From fragmented data management systems to scalable infrastructure for nonprofits

How Joy Collaborative future-proofed its operations without sacrificing creativity

Joy Collaborative transforms environments for youth with life-limiting conditions through innovative design and community partnership. As its reputation and programs grow through initiatives like Joy Mobile and larger scale build projects - so too does the complexity of managing people, projects, events, and communications. Leadership recognized that the digital systems supporting their work would begin to hold them back.

Joy's core data - including donor information, volunteer contacts, and event logistics - lived disconnected across a donor database, a website hosting services, spreadsheets, scattered folders, and email threads. Staff and volunteers were spending valuable time managing inefficiencies rather than momentum. The organization needed a more cohesive, intuitive tech foundation to support its next chapter.

Over a multi-phase tech assessment engagement, Dept.1 partnered with Joy to assess their current systems and co-design a transition plan. Together, we landed on a core platform shift to consolidate their business collaboration platform and leverage nonprofit discounts to adopt a free suite of CRM and work management tools from a leading software provider. This combination allowed Joy the opportunity to streamline operations without sacrificing the flexibility that makes their work so joyful - while capturing great "all in one" benefits.

This project wasn't just about recommending tools - it was about instilling a refreshed philosophy and beginning to embed new practices. Now, Joy Collaborative has an evergreen digital infrastructure roadmap to communicate the changes to board members, volunteers, future staff, and external collaborators alike.

With a plan for right-sized (and right-priced) digital infrastructure in place that's built for creativity, visibility, and growth - Joy Collaborative is now positioned to scale its impact with confidence.

Follow Dept.1 Solutions on the following platforms to stay updated on future projects and outcomes:

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If you'd like to give to Joy Collaborative, you can do so through the following link:

https://app.betterunite.com/joycollaborative-donatetojoycollaborative-2022

Joy Collaborative is a tax exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization that transforms environments for youth with life-limiting conditions. If you'd like to learn more about Joy Collaborative, please visit their website: https://www.joycollaborative.org/