Create Cohesion: 3 Ways that Digital Learning Strengthens Nonprofit Teams

digital learning nonprofits

For nonprofit leaders trying to impact positive change in the world, a great LMS may not hit the top of their priority list. But it should! Yes, you’re trying to improve the human (and animal and plant) condition, but still, it’s crucial for nonprofit teams to deliver cohesive learning that enables staff to march toward the mission most effectively.

The more user-friendly and intuitive the tools are that support these efforts, the more a nonprofit team can function and streamline how they operate. Of course, this is easier said than done. With budget strains, time-sensitive projects, and limited time for learning and training, nonprofits need digital learning tools that are as easy as they are effective.

So, if you’re on the lookout for an awesome LMS that can unite your team in common knowledge and purpose, here are three benefits to look forward to:

1. It Shapes Learning Around a Cause
Perhaps more important than in any other environment, a positive organizational culture is critical for nonprofits. This is needed in business, too, but in order for nonprofits to make the kind of impact they desire, team morale is of supreme significance.

The shift toward digital learning ensures that organizations can take control of their own learning process, shaping it into what they need. For nonprofits, this means shaping the digital learning process around their “why.” Nonprofits with a deep sense of purpose need to rally team members around their cause, continuously drawing efforts back to their primary goal.

This is why customization comes in handy within a learning platform; courses can be created in-house to support the organization’s mission and pre-built courses can be added to support more general learning around fund-raising, accounting, leadership, and others. There is no rigidity to the learning process, and lessons can take place in a way that complements the organization’s biggest objectives.

In addition, nonprofit leaders can stay on track as new projects develop. Taking a broad perspective, leaders can look across the various initiatives taking place to see where new training is needed. Using the tracking and management functions in the LMS, leaders get a clear view of whether or not training programs are aligned with their goals.

2. It Instills Consistent Information Across Teams
It’s tough for nonprofits to keep all employees on the same page – especially when turnover rates are high. Rather than getting stuck in this ongoing cycle and adding to the challenges of on-boarding new team members, leaders can take control of the training process and ensure everyone gets the same information in the same way.

This can be revolutionary for a nonprofit that has struggled with its team culture. For example, there may be a lack of cohesion in values or certain team members just don’t seem to be drinking the Kool-Aid. With a digital training program, nonprofit leaders can standardize training procedures to reduce misunderstandings. Everyone can rally for the cause and their role in it, knowing exactly what is expected of them individually. Nonprofits who use e-learning for employee training can rest assured their values and procedures are being communicated in a uniform way.

3. It Keeps Everyone Informed
One of the major ways nonprofits function cohesively is by staying in close contact with staff, donors, and volunteers. Communication between these three groups is the lifeblood of an organization. Amidst the chaos of fundraising season, special events, and new project developments, using a single LMS platform keeps everyone in-the-know. This style of collaboration avoids confusion and fosters a more familial environment of open communication. Nonprofits can ensure tasks are not being repeated and that the most productive action steps are being taken. The success of particular projects and individual performance can be monitored so that everyone knows where they stand.

With the freedom of a learning management system like Litmos, learners can finally retain the information they need in a structure that works for them. Plus, Litmos is cloud-based and mobile-friendly, which provides the flexibility needed to support the modern worker. For more examples of how nonprofit teams benefit from e-learning, check out 3 Ways Learning Will Transform Your Nonprofit.