Dave Thomas, Volunteering Development Officer at NCVS, continues his series of articles in support of Leaders of Volunteers. This time, Dave looks into different Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems that could be used by organisations to manage their volunteer programme.
While many of us are still using old-school solutions such as Excel and Google Sheets to manage our volunteer programmes, an increasing number of Leaders of Volunteers tell me that they are either using or thinking about using specialised software for this task.
At NCVS, our CRM system is CiviCRM, but I have gathered a range of alternative options with opinions and comments from users and developers of dedicated volunteer management software from across the country and internationally. Each platform has its own set of features and strengths, so it's essential to evaluate them based on your own organisation's specific needs and requirements. Additionally, new solutions may emerge, so it's a good idea to stay updated with the latest developments in the volunteer management software landscape. Please note that NCVS does not endorse any of these systems, but we offer this information to give you an idea of where to start your decision-making process.
If you use any of these or another system, I’d love to hear about your experience so that I can update this page. Please email me at davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.
Potential CRM systems
Better Impact
Features
- Offers a comprehensive suite of volunteer management tools, including recruitment, application management, scheduling, and reporting.
- User-friendly interface, customisable options, and robust features.
- Allows organisations to tailor the software to their specific needs and branding.
Weaknesses
- Some users may find the initial setup process complex, requiring time and effort to configure the system to their organisation's specific needs.
- Pricing may be relatively higher compared to some other solutions, especially for smaller nonprofits with limited budgets.
VolunteerHub
Features
- Provides tools for volunteer recruitment, registration, scheduling, and reporting. Also offers features like volunteer profile management, shift scheduling, and automated reminders.
- Integration with popular CRM and communication platforms, seamless data synchronisation, and efficient communication with volunteers.
- Suitable for organisations of all sizes, from small non-profits to large enterprises.
Weaknesses
- The pricing structure of VolunteerHub may be prohibitive for smaller organisations or those with limited financial resources.
- Some users have reported occasional issues with system stability or performance, particularly during peak usage times.
CERVIS
Features
- Focuses on automating and simplifying volunteer coordination processes with features such as volunteer registration, shift management, background checks, and communication tools.
- Robust automation capabilities, background check integration, and customisable communication tools.
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation for both coordinators and volunteers.
Weaknesses
- The user interface of CERVIS may not be as intuitive or modern as some other solutions, potentially requiring additional training for users to navigate effectively.
- Customisation options may be limited compared to more flexible platforms, making it challenging for organisations with unique requirements.
Volgistics
Features
- Cloud-based solution offering tools for volunteer recruitment, application management, scheduling, and reporting. Includes features like automated email notifications, volunteer hour tracking, and mobile access.
- Highly customisable online forms for volunteer applications, comprehensive volunteer tracking, and reporting capabilities.
- A mobile-friendly interface allows volunteers and coordinators to access the platform from anywhere.
Weaknesses
- While Volgistics offers robust features, the user interface may appear outdated to some users, potentially impacting the user experience and adoption.
- Advanced customisation options may require technical expertise or additional support, which could be a barrier for smaller organisations with limited resources.
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Features
- Tailored for nonprofit organisations, it offers volunteer management features such as recruitment, engagement, and tracking.
- Integration with other Salesforce modules, extensive customisation options, and scalability for growing organisations.
- Access to the Salesforce community and ecosystem for additional resources and support.
Weaknesses
- Implementation and customisation can be complex and may require dedicated resources or expertise to fully leverage its capabilities.
- Cost can be a significant factor, especially for smaller organisations, as licensing fees and customisation expenses can add up quickly.
GivePulse
Features
- It focuses on community engagement and social impact with features for volunteer recruitment, event management, tracking volunteer hours, and reporting.
- Emphasis on connecting volunteers with local causes and organisations, customisable solutions for diverse community needs, and a user-friendly interface.
- Tools for building and fostering community engagement go beyond volunteer management.
Weaknesses
- Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming, impacting usability.
- Customisation options may not be as extensive as some other solutions, limiting flexibility for organisations with unique requirements.
VicNet by Volunteermatch
Features
- Volunteer management software is offered, providing features such as volunteer registration, scheduling, communication, and reporting.
- Integration with VolunteerMatch's extensive network, access to a large pool of volunteers, and user-friendly interface for both coordinators and volunteers.
- Access to VolunteerMatch's platform for connecting with a broader volunteer community.
Weaknesses
- Integration options with external systems may be limited, making it challenging for organisations that rely on specific tools or platforms not supported by VolunteerMatch.
- The platform's focus on VolunteerMatch's network may limit visibility to volunteers outside of this ecosystem, potentially reducing access to a broader pool of volunteers.
Signup.com
Features
- Primarily focused on event-based volunteering with features for creating and managing sign-up sheets, shift scheduling, and communication.
- Streamlined process for organising events and recruiting volunteers, user-friendly interface, and integration with popular calendar platforms.
- Simplifies the process of organising events and managing volunteer sign-ups.
Weaknesses
- May lack some of the more robust features found in dedicated volunteer management platforms, such as advanced reporting or volunteer tracking capabilities.
- Customisation options may be limited, particularly for organisations with complex scheduling or communication needs.
Assemble
Features
- Offers solutions for organising and coordinating volunteers for events and projects. Features may include volunteer registration, shift scheduling, communication tools, and reporting.
- Tailored specifically for event-based volunteer management, an intuitive interface, and customisable features.
- Emphasis on simplifying event planning and volunteer coordination, suitable for organisations hosting a large number of events or projects.
Weaknesses
- Assemble may not have as extensive user feedback or reviews compared to more established solutions. Limited user feedback can make it challenging to assess the software's reliability, user experience, or long-term viability.
- May lack some of the more advanced functionalities found in more mature platforms. This could include features such as advanced reporting, integration options, or customisation capabilities.
- Given its newer status, Assemble's support resources and documentation may not be as comprehensive or readily available compared to more established platforms. This could potentially impact the ease of implementation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support for users.
- Integration options with other systems or platforms may be limited compared to more established solutions. This could pose challenges for organisations that rely on specific tools or require seamless integration with existing systems.
Volunteero
Features
- Offers solutions for organising and coordinating volunteers for events and projects. Features may include volunteer registration, shift scheduling, communication tools, and reporting.
- Tailored specifically for event-based volunteer management, an intuitive interface, and customisable features.
- Emphasis on simplifying event planning and volunteer coordination, suitable for organisations hosting a large number of events or projects.
Weaknesses
- Being a newer player in the market, Volunteero may lack some of the advanced features or integrations offered by more established solutions.
- Limited user feedback or reviews may make it challenging to assess reliability, user experience, or long-term viability compared to more established platforms.
As always, I welcome your comments on this, or any aspect of volunteering. Contact davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk or call 07564 040767.
