Category Archives: Non-profit

A Guide to Managing Charities with Software

Posted on by

Managing a charity can be a challenging task, but with the help of software, it can become much more streamlined and efficient. Read our blog post on managing charities with good software. 

Assessing Charity Management Needs

To begin, charity managers must evaluate their organization’s needs and goals to determine how charity management software can support them. They should analyze pain points in existing operations and see where efficiencies can be gained. For example, many charities can benefit from digitizing donations, fundraising, volunteer management, and donor relations. The software can help streamline and automate these processes.

Choosing the Right Software

Next, charity managers have to explore the options and choose software that suits their needs. There are many charity-focused solutions, as well as more general nonprofit and business management software that can work for charities. Key things to consider include:

Essential Features of Charity Management Software

No matter what Charity Management software is chosen, there are some essential features charity managers should look for. These include:

  • Donor management: The ability to store donor contact information, donation history, and notes. This helps build better relationships with donors.
  • Fundraising management: Features like online donation forms, crowdfunding and peer-to-peer campaign tools, and fundraising event management. This makes the fundraising process easier and more effective.
  • Financial management: Tools for budgeting, accounting, payroll, and reporting. These features help keep the charity’s finances organized and compliant with regulations.
  • Volunteer management: Functionalities to recruit, schedule, and track volunteers and their time. This ensures volunteers have a positive experience and continue supporting the charity.

Implementing and Integrating the Software

With the software selected, managers need to implement it and integrate it into their existing systems and workflows. Extensive testing should be done before launching to identify and fix any issues. Employees and volunteers must also be trained on how to properly use the new tools.

Success Stories

The West Northumberland FoodBank is a charity that provides emergency food parcels to those in need. Recently, the food bank adopted the Xero accounting software and Infoodle charity management solution to gain better insight into their finances and improve the donor experience.

According to the food bank’s manager, “Moving to Xero and Infoodle has been revolutionary for our operations. Before, we were using spreadsheets to manually track hundreds of donations and transactions each month, which was tedious and error-prone work. Now, with Infoodle, we have an integrated system to log donations, connect with donors, and instantly generate Gift Aid claims worth thousands of pounds each year for the charity.

At the same time, we became aware of Infoodle and subscribed to the Gift Aid module. After an initial migration process and setting up of all our contacts onto both Xero and Infoodle we are now making regular monthly Gift Aid claims. We find it very easy to add new Gift Aid donors to the system and find the integration between Xero and Infoodle excellent.

The move to dedicated charity management software, integrated with accounting software, has saved us significant time and money. We can now focus less on administrative work and more on our mission of feeding those in need.”

The experience of the West Northumberland FoodBank shows how charity management software can transform operations, improve efficiency, enhance relationships with donors, and maximize funds available for charitable work. With the right tools and some initial investment of effort, charities of all sizes can thrive.

Overcoming Challenges and Pitfalls

There are some common challenges and pitfalls charities face when implementing and using management software. However, with careful planning and preparation, these can be avoided or mitigated. Some of the biggest challenges include:

  • Resistance to change: Staff and volunteers may be hesitant to adopt new technologies and ways of working. Providing extensive training and support can help overcome this challenge.
  • Integration issues: If not properly planned, integrating new software with existing systems can be difficult and result in data overlap or loss of functionality. Doing in-depth testing before launch reduces this risk.
  • Cost and budget issues: Software and implementation costs can be a barrier, especially for small charities. However, many affordable options exist, and the long-term savings gained through efficiencies often outweigh the costs.
  • Compliance complications: In some cases, the software may create new obligations around privacy, data security, and financial reporting that managers need to be aware of and prepared for. Consulting experts can help ensure compliance.

Future Trends in Charity Management Software

Charity management tools are constantly evolving to leverage new technologies and match the changing needs of organizations. Some trends on the horizon include:

  • Integrated CRM systems: Closer integration of constituent relationship management, including donors, volunteers, event attendees, and other groups. This provides a single view of all supporters.
  • Enhanced data and analytics: Tools are emerging to help charities aggregate data, gain insights into their operations and impact, and make data-driven decisions.
  • AI and automation: More software using artificial intelligence and automation to handle routine tasks like donation processing, email responses, and event scheduling. This will free up staff time for more critical work.

Final Thoughts

Charity management software has become essential for operating transparent, accountable, and effective organizations. When charity managers invest in tools tailored to their needs and commit to fully adopting these solutions, these technologies can have a transformative impact. 

By following the best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, charities can smoothly transition to new software and gain the benefits of streamlined operations and enhanced mission impact. Charity software has significant potential for improving how organizations run and serve their communities.

Dr. Felicia Osborne In Partnership With “Sisters on the Mission” Brings Jobs to Newark, NJ

Posted on by

New York, NY, Aug 24, 2021 -/DailyVoice/- Last week, the organization, Sisters On The Mission opened its doors at 296 Sanford Avenue East Orange, NJ, to the community. The vision is led by Dr. Felicia Osborne, a noted business leader and pastor in the Newark area; she indicated the Thrift store has already created 3 jobs, and will also serve as a resource hub where patrons can access vital information to connect to mental wellness services, substance counseling, and employment training. “It’s more than a store to buy and sell clothing and other goods, S.O.T. M. is a connection center to bring resolution and thread the missing links for those who are struggling and don’t know where to turn,” said Osborne.

Also, the organization, Bethel Family and Youth Counseling Services will be adding another location in Paterson, NJ very shortly. The operation is named “Bethel Counseling Services – EXPRESS”. It will have a full commercial kitchen, food pantry, and Resource Center. In addition, the satellite facility located at Frontage Rd houses 140 beds for those in treatment.

This is a great outreach to connect to if your company or organization desires to participate in helping individuals recover by providing volunteer job training skills, social reconnection workshops, spiritual fulfillment segments, or motivational workshops. Consider partnering before the Holiday Season.

HOW CAN YOU CONNECT?

Contact number: 973-643-6565

Media Contact:
Hollis Media Group
Hollismediagroup@gmail.com
http://www.hollismedia.net

The Impact of Covid-19 on The Mental Health of BIPOC Children and Families Virtual Event on Saturday, June 19 at 1pm

Posted on by

Boston, MA, June 16, 2021 -/DailyVoice/- The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health will present a virtual event, The Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of BIPOC Children and Families, on Saturday, June 19 at 1pm. The event will be moderated by radio producer and personality Jamn 94.5’s Santi DeOleo and a panel of mental health experts, healthcare and financial health experts.

The focus of the one-hour event will be to help parents and caregivers learn how to recognize and cope with changing behaviors caused by the pandemic. There will be a special link given to attendees to submit questions and concerns at the prior to and during the event to foster a more interactive session.

The event will start with DeOleo reading Isaac’s Story, an illustrated book written by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to help destigmatize and reframe how students talk about mental health for elementary school-aged children. A panel discussion will follow to and explore how Covid has impacted the mental health of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) children and families.

In addition to DeOleo, the expert panel features Financial Health Coach Curtis Chambers, Earl Miller of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Luis Borrero, also of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

Again, attendees for the virtual event are encouraged to participate and submit questions for the panelists. The public is asked to register for the virtual event at https://dmh_covid19bipoc.eventbrite.com

About the Panel:
Curtis Chambers has worked as a Financial Coach in the Greater Boston area since 2017. He prides himself on delivering culturally proficient financial coaching and education practices to his clients-partners. He has also volunteered as a Financial Coach for local non-profits and in the community at-large. Curtis currently provides financial literacy classes for high school age and college bound youth. Prior to becoming a Coach, he provided in-home therapy in the Greater Boston area through a renowned nonprofit. It was through this work that the links between financial and mental wellness became crystallized for him.
 
Curtis has completed the Financial Health Counselor Program via the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors. He will be sitting for the Accredited Financial Counselor designation in August. Curtis received his BS in Psychology and Human Services from William James College.
 
Earl Miller first entered the psychiatric and foster care systems when he was 12. He went on to spend as much of his teen years in the system as he did out, which continued into early adulthood and included experiences of homelessness, hospitalization, and a great deal of trauma. Nowadays, Miller is the father of two healthy and full-of-life girls who he credits with helping to tether him to this world. He currently is the Director of Recovery in the Western Mass Area of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
 
Luis Borrero is the site director for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s Erich Lindemann Mental Health Center in Boston. He’s an experienced clinical manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital, health care industry and non-profit sector. Borrero earned a master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.

About the Moderator:
Santi DeOleo is a media personality based in the Boston area. Santi is currently the Co-Host and Executive Producer of Ashlee and The NEW JAM’N Morning Show on JAM’N 94.5.

With more than 20 years of experience in the media world, Santi’s led multiple successful media campaigns both as a brand ambassador, social media, and content strategist. Along with partnering with companies to successfully promote products, brands, and events, Santi runs Silo Space Media which collaborates with companies to create a distinguished and superior digital message and content. A native of the Dominican Republic, he grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. Completing his early education in his hometown of Salem, he went on to earn a Communications degree from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Most importantly, Santi’s a husband and father of four.

For complete registration to The Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of BIPOC Children and Families on Saturday, June 19 at 1pm, visit https://dmh_covid19bipoc.eventbrite.com.

About the Department of Mental Health (DMH):
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health provides services to adults, children, and adolescents with long-term or serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbance; provides early and ongoing treatment for mental illness; and conducts research into the causes of and treatments for mental illness. Through state-operated inpatient facilities and community mental health centers and through community services and programs provided by nearly 200 mental health providers, DMH directly serves 29,000 residents, including about 3,500 children and adolescents, with severe and persistent mental illness and serious emotional disturbance.

Supporting The Power of Young People with 4-H

Posted on by

KIMBERLY, Ore. – Central Oregon’s John Day River Territory is home to Longview Ranch, which maintains 30,000 stunning acres of diverse landscape. While the primary purpose of the property is raising grass-fed cattle, Longview Ranch is a passionate advocate for its community.

Longview Ranch is a longtime supporter of Grant County 4-H, which provides education on agriculture, horticulture, range, forestry, family and community health; nutrition and food preservation; and youth development. Each year, 4-H partners with Future Farmers of America (FFA) to host an auction where the youth of Grant County auction off their market animals.

In attending the auction, it’s Longview Ranch’s goal to support all of the participating youth ensuring the outcome is as equitable as possible. Last year, Longview Ranch donated $2,675 and received several thank you letters in the mail from 4-H and FFA members.

About Longview Ranch

Located along Central Oregon’s historic Route 19 in Kimberly, Longview Ranch maintains 30,000 stunning acres of diverse landscape. Eight miles of the John Day River flows through the middle of the property, which operates primarily for the purpose of raising grass-fed cattle. With three tributaries sharing annual steelhead runs, Longview Ranch also manages 25,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grazing grounds and 485 acres of irrigated hay producing land, which is home to 800 mother cows and 50 bulls.

Longview Ranch remains committed to responsible, sustainable land-use practices, and has completed a restoration project along the John Day River to reestablish vegetation. Each year, the property invests in the prevention of noxious weeds that could harm the land at Longview Ranch, as well as its neighboring farms. The ranch also partakes in best practices regarding wildlife, limiting hunting on property and ensuring elk herds have a refuge. Additionally, while the area is not known for large numbers of antelope, in thanks to the integrity of the property, more than 200 does and bucks can be found at Longview Ranch.

Longview Ranch has also has a rich history of giving back to its community, making annual donations to the Grant County 4-H and Union County Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Contact Information
Katie Schoen
katie@lawrence-pr.com