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!! Or you might have some reports that are mandatory, like a lapsed donor report. Then you need to check references. Can we send mass emails directly from the database?

Database 180

Database Donor System Test 180

Robert Weiner

JANUARY 15, 2015

A few months ago I wrote a post on the topic of whether nonprofits should delete old donor records. As far as your relationship to customers – do you need to reference past records? so removing records is a sure way to lose individuals who could be a donor in the future. Are data-storage limits the concern?

Retention 100

Retention Discussion Data Donor 100

Robert Weiner

MARCH 10, 2011

The next day, we receive an email from the donor with the following info: the $9,000 gift amount was a mistake, it should have been $900. The gift was made in memory of the donor’s late mother (never named) who had a wonderful experience at our college.

Donation 242

Donation Yahoo Info Gift 242

Robert Weiner

FEBRUARY 10, 2010

Unlike their earlier guides (to inexpensive donor databases, content management systems, online donation tools, etc.) Idealware recently released its Fundraising, Communications and Outreach. this one is an actual book (84 pages, paperback) and costs actual money ($19.95, plus, I assume, shipping and maybe tax).

Software 100

Software Guide Communication Fundraising 100

Robert Weiner

DECEMBER 6, 2012

Are there easily understandable reference materials (preferably online, in plain language) to help refresh memories? Do your codes make sense and give you the information you need? Do you have policies and procedures governing the use of the database? Have users been trained on those policies and procedures?

Database 156

Database Law Policy Training 156