In our recent monthly webinar series, Tech and Impact, we sat down with Idealist Consulting's CEO...
The nonprofit sector is no stranger to challenges.
Limited budgets, constrained resources, and high expectations often make it difficult for organizations to keep up with the changing landscape of technology and volunteer management.
In a recent webinar featuring Sam Fankuchen, CEO of Golden, and Kelly Cristaldi, product marketing leader at Golden, they explored actionable strategies to overcome these barriers and maximize impact. Below, we delve into their insights, offering guidance for nonprofits looking to improve their operations and embrace innovation.
Or, you can watch the entire conversation here!
Starting with Free Tools: Experimentation Without Financial Risk
For many nonprofits, the idea of adopting new technology can feel daunting, especially when budget approvals and organizational buy-in are significant hurdles. As Sam emphasized, the first step is to explore free tools that allow experimentation without requiring financial investment. Platforms like Golden offer robust free plans that help nonprofits move away from outdated practices, such as paper-based systems and spreadsheets.
“Start experimenting with free tools that don’t displace historical practices but instead solve critical challenges or enable new opportunities,” Fankuchen advised. “It’s a great way to demonstrate potential value without requiring budget commitments upfront.”
For example, Golden’s free offerings provide nonprofits with an entry point to modernize their volunteer management, enabling them to test features and workflows before investing in a paid solution. This approach not only reduces risk but also equips organizations with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
Building a Business Case for Technology Investment
Once nonprofits gain confidence with free tools, the next step is to evaluate their objectives and consider how technology can help achieve them. Fankuchen recommended focusing on key areas such as:
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Capturing new value: Demonstrating how technology can increase revenue or expand volunteer participation.
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Reducing costs: Identifying inefficiencies that new tools can address.
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Improving team bandwidth: Highlighting how technology can free up staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
“When you articulate these opportunities clearly, you’re not just asking for a tool—you’re presenting a pathway to greater organizational success,” he explained.
Case studies and testimonials from other organizations can bolster this argument, showcasing real-world examples of how similar challenges were overcome through technology adoption.
Overcoming Hesitancy: Advice for Gaining Leadership Buy-In
Resistance to change is common, particularly in organizations with limited budgets or deeply ingrained processes. Kelly shared practical tips for addressing this hesitancy, starting with a positive, collaborative approach.
“Frame the conversation around your shared goals and what excites you about your work,” Cristaldi suggested. “Show leadership what’s possible by providing concrete examples and sharing success stories from peers.”
Fankuchen added that nonprofits should emphasize incremental experimentation. Rather than committing to a large-scale rollout immediately, organizations can pilot new tools on a smaller scale to assess their impact and refine their approach. “Start small,” he said. “Experiment with real or fake data, learn what works, and then check in with your team to scale successful initiatives.”
Trends Shaping the Future of Volunteer Management
When asked about emerging trends in the field, Fankuchen highlighted several key areas:
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Breaking Down Organizational Silos: Many nonprofits run multiple programs, often with limited communication or data sharing between them. Consolidating information across programs and chapters can provide a clearer picture of overall impact and resource allocation.
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360-Degree Volunteer Profiles: Volunteers are often donors, advocates, and champions of the organization in other ways. “How do you have complete information about who that person is so they can reach their potential in supporting your mission?” Fankuchen asked.
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Collaborative Partnerships: Nonprofits can achieve more by partnering with like-minded organizations, government entities, and corporate partners. Technology plays a crucial role in enabling these collaborations by facilitating data sharing and joint initiatives.
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Foundational Readiness for AI: While artificial intelligence offers exciting possibilities, Fankuchen emphasized the importance of first mastering the fundamentals. “Before diving into AI, nonprofits need to address the basics, like data integration and clear reporting structures,” he said.
Making the Case for Change: An Elevator Pitch for Technology Adoption
Wrapping up the session, Cristaldi asked Fankuchen to share his “30-second elevator pitch” for convincing hesitant nonprofits to adopt new technology. His response was simple yet compelling:
“Everyone wants positive news. Start by sharing what you love about your organization and why you’re committed to its mission. Then outline opportunities for growth, backed by case studies and clear arguments that address potential risks. Finally, offer to take the lead on initial experiments to show what’s possible without requiring immediate additional resources.”
This approach not only inspires confidence but also demonstrates initiative, making it easier for leadership to say yes.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders
The webinar concluded with parting wisdom from Fankuchen: “We’re here to help. Whether it’s through our platform or our network, our goal is to empower you to deliver a better version of your mission.”
For nonprofit leaders, the message is clear: The path to innovation starts with small, manageable steps. By leveraging free tools, building strong business cases, and fostering collaboration, organizations can overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities for impact. With the right mindset and resources, even the most constrained teams can achieve their “big dream goals.”
Ready to Get Started? If you’re looking to modernize your volunteer management processes, explore Golden’s free plan and discover how it can help your organization thrive. Visit Golden’s website to learn more and begin your journey today.
