As BioDiversity Legacy expands its work across Australia, building organisational infrastructure and smart systems that connect people, place, and action is becoming increasingly important.
But like many not-for-profits, we are constantly balancing the need to invest in better systems while ensuring precious resources remain focused where they matter most: conservation outcomes.
So, when an opportunity arose to collaborate with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) students in the United States on a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, we jumped at it.
Not only would the students help us tackle – and better understand – the renowned complexity of CRMs, they could tailor a system specifically to our needs. This would help streamline our operations, strengthen relationships and, most importantly, support the growth of community-led conservation across Australia.
An unexpected opportunity
BioDiversity Legacy was introduced to WPI’s renowned global outreach program by our colleagues at the Rendere Environmental Trust, who share our commitment to supporting next-generation collaborations.
Rendere has previously completed two successful projects through the program, which has seen more than 1,000 students visit Melbourne to partner with government agencies, not-for-profits, and private organisations on real-world problems since 1998.
The brief and process
The design brief was ambitious: centralise BDL’s growing network of relationships, projects, properties, partnerships, and governance pathways into a scalable, easy-to-use CRM that could evolve alongside the organisation.
Over eight weeks, three students from Boston collaborated with BDL’s executive team – interviewing staff, mapping workflows, identifying operational bottlenecks, and researching various CRM systems.
According to BDL’s Head of Science & Environment, Abi Wills, the iterative nature of this approach led to a much stronger outcome.
The team eventually settled on Monday.com, which offers a not-for-profit licence that directly addressed our concerns around long-term costs.
“By observing staff in their natural workflows, the students uncovered small but important details that might otherwise have been missed – insights that helped shape a system grounded in how we actually work.”
For the students, the experience reinforced an equally important lesson: great technology starts with understanding people.
More than technology
For both BDL and the students, the experience was about far more than systems design; it was also a rich cultural exchange.
As part of their time in Australia, the students explored both city and country. This included a field trip – alongside students from the University of Melbourne’s Master of Environment program – to an EcoGipps property in Gippsland, where they saw firsthand what BDL’s community-led conservation looks like on the ground.
Next steps
While the CRM is now operational, this is only the beginning.
Over the coming months, BDL’s team will continue testing, refining, and expanding the platform. The goal is to ensure it becomes a living system that saves time, strengthens organisational knowledge, and creates new efficiencies as BDL continues to grow.
“It was a deeply rewarding partnership for everyone involved,” concludes Abi. “We benefited from the students’ analytical thinking and fresh perspective, while also learning about their ambitions, ideas, and experiences. In return, they gained practical skills and exposure to the kinds of challenges they may one day face in their own careers.”
Photo top: Students Joseph DiPietro second from left, Alexander Jewkes fourth from left, next to Pierce Lindsay. Pictured with BioDiversity Legacy and WPI support staff.