The Beyond Boundaries Success Story
How Richmond, VA based nonprofit, Beyond Boundaries Went From Fearing Data Loss to Saving Hours Every Week
A real-world look at how the right CRM partner transformed daily operations for an Executive Director and his team, giving them their most valuable resource back: time for their mission.
Chapter 1: The Mission
Meet Beyond Boundaries.
Before we talk about technology, let’s talk about impact. Beyond Boundaries, led by Executive Director Shep, is a remarkable organization dedicated to connecting underserved communities to
the great outdoors. Their work is about building confidence, fostering connection, and creating life-changing experiences.
Understanding their “why” was the foundation of our partnership.
Chapter 2: The Challenge
The Challenge: Two Systems, One Big Fear
Like many growing nonprofits, Beyond Boundaries faced a significant operational hurdle. Their data was split between two systems that couldn’t communicate
“We had one system that did donor stewardship and CRM very well and another one that did volunteerism, but they wouldn’t integrate with each other.”
This created data silos and inefficiencies. But the problem ran deeper, leading to a very real fear that every nonprofit leader can understand: the fear of losing everything they had worked so hard to build.
“My biggest fear… was a combination of losing data, losing everything we’ve built up… and the unknown of is the next system really going to be what we need.”
Chapter 3: The Solution
The Solution: A System That Gives Time Back
The goal was to move from a reactive, time-consuming process to a proactive, efficient one. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and manually passing reports 2 , the team needed a unified system that provided clarity on demand. With Aha Impact, the change was immediate.
“Now we’ve got preset… reports at the ready for us and we can log on very easily and get those very
quickly.”
This wasn’t just about better reports; it was about transforming how Shep approached his most important work: building relationships.
“It’s really helping me with donor relationship because now I don’t have to go in, log in, and search for a lot of information. It almost prompts and kicks information to me… helping me stay not only on top of things, but in front of things.”
Chapter 4: The Experience
The Process: A Partnership Built on Trust
Choosing a new CRM is more than a software decision—it’s a commitment to a partnership. We
understand that the transition process itself can be a source of anxiety. Shep’s experience highlights the two pillars of a successful move: smart support and a smooth migration.
A Team That Listens
A dedicated partner makes all the difference. Shep found the Aha Apps team to be supportive, smart, and genuinely invested in his success.
A Seamless Move
The technical fear of migration was met with a clear, well-managed process, ensuring no data was lost and the team could get up and running without disruption.
Chapter 5: The Verdict
The Verdict: A Clear Recommendation for Leaders
After navigating the challenge, implementing the solution, and experiencing the partnership, what is Shep’s final word to his peers in the nonprofit sector? We’ll let him tell you himself.
Ready to Write Your Own Success Story?
Shep’s journey from data chaos to mission clarity is possible for your organization, too. The first step is a simple conversation about your unique challenges and goals.
Let’s explore how a true partnership can help you save time, build stronger relationships, and focus on what matters most: your mission.
