When your nonprofit or NGO needs to purchase new or upgrade existing software applications, first take some time to create (or hire someone to create) a system requirements document before initiating direct contact with software providers. This process – also often called a Needs Analysis – is where your team considers business issues, pains, and opportunities (don’t forget opportunities).

A good requirements analysis will often produce the following:

• List of current functional and reporting issues, deficiencies.
• List of “must haves” to retain in the next system.
• “Blue sky” wish list items – dream, shoot for the stars here, but be realistic.
• List of goals (purchase, configuration, "Go Live") and resources (reviewers, decision makers, and financial capabilities).

Finally, don’t forget to prioritize your itemized lists because this step will guide you later in the process.

Learn more.