Nonprofits work with many different kinds of people and organisations, and need software to keep track of those relationships.
Constituent management systems are software platforms nonprofits use to organise and track relationships with their constituents: the range of people and groups connected to their work, including donors, members, volunteers, clients or patients, grant applicants and others.
Constituents-plus
DataSystematic recommends the following approach:
Constituents-plus means looking at your constituent-related systems together, as one landscape, rather than as separate decisions, so you can build an architecture that works long-term. This includes ‘core’ systems such as a CRM, plus related systems that perform additional or adjacent functions.
It is
A holistic approach: understanding your core and adjacent systems together, as one landscape, rather than choosing each one in isolation.
It is not
A comprehensive digital strategy, covering all aspects of digital or technology strategy, infrastructure, back office functions, and the related overall vision or purpose.
Holistic approach
Whilst systems may not always be chosen at the same time, it is nevertheless important to take a bigger, more strategic picture and consider how the pieces fit together. The right choice depends on the full picture: what your organisation needs across every function, not just the one system in front of you at the time.
Some organisations can run everything through a single system. Others need several systems working together, an architecture, where each one performs a different function and together they cover everything the organisation needs. Once a gap is identified, there are several ways to close it.
- A single system. One system already covers the need, on its own, with nothing else added.
- Multiple systems. Two or more separate systems, each covering a different need, connected together.
- A modified system. A flexible system, extended natively with its own new record types and fields to cover the need.
- External apps. A low-code app or automation platform, layered alongside a core system for a lighter need.
Many organisations end up with a combination, for example a modified core system for one need, with a separate connected system for another.
What it’s for
This directory helps you identify the range of systems available for each function, so you can work out which of the options above fits your organisation. It currently covers 300+ system profiles, categorised by country, function, structure, platform and flexibility, so you can compare across the market rather than reading one vendor page at a time. It’s a complement to DataSystematic’s training courses on system selection and implementation. Read more about DataSystematic and its founder.
It is
A starting point for deeper research: enough to identify the range of systems worth investigating further.
It is not
A set of comprehensive, detailed profiles. A robust selection process needs to be detailed and rigorous, not based on a directory alone.
Where to go next
