MOSS Research 1: Overview
How do non-profits choose their CRM, especially comparing those using open source / self-hosted, with those using proprietary / centrally-hosted software?
Is it awareness, so Civi should focus on marketing and messaging? Is it trust, so Civi should focus on trust-building, via, say, certification-programs, partner-accreditation, SASS-offerings? Is it simplicity? Is it costs?
Driving this question is the relative stable level of Civi installs at 10,000-11,000 while Salesforce growth is relentless, gaining popularity with non-profits, even tho it's often a more expensive option.
Planned process (agreed on a call between Nicol & @RoseLanigan):
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A. Create a survey https://lab.civicrm.org/community/fundraising/issues/3 -
B. Publicize it widely (blog post, Civi newsletter, 3rd sector publications, ie Charity Digital News) -
C. Analyze the results -
D. Follow up phone calls or emails with interesting responses (especially those who've migrated between Civi and other CRMs) -
E. Summarize findings in a (ideally max) 1-2 sheet PDF and blog post. -
F. Promote findings with inital survey respondents, and related publications -
G. Invite community discussion on possible responses on a call or discussion thread.
Maximum available paid work time: 30 hours