Funding to strengthen your impact reporting and sustainability
Investing in a new CRM or upgrading your existing system can feel quite daunting, especially when your budget is already stretched.
The great news is that there are funding pots available for exactly this purpose. Many funders want to support better data management, because it strengthens governance, impact reporting and long-term sustainability.
A CRM can increase the positive impact of third sector organisations in many different ways, so funding this type of project falls in the remit of many types of award.
A great CRM can do a huge amount of heavy lifting for third sector organisations. One such way is to deliver the data reporting you need to fulfill the requirements of funding bodies. Simply reframing your CRM project to meet the criteria of the award you're applying for will increase your chance of success.
Frame your CRM as an impact enabler, not an IT upgrade
- Funders prefer investment linked to outcomes
Show how the CRM helps you to deliver impact, not just manage your data. For example, better supporter care, stronger fundraising, clearer reporting, improved safeguarding, or more efficient membership renewals. - Demonstrate time and cost savings
If your team is spending hours exporting spreadsheets or manually sending reminders, quantify that. Funders appreciate clear evidence of efficiency and resource optimisation, especially when every hour saved can be spent directly on mission delivery. It also reduces errors. - A CRM is a tool to help you strengthen your community
Modern CRMs, like CiviCRM and Civi360, support better communication with your beneficiaries, members and volunteers. This can increase engagement with marginalised groups. - Include any accessibility and digital inclusion benefits
You should also highlight how improved digital processes increase accessibility in your organisation by helping to support team members with varying levels of digital confidence. - Show that you have a clear plan and realistic scope
Funders want reassurance that the project is carefully thought through. Break your CRM plan into phases, show how you’ll manage risks. A structured approach significantly improves funding confidence.
Look beyond traditional grant funders
Try these key terms in your search for funding:
- Digital transformation
- Skills or capacity-building
- Corporate partnerships
- Membership development
- Local authority digital improvement schemes
- Tech for good
Just some of the grants out there currently...
These are correct at time of publication but many of these organisations continue to support non profits.
Small grants
Fat Beehive Foundation
Offers small grants of up to £2,500 to charities with a turnover of less than £1,000,000 - specifically for digital transformation.
The Schroder Charity Trust
Awards one off grants of up to £5000 to UK Charities focusing on empowering disadvantaged children, young adults, and vulnerable people through education, employment, and community wellbeing.
The Clothwork Foundation
Can fund CRM projects that improve service delivery or organisational resilience.
WCIT
They help charities use IT for good.
Larger grants
Reaching Communities England
Funding prioritises communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.
Digital Fund – The National Lottery Community Fund
Has a large number of awards available.
Funding for digital & technology costs – NCVO
Includes links to major funders and how to make the case for tech infrastructure.
Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund – GOV.UK
Government-funded initiative for tackling digital exclusion. Grants in the range £25,000–£500,000 for local charities and councils.
A CRM project fits more categories than you think.
How can Circle help you?
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask us for help. We regularly support organisations by helping them to shape their digital strategy, or scoping projects and preparing budgets for funding applications. If you’d like some advice or some supporting information for a bid, let us know, we’re always happy to help.
