A Nonprofit's Guide to the Salesforce Power of Us Program

Salesforce is a well-known leader among CRMs (Customer Relationship Management), but not just in for-profit business solutions. In the last decade or so, Salesforce has also established its presence in the realm of social impact. But with a hefty sticker price, entry into the Salesforce ecosystem often presents barriers for smaller nonprofit organizations. Enter the Power of Us Program. For nonprofits aiming to make a difference, the Salesforce Power of Us Program makes staying apace with technology more accessible than ever. Let's dive into what this program is all about and how it can empower your organization to reach new heights and make bigger impacts.

Understanding the Power of Us Program

The Power of Us Program is Salesforce's commitment to supporting nonprofits by providing access to its world-class CRM platform. Salesforce believes in the collective power of the nonprofit sector and has designed this program to be a driving force for positive change.

Key Features of the Power of Us Program

• Discounted or Donated Licenses: One of the standout features of the Power of Us Program is the opportunity for nonprofits to access Salesforce products at significantly discounted rates or, in some cases, for free. This includes licenses for Salesforce's flagship CRM, as well as other tools that can streamline various aspects of nonprofit operations.
• Experience Cloud: Salesforce's Experience Cloud (previously known as Community Cloud) is a platform that allows nonprofits to create branded online communities. This is an invaluable tool for fostering collaboration among team members, volunteers, and the communities they serve. It facilitates communication, knowledge sharing, and engagement, ultimately strengthening the nonprofit's impact.
• Training and Resources: Navigating a powerful platform like Salesforce can be daunting, especially for smaller nonprofit teams with limited technical expertise. The Power of Us Program addresses this challenge by providing access to training resources, webinars, and a supportive community of users. Among other resources, Trailhead and a variety of community groups ensure that nonprofits can make the most of Salesforce's capabilities and continually optimize their use of the platform.
• Matching Grants: Some nonprofits may be eligible for matching grants, wherein Salesforce matches the organization's investment in its technology with a donation to a chosen cause. This financial support can be transformational for nonprofits looking to scale their impact.
• Impact Measurement: Salesforce's robust reporting and analytics tools enable nonprofits to measure and showcase their impact effectively. By leveraging these tools, organizations can communicate their success stories to donors, supporters, and the broader community, thereby increasing their visibility and influence.

Commonly Asked Questions

Question:

Do I need to already have purchased a Salesforce org in order to apply to the program? 

Answer:

No! As of March 2023, you can now apply to the Power of Us Program without having a pre-existing Salesforce account. 

Question:

How long does the application take to be processed? 

Answer:

Salesforce reports about 2-3 weeks for application processing. 

Question:

Are there free trials I can demo of Salesforce products before moving forward? 

Answer:

For education and nonprofit customers, trials for Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Nonprofit Cloud are available. These demo orgs are live for 30 days. But, that’s not the only way to get a preview of Salesforce’s capabilities. At Nimbus Tech we offer demos and customer success stories that will help you get eyes on the products, features, and possibilities with Salesforce. Inquire about a Salesforce demo with us at www.nimbustech.com/contact. 

Getting Started with the Power of Us Program

• Eligibility: To join the Power of Us Program, your organization must be a registered nonprofit, and eligibility criteria may vary depending on your location. Salesforce provides a simple online form to determine your eligibility. Review the eligibility guidelines here.
• Application Process: The application process typically takes between 2-3 weeks from start to confirmation. Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to apply for the program. This involves filling out an application form and providing necessary documentation about your nonprofit.
• Implementation and Support: Adopting a new platform is rewarding, but can also be challenging. That's why the Power of Us Program offers implementation assistance and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition and successful utilization of the platform. We recommend working with a Salesforce Account Executive and a registered implementation partner–like Nimbus Tech–to guide you through both the application process and take the lead on configuring and implementing your new Salesforce org.

What’s Next

The Salesforce Power of Us Program is a massive helping hand for nonprofits seeking to keep up with an increasingly digital world. By providing access to cutting-edge technology, training, and a supportive community, Salesforce is empowering nonprofits to focus more on their mission and less on the challenges of managing complex systems. Embrace the Power of Us, and watch your nonprofit soar to new heights of effectiveness and efficiency. Learn more about getting started at www.nimbustech.com/contact.