements, they feel heard and invested. That trust strengthens your community, builds consistency, and helps your mission thrive long after the first sign-up.

Want to improve your volunteer satisfaction scores? Consider showing some extra volunteer appreciation – this small gesture goes a long way! Don’t know where to start? Consider reading our blog post “How to Build a Volunteer Recognition Program That People Love”.

Program Impact and Outcomes

Impact is the “why” behind everything you measure. It answers the question: What difference are we making? Counting hours and tracking satisfaction mean little without connecting those metrics to real-world change. Impact turns data into purpose.

Program impact can be measured in many ways, depending on your mission. Maybe it’s meals served, trees planted, people mentored, or funds raised. The key is to define what success looks like for your organization and measure outcomes that reflect that definition. Quantitative data—like numbers served or projects completed—should be paired with qualitative stories that bring those results to life.

When you link volunteer activity to tangible outcomes, you strengthen every part of your program. Funders see the return on their investment. Volunteers feel proud of their contributions. Leadership gains insight into what’s truly effective.

Be consistent with your measurements and review them regularly to track progress over time. Don’t just report impact—use it to refine your strategy. Clear, evidence-based outcomes prove that your program isn’t just busy; it’s making a real difference where it counts.

How Golden Volunteer Simplifies KPI Tracking and Reporting

At Golden, we know volunteer managers have enough on their plates. Tracking KPIs shouldn’t be another mountain to climb. That’s why we built our platform to handle the data work for you — so you can focus on people, not spreadsheets.

With our recruitment tools, you can attract the right volunteers and start gathering engagement data automatically from the moment they sign up. Our scheduling system keeps every shift organized and tracked in real time, while our communication tools make it effortless to share updates, reminders, and recognition messages that keep everyone connected.

When it’s time to measure your program’s impact, our reporting dashboard gives you powerful insights in seconds. You’ll see trends in participation, satisfaction, and retention — all visualized clearly and ready to share with your team, funders, or board.

We designed Golden Volunteer to turn data into direction and tracking into progress. Whether you’re managing ten volunteers or ten thousand, we make it simple to see what’s working and where to grow next. 

Schedule a free demo today and explore Golden’s endless offerings.

The post 4 KPIs Every Volunteer Manager Should Track appeared first on Golden.

Whether you use HubSpot, Salesforce, or another platform, seamless integration strengthens relationships, improves reporting, and keeps your volunteer program running efficiently.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of integration and how you can do it with ease. Ready? Let’s dive in! 

Why Integration Matters for Volunteer Management

Integration is the backbone of efficient volunteer management, connecting every part of your system so information flows where it’s needed. When your tools work together, you can eliminate silos, improve accuracy, and unlock insights that drive deeper engagement and measurable impact.

Streamlining data between systems

When your volunteer software and CRM share data automatically, updates in one system appear everywhere else. This eliminates duplicate records, keeps contact information current, and ensures your team always works from the same reliable source of truth.

Reducing manual entry and human error

Manual data entry wastes time and increases the risk of mistakes. Integration automates these processes so your team can focus on people instead of spreadsheets.

Automation helps by:

• Syncing volunteer and donor records instantly across platforms
• Updating contact and participation details in real time
• Eliminating duplicate entries and inconsistent data
• Reducing staff workload while improving accuracy

Improving volunteer and donor engagement

When your CRM and volunteer software share data, every message and interaction can be more personal and timely. You’ll know which volunteers also donate, which donors volunteer, and how often they engage.

The added insight allows you to customize outreach, celebrate milestones, and strengthen long-term relationships that keep people connected to your mission.

Gaining a full picture of organizational impact

Integrated systems give you a clear view of how volunteers, donors, and programs all work together to advance your mission. Instead of juggling separate reports, you can see real-time participation, retention, and fundraising data in one place. This makes it easier to measure progress and communicate results to stakeholders.

With all your data connected, you can uncover patterns that drive smarter decisions. You’ll spot which volunteer efforts lead to stronger donor relationships, identify high-impact programs, and allocate resources where they make the biggest difference.

Common Tools to Connect with Volunteer Management Software

Volunteer management software works best when it connects seamlessly with the tools your organization already uses. Integrations create a unified system that keeps every department aligned, from marketing to fundraising to program delivery. Below are some of the most common platforms that enhance efficiency and collaboration when paired with your volunteer software.

CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce, Blackbaud)

CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Blackbaud serve as the central hub for all your relationship data. When your volunteer management software connects directly to these systems, every activity, such as sign-ups, hours logged, or event attendance, helps flow into a single profile.

Email and marketing automation platforms

Email and marketing automation tools help you reach volunteers at the right time with the right message. Connecting platforms like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or HubSpot Marketing Hub allows your volunteer data to drive communication automatically.

You can segment audiences by interests or activity level, trigger welcome sequences after sign-ups, and send reminders before events. Integration ensures every message feels personal and timely without requiring your team to manage lists manually.

Event registration and scheduling tools

Integrating event registration and scheduling tools lets volunteers sign up, confirm attendance, and receive updates without extra coordination from staff. Systems like SignUpGenius, Eventbrite, or built-in scheduling features sync automatically with your volunteer software, keeping rosters accurate and calendars up to date in real time.

Fundraising and donation tracking software

Connecting your volunteer software with fundraising tools like GoFundMe Pro, Bloomerang, or DonorPerfect helps you see how volunteer activity relates to giving behavior. This link reveals which programs inspire donations, making it easier to nurture relationships and highlight the impact of volunteer contributions.

Communication tools (Slack, Teams, SMS platforms)

Smooth communication keeps volunteers engaged and informed. Integrating platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or SMS tools allows quick updates, group coordination, and reminders to reach people where they already are.

Real-time messaging helps staff share event details, respond to questions, and keep everyone aligned without relying on long email chains. The result is faster collaboration and a stronger sense of connection across your volunteer community.

Benefits of a Unified Volunteer Data Ecosystem

When your volunteer software and CRM work together, data becomes more than just numbers—it becomes insight. A unified system helps your team see the bigger picture, connect patterns across programs, and strengthen relationships with volunteers and donors alike. The following benefits show how integrated tools can elevate every part of your volunteer strategy.

Centralized reporting and analytics

Centralized reporting turns scattered data into clear, actionable insights. With all your volunteer and donor information in one place, you can track performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions quickly.

An integrated dashboard helps you:

• Combine volunteer, fundraising, and event data for complete visibility
• Measure participation, retention, and impact across programs
• Create shareable reports for leadership, funders, and stakeholders
• Reduce time spent compiling and verifying data manually

Personalized volunteer communication

When all your data connects, every message can feel tailored to the individual. Volunteers receive updates and invitations that reflect their interests, past involvement, and preferred ways to engage. This level of unique personalization builds trust and helps people feel recognized for their contributions. It also strengthens long-term relationships by showing volunteers that your organization values their time and impact.

Improved team coordination and transparency

Integrated systems make it easier for staff, coordinators, and volunteers to stay aligned. Everyone can access the same up-to-date information, reducing confusion and unnecessary back-and-forth communication.

Connected tools help teams:

• Share real-time updates on events and sign-ups
• Track volunteer hours and assignments across departments
• See who is handling specific tasks or communications
• Avoid scheduling conflicts and duplicated efforts

Transparency builds trust within your organization and ensures volunteers always know what’s expected and where they’re needed most.

Better retention and recognition programs

Retention starts with recognition, and integrated data makes both effortless. When your systems talk to each other, every logged hour, milestone, or donation becomes an opportunity to celebrate.

You can automatically send thank-you notes, highlight top contributors in newsletters, or surprise long-time volunteers with personalized messages. These small, data-driven gestures turn casual participants into loyal advocates who feel seen and appreciated—because they are.

How to Prepare for Integration

Preparing for integration sets the stage for a smooth, successful rollout. Before connecting systems, your organization needs to understand its current tools, clean up data, and set clear objectives. The following steps help ensure your integrations deliver meaningful results instead of added complexity.

Assess current tools and data workflows

Start by mapping out every tool your team uses to manage volunteers, donors, and events. Identify where data overlaps, where it’s siloed, and which processes cause the most frustration. This step helps you spot opportunities to streamline workflows and choose integrations that actually solve problems rather than add new ones.

Clean and organize existing data

Integration works best when your data is accurate and consistent. Review your contact lists, volunteer records, and event histories to remove duplicates and correct errors. Standardize naming conventions, formats, and tags so imported data aligns smoothly across systems and avoids confusion later.

Define integration goals and KPIs

Set clear goals for what success looks like before connecting any systems. Decide what outcomes matter most to your organization, then choose measurable KPIs to track progress and impact over time.

Example goals and KPIs might include:

• Reducing manual data entry by a set percentage
• Increasing volunteer retention within a specific time frame
• Improving reporting accuracy and data completeness
• Shortening the time between sign-ups and follow-up communication
  Tracking the number of synced records or successful data transfers

Involve IT and program management teams

Successful integration is a team effort. Bring your IT staff and program managers into the process early so technical needs and daily workflows are both considered.

IT can handle system compatibility, security, and data mapping, while program managers ensure the integration supports real-world volunteer operations. 

Steps to Successfully Integrate Your Volunteer Software

Once your organization is prepared, it’s time to bring the integration to life. A thoughtful, step-by-step approach helps avoid data loss, downtime, and confusion for your team. The following steps outline how to connect your volunteer software smoothly and set it up for lasting success.

Choose compatible software with open APIs

Choose software that supports open APIs so your systems can exchange data securely and efficiently. Open APIs make it easier to connect platforms without custom coding or workarounds. Look for tools designed with integration in mind, allowing your volunteer software and CRM to communicate smoothly from the start.

Map data fields between platforms

Mapping data fields ensures information moves correctly between systems. Before syncing, review how each platform labels contacts, activities, and custom fields so nothing is misplaced or duplicated.

Key data to map includes:

• Volunteer and donor names
• Contact details and communication preferences
• Event participation records
• Hours logged and roles held
• Notes, tags, or segmentation fields

Once these fields are aligned, data will sync consistently across systems, creating a single, accurate record of every interaction.

Test synchronization and troubleshoot errors

Before rolling out your integration organization-wide, run small-scale tests to confirm data is syncing correctly. Start with a few records and track how information moves between systems.

If issues appear, such as missing fields or duplicated entries, then be sure to review your mapping setup and integration settings. Troubleshooting early prevents larger problems later and ensures your team can trust the data once the system is live.

Train staff on new workflows

After the integration is live, take time to train your staff on how the new system works. Show them where to find synced data, how to update records, and when automations will run.

Hands-on practice helps staff understand not just the technology, but how it improves their daily workflow. Clear documentation and follow-up sessions keep everyone confident and consistent in using the connected system.

Monitor and optimize post-launch performance

Once the integration is running, monitor its performance regularly to make sure data continues syncing accurately and efficiently. Track metrics like sync speed, error rates, and user feedback to identify what’s working and what needs adjustment.

Use these insights to refine automations, clean up outdated records, and improve system settings over time. Treat integration as an evolving process that strengthens with ongoing attention and optimization.

Explore Golden’s Seamless Integrations for CRMs and Beyond

Golden was built to help nonprofits see the full picture of their impact. Our flexible API connects seamlessly with CRMs, fundraising tools, and marketing platforms, giving teams a single source of truth for volunteer and donor data. Whether you need to sync with Salesforce, Blackbaud, Virtuous, and more. Golden’s integrations are secure, customizable, and built to scale as your organization grows.Experience a smarter way to manage relationships, streamline operations, and keep your mission moving forward. Schedule a demo and see Golden in action today.

The post Integrating Volunteer Software with Your CRM and Other Tools appeared first on Golden.

Together, they unpacked the unglamorous but mission-critical topic of data hygiene, revealing how clean, connected, and actionable data can unlock greater volunteer engagement, better reporting, and significant time savings for nonprofit teams.

The Underrated Power of Clean Data

Right out of the gate, Toby Weiss cut to the chase: “If the data is clean, then it’s truth. Then you can trust it, rely on it, and make decisions upon it.”

For volunteer organizers, that means being able to confidently pull a list of volunteers with culinary skills available on Saturday—or knowing who’s dropped off the radar and may need re-engagement. Without clean data, you’re flying blind.

Kelly added a relatable anecdote from her own nonprofit days: “We just had spreadsheets, and it was a scramble… of who’s available, who could help us with this shift.”

The result? Missed opportunities, extra manual work, and added stress.

The Real Cost of Dirty Data

Toby highlighted some of the most common data problems facing nonprofits:

• Duplicates: Multiple records for the same person (especially when they use different emails).
• Outdated contact info: “People’s availability and contact info change. If you’re not updating that, you’re working off old assumptions.”
• Incomplete records: Missing skill tags or history of service makes it impossible to match volunteers with the right opportunities.

“It’s a waste of time to work from incomplete or inaccurate information,” Toby emphasized. “Even the best system in the world won’t help you if the data inside it isn’t clean.”

Who Owns the Data?

A critical point raised during the webinar was ownership. Toby encouraged every organization to assign a Data Quality Owner—someone who’s responsible for keeping data clean and usable.

“It doesn’t always have to be a full-time DBA,” he noted, “but it does have to be someone. Otherwise, nothing will change.”

Kelly chimed in: “That’s great feedback. I had the same question—who’s managing the volunteer data side of the house?”

Ownership is the first step toward accountability and sustainable processes.

Integrations: The Hidden Hero of Impact

One of the most actionable takeaways was the emphasis on system integrations. Whether it’s your CRM, volunteer management system, email platform, or fundraising tool, these systems need to talk to each other.

“Data silos are one of the biggest causes of wasted time,” Toby warned. “If your systems don’t integrate, you’re updating the same info in three different places.”

Toby’s pro tip: “If you’re using a platform like Golden, check the integrations page. If the system you use is listed—great! If not, consider a custom integration. That’s something Rooted Software can help with.”

Reporting that Drives Action

Another major benefit of clean data? Stronger reporting.

“Insight means the report helps you understand what’s going on. Action means you can actually do something with it,” Toby explained.

He provided examples of how useful data can help answer key questions:

• Who are our most active volunteers this quarter?
• Who used to be engaged but isn’t anymore?
• What skills are we lacking for this upcoming event?

“Sometimes,” Toby said, “you might even change the structure of an event based on what your data is telling you.”

Start Small: One Improvement at a Time

Toby’s advice for those feeling overwhelmed by messy data? “Start with one improvement this month.”

Whether that’s removing duplicates, updating key records, or implementing a new integration, the important part is to begin. “You do that every month, and by the end of the year, you’ve made 12 significant improvements.”

Kelly echoed that sentiment with a personal mantra: “In our household, we say, ‘just 1% better every day.’ It really adds up.”

Mapping Your Tech Stack

To bring it all together, Toby encouraged nonprofits to literally draw a map of their systems.

“Which systems are you using? Which ones are connected? Are they integrated fully, partially, or not at all?” From there, organizations can prioritize improvements and identify where they need help.

It’s this kind of proactive mapping that leads to not only better data, but better decisions.

Final Thoughts: Data as a Catalyst for Impact

At the heart of this conversation was a simple truth: clean, connected, and well-maintained data is the foundation for a high-functioning volunteer program.

“You want your volunteering to be successful? You want to ask donors the right questions? You need your data to be clean, trustworthy, and reliable,” said Toby.

Want to Learn More?

If your nonprofit is ready to turn data from a headache into a high-impact asset, check out Rooted Software at rootedsoftware.com. Whether it’s integrating platforms, cleaning up records, or building custom solutions, Toby and his team are ready to help.

And if you’re not yet using a volunteer management system that plays nicely with your CRM, check out Golden to streamline your engagement strategy and make your data work for you.

One improvement a month. That’s how real transformation starts.

The post Why Clean Data is the Secret to Volunteer Program Success appeared first on Golden.

For as long as there has been a formal practice of volunteer management, there has also been a notion that professional volunteer managers should do a better job of training a more effective volunteer – that notion is about to change.

As volunteer managers, the more information we have documented, standardized, distributed, validated, canonicalized, and repeated, the more professional we have considered our practices to be. In reality, we know these tendencies to legitimize our efforts come with the hidden costs of reinforcing suboptimal engagement patterns, systematically excluding underrepresented audiences, and investing our agencies in tradition instead of the future.

We can take ourselves as seriously as we want, but our directive is to favor elevating our organizations’ mandates to deliver improved conditions over pursuing our personal, managerial preferences. Let’s consider another irony: as of 2024, AI’s inherent defect is considered to be its propensity to “hallucinate” when it perceives its limited and inaccurate knowledge base to be the whole truth – could it also be possible that AI’s hidden superpower is an unprecedented ability to enable any volunteer to train themselves better than the best equipped volunteer manager could ever train them?

Golden founder and CEO, Sam Fankuchen, recently shared his thoughts on how AI can help volunteer managers train and onboard volunteers for their cause. 

You can read his full article on Engage Journal, Ahead of the Curve, here.

The post How AI Can Train a Better Volunteer appeared first on Golden.

This recent announcement is big, as Fundraising and Engagement had been a lynchpin of Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact (TSI) and Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits (MC4N) strategies. However, it is also a strong signal that Microsoft is growing in the direction of being an ecosystem and fulfilling its promise to be central infrastructure in a collaborative world.

Like Golden, there are many other best-in-class third party partners who provide the best of both worlds – the power, scale, stability, and clarity of the Microsoft environment with purpose-built extensions that give you a world-class user experience. 

Read on to learn more about how you can navigate this new change. 

Understanding the Impact

Microsoft’s Fundraising and Engagement solution was designed to provide nonprofits with a comprehensive toolset for managing donor relationships, streamlining fundraising efforts, and enhancing engagement with supporters. Built on the Dynamics 365 platform, it offered a range of features including donation management, campaign automation, and insightful analytics. Nonprofits could leverage these capabilities to run more efficient campaigns, better understand donor behavior, and ultimately drive more impactful results.

The retirement of this solution means that nonprofits currently using it will need to seek alternatives or transition to other tools. This shift can be daunting, especially for organizations that have integrated deeply with the platform. The key concerns revolve around data migration, continuity of fundraising efforts, and finding a new solution that meets their unique needs.

Current Users of Fundraising and Engagement

We understand that many users will need time to find a new solution. Between July 15, 2024 and December 31, 2026, you can continue to use Fundraising and Engagement – giving ample time to research and implement a new solution for your nonprofit. 

During this time period, users will still receive security updates and technical support from Microsoft. After the December 31, 2026 deadline, Microsoft will no longer support security updates or technical support for Fundraising and Engagement. 

Exploring Alternatives

As Microsoft sunsets its Fundraising and Engagement solution, nonprofits will need to explore alternative platforms that can offer similar functionalities. Some of the leading options in the market include:

• Salesforce: A robust alternative that offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for nonprofits. With features like donor management, marketing automation, and program management, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a popular choice for organizations looking for a powerful CRM solution.
• Blackbaud: A well-established player in the nonprofit sector, Blackbaud offers a range of solutions designed to help organizations manage their fundraising efforts, engage supporters, and drive social impact. Its comprehensive suite of tools can cater to large and complex nonprofit organizations.
• DonorDock: Known for its intuitive interface and integration capabilities, DonorDock provides an effective platform for managing donor relationships and running fundraising campaigns. Its ease of use and unlimited, customizable donation pages make it a scalable option for any nonprofit.

Planning the Transition

For nonprofits currently using Microsoft’s Fundraising and Engagement solution, planning a smooth transition is crucial. Here are some steps to consider:

• Assess Your Needs: Before selecting a new platform, conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s needs. Identify the key functionalities that are essential for your operations and prioritize them in your search for a new solution.
• Evaluate Options: Take the time to evaluate different CRM platforms. Look for demos, customer reviews, and case studies to understand how each solution can meet your needs.
• Plan Data Migration: Data migration is a critical aspect of transitioning to a new platform. Work with your IT team or a third-party service provider to ensure that donor data, campaign history, and other vital information is securely and accurately transferred.
• Train Your Team: Once you’ve selected a new solution, invest in training for your team. Ensuring that your staff is comfortable and proficient with the new platform will help minimize disruptions and maintain continuity in your fundraising efforts.

Leveraging Partners

You don’t have to go through this transitional process alone! Golden works with a number of partners that can make this process easy for your organization. 

• Cathexis Partners: Cathexis has worked with over 1,000 clients help find technology that helps support their goals, mission, and ensure lasting success. 
• Maureen Walbeouf: With a tagline of “technology projects can be fun”, Maureen has 17+ years experience working for nonprofits and 10 years serving nonprofit clients find the right technology for their cause. 
• Heller Consulting: We known in the fundraising space, Heller Consulting can provide a range of services from strategy to implementation to change management so it’s an easy process for your team.
• Barker and Scott Consulting: Creating bridges between technology, data, people, processes, and strategy for nonprofit mission success, Barker and Scott Consulting can assist in finding the right piece of technology that integrates into your current stack of systems. 

To further experience a holistic and collaborative technology stack, we recommend our partners FundraiseUp and Classy to help provide this experience. Golden’s volunteer management platform integrates with each of these partners, further enabling you to integrate all your technology into one, robust stack! 

Looking Ahead

While the discontinuation of Microsoft’s Fundraising and Engagement solution may pose challenges, it also presents an opportunity for nonprofits to reassess their technology stack and adopt more advanced, tailored solutions. By carefully planning the transition and exploring the diverse options available, organizations can continue to drive their missions forward with renewed efficiency and impact.

In this ever-evolving digital landscape, adaptability and resilience are key. Nonprofits that embrace change and leverage technology effectively will be well-positioned to thrive and make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.

The post Microsoft Retires Fundraising and Engagement Solution for Nonprofits appeared first on Golden.

While these statistics can sound scary, remember that there are measures your nonprofit can take to prevent supporters’ data from falling into the wrong hands. For example, choosing secure solutions to collect and store data supporters enter into your donation page, digital waivers, and volunteer applications is a great first step.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the ways your nonprofit can go the extra mile to ensure stringent data protection for its loyal supporters. Getting serious about their privacy can show that you value your supporters, prevent feelings of apathy or burnout, and boost retention. Let’s begin!

1. Replace paper with secure, digital forms

There are many reasons you may need to collect information from your donors and volunteers. For example, you might have to:

• Get payment and contact information when they donate.
• Ask them to sign a waiver before participating in a fundraising event or volunteer opportunity.
• Gather contact details, work experience, special interests, and more through volunteer application forms.
• Share feedback surveys to gauge how satisfied supporters are with your programs.
• Collect demographic and behavioral information to measure your impact, segment supporters, and personalize your communications.

In each of these scenarios, your nonprofit needs supporter data to complete its work or create better, more personalized experiences. Protect this data and foster trust with your members by switching to digital forms rather than paper ones.

For example, let’s say a volunteer is signing a digital waiver. They’ll complete the form on their mobile device or computer and submit it. From there, the waiver is automatically stored in a secure database, and all their sensitive information is encrypted. With paper documents, on the other hand, forms may be stored in unlocked file cabinets and could be mishandled at any time after submission.

Making this technological leap is the first step to better data security—the next is choosing reputable software to steward and protect your data.

2. Use quality, specialized software

To effectively run your nonprofit, you’ll need a variety of tools and software, such as:

• A donor database or CRM
• Fundraising software
• Volunteer management software
• Data analytics solutions
• Communication platforms and marketing automation tools

Each of these systems stores data about your supporters, beneficiaries, and operations. To avoid potential leaks or attacks, make sure the software:

• Is tailored to your sector and needs. Different industries and organizations have varying security standards. For example, healthcare data is heavily regulated and protected by federal laws like HIPAA. Veterinary data, on the other hand, tends to have more relaxed standards. Choosing software designed for your field’s security needs will offer the level of protection you need.
• Encrypts data. Data encryption scrambles your data into code that can only be unlocked by those with the right access tools (e.g., a digital key or password). There are many types of encryption standards and protocols, but some are the most common to look for are the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA).
• Has two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires users to enter two forms of identification. For example, they may enter their username and password as well as a code sent to their email or phone number.
• Offers access control. Access control limits who can access certain data. This means you can restrict access to sensitive information to only the staff members who need it to complete their roles.
• Regularly addresses vulnerabilities. Your software provider should regularly check for and patch any vulnerabilities in the system. This proactive approach will help prevent attacks from happening in the first place.

Additionally, be wary of solutions that claim to be free. As Smartwaiver’s guide to free software indicates, these solutions can be more vulnerable to security risks, have hidden costs, offer limited capabilities, and be unreliable. In the end, these issues could end up costing more than a higher quality, paid solution.

3. Train employees on data security best practices

Once you have a solid foundation of secure software, it’s time to ensure everyone who will handle your data understands data security best practices. You’ll need to train staff members on these best practices, just as you would instruct them on how to implement volunteer appreciation ideas or reach out to potential donors.

Identify the staff members who interact with supporter data and hold sessions to go over:

• Password management. Emphasize that staff should use strong, complex passwords that are difficult to guess. Set standards for choosing passwords (e.g., they must include a symbol, mix of capital and lowercase letters, etc.). Warn against password sharing and improperly storing passwords.
• Awareness of phishing scams. Educate staff on what phishing is and show them a few common scams. Consider having them practice responding to a phishing scam using your organization’s procedure.
• Device security. Walk through how employees should store and secure their devices, especially if you have a hybrid or remote work format. For example, have them set their laptop to automatically enter sleep mode after 30 minutes of no activity.
• How to handle and dispose of data. Explain how and when to properly share or encrypt data. Additionally, walk through the appropriate steps they’ll need to take to delete digital files and dispose of any physical data.
• Reporting and documentation. Establish clear procedures for reporting possible security incidents. Additionally, train them to follow relevant security standards (e.g., HIPAA) and accurately document their work.

As we’ve mentioned, data is extremely important to your nonprofit—it allows you to measure and communicate your impact, create tailored experiences, enhance your programs, and much more. But handling this data is a big responsibility. Arm your staff with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

4. Establish plans for possible incidents

Even if you take the proper preventative measures, there is still a chance that a data breach or attack could happen. It’s best to be prepared for this possibility so you can react quickly and calmly, limiting the damage of the incident.

To do so, create an incident response plan that details:

• How to prepare against incidents.
• How to monitor for, detect, and analyze possible weaknesses or incidents.
• Instructions for containing and eradicating the threat.
• Ways to recover lost data, restore down or damaged systems, and communicate with impacted parties.
• The components required in a post-incident review and how to improve future policies to better prevent attacks.

Additionally, you’ll want to collaborate with a lawyer to discuss any legal implications. While every situation is different, you may want to add some guidance to the plan about communicating with your community of supporters about data security. For example, you might require staff to get any messages about incidents approved by leadership or a legal professional before sending them.

As Double the Donation indicates, one-third of the nonprofit workforce is comprised of volunteers—yet 62% of nonprofits struggle to recruit volunteers. This, coupled with declining revenue from donors, is all the more reason to steward and appreciate your existing supporters.

Data breaches are a significant concern for consumers, and showing that you value your supporters’ privacy and financial security demonstrates a deep gratitude for their continued dedication to your cause.

The post Four Tips to Prioritize Donor and Volunteer Data Security appeared first on Golden.

“We believe strongly in the power of CRMs – and especially Salesforce, Microsoft and Blackbaud – to bring incredible value to nonprofits,” said Golden CEO Sam Fankuchen. “We’re proud to serve some of the world’s best organizers, and we want to help them optimize the other systems they use in addition to Golden.”

Golden is the world’s most award-winning volunteering software with over 20,000 organizers of every size from every sector coordinating and tracking their mission-critical activities with Golden’s web tools. No other platform delivers user-friendly, compliant, encrypted, fully automated, online and offline engagement tracking of volunteer programs on any device.

Golden + CRMs Drive Incredible Results

Clients have seen incredible successes using Golden in conjunction with CRMs. Specifically, Midwest Food Bank reported…

• An average of 8 hours of staff time saved per week at each of their 10 locations.
• Additionally, they saw volunteer email capture increase from 60% to 95% within 1 week of launch.

Cross-platform interoperability is something that we believe strongly in. Non-profits do far too important work to be forced to adopt legacy point solutions that don’t speak to each other,” said Golden’s Head of Engineering Rob Petit. “We are committed to integrating with as many best-in-class software partners as possible to provide maximum value to our non-profit clients.”

Benefits from using Golden integrated with an organization’s CRM include:

• Award-winning volunteer-facing interface that drives industry-leading conversion and retention
• Automation of data capture and population in your CRM from Golden
• Massive time savings from automating the data entry process
• Robust volunteer data and engagement data collection
• More data to power CRM-based marketing and analytics tools
• Expand your fundraising database by over 50%

“We’re both excited and proud to be verified partners of Microsoft, Blackbaud, and Salesforce,” said Head of Partnerships, Meredith Hughes. “These are best-in-class solutions supported by best-in-class consulting firms, and we’re thrilled to have their endorsement.”

Accessing Golden’s Integrations

You can learn more about Golden’s integrations in the respective marketplaces and app stores:

• Salesforce AppExchange
• Blackbaud Marketplace
• Microsoft AppSource

These integrations are available to all organizations on Enterprise Professional plans and higher. For more information, contact Sales@goldenvolunteer.com or scroll below to submit your information, and our Sales team will be in touch shortly.

Boost Volunteer Recruitment & Retention

Golden is one of the leading volunteer recruitment tools that can help your organization in a big way by making volunteer recruitment and retention easy. With Golden, you can easily reach out to thousands of enthusiastic volunteers for your next project and keep them coming back to help you again.

Automate Communications via SMS & Email

Harness the capabilities of the Golden Platform to streamline your SMS, push, and email communication efforts. With pre-built email templates and configurations, organizers can automatically trigger sign-up confirmations, cancellation notices, updates on timings and addresses, attendance reminders, hour tracking, background check confirmations, and more directly to participant devices.

Integrate with Donor CRM’s – Enabling a 360 view

Golden offers out of the box, native integrations into Salesforce, Blackbaud, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 – Enabling your organization to obtain a 360 view of volunteers by syncing waiver & background check status, volunteer hours, biographical data, and other social impact measurements into your CRM, in real time.

Donations & Fundraising:

Golden’s Volunteer fundraising and donation features seamlessly empower organizations to supercharge their fundraising efforts. Stakeholders can effortlessly submit donations through your processor of choice, making giving and receiving more convenient than ever.

The post Golden: the only Volunteering Partner for the Big 3 CRMs appeared first on Golden.

For a demo of Golden’s full platform, get started here.

The Future of Volunteer Management

Here at Golden, we believe in a world where…

• Data flows automatically into your primary source of truth (aka Salesforce!) in real-time
• You don’t do any data entry, and instead spend time and energy on scaling your program
• Your entire organization can access a complete profile and engagement history for all your supporters – contact info, volunteer history, donation history – all in one place…automatically
• Your Salesforce has more data than ever before in order to get the full power out of all your tools (Marketing Cloud, Pardot, Tableau and more…)

So how do we manifest this utopian future? By empowering your volunteer team with Golden’s award-winning volunteer management tools on top of Salesforce.

Why Golden Volunteer Management Tools Make Your Life Better

Golden’s award-winning volunteer management platform provides industry-leading experiences for both volunteers AND volunteer coordinators. How do we know?

Simply, Golden drives results:

• Immediate time-to -value: many organizations can be up-and-running on Day 1, and others choose to work with us and their SI to integrate with their existing product roadmaps – the choice is yours, and you’ll experience the full benefits of Golden as soon as you’re ready.
• Leading conversion rate in the industry: Volunteers are more likely to sign up for Opportunities on Golden than they are to buy a product on Amazon (22.5% vs. 10-15%). The United Way of Salt Lake saw a 127% increase in new volunteers in Year 1 on Golden.
• Leading retention rates: the average non-profit sees a 30% increase in return volunteers in Year 1 on Golden
• Increased donor database: Midwest Food Bank reported a 68% increase in their email list in Year 1 on Golden
• Save you time: networked non-profits report 8 hours of staff time saved per location per week on Golden

Golden’s incredible volunteer management tools include:

• Digital waivers and parental consent
• On-site check-in kiosk tools
• Instant background checking and portability of check results
• Automated engagement and hour tracking
• Automated volunteer notifications
• Ability to manage volunteer teams, corporate partners and more
• And much, much, much(!) more…

Why Golden is the best way to manage volunteers on Salesforce

Salesforce is incredibly powerful on its own, but when it comes to managing volunteers, volunteer coordinators demand a best-in-class solutions that meets their standards. Golden’s  integration permits Salesforce users to focus on recruiting and retaining volunteers, rather than recording the minutiae of data themselves.

Every data point captured in Golden is automatically passed into Salesforce, ensuring that you get immediate benefits:

The post Why Golden Makes Your Salesforce Better appeared first on Golden.