The SmartSimple Blog

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are rapidly enhancing how we work, but what does this mean for the granting world? Below are 3 different examples of how it applies. Machine Learning might sound like a concept you'd read in a sci-fi novel taking place in the distant future, but it's something very present in our daily lives. And you've definitely interacted with some form of it, probably even today. From your Recommended movie section on Netflix, to self-driving cars, Machine Learning is quickly becoming a tool that enables projects and businesses make more effective and impactful decisions in their processes and strategies in effort to connect with their audiences in the most appropriate way. When it comes to the granting world, Machine Learning can create a major shift in the landscape as we know it. Machine Learning can enable any grants foundation to look at their past giving to assist in achieving better giving outcomes in the future. Learn about ...

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is fast approaching and officially enacted on May 25, 2018, in Europe, and it will have a critical impact on organizations around the globe which can even include bankruptcy. GDPR is a European Union legislation that is designed to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and their personal data. This law ensures not only that people know where their private data is kept, but keeps organisations accountable and transparent with their practices. This new regulation not only shifts the standards for how organizations store data, it changes how they relate with data in general. At SmartSimple, we want to help you not only be informed about GDPR, but be confidently compliant with it so that your organization is ready and safe from heavy consequences. This is why we’ve broken down the different elements into our S.I.M.P.L.E model and providing real, practical strategies to comply with the upcoming regulation. Read on and be ready. W...

At this point, you’ve probably heard the widespread chatter about the upcoming impact of GDPR, and for good reason. While this new regulation has been enacted by the EU, it will affect how organizations engage with data on a global level. GDPR is a looming presence in large part because of the prohibitive fines for non-compliance (see below). With only a few weeks before it takes effect, many organizations are left trying to understand the legislation, its scope, and how to prepare for it. We want to help you not only understand the nuances of the GDPR legislation but be confidently compliant with it. This is why we’ve broken down the different elements of the new law in our latest GDPR Workbook. The guide is structured around a set of self-assessment questions designed to help you evaluate your preparedness for compliance with the law.  DOWNLOAD OUR GDPR SELF-ASSESSMENT WORKBOOK To get you started, here are 10 important things you need to know about GDPR 1. Wha...

Within the foundation world, grantmaking and fund development roles are often treated like opposite sides of a coin. However, in reality, these two functions share a uniquely symbiotic relationship. While both roles are important within a community foundation, there are ways this shared relationship can be further improved. In a community foundation, staff members charged with fund development assist donors with leaving lasting legacies by making contributions to the foundation’s engagement. Grantmaking staff are then tasked with the responsibility of working with local nonprofit organizations to provide them with grant dollars to fund the work they are doing to improve the community. The challenge with donor flexibility and grantmaking restrictions Community foundations are often faced with a wide array of challenges when it comes to creating synergy between the fundraising and grantmaking sides of the foundation. This tension is often caused by a discrepancy in goals between bot...

Real technical support from a real human, at any hour. We’re launching round-the-clock technical support 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. From Sunday at 4pm Eastern Time to Friday 9pm Eastern Time, our clients will have access to live support. GMT: 9 pm Sunday to 2 am Saturday EST: 4 pm Sunday to 9 pm Friday PST: 1 pm Sunday to 6 pm Friday AEST: 8 am Monday to 1 pm Saturday “When you have to burn the midnight oil to get your job done it’s important to know you won’t have to wait till the morning to get answers. You can call us up and talk to a real human being any time of the week, day or night”.   — Mike Reid, Co-Founder of SmartSimple We take support seriously, which is why we’re pioneering this model as the first in our industry. We’re in the empowerment business, and as such, it’s part of our responsibility to help our clients to get the most out of the SmartSimple platform every step of the way. We at SmartSimple take pride in our delivery of excellent service ...