To streamline business practices and improve the bottom line nonprofits need a solution that can handle the needs of the organization, from budget and grant management to building relationships with benefactors and donors. Although the ROI in investing in a software solution is worth the hassle it can still be a timely and costly process. It is therefore essential that steps are taken to guarantee that the nonprofits requirements are met.  Nonprofits want to know that whatever solution they decide to invest in and implement will be more than a glorified email system.

Get the implementation process right

Before choosing a solution that is right for your nonprofit organization, a review of the current requirements of the organization, as well as identifying areas for improvement, will ensure that you implement a solution that meets the needs of your nonprofit. Taking the time to identify the goals and desired actions for the solution, as well as who will be using the system, will help you determine what features and customized processes your solution will need to streamline management practices.

Integrating a system with a familiar interface will also help to encourage implementation and pick up rate for employees and volunteers using the management software.

Take a look at your current software packages

ERP and CRM software solutions have come a long way and many can now run concurrently. Nonprofit organizations running separate ERP and CRM systems may find that they have duplicated and redundant data between the two systems, that it slows down processes and deters transparency. An integrated system helps to improve financial management alongside building relationships with the community and funders. Management software that is customized to the specific function requirements and processes that are carried by employees will help to improve productivity, insights, innovation and transparency across the organization.

Review and improve

Before rolling out the management solution, review and test it to guarantee that the solution meets the requirements of the organization and its employees, and that where possible processes are being automated. Once the solution has been tested and further customized to suit the organization, the data migration process can begin.

Regular training once the solution is implemented may be needed to guarantee that the solution is being used to increase efficiency, productivity and transparency.

Good things come in twos!  In addition to the Serenic Navigator 2013 release, we recently announced that a new version of Serenic DonorVision is now available!  Serenic DonorVision is a donor and constituent relationship management (CRM) solution that helps nonprofits and government organizations better link development teams to accounting departments. Read more…

International nonprofit organizations that have a large network of offices in remote communities would be able to attest to the appeal of the anywhere, anytime benefits of cloud computing.  However it’s not all about working remotely; there are other benefits of switching to the cloud too. Cloud solutions that allow flexibility, scalability, security and improved communication help to develop the agility of the nonprofit organization, particularly for those organizations looking to grow. Read more…

We’re very excited to announce the newest software release of Serenic Navigator, built on Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013, which enhances collaboration for nonprofit financial management. Read more…

10 Tips for Starting a Nonprofit Organization or Public Charity
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Stakeholders, grant funders and companies who have donated to nonprofit organizations are increasingly expecting nonprofits to produce impact reporting that reveals the efficiency of the organization, the impact of programs and initiatives, and how they have helped the community and beneficiaries.  Accumulating the data and identifying what is valuable to the organization, its beneficiaries and the donors is therefore essential for getting the reporting right. Read more…

Since 1999, Finley & Cook has worked hand-in-hand with Serenic as a successful, growing Global Partner Network member.  Collaborating with Serenic’s dedicated partner support team helps Finley & Cook meet specific clients’ needs with Serenic Navigator, our financial management system built upon Microsoft Dynamics NAV with features important to the firm’s tribal sector specialization, such as true fund accounting, support for both accrual and cash-based accounting, and ease of use. Read more…

In the wake of the congressional inquest into tax noncompliance by colleges and universities in the US, all nonprofit organizations should be analyzing the way that they are reporting to ensure that it meets compliance with the IRS and other government bodies. Complying can be time consuming and intimidating for nonprofit organizations to register with the Solicitations Department.  However, failing to register or compile an annual impact report can result in serious repercussions.

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Serenic Software was in sunny Anaheim, CA April 30 through May 2 for the annual Christian Leadership Alliance Conference.  Several nonprofit organizations attended and enjoyed over 100 workshops with sessions geared toward teaching members what it means to be an “Authentic Leader.”  Our team had the opportunity to meet staff members from organizations doing remarkable work around the world and anxious to learn how Serenic Navigator could help them to increase efficiencies in their financial management operations.  In addition to meeting new potential clients, we visited with several of our nonprofit accounting software clients who stopped by to say hello and learn about the newest release of Serenic Navigator.   These included the Salvation Army of East and Salvation Army of NY. Read more…

Essential to the success of a nonprofit organization is its ability to communicate both internally with its employees, externally with the community they help, and its donors, as well as funding and government bodies. Read more…