{"id":1457,"date":"2018-01-05T09:57:54","date_gmt":"2018-01-05T09:57:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/teamkinetic.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1457"},"modified":"2019-01-10T12:23:20","modified_gmt":"2019-01-10T12:23:20","slug":"5-reasons-your-organization-does-not-need-a-volunteer-management-software-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teamkinetic.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/01\/5-reasons-your-organization-does-not-need-a-volunteer-management-software-system\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons your organisation does NOT need a Volunteer Management Software System"},"content":{"rendered":"

The modern volunteer coordinator is facing their latest industry challenge. Triggered by a political interest in big society, social action and volunteering, the third sector is finding a growing inclusion of volunteer management software and volunteer KPIs in tenders, bids and strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is causing a stir within the third sector as many volunteer coordinators are using the same methods as their predecessor, using extensive filing systems, paperwork and only a telegram or notice board to communicate with volunteers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without understanding or knowing the benefits of a management system, it is understandable that some still believe <\/span>that you don\u2019t need volunteer management software. Well, we\u2019re here to refute some of the common reasons why organisations think they don\u2019t need volunteer management software.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Volunteer management software is too expensive<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The cost of any new system is often expected to come with a hefty price tag. But volunteer management software is designed for the third sector in mind, with the vendor understanding the limited resources available in the third sector. Thankfully, <\/span>free versions<\/span><\/a> of volunteer management software are available, with higher functionality available at a <\/span>paid premium<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Additionally, going out and purchasing new volunteer management software may not be your only option. Your nonprofit might be able to find volunteer management tools in your existing fundraising software or nonprofit CRM. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Before looking into third-party options, see if your vendor offers upgrades or expansions with the management capabilities you need. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Your fundraising software many even offer partnerships with leading volunteer management software, so that all your information easily integrates with each other. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Not only will this help you save on costs (most vendors provide discounted rates to nonprofits that are already using their tools), but it also keeps all your information in one place. <\/span><\/p>\n

    That way, you can update donor and volunteer profiles in one centralized location without the hassle of transferring data. <\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. [insert basic database or spreadsheet software] is \u201cfit for purpose\u201d<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Many organisations believe that the current piece of software used in their organisation, such as Microsoft Excel or Access, is perfectly capable of managing volunteers.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Just as an organisation avoids using Excel for its accounts, instead of using specialist software, the same should be done for volunteer management. Using the wrong software can unknowingly be very limiting and time-consuming.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Using volunteer management software, not only reduces the workload for the volunteer coordinator and spreads the workload across all users, it improves communication, creates easier reports and provides more opportunities to recognise volunteers\u2019 efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. My organisation would not benefit from learning more about its volunteers<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Using volunteer management software can provide a much more detailed understanding of the volunteers interacting with an organisation. <\/span>With volunteer profiles, you\u2019ll not only be able to see basic information about your volunteers like name, location and age but also key information that can tailor your volunteer outreach, including: <\/span><\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n