Nonprofit organisations are usually faced with budget restrictions and need to find cost-effective solutions where possible.
Costs can be significantly reduced when it comes to communication systems, with the use of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
It provides a versatile alternative to standard phone lines at a fraction of the price.
Additionally, it ensures that nonprofits are maximising their outreach by making high-quality calls to just about anywhere.
Understanding VoIP
With the use of a broadband Internet connection, users are able to make voice calls instead of using traditional phone lines.
Your voice signal is converted into digital data and sent over the Internet from anywhere in the world.
This is ideal for nonprofits to extend their reach and secure additional funding.
With the choice of having the systems hosted on or off-site in the cloud, it offers a budget-friendly communication option for nonprofits of all sizes.
For these organisations, communicating with potential investors is a crucial part of acquiring funding for outreach projects.
Saving costs on these systems allow for more budget allocation for achieving core missions.
Cost Savings Using VoIP
According to statistics from The Tech Report, up to 50% can be saved on local calls when using VoIP systems.
In addition to this, nonprofits can benefit from the reduced cost of travel expenses, operational costs and call charges.
Also, most VoIP service providers offer bundled services that include a range of extra features.
Reduced Travel Expenses
VoIP systems allow for high-quality calls from any location with an Internet connection.
This means that nonprofits can make use of virtual meetings as opposed to physical travel, which can become costly.
Volunteers can still be communicated with remotely and online training sessions or conferences can take place without any added costs involved.
Decreased Operational Costs
Standard phone systems incur plenty of costs to keep them running, from installation and maintenance costs to monthly service charges.
VoIP systems do not require hardware and needs little maintenance, this is also usually included in the subscription with the service provider.
All that is needed from a nonprofit’s side are existing devices and a stable Internet connection to get started.
Minimal Call Charges
VoIP systems provide lower call rates, particularly for long-distance calls.
Communicating with international donors, partners or teammates can be done seamlessly and at a minimal cost.
There are two call charges available, pay-as-you-go or unlimited plans.
Nonprofits can benefit from the pay-as-you-go option as they generally don’t have an extremely high call volume that needs unlimited calling, such as a call centre for example.
Bundled Services
A VoIP service provider may offer bundled services as part of its subscription.
These can include additional features such as voicemail and conference calling at no extra cost.
Some may even offer a virtual receptionist feature, this will answer incoming calls and automatically connect callers to relevant team members.
The advantage of this is the streamlining of communications and increased efficiency within the nonprofit organisation.
VoIP Features For Nonprofits
As a nonprofit, these are the top features of a VoIP system that will be the most beneficial to make use of.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
This feature interacts with callers by providing a self-service option, where callers can use keypad inputs to be directed to the correct department or individual.
The IVR menu is customisable, providing callers with the option to receive a callback, sign up or enquire about volunteering and donations.
Analytics And Reporting
The analytics tool can provide valuable insight into the amount of calls received, waiting times and abandoned calls, to name a few.
This becomes beneficial to see emerging patterns such as increases or decreases in conversations and response time.
Call Recordings And Transcriptions
Call archives are easily accessible for data purposes, to train new volunteers or to keep a record of notable announcements.
Transcriptions allow for previous calls to be searched for quickly and efficiently, and to resolve any disputes that could arise.
Mobile And Desktop Softphones
A softphone is an app that provides incoming and outgoing calls over the Internet.
Volunteers can use it from wherever they are located, whether it be in the office, working from home or in the field, and have their own business numbers used for added privacy.
