For an audit trail of metadata changes and independent project development, which development model should a nonprofit choose?

Choosing the change set development model is particularly beneficial for maintaining an audit trail of metadata changes while also allowing for independent project development. Change sets are a built-in Salesforce feature that enables users to group related changes and deploy them between Salesforce environments, such as from sandbox to production.

When utilizing change sets, every addition or alteration to metadata is tracked. This feature provides a clear history of changes made, making it easier for organizations, especially nonprofits, to oversee their development activities. The process ensures that changes can be reviewed and audited effectively, contributing to better project governance and compliance.

Furthermore, change sets allow for independent project development, as individual teams can work on different aspects of the organization's Salesforce environment without interfering with one another. This modular approach means that teams can focus on their specific areas while keeping a coherent record of changes across the organization.

In contrast, other models might not provide the same level of visibility or control over metadata changes. For instance, package development often involves a more complex setup and is typically used for applications intended for distribution rather than for internal development tracking. Therefore, selecting change set development is the most fitting choice for achieving a structured and traceable approach to metadata management and project collaboration.