Empowering Nonprofits in Times of Change with Data + AI + CRM + Trust at Dreamforce

Posted in: Blog

The nonprofit keynote session, “Empowering Nonprofits in Times of Change with Data + AI + CRM + Trust,” was the spotlight of Salesforce’s prestigious Dreamforce event. Led by Senior Director of Product Marketing Norah Stevens-Kittner, this keynote delved into the transformative influence of AI within nonprofit organizations. It underscored the critical role played by robust data strategies and AI solutions in boosting operational efficiency, emphasizing how nonprofits can harness technology to optimize their funding, delivery, and impact assessment efforts. While you can watch this session on Salesforce +, we’ve curated our top highlights to provide you with a snapshot of the key insights shared during this remarkable event.

The Future of Nonprofits with Data + AI + CRM + Trust

Throughout Dreamforce, a recurring theme emerged: the future of nonprofits hinges on the convergence of data, AI, CRM, and trust. To fortify their foundational infrastructure, nonprofits can harness the capabilities of Salesforce’s Customer 360, providing them with a robust data backbone. However, the introduction of the new Nonprofit Cloud now equips these organizations to effectively manage the entire lifecycle of their missions while fostering connections with a community that shares their vision.

Dreamforce is an exceptional way to experience the real-world impact of innovative Salesforce solutions. During the session, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Andrea Schiller, Director of Product Marketing at Salesforce, and David Jacques, SVP and CIO at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the fundraising arm of St. Jude. There was not a dry eye in sight as an impactful video showcased how Salesforce has empowered St. Jude to engage more efficiently with donors. David shared valuable insights into their journey towards a comprehensive data strategy. They recognized that data serves as the cornerstone of a nonprofit’s mission and stressed the importance of engaging donors effectively, a vital part of funding St. Jude’s mission. Their data strategy includes obtaining accurate transactional data, a robust analytics layer, and individuals skilled in data storytelling and data science. Thanks to Data Cloud and Marketing Cloud, they’ve seamlessly woven a fabric connecting donors with their interests. Furthermore, David underscored the significance of AI in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness while considering the critical importance of data privacy, security, and ethical use during this transformative journey.

Einstein for Nonprofit Cloud: Unleashing AI for Social Good

One of the highlights of the session was the introduction of “Einstein for Nonprofit Cloud.” This innovative solution leverages predictive AI to segment supporters based on historical data, allowing nonprofits to conduct advanced segmentation on their donors and more effectively predict the outcomes of their campaigns. For example, nonprofits can create a donor segment with high capacity, affinity, and propensity to give, all predicted by AI.

What sets Einstein apart is its generative AI capability, empowering nonprofit marketers to craft compelling narratives effortlessly. Marketers can use generative AI to create emails, social media content, or even entire web pages without any coding skills. For example, you can create an event webpage, complete with a sign-up form, using Einstein’s AI-powered webpage generator.

Salesforce is launching an additional pilot program in February of 2024 where program and fundraising teams can leverage Einstein for Nonprofit Cloud. Program Directors will be able to benefit from Einstein’s AI-driven summary generation. As an example, suppose you need to compile program details for a board meeting; Einstein can assist by summarizing relevant information with a click of a button, which can be edited or saved for future use.

Einstein will extend its support to fundraising teams as well, enabling them to reach major donors more efficiently with personalized gift proposals generated by AI. All this generative AI operates within Salesforce’s Einstein trust layer, ensuring data privacy and security. For example, it can safeguard donor data while generating targeted emails or proposals by deleting the generated copy before it is ever learned by the AI. To learn more about the Einstein Trust Layer, check out our recap of Salesforce AI Day here.

Data Cloud: Unifying and Harnessing Your Data

Unlocking the full potential of AI necessitates the seamless integration and unification of data. While many organizations already utilize Salesforce’s Nonprofit Success Pack or other Salesforce clouds to manage their data, additional valuable data sources may exist beyond the Salesforce ecosystem. Often, nonprofits find themselves dealing with data spread across multiple systems, sometimes numbering in the double digits.

Enter Data Cloud, Salesforce’s robust data management solution, designed to bridge this data divide. Data Cloud empowers organizations to connect, harmonize, and activate their data for use with Einstein, Salesforce’s AI tool.

Imagine a scenario where a stakeholder’s information is scattered across various systems, resulting in differences in names, roles, nicknames, and engagement history with your organization. Data Cloud steps in to consolidate this disparate data, creating a unified, comprehensive stakeholder profile. This holistic view enables nonprofits to gain a deeper understanding of their constituents.

The good news is that Data Cloud Starter is now available for all users. Furthermore, a new pilot program, set to launch on February 24th, will introduce advanced segmentation capabilities tailored specifically for fundraisers. This innovation promises to further enhance the power of data in nonprofit operations.

The Ongoing Journey of the Nonprofit Cloud

Lori Freeman, Global GM & VP of Nonprofit Solutions & Strategy at Salesforce, recognized the challenges nonprofits face in carrying out their vital work with limited resources and amidst the digital revolution. She stressed the importance of meeting nonprofits where they are, recognizing the proliferation of digital channels, and addressing the overwhelming excitement around AI.

Nonprofit Cloud represents a critical milestone, offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution that encompasses fundraising, programs, grants, and outcomes. This initial rollout will soon be enriched with AI-driven program impact reports, offering grant-funded organizations valuable insights and time-saving solutions.

Upcoming Winter Release Features: Fundraising and Outcome Management

Starting next month, the Nonprofit Cloud will introduce fundraising and outcome management functionalities. These features address three major challenges faced by fundraisers: portfolio management for major donors, advanced segmentation for mass-market fundraising, and optimizing nonprofit operations.

Fundraising Functionality

The fundraising functionality within Nonprofit Cloud equips major gift officers with the tools they need to manage portfolios effectively. With the Fundraising Portfolio Manager, you can access donor prospects, track relationships, and evaluate their capacity, affinity, and propensity to give. AI-driven features, such as personalized gift proposal generation with Einstein, will streamline the fundraising process while maintaining data security through the Einstein Trust Layer.

Outcome Management

Nonprofit Cloud’s Outcome Management functionality allows organizations to define and track outcomes that align with their mission. Nonprofit Cloud’s Outcome Management feature allows organizations to define and track outcomes, making it easier to measure impact and share information effectively. By creating dynamic assessments and linking outcomes to programs, nonprofits can measure their impact more effectively. The solution simplifies outcome indicators’ definition and streamlines the sharing of information among team members.

The Future of Salesforce for Nonprofits

One thing remains clear: Nonprofit Cloud represents a transformative solution that empowers organizations to thrive in an increasingly data-driven and AI-powered world. With its powerful features, nonprofits can navigate change, engage donors effectively, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. The session underscored the importance of technology that is both trusted and usable, emphasizing the role of data as the foundation of nonprofit missions.

As nonprofits gaze into the future, they need not brave the journey alone. The seasoned experts at Exponent Partners, with over 15 years of experience in implementing case management and grants management systems, and one of the first consulting partners to implement the new Nonprofit Cloud, stand ready to assist nonprofits in fully unleashing the potential of Salesforce solutions.

This keynote resoundingly reinforced the belief that every action, every innovation, and every data point ultimately revolves around enhancing the lives of those in need. Armed with the right tools, a robust data strategy, and a united community, nonprofits can confidently navigate change and persist in their mission-driven endeavors. Together, we have the power to create a genuine impact. Allow us to be your partner, guiding your organization to achieve radically better impact through radically better information systems. Contact us for a consultation today!

Salesforce Winter ‘24 Release: What Nonprofits Need to Know

Posted in: Blog

As we approach the Winter ’24 release in the Salesforce ecosystem, the excitement is palpable. With Dreamforce and the Winter ’24 release coinciding within the same 30-day period, nonprofits using Salesforce have important preparations to make. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through what you need to know to ensure a seamless transition and maximize the benefits of the upcoming release.

Salesforce Winter ’24 Release Dates:

Mark your calendars for the Salesforce Winter ’24 release date. The release date varies depending on your instance of Salesforce, but the main release weekends are scheduled for:

September 2, 2023
October 7, 2023
October 14, 2023

To find the precise date for your production instance upgrade, visit Salesforce Trust, locate your instance name, and click on “Maintenance.” This will display the date when the Winter ’24 release will roll out to your organization. For those unsure about their instance, head to “company information” within the “Setup” section of your Salesforce account.

Salesforce Winter ’24 Release Notes:

Anticipation has been building for the official “Salesforce Release Notes,” which offers the first glimpse of features and upgrades across the Salesforce suite of products. You can access the release notes for Nonprofit Cloud here.

Upcoming Features for Nonprofits:

Nonprofits have exciting developments on the horizon with Salesforce. Announced during the nonprofit keynote at Dreamforce, two crucial functionalities are set to enhance nonprofit operations.

Nonprofit Cloud for Fundraising:

The fundraising functionality within Nonprofit Cloud equips major gift officers with the tools they need for effective portfolio management. The Fundraising Portfolio Manager allows access to donor prospects, relationship tracking, and capacity, affinity, and propensity evaluation. AI-driven features, including personalized gift proposal generation with Einstein, streamline fundraising while maintaining data security through the Einstein Trust Layer.

Nonprofit Cloud for Outcome Management:

Nonprofit Cloud’s Outcome Management functionality empowers organizations to define and track outcomes aligned with their mission. This feature simplifies outcome indicators’ definition, streamlines information sharing among team members, and allows nonprofits to measure their impact more effectively. By creating dynamic assessments and linking outcomes to programs, nonprofits can amplify their mission’s impact.

Top 5 Features of the Salesforce Winter ’24 Release:

To help nonprofits prepare for the Salesforce Winter ’24 release, here are our top 5 features to look forward to:

Custom error messages in record-trigger flows: Create targeted error messages to explain issues or corrections to end users.
Filters to find record-triggered flows: Use filters to narrow results when viewing record-triggered flows in Flow Trigger Explorer.
Improved color contrast in UI elements: Enhance accessibility with improved color contrast for UI elements.
Transfer dashboard ownership: Simplify dashboard updates by transferring ownership when responsibilities change.
Troubleshoot permission set group errors: Quickly resolve issues with actionable error messages for permission set groups.

These features are designed to enhance your Salesforce experience, streamline processes, and make managing nonprofit operations more efficient. These top 5 features are just a glimpse of what awaits you with the Salesforce Winter ’24 release. But if you’re wondering how all these features can specifically benefit your nonprofit organization, we’re here to help!

At Exponent Partners, we specialize in Salesforce Consulting Services exclusively tailored to nonprofits. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofits face, and our expertise is dedicated to helping organizations like yours thrive.

We can assist you in implementing and customizing your Salesforce CRM and online engagement tools to ensure you harness the full potential of these new features. If you’re an existing customer, our Success Center team can conduct additional impact analysis on your behalf, and review any critical updates due in your system. Our goal is to help you maximize your impact and drive radically better outcomes.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can empower your nonprofit to make a meaningful difference in the world through Salesforce. Your journey to a more impactful future starts here!

Refugee Case Management: Streamlining Services with Salesforce

Posted in: Blog

From 2019 to 2022, the U.S. government granted asylum to an average of 346,200 refugees each year. And that’s just the figure for approved asylees. By the end of 2022, the backlog for asylum seekers reached nearly 1.6 million people. It hardly requires a stroke of genius to conclude that nonprofit refugee organizations have their work cut out for them.

Beyond the sheer headcount, nonprofits aiding vulnerable communities like refugees and immigrants must confront multiple challenges. The inevitable language barriers hinder effective communication and service delivery. Diverse needs, ranging from housing to employment, require multi-faceted solutions. Cultural and religious plurality also necessitates a nuanced approach to integration. Differing educational backgrounds and gaps in digital and financial literacy further complicate efforts to provide extensive refugee support. This is where Salesforce CRM software can prove invaluable.

But how can your nonprofit maximize the potential of this technology in the field of human services? Enter Exponent Partners, a team of nonprofit strategists to help you navigate the complexities of Salesforce for streamlined refugee case management.

Revolutionizing Refugee Case Management with Salesforce’s Features and Capabilities

Salesforce can be pivotal in turning your nonprofit refugee organization from a standard functional setup into a purpose-driven powerhouse. Let’s explore how its formidable features and capabilities achieve this.

1. Customizable Data Model

Traditional databases can be rigid and limited, making it challenging to capture the multilayered information that refugee nonprofits often deal with. With Salesforce, you can drill down to the information you need for robust case management. Its customizable fields allow you to gather data directly relevant to a refugee’s situation, like immigration status, family size, or specific vulnerabilities (e.g., “Unaccompanied Minor,” “Medical Urgency”).

Object labels, tailored to the nonprofit’s terminology, create a shared language among staff, volunteers, and partners. These are identifiers, similar to name tags or labels, that help categorize and easily identify specific sets of data or functions, ensuring efficient access and organization. This minimizes misunderstandings and streamlines internal communication. For instance, instead of a generic “Client,” you could use “Asylee” or “Resettled Individual” to be more specific.

2. Client Tracking and Reporting

Salesforce’s Client Tracking and Reporting functionality acts as a control center for refugee nonprofits, offering real-time oversight on individual cases and program outcomes. By aggregating data from custom fields like “Asylum Status” or “Employment Services,” this feature produces trend analyses and performance metrics.

Let’s consider job placement services within a refugee nonprofit. Salesforce’s Client Tracking and Reporting feature can monitor the “Job Training Status” field and generate reports showing success rates. If you notice a significant uptick in refugees moving from “Job Training In-Progress” to “Employed,” this can signal that a particular training program is highly effective. Conversely, if the status for many remains “Job Seeking,” it may indicate a need for program evaluation or additional support services like resume building or interview coaching. These insights enable data-driven adjustments to program delivery, ensuring more effective outcomes.

3. Task and Workflow Automation

Manual processes can significantly slow down service delivery. With Salesforce’s task and workflow automation tools, refugee nonprofits can perform routine jobs like document verification and appointment scheduling in a snap. Setting the predefined rules based on custom fields allows you to trigger automatic tasks or follow-up measures.

For instance, if a refugee’s status changes to “Permanent Housing Secured,” an automated workflow could initiate a series of actions such as scheduling a “Home Orientation” or other community integration programs.

4. Collaboration Tools

Salesforce collaboration solutions like Chatter offer unified platforms for seamless, real-time communication and knowledge-sharing among team members. These can facilitate quicker resolution of complex cases.

Imagine a caseworker identifying an urgent need for mental health group support for a subset of refugees dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instead of individually reaching out to behavioral health professionals or arranging a series of meetings, the caseworker could post this requirement in a dedicated “Mental Health Support” channel.

Counselors and other relevant team members could immediately suggest available resources, therapeutic approaches, or even volunteer to lead such a group. This enhances interdepartmental communication, accelerates decision-making, and creates a data bank of shared insights.

5. Mobile Accessibility

With Salesforce’s mobile accessibility, field agents and caseworkers can access the database in real time, no matter where they are. This becomes particularly useful during emergencies like sudden influxes of refugees due to conflicts or natural disasters.

Immediate access and data input enable the coordination center to promptly gauge the scale of needs—from food and medical supplies to temporary shelters. Real-time dashboards can then be used to make quick, informed decisions on resource allocation. The capability to be this agile and responsive elevates the effectiveness of the nonprofit refugee organization’s humanitarian efforts.

Leveraging Salesforce for Refugee Wraparound Services

Providing full-scale aid for vulnerable communities like refugees and immigrants is no small feat. Although it includes meeting urgent concerns, more importantly, it needs to encompass a strategic plan. To better rebuild lives, refugee nonprofits need to provide their clients with secure housing, job opportunities, and skill development. Salesforce offers a way to manage these elements seamlessly.

Wraparound Services in Refugee Resettlement

Here are the typical services offering refugees the tools and resources they need for successful resettlement and integration.

Housing Assistance

More than temporary shelter, this involves helping refugees secure stable, long-term housing, often through negotiations with landlords or subsidized housing programs.

Employment Services

This covers job placement and workforce development for long-term career growth. Services might include skills assessments, resume workshops, and industry-specific job training.

Skill-Building Programs

These are educational or training initiatives that go beyond immediate employment needs, focusing on broader competencies like digital literacy, financial management, or even parenting skills.

Language and Cultural Education

Language classes are a starting point, but cultural orientation is equally essential. This empowers refugees to understand and adapt to societal norms in their new country.

Healthcare Support and Counseling

Health education and mental health support groups form the usual core of offerings. Additionally, nonprofits also provide guidance on navigating the healthcare system for ongoing needs. These include specialized services such as nutrition and behavior counseling, as well as perinatal care, which entails regular health check-ups for pregnant women.

Utilizing Salesforce to Manage Wraparound Services for Refugees

Salesforce is a game-changing asset in refugee case management. It turns the logistical maze of wraparound services into a manageable process. In housing assistance, this groundbreaking technology can help you track a refugee’s application status and special needs or alert the appropriate staff when a housing unit becomes available. In employment and workforce development, you can customize Salesforce to keep tabs on individual progress through job training programs or skills assessments, flagging any gaps that need to be addressed.

Skill-building programs could also be tracked in terms of enrollment, completion, and effectiveness. On top of these, Salesforce can consolidate all the information into user-friendly dashboards, offering a 360-degree view for refugee case management workers. This results in more targeted, timely, and effective service delivery.

Choosing Exponent Partners for Salesforce Implementation

The monumental undertaking of refugee case management demands nothing less than cutting-edge software solutions from Salesforce. However, leveraging such highly advanced technology requires a resilient team of specialists fueled by a deep and unyielding sense of purpose.

At Exponent Partners, we understand your commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable communities like refugees and immigrants. And yes, we get it—wrestling with software wasn’t what you signed up for. That’s where we come in.

But we’re more than tech experts; we’re professionals who understand the unique challenges of managing a nonprofit refugee organization. That’s why we’ve made it our business to tailor Salesforce to streamline your refugee case management operations. This way, you can focus on the heart of the matter, and that’s to radically change lives.

Ready to see a custom Salesforce solution in action? Contact us today!

Empowering Immigrant Voices: Transforming Perinatal Care Through Technology and Compassion

Posted in: Blog

In a world where progress is often measured in terms of technological advancements, it’s all too easy to overlook the stories that truly matter—the stories that highlight the courage, resilience, and collective power of communities striving for better lives. One such story is etched in the journey of Global Communities’ Healthy Start San Diego program—a beacon of hope, equity, and inclusivity for Black and immigrant communities in the San Diego area.

Central to the Healthy Start San Diego program ethos is a profound belief in their theory of change—a notion that every community deserves high-quality perinatal care. As Director Lisa aptly puts it, “All people deserve high-quality perinatal care, but only some people get it.” In a country where maternal mortality is increasing and infant mortality is still a problem, especially for Black communities which are 2-4x more likely to experience this crisis, this is a real problem. This reality becomes even more pronounced when viewed through the lens of immigration. If you’re a middle-class white individual, accessing childbirth education or lactation support might seem straightforward. However, for immigrants, especially refugees and asylum seekers, barriers emerge— including language barriers that deny them fundamental information and support from the very start.

Lisa’s words echo the urgency of change as she and her team challenge the status quo. It’s not just about language; it’s about a complex web of social determinants that intersect—income, transportation, trust, and more. These are the barriers that, until addressed, hinder equitable access to care. The poignancy of her message lies in the fact that this issue goes beyond individual choices—it’s systemic, deeply ingrained, and unjust.

Technology as a Catalyst for Equity

In this tale of transformation, technology emerges as a beacon of hope—a tool that doesn’t just empower but also dismantles barriers. The partnership between Global Communities and Exponent Partners illustrates the fusion of innovation and compassion, giving birth to a new era of perinatal care.

Through Salesforce and Exponent Case Management (ECM), the program transcended reporting limitations and took control of its destiny. Customized dashboards evolved from being just metrics to becoming voices of accountability and quality improvement. Thanks to the user-friendly interface, data work for staff went from a headache to a welcome quiet time for work outside of client visits. And, amidst an increased need and limited resources, the program was able to use data to demonstrate the enhanced outcomes achieved when services are provided by culturally and language-congruent staff. As Lisa put it, “It’s not good enough for someone like me to educate Haitian Creole speakers. We need to be training Haitian Creole speakers to deliver those services.” This approach, catalyzed by technology, ripples through the program’s impact.

Uplifting Immigrant Communities: A Commitment to the Future

Lisa’s insights shed light on a realm often left in shadows—the importance of cultural and language-congruent services for immigrant communities. Healthy Start San Diego’s commitment isn’t limited to providing care; it’s about fostering capacity within these communities by training individuals from within to serve their own. For example, the program has provided more than 100 workforce training to BIPOC and immigrant community members, including training the first Haitian Creole-speaking doulas and Somali-speaking lactation educators in San Diego. These activities ensure that improvements go beyond the services offered to each individual client and strengthen the service delivery system itself, making it more diverse, while also opening new career pathways for underrepresented communities.

Join Us in Building a Healthier, Inclusive Future

The journey of the Healthy Start San Diego program isn’t just a case study; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that technology when wielded with compassion and purpose, can dismantle barriers, foster empowerment, and drive change. Although, if you want to dive into the official case study, you can do so here.

As we reflect on this transformative journey, we’re reminded that progress isn’t just about innovation; it’s about empathy. It’s about acknowledging the experiences of those who have faced countless hurdles and providing them with the tools to overcome them. Healthy Start San Diego’s journey underscores that technology isn’t an end in itself; it’s a means to a just and equitable world.

If Lisa’s words resonate with you, if the story of Healthy Start San Diego ignites a fire within, then we invite you to join hands with us. Let’s take this inspiration and turn it into action. Let’s rewrite narratives, dismantle barriers, and create possibilities. Because, at the heart of it all, technology is more than just code—it’s a conduit for change. Learn more about the Global Communities Healthy Start program here.

Navigating Dreamforce 2023: A Trailmap for Engaging with Exponent Partners

Posted in: Blog

We’re gearing up for an exciting rendezvous at Dreamforce 2023, and we want you to be part of the action! Exponent Partners is all about helping nonprofits achieve radically better social impact, and this year’s Dreamforce promises to be the perfect platform to connect, learn, and collaborate.

Dreamforce isn’t just an event; it’s a dynamic community of change-makers, innovators, and passionate individuals like you who are shaping the future. Here’s your roadmap to engage with us and make the most of this extraordinary opportunity.

Request a Meeting with Our Executives

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your organization’s social impact? Exponent Partners invites you to engage with us by requesting a meeting with our executive team. Let’s explore how we can help you drive profound change together. Our experts are poised to assist you every step of the way. Secure your slot now by scheduling a meeting here.

Join Us at the Social Impact Soirée

Date: September 12, 2023
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: The Box, San Francisco

We are hosting an exclusive celebration honoring the remarkable social impact achieved by our nonprofit community. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, staff member, or passionate supporter, your dedication fuels positive change. Engage with us at The Nonprofit Social Impact Soirée at Dreamforce and be part of this inspiring gathering. This event is free to all nonprofit organizations. Learn more about the event here. To secure your spot, simply request the registration information below:

Dive into Sam Colvarro’s Session “Build Better Dashboards”

At Exponent Partners, we thrive on the brilliance of exceptional individuals. Enter Sam Colvarro, a dynamic problem-solver and the ingenious mind behind our Salesforce administration. Her upcoming Dreamforce session, “Build Better Dashboards,” promises to unveil lesser-known Salesforce dashboard nuances while also demonstrating their practical applications. Get ready for a whirlwind of valuable insights that empower organizations to harness the true potential of their data.

But here’s the kicker: Sam’s session isn’t just for nonprofits. Its principles resonate across sectors, and dashboards hold the key to enhancing transparency, driving data-driven decisions, and amplifying impact. Learn more about her session here.

Explore Other Events

Beyond our highlighted events, Dreamforce 2023 offers a treasure trove of opportunities to connect, learn, and inspire:

Commons Community Lunch & Show-n-Tell: Immerse yourself in networking and learning. Register here.
Nonprofit Trailmap: Gain insights into nonprofit solutions and strategies with these captivating sessions. Explore the Nonprofit Trailmap.
The Amplify Breakfast: Start your day with an engaging breakfast session celebrating diverse talent in our Salesforce Community. Learn more.
General Events: Discover a multitude of events, not limited to nonprofits, at df23events.com.

Dreamforce 2023 is your gateway to engagement, community, and the power to drive social impact. Join us in unleashing this incredible force for good. We can’t wait to connect with you and create lasting change together!

Dreamforce Spotlight: Sam Colvarro’s Journey from Arts to Insights

Posted in: Blog

At Exponent Partners, our commitment to driving nonprofit impact through technology is fueled by the dedication of exceptional individuals. Kind-hearted, brilliantly intelligent, and driven by a mission to leverage technology—particularly Salesforce—for the greater good. Today, we illuminate the story of Sam Colvarro, the ingenious mind steering our internal Salesforce administration. She is a dynamic problem-solver, a wearer of many hats, and a true embodiment of our values of learning and innovation. Fondly referred to as “Saint Sam” by many at Exponent Partners, Sam’s journey from nonprofit arts to tech mastery is an inspirational embodiment of the diverse expertise propelling our team’s triumphs.

Getting to Know Sam: An Interview with a Tech Trailblazer

Q: Sam, your transition from nonprofit arts to Exponent Partners’ Systems and Salesforce Administrator is intriguing. How did you navigate this shift from the arts to technology?

Sam: Actually, the shift from arts to technology isn’t that drastic, when you break it down. Both require a little bit of improvisation and a lot of planning. And, when it’s all said and done, you get to see the final result, be it a big loud musical or a burst of confetti on your screen. They have a lot in common and it ended up being a great fit for me. I’ve always had a passion for technology and I believe it’s there to serve the people who use it – no matter who they are or what they do. Salesforce is perfect in that way because it’s so customizable, whether you’re trying to keep track of which patrons have bought season tickets, or which Account Executive closed the biggest sale this year, Salesforce can do it all.

Q: Your upcoming Dreamforce session, “Build Better Dashboards,” sounds fascinating. Can you give us a glimpse of what attendees can expect?

Sam: Absolutely. I’m going to start by focusing on a few features that people either don’t know exist or don’t use very often and point out why they’re useful, as well as scenarios in which you might employ these techniques. I plan on also doing a demo for custom charts that come from outside of Salesforce for those organizations who don’t have the time or money to invest in something bigger right now, but want to see their data all in one place.

Q: With Dreamforce being a global tech powerhouse, how does your session align with Exponent Partners’ nonprofit dedication?

Sam: While my session isn’t tailored exclusively for nonprofits, the principles I’ll discuss are highly relevant. Nonprofits often grapple with diverse data, and mastering dashboards can illuminate their operations and impact. These insights can lead to better decisions and more profound positive change. Nonprofits typically have smaller teams, which tends to mean that Salesforce and data can take a back seat. But these kinds of analytics and information are so important! Grants often call for some of this data and it can also show the growth of your organization. Getting a good handle on your data can do nothing but help your organization move forward, and I love helping nonprofits reach their full potential.

Empowering Nonprofits with Dashboard Mastery

Exponent Partners consistently champions technology’s potential to uplift nonprofits. Sam’s session, “Build Better Dashboards,” resonates deeply with our vision of unlocking information systems’ potential for nonprofit transformation. Here’s how nonprofits can apply Sam’s insights:

Real-Time Impact Insight: Dashboards empower nonprofits to monitor impact in real time. Visualizing data from diverse sources helps track progress and communicate outcomes effectively, which is the first step in measuring and optimizing impact.
Informed Decision-Making: Nonprofits can leverage data-driven insights for informed choices. Dashboards reveal trends and growth opportunities, supporting strategic planning and efficient resource allocation.
Transparency and Trust: Effective dashboards promote transparent operations when they leverage Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud. Donors and supporters witness the tangible difference their contributions make, fostering trust and accountability.
Beauty in Simplicity: Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Embrace chart types and components that make sense for your goals. If trends are your focus, use components to show trends rather than trying to force them into a different component. Present your data in the most optimal way to achieve your objectives.
Get the Report Right: Prioritize clarity in your reports by framing the right questions. Avoid overwhelming reports with multiple objectives. Focus on what you truly want to discover, how you intend to use the data, and the desired presentation format. This clarity streamlines the subsequent steps.
Revisit Dashboards: Goals evolve, and that’s okay! Instead of adhering rigidly to established trends, be open to adapting your dashboards to evolving objectives. Regularly validate your data to ensure alignment with your expectations.

Empowering Progress: The Intersection of Arts, Tech, and Nonprofit Impact

Exponent Partners champions technology for nonprofits, and Sam’s session, “Build Better Dashboards,” resonates with our vision of unlocking information systems’ potential for transformation. While her session isn’t exclusively nonprofit-focused, it highlights the broader potential of technology to elevate impact. As we anticipate her presentation at Dreamforce, we invite you to join us on this journey—a journey where technology’s boundless potential transforms industries, fosters growth, and elevates impact.

Session Details:

Session Code: 1593
Session Title: Build Better Dashboards
Session Type: Theater
Date and Time: 09/12/23, 03:30:00 PM – 03:50:00 PM
Location: Admin Theater (Trailblazer Forest, Moscone West)

And remember to save the date for Dreamforce 2023, the premier Salesforce conference, happening in San Francisco from September 12-14. It’s a global celebration of innovation, uniting Salesforce trailblazers worldwide to explore the intersections of technology and progress. We hope to see you there! If you would like to meet with us at the event, request a meeting or register for our Nonprofit Social Impact Soirée here.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud: Optimizing Programs in Human Services Organizations

Posted in: Blog

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a game-changer for human services organizations.

Announced in Spring ‘23, the solution is designed specifically for nonprofits and provides key functionality and foundations built directly on the core platform. It’s an innovative step away from the managed packages previously chosen by nonprofits—such as NPSP—and offers some crucial advantages when it comes to program and case management.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud can fundamentally change how organizations handle and maintain their data, cases, and client journeys. It empowers nonprofit organizations to better leverage data, workflows, and automation that unleash improved performance, processes, and strategies.

Keep reading to learn more about how Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud can optimize programs in human service organizations.

What Is Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud?

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a comprehensive Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) platform tailored for nonprofit organizations. It provides a centralized solution for program and case management, fundraising, donor relationships, and volunteer coordination. For those unique human services organizations managing outbound grants, it also offers high-caliber grants management capabilities.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud empowers organizations to better connect with supporters, effectively serve clients, monitor impact, and achieve shared goals effectively.

Where Is Nonprofit Cloud Used?

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is suitable for human service organizations of all types, from small community organizations to multinational NGOs and foundations. It offers various components that can be used to improve operations and the customer experience, such as:

Case Management – Effectively manage and monitor all client cases to ensure personalized support and service delivery.
Program Management – A centralized platform to plan, execute, and track various activities and projects within any nonprofit program.
Account Management – Easily manage and track engagements across all accounts by getting a unified view of each individual, donor, volunteer, or partner.
Campaign Management – Plan, execute, and track all community outreach, marketing, and fundraising campaigns.
Donation Management – Capture and store donor information, track donation history, and manage gift processing. Whenever required, customize donation forms to enable donors to contribute online securely and conveniently.
Marketing Automation & Engagement – Drive impactful marketing campaigns by leveraging tools and capabilities that automate and personalize communications, nurture relationships, maximize support, and deliver exceptional digital experiences.

Why Did Salesforce Launch Nonprofit Cloud?

Salesforce for Nonprofits was primarily created to help nonprofits build donor relationships that drive change. According to Lori Freeman, VP & GM of Nonprofits at Salesforce,

“Salesforce’s vision for nonprofits and foundations has always been to put the best technology in impact-makers’ hands and enable them to deliver powerful experiences for their stakeholders.”

With its existing capabilities, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud services can help human services organizations adopt a simpler way to produce and measure impact.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud vs NPSP

Before discussing the many use cases of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, it’s important to understand the difference between Nonprofit Cloud and Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP). Here’s a breakdown to help highlight the differences.

Nonprofit Cloud has taken the existing managed package solutions available in Salesforce for Nonprofit, and developed them into an industry cloud designed specifically to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations.

From a system setup standpoint, the difference is that the previous nonprofit applications were being layered on top of the Salesforce platform. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, on the other hand, is an industry solution built directly into the core of Salesforce—accessing the innovation across all Salesforce industries.

Up until now, nonprofits have had to combine Salesforce solutions to create a program that supports their needs. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is designed to support nonprofits in a single solution.

Case Management with Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud For Human Service Organizations

Case management is a way for organizations to track goals, deliver services, and measure outcomes throughout customer journeys. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud case management provides a single system for all case managers to track customer data to see their progress. It helps case managers:

Manage Relationships

Understand how participants and their families engage with programs. This data helps nonprofits provide holistic support and better manage customer relationships.

By leveraging relationship management capabilities, nonprofits can foster stronger connections, tailor outreach efforts, and engage with stakeholders based on their unique relationships and preferences.

It enhances the overall effectiveness of the platform by facilitating relationship-based fundraising, volunteer management, and program delivery from one single platform.

Create Incident Reports

Stay updated with who needs additional follow-ups by keeping missed appointments or essential changes at the top. This module allows organizations to document and track incidents or events related to all services and programs. It can capture details about complaints, conflicts, positive reviews, or other noteworthy occurrences.

Personalize Care Plans

Create personalized care plans for all individuals and households within a few clicks. Nonprofits can document the goals, interventions, activities, and timelines for supporting clients. This includes clinical services, counseling sessions, educational programs, or other services necessary to meet the client’s needs.

Track Services And Attendance

Easily monitor and measure the delivery of services, track program participation, and assess the impact of programs on the intended population. Nonprofits can utilize this module to document service hours, program attendance, outcomes achieved, and a list of follow-up actions required.

Make Informed Decisions

Gather and analyze relevant data, trends, and patterns to derive important insights about programs, services, clients, and outcomes. Nonprofits can generate reports, dashboards, and visualizations to understand the organization’s performance, constantly identify areas for improvement, and make strategic data-driven decisions that align with the overall business goals and mission.

Track Participant’s Progress

Get an understanding of participants’ progress toward goals and across different programs in one single view. Staff members can quickly access data to identify the best next steps for various participants. In case of immediate support, these cases can be quickly identified. This information can also be shared with stakeholders.

Enhance Program Engagement

Through enhanced fundraising and engagement features, nonprofits can deliver hyper-personalized experiences at scale. Marketers and fundraisers can use AI-driven analytics to easily see the channels, campaigns, and messages most resonate. This information can be used to make decisions in real-time.

Should You Switch To Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud?

The answer to this question can change depending on some key considerations, which include the following:

Organizational requirements

Does your existing solution meet all your needs, or are you looking for ways to enhance efficiency and user experience? Do your users or constituents encounter any challenges with the experience you currently offer to them? The enhancements and advanced capabilities offered by Nonprofit Cloud could resolve current issues you face. For example, Nonprofit Cloud includes access to Omnistudio—Salesforce’s digital engagement suite—which enables you to create prebuilt, guided digital experiences to improve the online experience for your constituents.

1. Impact of migration

What do you gain from migrating to Nonprofit Cloud? What capabilities do you want but don’t currently have? It’s crucial to understand that while available, Nonprofit Cloud the latest innovations for the new Nonprofit Cloud are still being released. Some solutions—like program and case management—are ready, but others—like fundraising management—are still in development.

2. Budget

How much does migrating to Nonprofit Cloud cost? Is the solution more than your existing system? Nonprofit Cloud is included in the Power of Us Program offered by Salesforce—in which nonprofits and education institutions get the first ten licenses free, and a 50-80% discount on additional solution purchases. Nonetheless, budget analysis is key—check out the pricing information for Nonprofit Cloud here.

3. Staff

How many people do you have using your existing Salesforce solution setup? Are you able to budget for retraining your workforce and constituents? New software solutions typically require staff onboarding, which needs to be considered in the change timeline.

4. Timeline

Have you got the time to make the shift? Can you dedicate time and energy into ensuring a smooth transition? Migrating your existing data to Nonprofit Cloud isn’t something to be rushed—consider whether you’re currently in a position to make the change. A good partner like Exponent Partners can manage a great deal of this effort, but your team will still need to be available and involved.

Salesforce remains committed to providing continual support for the pre-existing solutions servicing nonprofits, such as NPSP and program management module (PMM), so there’s no urgent need to make the change.

However, if you decide to transition to a more optimized solution, know that you’ll have support every step of the way. Our team at Exponent Partners are expert Salesforce nonprofit strategists, system architects, project managers, and implementation specialists working to make nonprofits radically better at driving social impact.

Our expertise and long-standing involvement in the Salesforce for Nonprofits solution ecosystem stand us in good stead to support your nonprofit’s next steps—whether that’s migrating to Nonprofit Cloud or implementing custom Salesforce solutions catered to your needs.

Whether you’re a current NPSP customer, a Salesforce customer using another Salesforce solution, or completely new to Salesforce—Exponent Partners have the knowledge and experience to help you find the right product path for your organization.

How To Get Started With Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud?

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is purpose-built for nonprofit organizations—providing the tools you need to effectively manage and optimize nonprofit programs and constituent relationships.

Schedule a call to learn how we can help you drive change in the world—whether through Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud or through a custom-built system oriented to your unique needs.

Exploring Salesforce Person Accounts for Nonprofit Organizations

Posted in: Blog

Exploring Salesforce Person Accounts for Nonprofit Organizations

Up until the Spring ‘23 announcement of Salesforce’s new Nonprofit Cloud, nonprofits have been relying on managed packages to efficiently organize and manage nonprofit relationships.

The new Nonprofit Cloud, designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, provides specific functionalities and features that surpass existing solutions in this sector—such as the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP).

One of the significant changes in moving from the NPSP to the Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is the inclusion of person accounts as a core capability. This account model allows organizations to better:

Enhance relationship management
Analyze data comprehensively
Streamline operations
Align with nonprofit industry best practices
And more deeply personalize stakeholder experience

Whether you’re planning to migrate to Nonprofit Cloud or continue using your current solution with person accounts—this article’s for you. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into Salesforce person accounts and how nonprofits can use them to enhance case management and drive organizational success.

What Is a Person Account in Salesforce?

Person accounts in Salesforce are a type of record that represents an individual rather than a business or organization. They help nonprofit organizations better track and manage their interactions with donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

They offer an alternative option to Salesforce’s traditional business accounts, which focus primarily on the business or organization—with all contacts needing to be linked to an organization or household account.

The Benefits of Using Salesforce Person Accounts

Person accounts can create contacts without attaching them to a business. This helps users store contacts within Salesforce without needing to connect them to an existing organization account.

Individuals can be quickly added to the system and flexibly treated as both accounts and contacts, meaning organizations can easily track information like donation history, volunteer activities, and more.

Person accounts give nonprofits a 360-degree view of their constituents, making it easier to understand their needs, preferences, and engagement patterns. This information can also be used to personalize communications with each constituent with tailored messaging, targeted appeals, and customized program offerings.

Important Considerations When Using Salesforce Person Accounts

No tech solutions come without potential challenges, and Salesforce Person Accounts are no different. These are the key considerations outlined by the Salesforce team when it comes to adopting person accounts:

Once enabled, you can’t disable person accounts.
The storage required for a person account is more than that of a business account
Some AppExchange products don’t work well with person accounts, so check AppExchange first to make sure the product is compatible with person accounts.
Person Accounts are supported in Marketing Cloud, Account Engagement, and Experience Cloud but require additional configuration.

How Are Person Accounts Different from Other Account Models in Salesforce?

In order to understand how person accounts differ, it’s essential to know how Salesforce relates objects to one another. The different types of accounts in Salesforce enable different relationship objects on the platform.

Relationship objects are used to create connections between different types of records, such as accounts, contacts, and opportunities. They allow nonprofit organizations to track and manage complex relationships between donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

For example, a relationship object could be used to link a donor account with a volunteer opportunity or to connect a board member with a specific program or initiative.

There are several types of account models other than person accounts, let’s take a look:

	What are they?	How do they differ from person accounts?
Individual accounts	Optional account model for NPSP. Creates one account record and links all contacts to that account	Compared to individual accounts, person accounts are more suitable when maintaining a large number of contact records because they combine individual and account data for better user experience.
1-1 accounts	Optional account model for NPSP. Links an account record to each contact created	1-1 accounts provide a high-level view of organizations instead of granular information at an individual level, which is provided by person accounts.
Household accounts	Default account model for NPSP. A business account that represents a group of related individuals, such as a family or a corporation	Household Accounts represent a group of related individuals, while person accounts represent a single individual. With Household Accounts, all individuals have a household created automatically.
Party accounts	Preferred account model for the new Nonprofit Cloud. Represents a company or organization	Party accounts store information about organizations and their relationships to individual contacts and person accounts store information about individuals.

It’s important to note that a collection of party accounts is known as a party relationship group. It is used to group together individuals or organizations that have a common relationship to a nonprofit organization like members of a household or family support system, members of a board of directors, or members of a volunteer committee.

Party relationship groups allow users to manage relationships between multiple party accounts via a single record. This can be useful for tracking and analyzing data on groups of constituents, such as donations or volunteer activities for a particular committee or household.

This functionality is similar to that of ARCs.

What Is the Actionable Relationship Center (ARC)?

The Actionable Relationship Center (ARC) is also included within Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud. The ARC helps users understand relationships among people and businesses by presenting them in interactive display components.

This model brings the relationships between the record being viewed and the associated records and parties to life. This means that users get an entire view of an individual on a page to track the party model, related records, action plans, and programs in a single mapped interface. This real-time data is interactive and enables nonprofits to get a complete overview of a project and the relationships it involves.

Use Cases For Person Accounts

A few important use cases for Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud person accounts include the following:

Donor Management

Nonprofit organizations can use person accounts to track individual donors, their contributions, giving history, and engagements with the organization. This data can be used to personalize donor stewardship, run targeted fundraising campaigns, and cultivate long-term relationships.

Volunteer Management

Person accounts can help manage individual volunteers, their skills, availability, and activities. Volunteers can be matched with the right opportunities, their hours tracked, and their contributions recognized. This makes the volunteer management aspect of nonprofit organizations a whole lot easier.

Managing Program Participants

Use person accounts to manage participants of various programs and services. It can help track program enrollment, progress, outcomes, and any additional support provided. This goes a long way in evaluating program effectiveness and delivering personalized support.

Track Event Attendees

Track individuals attending nonprofit events, including conferences, fundraisers, and community gatherings with person accounts. The account model allows for efficient event registration, personalized communication, and post-event follow-up.

Advocacy And Engagement Management

Person accounts can support users in managing individual advocates and their engagement in various campaigns. Use the account model to track advocacy actions, responses, and impact, helping nonprofits mobilize supporters and measure overall advocacy effectiveness.

The flexibility and customization of person accounts go a long way in allowing nonprofits to tailor their use for specific engagement and relationship management needs. This leads to stronger connections with every party involved.

Ready To Use Salesforce Person Accounts? Exponent Partners Can Help

Person accounts have significantly changed how you can handle account management in Salesforce. The process is more streamlined and efficient, alleviating common issues other account types face. It has also enabled organizations to experience other long-term benefits, such as:

Building stronger relationships with donors
Increased engagement with volunteers
An overall positive experience for constituents
Target outreach efforts and generate more funds
Identify patterns in donor behaviors to increase donor retention
Track and report the impact of programs and initiatives

It’s because of these reasons that you should leverage the capabilities of person accounts to lead your nonprofit on a path to success. And we at Exponent Partners can help with that.

We are a team of experts who can help you optimize Salesforce setup for your nonprofit organization. With our services, you can ensure that you are focused on what you do best—driving significant impact in the world.

Schedule a call to find out how we can help you take nonprofit management and organization to the next level and continue delivering personalized impact in the communities you support.

Embracing Change: Your Path to foundationConnect Replacement

Posted in: Blog

“Change is the only constant in life.” – Heraclitus

In the dynamic world of nonprofit technology, change is inevitable. With Salesforce retiring foundationConnect on January 31, 2026, and subscriptions no longer renewable after January 31, 2025, organizations are facing an impending transition. This presents a unique opportunity to leverage change for greater social impact. Though 2025 may seem distant, we urge you to start embarking on this transformative journey now. By embracing future possibilities and making strategic decisions today, you can position your organization to thrive in an evolving landscape. Let us guide you through the process of replacing foundationConnect, instilling confidence and providing the insights you need for a brighter future.

Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of change, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. We firmly believe that every moment counts as we work towards a future where your organization can make an even greater difference. Through this blog, we aim to guide you in replacing foundationConnect, offering expert advice, exploring options, and showcasing the transformative potential of this transition. Join us on a journey of growth and innovation as we unlock a future of radically better impact, empowering your organization to create lasting change.

foundationConnect Overview:

foundationConnect is a trusted grants management solution that streamlines the entire grant process and has been implemented by Exponent Partners since 2010. From application and review to payment and reporting, foundationConnect brings all the necessary functionalities together in one place. With features like the grantee community portal, application discovery, pre-application eligibility screening, grant history, and grantee communication, grants managers can focus on impactful work while grantees deliver more on their missions. The system’s user-friendly interface and affordable licensing costs have made it an appealing choice for nonprofits. Notably, foundationConnect’s custom grantee portal builder has been one of its most impactful features since it enables administrators to create personalized application forms for various grant types, maximizing flexibility and enhancing the user experience. However, as all good things must come to an end, it’s time to explore what lies ahead.

Finding Your Ideal foundationConnect Replacement:

As foundationConnect bids farewell, a new era of nonprofit technology emerges, brimming with opportunities for transformative impact. From the versatile new Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking to fully customized builds on the Salesforce platform, partial custom builds using Outbound Funds, and the innovative Amp Impact by Vera Solutions, a range of replacement solutions tailored to your organization’s unique needs await exploration.

You may find yourself pondering, “which solution is right for us?” When embarking on the journey to replace foundationConnect, it’s vital to assess key factors that influence your organization’s requirements. Our experts can help you assess the complexity of your grants management processes, the requirements for impact reporting, currency conversion, approval processes, community impact, portal functionality, and application/reporting forms. It’s important to consider factors such as integration needs, your willingness to migrate to a new Salesforce instance, budget and timeline constraints, the impact on other uses of Salesforce, lifetime licensing costs, and the long-term supportability of the chosen solution.

With over a decade of expertise in implementing various grants management solutions, the experienced team at Exponent Partners can guide you through this landscape. We can help you navigate the complexities of adapting your systems as we’ve done for countless others. Take a look at this recent case study, “William Penn Foundation Re-Launches Salesforce Without foundationConnect Package” and then connect with our experts to unlock a future of radically better impact.

When to Make the Move:

“When is the right time to transition from foundationConnect?” and “What does this mean for my organization?” These common questions often linger in the minds of nonprofit leaders. It’s important to note that Salesforce will no longer support foundationConnect after January 31, 2026, and subscriptions will not be renewable after January 31, 2025. This impending change requires strategic planning and decisive action. Just like preparing for a move to a new home, there are essential steps to take. It’s time to start packing your boxes, hiring a moving company, and decluttering your space. We’ll be there to guide you through the transition process, helping you determine the optimal timing for your move and empowering you to seize the transformative potential of this change. Together, let’s make this transition a smooth and successful journey.

Taking Action Today for a Better Tomorrow:

To embrace change, action is paramount. While Exponent Partners offers expert strategic planning and support, there are proactive steps you can take internally to ensure a successful transition. Here are some practical steps you can take today, to ensure you’re ready for a better tomorrow.

Conduct a thorough review of your business processes: Assess your current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and streamline your operations for improved efficiency.
Establish clear organizational priorities: Define or revisit your organization’s goals and align them with your vision and mission. Prioritize your initiatives to ensure a focused approach to change.
Evaluate pain points and successes: Identify areas that need improvement and build upon past successes. Catalog your experiences to create a stronger foundation for the future.
Assess historical data: Dive into your data to gain insights about your usage. Consider what information is essential to retain and evaluate whether data cleanup is necessary before migrating to your new system.
Create a budget: Develop a comprehensive budget that includes costs associated with the transition, such as training, implementation, and ongoing support. Having a clear financial plan will help you allocate resources effectively.

Together, and with these initial steps taken on the path to success, we can turn change into an opportunity for growth and lasting impact.

How Exponent Partners Can Empower Your Journey:

Navigating change requires guidance from experienced hands. Exponent Partners, your trusted strategic partner, stands ready to empower your journey of transformation. To ensure a seamless transition during this time of change, we can offer you many paths but we recommend starting with our Systems Planning Engagement.

During the Systems Planning process, we provide the expertise and support needed to lay a solid foundation for your journey. This strategic approach breaks the overall replacement project into manageable tasks, minimizing complexity and maximizing efficiency. Our Systems Planning Engagement includes a range of deliverables, such as a detailed discovery of your grants management business processes, technical assessment, data migration analysis, business process flows, and technical requirements documentation. However, what you truly gain from this engagement is the confidence and peace of mind that you’re on the right path. We can help you navigate the complexities of change, ensuring that you have the necessary systems and tools to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Let us be your strategic partner as you embark on this transformative journey. Together, we’ll empower your organization and unlock its full potential, driving lasting impact. Contact us to learn more.

Peter Bender

Senior Solution Architect

Peter plays varied roles on Exponent Partners nonprofit projects, serving as solution architect, lead business analyst, and more. He has worked with all sizes and types of nonprofits in his long tenure at the company and has special expertise in custom solutions, philanthropy systems, and integrations. He places a high priority on keeping client solutions simple and cost-effective, and brings an abiding commitment to continuous improvement, sustainability of design, and usability to his work. Peter has designed and developed technical business solutions at fast-paced small companies, with solutions ranging from web tools and custom CRM applications to SAP implementations. While taking time off to be a stay-at-home dad, Peter began implementing Salesforce applications as a volunteer for local nonprofits through the Taproot Foundation.

A native Midwesterner, Peter is an avid outdoorsman. He has crewed a 135-foot ocean-going research vessel, worked as a Forest Service Wilderness Ranger, climbed mountains, hiked for weeks in Alaska and Utah, and explored Antarctica. His goal is to be a role model for his three young daughters, leading a balanced life and giving back to the community. Peter graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota with a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology.

Enhancing Grantmaking Organizations’ Impact: Insights from Lara Hoke Kimberley

Posted in: Blog

At the heart of everything we do lies the power of people. People who do extraordinary things to create change in the everyday lives of human beings they have never met. They are the driving force behind uncovering the vital data that leads to positive change, and when it comes to grantmaking organizations and foundations, their impact is paramount. In order to effectively serve people and create meaningful outcomes, it is essential to have trusted subject matter experts who understand the unique challenges faced by these organizations. With the recent innovations in the new Nonprofit Cloud and the release of grants management functionality, there is a pressing need for a trusted partner who can navigate this new era and harness its grantmaking capabilities for the benefit of, you guessed it, people.

In this article, we explore the new innovations of the new Nonprofit Cloud and gain invaluable insights from Lara Hoke Kimberley, an experienced Salesforce consultant specializing in implementing solutions for nonprofits. With her extensive background in fine art and a passion for supporting organizations with impactful missions, Lara brings a unique perspective, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving people. Join us as we embark on an exclusive interview with Lara Hoke Kimberley, where we delve into her journey, accomplishments, and expertise in empowering organizations to make a tangible difference in the lives of our people.

Can you tell us about your experience working with Salesforce in the nonprofit sector, specifically in the context of grantmaking organizations and foundations? What motivated you to specialize in working with nonprofits, particularly in the grantmaking space?

Lara: Absolutely! I’ve been working with Salesforce since 2010, starting with my background in fine art and community-based arts organizations. My journey led me to The Oakland Museum of California, where I was exposed to Raiser’s Edge, a fundraising, and membership management, inbound grants management software. Feeling limited within the confines of Raiser’s I explored alternative CRM solutions and discovered Salesforce and its potential to serve organizations making a positive impact.

In 2010, I began using Salesforce as a user and, in 2014, transitioned into implementing Salesforce solutions for nonprofit organizations. Initially, my focus was on fundraising, email marketing, and event management. Over the years I became increasingly interested in working with philanthropic organizations

I’ve had the privilege of working with various grantmaking organizations and foundations, helping them leverage Salesforce to streamline their operations and achieve their missions. It has been incredibly fulfilling to combine my expertise in Salesforce with my desire to make a difference in the nonprofit sector.

What types of organizations have you worked with in your career as a consultant, specifically within the realm of grantmaking and foundations? Could you provide examples of projects where you implemented grants management solutions? Or perhaps could you provide examples of your favorite or most challenging projects?

Lara: Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of organizations, including private foundations, community foundations, and re-granting organizations. Implementing grants management solutions on the Salesforce platform, such as foundationConnect, Outbound Funds, and Vera Solutions’ Amp Impact, has been a significant part of my work. Some of my favorite projects involved assisting organizations in transitioning from previous platforms to Salesforce, and tailoring the system to their unique business processes. These projects often required change management and business process engineering, but the outcomes were successful and aligned with the organizations’ specific needs.

What are some challenges you have encountered while implementing and extending Salesforce in grantmaking organizations, and how did you overcome them?

Lara: Implementing Salesforce in grantmaking organizations presents its fair share of challenges. One significant challenge is aligning the system with the organization’s specific business processes and culture. To overcome this, I dedicate time to thoroughly analyze and understand the organization’s needs and goals. Additionally, managing change and gaining clients’ trust can be challenging yet vital for successful implementations. Collaborating closely with organizations to reimagine and redesign their processes ensures that the system works for them. It’s a two-way effort that involves careful listening, proactive problem-solving, and a shared vision of success.

How does your background in fine art influence your work in the nonprofit sector, and specifically, your approach to supporting organizations as a Salesforce consultant?

Lara: That’s a great question. My degree in fine art and my experience as a professional artist have had a significant impact on my work in the nonprofit sector and as a Salesforce consultant. When I reflect on what I build and design in Salesforce, I see similarities with the drawings and paintings I create. The process starts with sketches that gradually evolve and become more refined, just like the requirements and discovery phase of Salesforce projects.

In my artwork, you can observe the progression from initial sketches to the final piece, with visible changes, additions, and occasionally lines that weren’t pursued. This iterative process of refining and building resonates with how I approach Salesforce implementations. It’s about gradually shaping and bringing something to life until it reaches its final form.

My artistic background instills in me a sense of creativity and an ability to think beyond the conventional. When supporting nonprofits, I believe that technology solutions should not only meet functional needs but also be aesthetically pleasing and intuitive. Drawing upon my artistic mindset, I strive to design Salesforce systems that are user-friendly and visually appealing. This approach helps organizations embrace technology more readily and enhances their overall user experience.

Images from https://lara-hoke.squarespace.com/drawings. To learn more about Lara’s incredible talent, visit https://lara-hoke.squarespace.com.

In your experience, what are some of the most impactful ways in which Salesforce can transform grantmaking organizations and foundations?

Lara: One significant way Salesforce can bring about transformation is through its ability to connect grantmaking with other business processes within an organization. Many organizations are already utilizing Salesforce for their operations or other business units. By integrating grantmaking into this system, organizations gain a comprehensive view of their operations across different units, resulting in better insights and enhanced organizational efficiency.

Salesforce’s new Nonprofit Cloud and grantmaking functionality offers access to industry common components and features that are not available outside of an industry cloud. This allows organizations to leverage advanced tools and capabilities to advance their grantmaking efforts. As an example, the digital experiences provided by Salesforce enable real-time collaboration between grant seekers and grant makers, streamlining the application and reporting processes.

Being on an industry cloud also provides nonprofits with greater access to innovation from the public sector. This opens up new possibilities for collaboration and communication, further enhancing the grantmaking experience.

To learn more about industry common components, read our blog, “Industry Common Components in Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud” here.

As a consultant, how do you approach the process of understanding an organization’s unique needs and tailoring Salesforce solutions to meet those needs effectively?

Lara: Understanding an organization’s unique needs is a crucial aspect of my consulting approach. I begin by engaging in deep conversations with key stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of their goals, challenges, and desired outcomes. Conducting thorough business process analysis allows us to identify pain points and areas for improvement. This collaborative process involves active listening, asking probing questions, and observing the organization’s existing workflows. Based on this understanding, I work closely with the organization to tailor Salesforce solutions that align with their specific requirements. This involves configuring Salesforce, designing custom objects and fields, creating automation, and developing customized reports and dashboards. Prioritizing user adoption, I provide comprehensive training to ensure that the organization’s staff feels comfortable and empowered to use the system effectively.

What are some of the emerging technology trends or innovations that could greatly benefit grantmaking organizations and foundations in the future?

Lara: There are several emerging trends and innovations from Salesforce that hold great potential for grantmaking organizations and foundations. One notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities within these platforms. AI and ML can help organizations automate manual processes, enhance data analysis, and gain valuable insights from large datasets.

To learn more about the recent announcement of AI Cloud, read our blog, “Salesforce AI Day: Revolutionizing the Future with AI Cloud” here.

Lara: Another significant trend is the growing emphasis on mobile accessibility and responsive design. Grantmaking professionals are often on the go, and having access to Salesforce on mobile devices can improve productivity and collaboration. Additionally, advancements in data visualization and storytelling tools within Salesforce can enable organizations to effectively communicate their impact and engage with stakeholders. These emerging trends and innovations have the potential to advance how grantmaking organizations operate and further amplify their positive impact.

Lastly, what advice would you give to grantmaking organizations and foundations that are considering implementing Salesforce or upgrading their existing systems?

Lara: When it comes to Salesforce implementation or system upgrades, my advice for grantmaking organizations and foundations is to prioritize planning and engagement. Invest time upfront in defining clear objectives and understanding your organization’s unique requirements. Engage staff at all levels to ensure their input is valued and their needs are addressed. Consider conducting a thorough assessment of existing workflows and processes to identify areas that can be streamlined or automated. Collaborate with a knowledgeable Salesforce consultant, a trusted partner, who understands the nonprofit sector and has experience working with grantmaking organizations. A trusted partner can help you assess the path forward and make informed decisions. Make sure to leverage the power of the Salesforce community and resources to learn best practices and stay up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements. Lastly, prioritize user adoption by providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to maximize the organization’s return on investment in Salesforce.

If you’re considering a Salesforce implementation, be sure to check out our blog, “10 Things to Consider Before Implementing Salesforce for Nonprofits” here.

Embracing the Power of the new Nonprofit Cloud

We extend our deepest gratitude to Lara Kimberley for sharing her invaluable insights and dedicating her time to this enlightening discussion. As we reflect on the knowledge and wisdom we’ve gained from Lara, we are filled with excitement and purpose. The power of Salesforce technology, when harnessed effectively, can propel grantmaking organizations and foundations to new heights of impact and create positive change in the lives of countless people. We have witnessed how Salesforce, with its innovative features and grants management functionality, can revolutionize operations, streamline processes, and empower organizations to make a tangible difference.

Now, it’s your turn to embrace this transformative potential. If you’re ready to unlock the full power of Salesforce and embark on a journey of enhanced impact, we invite you to connect with Exponent Partners. Our team of experts stands ready to be your trusted partner, guiding you through the intricacies of the new Nonprofit Cloud, tailoring solutions to your unique needs, and maximizing the benefits for your organization. Together, we can leverage technology to serve people, advance missions, and create lasting change.

A Closing Note

It’s important to note that all forward-looking statements mentioned in this blog post are subject to the Safe Harbor statement, which highlights that actual results may differ materially from the statements made, and implies that all product buying decisions should be based on what is currently available from Salesforce at the time of purchase.

Lara Kimberley

Principal Consultant

Lara leads our fundraising practice helping nonprofits develop, refine, and integrate their fundraising systems. She is passionate about creating solutions for organizations that are thoughtful, elegant, and scalable.

Lara has been part of the Salesforce ecosystem for 10 years and has been implementing and extending Salesforce in nonprofits as a consultant for six years. She has worked with a broad spectrum of nonprofits including food banks, philanthropy, K-12 and higher education, environment and wildlife, visual art, disaster and international relief, and faith-based ministries. Lara holds 13 Salesforce Certifications including Application Architect and Nonprofit Cloud Consultant.

Lara earned her BFA in Fine Art from Carnegie Mellon University. An accomplished professional artist, Lara’s work has been exhibited internationally and is in the collections of universities and business leaders.

Embracing the New Nonprofit Cloud: Moving Forward with Grants Management

Posted in: Blog

This spring Salesforce announced Nonprofit Cloud, a transformative shift from managed packages to functionality designed specifically for nonprofits and foundations built directly on the core platform.

The Spring ‘23 release of Nonprofit Cloud included functionality for program management and case management. The Summer ‘23 release adds a new layer, Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking, which will be available after July 18th, 2023.

Streamlining the Grantmaking Process or Empowering Grantmakers and Grantseekers for Greater Impact

Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking provides grantmakers with the tools to manage their programs, create and track program budgets, create opportunities for grantseekers, review applications, and track the outcomes of awarded grants. Grantseekers on Nonprofit Cloud can view funding opportunities, collaborate on grant applications, submit project budgets, and report against their goals.

Enhanced Budget Creation Interface

From both an implementation and end-user perspective, one of the features that I am most excited about in the first release of Grantmaking is the program and grant budget creation interface. It is a clean, easy to use screen for entering the planned expenses by budget category and time period. This interface is designed to be used by program managers to develop their program budgets and by grantseekers to provide details on how awarded grant money will be spent.

Access to Industry Common Components

In addition to the functionality built for nonprofits on core and the robust product roadmap, Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking opens up access to industry common components. These components include, among others, Omnistudio, Business Rules Engine (BRE), and the very compellingly named DataRaptors. We discussed these common components in detail in our blog, “Industry Common Components in Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud,” which you can find here.

A Roadmap for Innovation

The Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking has an ambitious roadmap, with Salesforce committed to regularly releasing new features aligned with their standard release schedule. This ensures that nonprofits will continually benefit from enhancements and innovations, staying at the forefront of technology. It’s important to note that all forward-looking statements mentioned in this blog post are subject to the Safe Harbor statement, which highlights that actual results may differ materially from the statements made, and implies that all product buying decisions should be based on what is currently available from Salesforce at the time of purchase.

At Exponent Partners, we are thrilled by the tremendous potential of the Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking to transform the way nonprofits and foundations manage their grantmaking processes. With our team’s extensive experience and a track record of over 1,750 successful social impact projects, we are committed to guiding you throughout your journey. Reach out to us today to explore the possibilities of Nonprofit Cloud for Grantmaking and uncover how we can empower you to drive radically better impact. Together, let’s forge lasting change and create a meaningful difference in the world.

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Peter Bender

Senior Solution Architect

Can you tell us about your experience working with Salesforce in the nonprofit sector, specifically in the context of grantmaking organizations and foundations? What motivated you to specialize in working with nonprofits, particularly in the grantmaking space?

What are some challenges you have encountered while implementing and extending Salesforce in grantmaking organizations, and how did you overcome them?

How does your background in fine art influence your work in the nonprofit sector, and specifically, your approach to supporting organizations as a Salesforce consultant?

In your experience, what are some of the most impactful ways in which Salesforce can transform grantmaking organizations and foundations?