Nonprofit organizations frequently look for ways to improve their reach, build relationships with their supporters, and make the most of the limited resources they have.

The decisions made by these bodies have a significant impact on the success of their missions and the operational costs.

The phone system is an important but often overlooked aspect. Traditional landlines are costly and inflexible for organizations with tight budgets and a high volunteer turnover.

Such outdated systems are heavy, inefficient, and incapable of scaling to meet the needs of modern NGOs’ outreach strategies. 

These companies can make cheaper online phone calls per minute by using VoIP cloud-based systems. VoIP is now affordable and flexible.

🔑Key points

  • VoIP reduces long-distance and traditional phone line costs by using the Internet.
  • VoIP systems can record and forward calls, send SMS messages, record voicemails to email, and hold conferences. These features help to increase outreach and reduce nonprofit operations.
  • Some of the top 10 essential VoIP features for nonprofit organizations include auto-attendant, voicemail to email, SMS communications, call detail records and call recording, conferencing, customer support, interactive voice response (IVR), CRM integration, reliability and uptime, mobile and desktop softphones.
  • Dialaxy, Nextiva, Dialpad, 8×8, RingCentral, and Grasshopper are some of the top-rated VoIP providers for nonprofit organizations.
  • By integrating CRM and providing multi-channel communication, cloud VoIP improves engagement and allows nonprofits to focus their resources on their primary goals and make a greater impact

 

What is VoIP for Nonprofit businesses? 

Cloud VoIP for Nonprofits

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is the best option available for nonprofit businesses to manage their communication, so using it can lower the cost of phone calls.

Nonprofit businesses can benefit from VoIP’s flexibility, especially with remote work becoming more common.

With features like virtual call centers, mobile integration, and video conferencing, nonprofit businesses can easily coordinate team members across various locations while maintaining smooth communication flows.

VoIP facilitates improved collaboration and productivity because it removes communication barriers that can hamper teamwork.

In addition, advanced capabilities such as CRM integration and auto staffing are excellent ways for non-profit businesses to increase contributor attention while streamlining operations.

How Does VoIP for Nonprofit Organizations Work?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)  provides nonprofit organizations with an affordable method of handling communications. Here’s how it works for them:

    • Internet-Based Calls: VoIP allows nonprofit organizations to make phone calls using an internet connection, eliminating the need for traditional phone lines. 
    • Multiple Features: Nonprofit organizations can access features like call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendants, and conference calls, which help manage outreach, donor calls, and internal coordination efficiently.
    • Scalability: VoIP systems are easily scalable, enabling nonprofit organizations to add or remove lines as they grow without the high costs associated with traditional phone services.
    • Remote Work Support: For nonprofit organizations with remote staff or volunteers, VoIP enables seamless communication from anywhere, using a laptop, smartphone, or VoIP-enabled device.
    • Increased Accessibility: VoIP systems support features like video conferencing and instant messaging, which can improve engagement with donors, volunteers, and the community.
    • Lower Costs: Since VoIP uses the internet, nonprofit organizations can save on long-distance and international call charges, helping them allocate more resources to their core mission.
👍Take a look at: Top 7 Benefits of Integrating AI into Your VoIP Contact Center Solution

Why Nonprofit Organizations Are Upgrading from Old Phone Systems

Here are some reasons why we should switch to VoIP from old phone systems:

1. Cost Efficiency

VoIP provides cost savings, especially for non-profit organizations. Long-distance calls are frequently free because they are carried out through the Internet. 

Nonprofit organizations with multiple locations can use a single VoIP system across all sites, reducing hardware and installation costs. If tools are needed, they are typically much less expensive than traditional phone systems.

2.  Facilitating Remote Work and Collaboration

VoIP service providers allow a remote workforce by enabling team members to stay connected while out in the field or working from home.

VoIP technology helps with this with features such as cloud-based video calls, document sharing, and instant messaging. 

It increases team productivity, facilitates virtual workshops, planning, and project management, and promotes collaboration.

Cost savings from using VoIP for remote work can be reinvested to increase your nonprofit organization’s impact.

3. Flexible working, clear communication

VoIP makes it simple to work online and in a hybrid environment using any internet connection connection. It offers unified communications whether at home, at work, or on the go.

Any smart device, laptop, or tablet can become your work phone with an app, maintaining the same number wherever you go.

Even more flexible, you can use your mobile phone to answer calls, listen to voicemails, transfer calls, send messages, and forward calls as needed.

4. 24/7 Customer service

VoIP’s call routing feature makes it simple to give critical calls or messages to particular team members even when they’re not in the office.

No matter where your employees are located, this makes sure that essential communication will always occur without any issues.

Your organization can improve its outreach activities and choose new supporters and volunteers by remaining involved and flexible to your needs.

VoIP supports your nonprofit’s growth and mission success by helping you maintain a smooth, effective communication system that improves its impact and access.

Top 10 Essential VoIP Features for Nonprofit Organizations

Here are the top 10 essential VoIP features for nonprofit organizations:

1. Auto-attendant

While talking to a real person is enjoyable, nobody enjoys being asked to “please hold.” It can be costly and result in missed opportunities when the line is too busy to depend only on a traditional phone operator to answer all incoming calls. 

This is reduced by the auto-attendant feature, which cuts down on missed calls and wait times. Calls are quickly routed to the proper department or team member who is available.

Also, posting tailored greetings, choices, and statements is simple and removes the need for additional workers while providing an easy and effective caller experience.

2. . Voicemail to Email

Transcriptions of voicemails make it simpler to monitor messages without requiring manual calls and listening. Your staff is informed as soon as a new voicemail is received by means of automated email alerts. 

The message is converted to text so you can read it from your inbox. This helps your staff respond to voicemails more quickly, ensuring no important calls are missed.

Improving the voicemail management process for your team saves time and improves response rates.

3.  SMS Communications

Using integrated SMS to communicate with supporters through their chosen medium, text, email, or phone, is easy.

Reminders for events, payments for donations, and updates can be sent out from your business phone system with ease. 

By adding a personal touch, you make sure your customer keeps informed and involved while also improving relationships and avoiding platform switching.

4. Call Detail Records & Call Recording

Organizations should look at complete call records and events, such as starting and ending calls, in order to obtain helpful information about call activities.

A VoIP system with call recording is essential for companies that have customer service teams. 

It provides information for training and quality confidence, which allows your team to stay competitive and improve service methods.

5. Conferencing

A large number of businesses want not to pay additional fees for the conference structures or have to deal with the difficulties of having to download third-party extensions for each employee.

Selecting a VoIP system with the conference bridge feature integrated is the best course of action. 

This method not only saves money but also reduces the process, which allows your team to arrange and attend meetings with less difficulty and costs.

6.  Customer Support

 It is essential to have flexible customer service, especially for nonprofit organizations that might not have a lot of IT experience.

It’s necessary to have a provider who can provide quick and effective assistance when problems occur. 

An honest assistant can help you find quick solutions so your nonprofit organization can focus on its mission rather than become distracted by technical difficulties.

Selecting a prepared partner is crucial for maintaining smooth and effective business operations.

7. Interactive voice response ( IVR)

Interactive voice response (IVR) is a unique feature of VoIP systems that allows callers to interact through voice commands or keypad selections. This self-service option allows users to get information and finish tasks without help.

IVR streamlines account checks, appointments, and FAQs for an improved customer experience and operational efficiency.

8. CRM Integration

When your phone system and CRM are connected, communication becomes easier because calls are automatically logged, and caller details are displayed quickly.

During calls, this feature gives your team quick access to customer profiles, which improves their ability to respond. 

Since every conversation is automatically recorded, all of your records are kept in one location and good order.

Integrating your CRM(customer relationship management) makes managing customer data easier for your team, increasing productivity and the overall customer experience.

9. Reliability and Uptime

It is essential to select a VoIP provider with a strong record of reliability. You need a service you can depend upon operational when it counts the most.

Whether it is an important call or daily communication, knowing your system will work without fail is essential. A provider with a strong record of uptime makes sure your team remains connected and productive.

When it comes to communication, downtime is not an option, so work with a provider who maintains your system runs smoothly at all times.

10. Mobile and desktop softphones 

Softphones allow your team to stay connected from any location by turning desktops and mobile devices into robust VoIP extensions.

Your employees can easily maintain their efficiency and interest when they are in the office or working from home. 

It makes sure that staff members and volunteers have quick access to communication resources, providing easy collaboration.

Your team can remain responsive and flexible no matter where they are due to desktop and mobile softphones, which increase productivity and do away with the need for an actual office.

🍞You might Read: Maximizing Retail Industry Performance: The Impact of VoIP Integration  on Analytics

Top-Rated VoIP Providers for Nonprofit Organizations

Cloud VoIP for Nonprofits

Here are the following top-rated VoIP providers for nonprofit organizations:

I. Dialaxy

Dialaxy is one of the top providers for meeting all of your nonprofit’s business needs, with features such as interactive IVR, WiFi calling, Agent Groups, robust security measures, and simple integration with 50+ essential apps.

Besides the innovative features, it provides affordable subscription plans with unlimited calls and messages, as well as apps for every device, to its users in the United States and Canada.

Features:

      • Omnichannel Communication
      • AI-Powered Call Insights
      • Advanced Call Routing
      • Voicemail Transcription
      • Donor Management Tools
      • Mobile & Web Apps

Pros:

      •  AI-powered ideas improve nonprofit supporter outreach and interaction.
      • Omnichannel communication enables organizations to connect across multiple platforms.
      • Simple CRM integration for managing donor and volunteer relationships.

Cons:

      •  Advanced features may need training for less experienced users.
      • Smaller nonprofits may find enterprise plan pricing to be costly.

II. Nextiva

Nextiva is a popular VoIP provider that provides a reliable, integrated communication system that includes voice, video, text, messaging, and CRM integration. It Improved community engagement and nonprofit productivity are its primary objectives. 

Features:

      •  Nextiva provides call center management.
      • VoIP connection to communicate with customers.
      • Provides call conferencing feature
      • Call schedule management capability
      • The software allows multi-channel communication for its customers.
      •  Provide video conferencing options for customer interaction. 

Pros:

      • Simple to set up and simple to use.
      • Provides 24/7 customer service to make sure that nonprofits never run out of help.
      • Incorporates video conferencing, call analytics, and CRM integration.
      • Plans that can be reduced according to nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

Cons:

      • Costs may be higher for smaller nonprofits with limited money.
      • Some complex functions are limited to higher-end platforms.

III. Dialpad

Dialpad provides a number of advanced features to help reduce business communication and increase productivity. Omnichannel messaging allows you to connect with customers across multiple platforms easily.

Its powerful reporting and analysis tools add value, but the feature that stands out is AI Voice, which includes all of the necessary tools for making and receiving calls.

Features:

      • Dialpad helps to organize incoming calls.
      •  Provides basic recording capabilities. 
      •  You can review recordings to improve the collection of data.
      •  Call monitoring feature in real-time.
      •  Provides multichannel communication to support integration.
      •  Dialpad supports VoIP connections for its customers.
      • Dialpad offers video conferencing capabilities.
      • Easy integration with CRM platforms.  

Pros: 

      • The mobile app is simple to set up and use.
      • All plans include unlimited calls and texts.
      • Voicemail transcription and business texting capabilities.
      • Smaller nonprofits can benefit from affordable pricing.

Cons:

      • Basic calling features are limited, making it unsuitable for larger organizations that require advanced functionality.
      • CRM integration is lacking, as are call analytics tools.
      • There are no video conferencing options.

IV. 8×8

8X8 is a communication platform that includes video conferencing, calling, and messaging. Their VoIP services improve customer interactions with features such as voicemail over VoIP, customizable call flows, and global coverage. 

The 8X8 app integrates these features, allowing you to manage all of your communications easily. With 8X8, you get a versatile, powerful tool that will keep you connected and working with your customers.

Features:

      • Unlimited Calling
      • Global Coverage
      • Team Messaging
      • Video Conferencing
      • Voicemail Transcription
      • Auto-Attendant
      • Call recording

Pros: 

      • Provides free unlimited calling to 14 nations.
      • Incorporates functions like CRM integration, group messaging, and video calling.
      • Particular focus on safeguarding from end to end and security.
      • Good value at an entry-level price point for nonprofits.

Cons:

      • There are limited customer support hours.
      • Advanced features are limited to higher-tier plans.
      • Some users report occasional interface issues.       

V. RingCentral

RingCentral stands out as a top choice for small businesses, providing a scalable solution and great customer service. Its multiple functions allow you to make a great impression, whether you’re handling business phone numbers or managing customer interactions.

RingCentral allows you to stay connected effortlessly. Its unified, mobile-friendly app allows you to communicate with both customers and team members in one place.

Features:

      • Cloud-Based System
      • HD Video Conferencing
      • Team Messaging
      • Call Management
      • Mobile App
      • Integrations       

Pros:

      • Scalability
      • Complete Features
      • User-Friendly
      • 24/7 Support

Cons:

      • Call
      • Complexity
      • Call quality

VI. Grasshopper

Grasshopper excels as a cloud phone system, highlighting customer interaction and professionalism. Its virtual phone number allows you to separate work and personal life by handling each call properly.

Features:

      • Virtual Phone System
      • Call Forwarding
      • Voicemail and Text
      • Multiple Extensions
      • Mobile App

Pros:

      • Affordability
      • Ease of Use
      • No Hardware Required
      • Flexible Plans

Cons:

      • Limited Features
      • Scalability
      • Call Quality                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Final Words 

As nonprofits seek to increase their impact, Cloud VoIP proves invaluable. Because of its low cost, organizations may give more resources to their missions rather than phone bills.

Adopting Cloud VoIP provides improved communication capabilities without pulling the budget.

Besides cost savings, Cloud VoIP improves outreach through features such as integrated CRM and multi-channel communication.

These tools simplify operations and increase interaction with individuals, organizations, and customers, making each call more effective and significant.

In the end, Cloud VoIP is more than just a communication tool. It is essential for efficiency and growth.

Nonprofits can choose this solution to focus on their primary goal while clearing the way for a more connected and significant future.

FAQs

Are there any free VoIP services?

Yes, some VoIP services, such as Google Voice and Zoom, provide free plans, but the features are limited compared to paid services.

How much does a VoIP line cost per month?

VoIP lines typically cost $10 to $40 per month, depending on the provider and included features.

How much does a VoIP provider cost?

VoIP provider costs differ, with basic services starting at around $20/month per user and increasing with more advanced features.

Does Google for Nonprofits include Google Voice?

No, Google for Nonprofits does not include Google Voice. However, it is available as a separate paid service.

Can I be my own VoIP provider?

Yes, with the proper equipment, software, and technical knowledge, you can set up your own VoIP system, but it is complex.

What are the hidden fees for VoIP?

Setup fees, taxes, additional features, number porting, and international call charges are some examples of hidden fees.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.