Data Management

Migrating to a New Nonprofit CRM

By: Alec Hollingsworth

Updated:

July 16, 2025

Definition:

Migrating to a new nonprofit CRM means securely transferring and integrating legacy data into a new, more effective system.

Migrating to a new nonprofit CRM refers to the process of transferring donor, volunteer, fundraising, and operational data from an existing customer relationship management (CRM) system to a new platform. This complex process involves mapping data fields, cleansing outdated or duplicate records, ensuring data integrity, and securely importing information into the new CRM. Successful migration minimizes disruption, preserves historical data, and enables organizations to leverage improved features and integrations offered by the new system. Careful planning, clear communication, and thorough testing are essential to deliver a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of the new CRM for all nonprofit stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

Data migration requires careful planning and mapping.
Clean, accurate data ensures a successful transition.
Testing and validation are crucial before going live.
Stakeholder communication helps minimize disruption.

Why It Matters

A smooth CRM migration ensures data accuracy, continuity, and improved nonprofit operations.

Real World Example

A mid-sized animal rescue nonprofit decided to switch from their old CRM to Keela to better manage donations and volunteer records. The organization worked with Keela’s onboarding specialists to export data, remove duplicates, and map fields to match Keela’s structure. After test imports and verification, the team completed the migration over a weekend. On Monday, staff accessed up-to-date supporter information in Keela, allowing them to launch a new fundraising campaign with confidence. The careful migration minimized downtime and ensured no donor history was lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nonprofit CRM migration?

It’s the process of transferring organizational data from an old CRM or tracking system into a new CRM platform, ensuring accuracy and security.

How long does CRM migration take?

The timeline depends on data complexity and preparation. Most migrations take a few days to several weeks, including testing and validation.

What steps should nonprofits take before migrating?

Nonprofits should audit and clean their data, map fields between systems, back up information, and involve key stakeholders in the planning process.

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