Empowering Ocean Conservation with Salesforce: 71blue's Journey to Growth
Introduction
71blue is a dedicated nonprofit organisation focused on ocean conservation. With a mission to empower youth, communities, and experts worldwide, 71blue strives to create impactful change through education, collaboration, and practical action. By positioning themselves as an Ocean Impact Accelerator, they aim to bridge the gap between humanity and the ocean, nurturing a deep sense of connection and responsibility toward its preservation.
The Challenge
Prior to implementing Salesforce, 71blue faced significant operational challenges. Reliance on fragmented systems and spreadsheets made it difficult to efficiently track donor data, grant applications, and fundraising activities. The lack of a centralised system resulted in time-consuming manual processes, limited visibility, and decreased productivity. As a small organisation with under 10 employees and only 3 Salesforce users, 71blue needed a streamlined solution that could serve as a unified source of truth and help scale their operations.
The Solution
Cirrico partnered with 71blue to implement Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud using a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) approach due to budget constraints. The goal was to address their most pressing needs while laying a scalable foundation for future growth. Key components of the solution included:

Centralised CRM for Donor and Grant Management
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud was set up to serve as a unified CRM, enabling 71blue to effectively manage donor relationships, fundraising activities, and grant applications.

Gift Aid Tracking and Compliance
The implementation included Gift Aid tracking to ensure compliance with HMRC, improving efficiency and data accuracy.

Integration with Productivity Tools
Integrations with MailChimp and Gmail were established to enhance communication with stakeholders, improving engagement and streamlining workflows.

Web-to-Lead Forms
Custom web-to-lead forms were configured to capture website leads directly into Salesforce, providing a seamless way to track potential donors and supporters.

User Training and Empowerment
Cirrico provided comprehensive training sessions covering key areas such as report generation, email templates, and data import processes, ensuring the 71Blue team could make the most of their new CRM.
The Impact
The implementation of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud brought immediate and significant improvements to 71blue’s operations:
- Unified View and Data Accuracy: With a centralised system in place, 71blue now enjoys a unified view of all donor and grant-related data. This has greatly improved data accuracy and has allowed for streamlined management of donor relationships and fundraising initiatives.
- Enhanced Productivity: By replacing manual processes with automated workflows, 71blue has been able to boost productivity, freeing up valuable time for staff to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks.
- Improved Engagement: Integration with MailChimp and Gmail allowed for seamless, targeted communications with supporters and donors. The implementation of web-to-lead forms has also ensured that leads from the website are captured and nurtured effectively.
- Scalable CRM for Future Growth: The Salesforce platform not only meets 71blue’s current needs but also provides a scalable solution that can evolve with the organisation. With plans to add features like payment integrations and enhanced automation, 71blue is well-positioned for future growth.
Working with Cirrico
Cirrico’s partnership with 71blue was instrumental in ensuring the success of this implementation. By focusing on the nonprofit’s immediate needs, Cirrico was able to deliver a tailored solution that fit within budget constraints while providing the scalability needed for future expansion. The collaborative approach ensured that 71blue’s team felt supported throughout the journey, with ongoing training and support from Cirrico to maximise their use of Salesforce.
Looking Forward
71blue is now set to further its mission of ocean conservation with a robust digital foundation. The implementation of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud has empowered the organisation to scale its operations, enhance donor engagement, and effectively manage grants—all while providing actionable insights that drive impact. As they continue to grow, 71blue remains committed to fostering a connection between communities and the ocean, and Cirrico is proud to support them every step of the way.
Are you ready to transform your nonprofit’s operations and amplify your impact?
Contact Cirrico today to learn how Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud can help you achieve your mission.