Every day, more non-profit organizations are making the shift to hosted VoIP service from their traditional analog service and phone system. There are a variety of reasons as to why this is happening, but the fundamental theme is that these organizations tend to look for robust features at an affordable price.
Non-profits come in every shape and size. Whether they are an educational or medical institution, a foundation supporting such institutions, an organization supporting a cause or an organization serving the community, non-profit organizations all operate just like any other business. Because the funding of their operations comes from their donor or constituent base, these organizations are always mindful of keeping operational costs low so that their funding can be used for the more global purpose of the organization.
Therefore, because they are run like most businesses and operated by business professionals, they are drawn to a feature set that matches their needs and general familiarity with what other businesses have been using. However, their budget tends to require that they receive donated or older equipment, many on the last years of a useful life, or certainly representing older technology. Does it work? Yes. Are there better alternatives? Absolutely!
Hosted VoIP services have great appeal to non-profit organizations because they are able to use enterprise level features and service without buying a massive system up front. By only purchasing the VoIP handsets, the cost difference can be substantial. Additionally, the monthly cost per user will also drive some savings opportunity when compared to traditional phone service companies.
Some examples of features that have resonated with NPOs are:
- Voicemail to email
- Auto-attendant (they can conserve on reception costs)
- Direct dial numbers
- Conference calling
There are some providers out there who will offer non-profit organizations a special discount. sipVine, as an example, discounts both the hardware and monthly fee for such organizations, as we recognize that by helping keep their administrative costs lower, more funds are available to support their cause and the community.
If you are a non-profit organization looking into your options with VoIP, please feel free to reach out to us. We'll be happy to talk you through it!
About the author: Mark Greim is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at sipVine, a provider of a variety of VoIP phone solutions and services. Mark has extensive experience working for start-up or entrepreneurial organizations and has a passion for affordable, reliable, and purposeful technology solutions in those environments.
