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White Paper: 10 Questions to Ask in Your Social Impact Software RFP [+ Sample Answers]

Written by Team Deed | 6/10/24 9:10 PM

Wondering what questions to ask—and what answers to expect—in your workplace giving and volunteering RFP? This white paper is for you. 

 

Introduction

 

Over the past 10 years, the expectations for companies to make a meaningful social impact have risen dramatically. To meet the rapidly changing needs of major multinational organizations, a new wave of social impact technology platforms are innovating to provide exceptional workplace giving and volunteering tech that companies can use to engage their employees to do good deeds. These tools also help measure, manage, and communicate their social contributions effectively. 

 

However, with numerous options available, the process of choosing the right software can be overwhelming.

 

To help social impact leaders make more informed decisions, social impact tech leader Deed has just published a new white paper, "10 Questions to Ask in Your Social Impact Software RFP [+ Sample Questions]." This guide is designed to help you navigate the complex landscape of social impact software providers and find the perfect match for your organization’s needs.

 

 

Why this white paper is essential for enterprise companies

 

Selecting the right social impact software is more than a simple procurement decision; it’s about finding a strategic partner that aligns with your organization’s mission and values. Our white paper provides a curated list of the top questions to ask when evaluating social impact software vendors. These questions are drawn from real-world experiences and are designed to uncover key insights into a vendor’s capabilities and alignment with your goals.

 

What’s inside

 

1. Comprehensive list of questions to ask in your RFP

 

From general services to pricing structures and employee engagement capabilities, our white paper covers all the critical aspects you need to consider.

 

2. Sample answers to look for from social impact technology providers

 

Each question is accompanied by a sample answer that exemplifies industry-leading practices. These samples serve as benchmarks, enabling you to effectively evaluate vendor responses.

 

3. Insights from social impact experts

 

 Learn from industry veterans like Chad Haertling, who shares valuable advice on integrating social impact teams seamlessly into your organizational structure.

 

4. Advice for how to broaden or refine the scope of the RFP to meet your needs

 

Topics include employee engagement, environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and workplace philanthropy.

 

Four key takeaways: How will this white paper help guide social impact RFPs

 

Make informed decisions   

 

Equip yourself with the knowledge to ask the right questions and assess vendor capabilities accurately.

 

Benchmark vendor responses  

 

Use the sample answers as a standard to measure and compare the responses from different vendors.

 

Streamline the RFP process   

 

Save time and effort by following a structured approach to your social impact software RFP.

 

Drive greater impact  

 

Ensure that the software you select not only meets your current needs but can also evolve with your organization’s future requirements.

 

Sneak Peek: Sample RFP question and what to look for in the answers 

 

Every part of your social impact RFP should be crafted to give you useful information tailored to your organization’s unique needs. 

 

One area of most RFPs that can be improved to help streamline the process is the general services section. In your question, it’s important to strike a balance between a question that’s broad enough to give you a quick read on the vendor but also specific enough to help you see how exactly they will fulfill your needs at a glance. 

 

Here is how to ask both at once: What services does your company provide? Please describe your company's focus, core competencies, and history.

 

What to look for in the answer

 

Over the past five to 10 years, corporate leadership’s expectations for what social impact software can manage have dramatically changed. 

 

Rather than seeking out different vendors with limited offerings, you might consider expanding the scope of your RFP by focusing on tech providers whose technological capabilities and strategic partnerships and integrations give you access to a wide network of services. 

 

Remember to ask prospective vendors to explain how they can help your organization to do the following: 

 

  • Drive employee engagement in workplace giving and volunteering; 
  • Prioritize social impact; 
  • Lead on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) in advance of U.S. and E.U. regulations; and, 
  • Take an authentic, tangible approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)

 

Remember: You’re looking for a flexible platform that can mold itself to your organization’s current and future needs—in other words, a true partner.

 

Ready to elevate your social impact strategy?

 

Download our white paper now and take the first step towards selecting the best social impact software for your organization. Whether you’re a multinational corporation or a rapidly growing enterprise, this guide will help you navigate the RFP process with confidence and clarity.

 

 

Deed is an enterprise social impact platform that makes it fun and easy for millions of employees to share their time, money, and talent with causes they care about. We started as a viral volunteering app, and today our platform gives the world’s most inspiring brands—from Airbnb to lululemon—one exceptionally-designed home for all of their purpose-driven activities. 

 

Corporate grantmaking, employee donations/matching, diversity & inclusion, and employee resource groups (ERGs) are only the beginning. Because over the past three to five years, everyone’s expectations for Fortune 500 corporate social responsibility have radically changed. But with our trusted integration partners like Workday and PayPal, hand-in-hand customer service, and a collaborative product team, Deed’s platform moves at the speed of work. 

 

For more information or to speak with one of our corporate social impact experts, book a demo today.