Intranet software for non-profit organizations

Sharing and managing information in non-profit organizations is equally multifaceted and thus challenging as it is for any other business. For swifter response to the day-to-day challenges faced internally and externally, speedy communication is absolutely necessary. One of the best ways to ensure efficiency and growth is to implement collaboration software like an intranet portal. A platform that supports constant communication and allows swifter collaboration can act as an incredible asset to non-profit organizations creating awareness or working towards a cause.

Websites of non-profits that provide scripted information about the organization alone are not enough. These organizations need to build midpoints for collaboration where people can get together and discuss causes that they individually care about; establishing awareness centers, discussion forums, education hubs are integral aspect of a holistic website of non-profit organizations. Building on such a portal will improve operational efficiencies giving employees, volunteers and other stakeholder a platform to interact across multiple locations.

Here are some of the core benefits of deploying collaboration software in non-profit organizations:

INTRANET SOFTWARE PROVIDES A DISCUSSION FORUM

With its characteristics of collaboration, communication and interaction, intranet portals act as an effective and accessible discussion forum. This is a crucial aspect that defines a well-connected and relevant non-profit organization. Volunteers, affiliates and even donors seek out to organizations that can build upon inclusive discussions around various causes. Intranet portals allow stakeholders to post queries, contribute to discussions from any given location.

Further, sharing content in the form of articles and blogs on intranet portals on regular intervals can increase awareness on the causes that are being represented; especially when these are shared by leveraging the various social media. Larger the community involved, greater will be conversation around concerned topics. This can help non-profits gain wider momentum for its causes. Interaction and inclusion of a larger base is way more beneficial than having affiliates have access to only one-sided information on websites shared by the organization itself.

INTRANET SOFTWARE – A FASTER WAY TO SPREAD AWARENESS

spreading awareness is the most crucial aspects of a successful non-profit organization. However, with thousands of information being shared on social networks like Facebook and Twitter being shared every second, some of the crucial things might get missed on the jam-packed news feed of people; especially when it comes to social issues, there is no dearth of pages, group, communities etc. Creating an intranet portal can however turn this around in favour of non-profits. A collaborative platform that allows for interaction with the people who are involved in the cause creates scope for greater awareness. Affiliates involved in the cause can personally share discussions with their networks, giving wider credibility to the content vis-à-vis the random information floating on social media which makes such causes appear as advertisements of the organization.

Collaboration on the intranet is an excellent way to create informative blogs that can be disseminated to the public as well as those affiliated with the organization. Regularly sharing related content using collaboration tools is also seen to be highly-effective in generating awareness in today’s digitally connected world.

INTRANET SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES COORDINATION DURING IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS

Shows and events lie at the heart of non-profit organizations; they help in raising awareness, bringing people together and also garnering donations. However, organizing and putting these important functions are highly challenging. Continuous communication is the key to bringing people together to put together a successful show. Collaboration software can simplify the entire process; there can be discussions and planning on the intranet, guests can confirm/deny participation, speakers and performers coordinate and interact from different locations. Further, these portals can also act as platforms where discussions can continue even after the event; individuals that have connected during these functions and also continue with their conversation on the portal itself. Thus, intranet software allows for higher engagement before and after the events.

INTRANET SOFTWARE FOR INTERNAL COLLABORATION

Just as it is important to engage the community that supports the cause on a regular basis, it is highly crucial to engage internal staffs as well. Intranet portals where non-profit workers can collaborate will help them to work together with greater efficiency. These portals can act as midpoint for various activities and initiatives that are taking place simultaneously. Considering that many non-profits have a large base in remote locations, the importance of collaboration software cannot be denied. Further, non-prof organizations have many people who contribute voluntarily and thus may not be available for frequent meetings. But keeping them updated and engaged is necessary. Real-time update and information sharing is crucial to make swift decisions and actions necessary in these organizations.

As per the 9^th Annual Nonprofit Technology and Staffing Investments report that came out in 2015, 66 percent of non-profit organizations are looking at technology in their strategic planning of the organizations. While the importance of collaboration software in non-profit organizations cannot be denied, these organizations are all too often held back by lower budgets and limited IT resources. Technology-responsible staff in non-profit organizations are also far lesser than other show; according to the 9^th Annual Nonprofit Technology and Staffing Investments report, non-profits have 4.6 percent technology responsible people and an average of 28 organizational staff members are supported by one of them. Further, steep revenue and the dependence on donors make the task of deploying the required technology even more challenging.

Therefore, having an easily accessible and user-friendly portal is crucial in non-profit organizations; adoption of intranet software should come about naturally to all stakeholders and should be seamless. Moreover, such portals need to be budget friendly with low cost involved to match the revenue of such organizations. Intranet software, with its many benefits, being core to a successful organization, non-profits should put aside a separate budget for collaboration tools that simplifies processes both internally and externally.