Having used other CRM databases in the past (Blackbaud & Donor Perfect), I'm looking for tips specific to non-profit orgs. re how to set-up / revamp our current account and donation entry screens within SF. Our current set-up feels clunky and is missing key information that I'm used to seeing in reports used for reconciliations with accounting, etc. +It seems like there are a lot of groups/forums for SF, and I'm looking for links to which you've felt are most useful. My industry/sector is homelessness support services. Thank you!
Hi Kelley!
Welcome to Salesforce! For a nonprofit, I’d start with the data model and reporting requirements before changing the screens. Coming from Blackbaud or DonorPerfect, some Salesforce concepts can feel different at first.
For the CRM design, I’d look at:
- Accounts/Contacts for individuals, households, organizations, and relationships
- Campaigns for fundraising campaigns and outreach
- Opportunities for donations, pledges, and other revenue
- GAU Allocations if you need to track how donations are distributed across funds/programs
- Reports and dashboards designed around the reconciliation information your accounting team needs
I’d also avoid adding fields just to reproduce the old system. First identify the reports your team relies on today, then map each required piece of information to the Salesforce data model.
For nonprofit-specific guidance, the Salesforce Trailblazer Community’s Nonprofit group and Salesforce’s nonprofit resources are good places to compare approaches with other organizations.
If you share which Salesforce nonprofit package/version you’re using (for example, NPSP) and what your current donation/account screens look like, the community can give much more specific recommendations.
