In 2022, Spike Island was selected for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Programme, designed to support arts organisations to invest in strategic improvements to their technology infrastructure.

The aim of Spike Island’s project was to develop a new integrated CRM system to grow and strengthen relations with our diverse stakeholders, including gallery visitors, donors, funders, Spike Island Associates members, studio holders, and creative business tenants. It will also help us to generate more income and to improve our administrative efficiency.

With the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, we embarked upon this ambitious digital project last autumn. Following a rigorous selection process, we selected Donorfy as the charity CRM best suited to Spike Island’s goals and values.

After successfully launching our Donorfy CRM in June 2023, we are now thrilled to share some of the immediate and long-lasting benefits of the project:

• Improved user experience across our website, including easy-to-use enquiry forms, membership applications, online shop and ticket ordering
• Enhanced support for artists and audiences who connect with Spike Island through effective relationship management and communications
• Launch of a new Patron Scheme in late summer 2023, as part of a new fundraising strategy that will support the ongoing sustainability of Spike Island’s activities
• Smoother donation processes as part of visitor journeys with optional Gift Aid
• Easier sign-up for tailored e-communications
• Improved communications for our 400+ internal community of artists and cultural tenants
• Improved data security and responsible management of all personal data

About Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Programme

This project was developed with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture. Launched in 2021, the programme was designed to help arts organisations stabilise and thrive in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic improvements to technology infrastructure. The programme supports leadership development and infrastructure investment that builds audiences, increases fundraising, drives revenue, delivers dynamic programming, and helps us work more efficiently and effectively in support of our strategic objectives. The programme supports development of best practices to share across a network of nonprofit cultural organisations.