Hey there all you nonprofit fundraising gurus. Anybody else ready for this pandemic to be over? As we’ve all tried to adjust and get used to this new normal of working remotely, awkward video calls, and eating takeout too many days of the week to remember, there are a handful of resources that can make our lives infinitely easier. One of those resources is an exciting collaboration software called Microsoft Teams.
When COVID-19 hit, fundraising changed completely and immediately. Fundraising for nonprofit organizations seemed to slowly turn into a big question mark as jobs were lost, businesses closed, and economies shut down.
With nonprofit fundraising, collaboration is key. If you’re looking for a tool to bring your squad together and achieve your fundraising efforts, whatever they may be, both easily and efficiently amidst these strange, remote times, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sure Microsoft never could have predicted a global pandemic when they launched Microsoft Teams in 2017, but countless organizations are thanking the software engineering gurus behind it now.
If I had to guess, I would say that you probably don’t have the time or energy to research every feature on every business communication platform. That’s where we come in! We’ve become the Microsoft Teams experts and have found a number of sweet features that will make fundraising professionals cheer in this new virtual world. Here’s five key things you should know about Microsoft Teams as you dive in.
5 Need-to-Knows About Microsoft Teams
One-Stop Shop
Do you ever get frustrated when desperately typing keywords in your email search bar trying to find that certain email with crucial information from weeks ago? You're not alone. Do you enjoy having 27 tabs open on your Web browser for a single fundraising event or meeting? If you do, well, we can have another conversation about that at a later time.
With Microsoft Teams, everything you could possibly need is in one, yeah that’s right, one, place! Teams will provide chat, call, video conferencing, screen share, and many other Microsoft Teams features.
Put simply, life is easier when you can go to one place for everything. As a fundraiser, being able to grab a document, insert a form, or send a quick message all in one software program is pretty close to heaven on earth. Imagine how much more efficient you could be with your money raising efforts when utilizing something like this.
Leader in Collaboration
Teamwork makes the dream work right? There’s nothing worse than having a team of amazing, creative people who just can’t get on the same page. Microsoft Teams is an excellent avenue to fulfil those fundraising dreams and aspirations while getting everyone on the same page...literally. With community and togetherness as the backbone of so many nonprofit organizations, it’s obviously important to find a platform to bring these groups together and get it done.
Microsoft Teams allows each member to be adding, editing, and organizing any document, calendar with all of the exciting events, etc. simultaneously. They even provide clear instructions on how to collaborate most effectively.
As a nonprofit, you know that working together is crucial. No single person can keep your organization running well or fund everything you need. We want to see you succeed and raise the money that will allow you to be great as a unit.
Communication is Key
Can you believe that professionals used to run businesses without the Internet? Or even worse, without telephones?! It’s pretty hard to even imagine. Thankfully, we now live in a world where that is a foreign concept.
My personal favorite feature of Microsoft Teams is the numerous ways you can communicate within the software. With most of your planning efforts leading you towards a more virtual fundraising experience, clear and effective communication is vital. With individual chat options, face to face group video calls, and more, you’ll be communicating like a pro in no time.
Let’s say you’re working on a fundraising campaign with a group of colleagues and you need to call a quick meeting. All you have to do is start a video meeting and everyone can join and discuss your incredible plans. Then, hypothetically, you need someone to add a volunteer sign-up form to the folder so you simply ask one of your members to do so and they can do it while you guys continue planning. Then let’s say you want to add the representative from the venue you’re using for your event. All you have to do is pull up your directory, grab their information and add them to the call!
Easy Usage
Let’s be honest, not all of us are technologically gifted. The good news is that there are some kind, thoughtful engineers out there that take it easy on those who are not of the “Digital Age.” In my opinion, Microsoft Teams is one of those softwares that just about anyone can figure out. Everything is clearly labeled, easily accessible, and well organized.
I understand that some of you might not believe me because I myself am what they call a Digital Native. So take my mom’s word for it: she is about as technologically challenged as they come and it took her no time to figure it out.
Maybe you find yourself in the same position. No need to fret! With Microsoft Teams, I am confident that you will find it easy and quick to master, leaving more time and energy to raise the big bucks.
Versatility
We're all looking for convenience. It’s not always convenient to whip out your laptop when you’re on the go and just need to check up on something quickly. With Microsoft Teams, all you need is access to the Internet. It's compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
That means you can use it on your smartphone that you paid so much money for! This is huge because as a fundraising coordinator, your life is very busy and you’re always on the move. All you have to do is hop on your app and you’re able to do anything you need with your team.
As you know, these are not normal times. As business leaders, we must rise to the occasion. We value your organization and your community still needs you, maybe more than ever! Microsoft Teams just might be the next crucial step in order to create the efficiency and collaboration your organization needs, especially as a nonprofit.
Now that I've piqued your interest in Microsoft Teams, check out these other articles that will help you raise more money in a virtual fundraising world.
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