Transforming Environmental Justice with Salesforce at GreenLatinos

We needed a system that could bring everything together in one place, allowing us to operate more effectively and support our partners better, and somewhere the data could last forever
— Joe Toolan, GreenLatinos

Introduction

GreenLatinos is a national network of Latino/a/e environmental, conservation, and climate justice leaders.  They are an organization dedicated to confronting environmental burdens that disproportionately affect Latino/a/e communities across the United States. Their mission is to create a healthier and more equitable society by ensuring that Latines have access to clean air, safe water, and green spaces. Through their Justicia y Equidad Fund, GreenLatinos is helping to increase funding for the environmental justice movement.

We spoke with Joe from GreenLatinos to learn more about how Salesforce and ImagineCRM have  assisted in advancing their mission.

The Need for a Digital Transformation

As GreenLatinos grew, so did the complexity of their operations. Managing communications, grants, and compliance across multiple programs became increasingly challenging as they have such big goals and a focus on scaling impact. The organization needed a robust platform to centralize and streamline these processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Joe shared, “We realized that to continue growing and effectively managing our programs, we needed a digital platform that could keep up with our demands.

The first few rounds of the Justicia y Equidad Fund were smaller and now with our first-ever government grant coming in, it was crucial to have a system that provided a reliable record of communication and compliance support.” 

ImagineCRM offered everything from compliance support to a grant application platform, all integrated with QuickBooks and other essential tools. Plus, it was important to us that Daisy, a Latina, understood our mission and could deliver a solution that aligned with our values. It was clear how much Daisy cared and how invested the team at ImagineCRM were in our success.
— Joe Toolan

The Need for a Digital Transformation

As GreenLatinos grew, so did the complexity of their operations. Managing communications, grants, and compliance across multiple programs became increasingly challenging as they have such big goals and a focus on scaling impact. The organization needed a robust platform to centralize and streamline these processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Joe shared, “We realized that to continue growing and effectively managing our programs, we needed a digital platform that could keep up with our demands. The first few rounds of the Justicia y Equidad Fund were smaller and now with our first-ever government grant coming in, it was crucial to have a system that provided a reliable record of communication and compliance support.”

The $25 Million Government Grant

Recently, GreenLatinos received a $25 million grant from the USDA, with $20 million earmarked for regranting to municipalities and community-based organizations across the country. This grant focuses on urban tree planting and maintenance in historically disadvantaged communities, addressing environmental challenges such as extreme heat, air pollution, tree canopy (shade), and lack of access to green spaces.

“The impact of this grant will be profound,” Joe explained. “We’re looking to improve the environment and quality of life in multiple cities, helping to create healthier and more climate resilient communities.”

Choosing Salesforce and ImagineCRM

When it came time to choose a platform, GreenLatinos connected with Daisy from ImagineCRM. After meeting and the enthusiasm from ImagineCRM to support their mission, their decision was solidified quickly.

Joe noted; “ImagineCRM offered everything from compliance support to a grant application platform, all integrated with QuickBooks and other essential tools. Plus, it was important to us that Daisy, a Latina, understood our mission and could deliver a solution that aligned with our values. It was clear how much Daisy cared and how invested the team at ImagineCRM were in our success.

The Pain Points Before Salesforce

Before implementing Salesforce, GreenLatinos faced several challenges:

Fragmented Systems: Managing grants, communications, and compliance across different platforms was time consuming and didn’t allow the ability to scale.

  • Lack of Centralization: There was no unified system for tracking interactions with subgrantees or ensuring compliance, making oversight difficult, they wanted a system where the data would last forever.

  • Manual Processes: Without automation, tasks like grant application management and financial reconciliation were time-consuming and labor-intensive.

We needed a system that could bring everything together in one place, allowing us to operate more effectively and support our partners better, and somewhere the data could last forever
— Joe, GreenLatinos

The Role of ImagineCRM

GreenLatinos chose to work with ImagineCRM because of their ability to deliver a comprehensive solution tailored to the nonprofit’s unique needs. ImagineCRM provided an all-in-one platform that included:

  • Grant Application and Review Platform: A centralized system for subgrantees to submit applications and for reviewers to assess them.

  • Compliance and Evaluation Tools: Integrated features to ensure that all projects meet the necessary compliance standards.

  • QuickBooks Integration: Seamless integration with financial systems to streamline reimbursements and financial tracking.

“Daisy and her team at ImagineCRM understood exactly what we needed and were able to deliver a solution that not only meets our current needs but is scalable for the future,” Joe explained.

Anticipated Impacts of the Project

The implementation of Salesforce through ImagineCRM is expected to have significant impacts on GreenLatinos’ operations:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Centralizing all processes will reduce manual workloads and increase productivity.

  • Better Grant Management: The new platform will allow Green Latinos to manage the $20 million in grant funds more effectively, ensuring that the money reaches the communities that need it most quickly.

  • Improved Environmental and Social Outcomes: By supporting tree planting and maintenance projects, Green Latinos aims to improve air quality, reduce heat-related health issues, and enhance overall community well-being.

“We’re excited to see how this project will unfold. The potential for positive change in our communities is immense, and having a system like Salesforce in place will be crucial to our success,” Joe shared.


Let’s Connect!

To find out more about the work of GreenLatinos, visit their website, and follow them on LinkedIn.

If you’d like to talk with the ImagineCRM team about your needs, please send us an email. Also, follow us on Instagram for all the latest news and updates. We can’t wait to meet you!


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