Robert Weiner

JULY 10, 2012

So how do we justify that system to management (and perhaps our donors)? Here's how I responded: I’ve yet to see a published report that provided a convincing general argument that [insert any nonprofit name here] will raise more money by using [insert database name here]. Stewarding current donors. Identifying future donors.

Database 181

Database ROI Donor Listserv 181

Robert Weiner

JULY 25, 2010

I get a lot of emails like the following from small nonprofits: We desperately need to get a new donor database and most of them are totally unaffordable!! Looking at the Idealware Low Cost Database report , I find that there are so many considerations that it is quite complicated to make a choice. I hope this helps.

Database 180

Database Donor System Test 180

Robert Weiner

MAY 10, 2013

The following story, posted with permission, was sent to the FUNDSVCS list in response to a question about how to reign in schools and departments at a university that keep their own shadow databases of contacts. I have a story that we have used quite often: A few years ago, we imported a shadow database into Raiser''s Edge.

Database 162

Database Chicago Mail Phone 162

Robert Weiner

DECEMBER 6, 2012

I'm working on an article with the title, "Maybe It's Not Your Database, It's You." The premise is that complaints about an organization's database may be misdirected: the problem is how the system is being managed (aka management problems disguised as technology problems). Here are my thoughts so far. What am I missing?

Database 156

Database Law Policy Training 156

Robert Weiner

MARCH 17, 2013

If you are not familiar with Idealware and N-TEN, they are both well-respected non-profit organizations that focus on helping non-profits enhance their use of technology. They have published numerous reports and whitepapers on technology for nonprofit organizations.

Rate 138

Rate Database Donor Analysis 138

Robert Weiner

AUGUST 30, 2012

Today the news is that Blackbaud is killing off Common Ground , one of the two donor management products (aka CRMs or Constituent Relationship Management systems) that they acquired from Convio. I don't know whether that means they'll turn off the CG servers on that date or simply stop providing help desk support.

Blackbaud 264

Blackbaud Convio Database Austin 264

Robert Weiner

APRIL 28, 2009

Our friends at Idealware and NTEN have released their Consumers Guide to Low Cost Donor Management Systems. The guide presents detailed comparisons of 33 donor databases that cost less than $4,250 in the first year. Full disclosure — I contributed to the report and am one of the consultants listed.).

System 100

System Guide Comparison Donor 100