Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Wild Apricot has created a Guide to help small organizations identify your membership database needs; understand your options as well as offering tips and tools to help you make an informed software or system choice. membership records membership database management MORE
Interesting tool from our friends at the Foundation Center Foundation Center - Nonprofit Collaboration Database : Nonprofit Collaboration Database Search the Nonprofit Collaboration Database to find real-world examples of how nonprofits are working together. Learn more about the database, here MORE
To find out how your database management processes stack up against the top nonprofits, take this short quiz that Wes Trochlil (Founder of Effective Database Management) helped us put together. data management management trochlil wes membership database data quizThis quiz is designed to help you identify areas to improve, and give you expert tips. At the bottom of the quiz, compare your score against others. MORE
A membership database will help you move on from using spreadsheets and start making the best of your member data. Use our free membership database template to get started MORE
Database Administrator, Manager of Development Operations, Manager of Development Systems, Information Systems Manager — every career move I thought, “With this new title, at this new organization, I will definitely have a voice. No one else understands the database the way you do. MORE
Here are some of the coping strategies I’ve used during a database cleanup : Don’t purge files too soon , but go through them and put the contents in date order and dispose of any obvious duplicates (if needed). Nonprofit Management database clean-up donor database inherited filesIt’s probably happened to anyone who has changed jobs in fundraising a few times – you inherit files that are less than helpful. MORE
Here are a few examples of how different departments can save time and increase their impact by using a unified database. For nonprofits doing political advocacy and social justice work, having solid data management practices can sometimes be an afterthought. MORE
Nonprofits use databases to handle volunteers, donors, staff, and more. For smaller nonprofits, a database may be nothing more than an Excel file. Medium to large nonprofits might have an IT staff and a simple database, designed by the in-house development team. When it comes to database management, Graham finds that nonprofits are not necessarily looking for more staff, but better tools to manage their growing donor lists. Who manages the database? MORE
This membership database selection guide is perfect to help small organizations, associations and nonprofits just getting started with formally managing their member data or looking to switch systems MORE
Database expert and consultant, Wes Trochlil, gives us a quick run-down of his top 5 database management tips and speaks about his upcoming Wild Apricot Free Expert Webinar. database management MORE
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). Now, it's certainly possible that an organization chose the wrong database to begin with, or has outgrown the system they chose, or the vendor isn't providing good support and keeping the technology up to date. MORE
If you haven’t already, take a look at my Spring Cleaning Your Database article from this time last year. Take the time to check your database backups and review your disaster recovery plans. Other thoughts on optimizing your database? It is that time of year again: you’ve made it through the end-of-year fundraising rush and post-holiday data cleanup (hopefully!), and your Spring events and campaigns are still pretty quiet (for now). MORE
Foundation Center - Nonprofit Collaboration Database MORE
Bad data is bad business, and there’s a cost to it: Inaccurate reporting, … Technology Cleanup data DBA Maintenance Training MORE
Databases are the technology that nonprofits love to hate. Some people wish their database had more options, some wish it were simpler, and some just wish they could get the same results from a query twice in a row. If you’re unsure about your current database, you aren’t alone. Third Space Studio sought in this new report to understand how other nonprofits feel about their databases. How much do you like your database? MORE
The flip side to my list of donor databases would be a list of systems that no longer exist. Tags: Donor Databases Fundraising Advancement Services This does not mean that these systems are no longer in use, just that they’re no longer being sold or supported (I recently met someone who still uses FundMaster, which hasn’t been sold since at least 1999). This probably isn’t as useful a list, but it’s short so here goes: SYSTEM. VENDOR. Alchemy. MORE
Charity Commission to join national fraud database : The Charity Commission is to become a member of Cifas, the national fraud database, so it can develop a risk fraud profile of the charity sector and provide a means of checking trustees for linkage to fraud and rights to remain in the UK. MORE
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]. The cost of fundraisers refusing to use the current database because it’s not user-friendly, so their pipeline and contact history is in their heads, in spreadsheets or paper files, or has to be entered by an assistant (though you can put a cost on the last one). MORE
Wild Apricot is a simple membership database software that makes it easy to register members, collect payments, and communicate with them. Start your free trial now MORE
The good folks at Aspiration have been working to put my list of donor databases into a wiki. Along the way the identified some that seem to have disappeared and weren't on my earlier list of defunct donor databases. Giving Database from Willow Mountain Consulting. Tags: Donor Databases Here are the new entries: Association Management System from Micro Solutions. Donation Management System from Cumulus 9. DonorAccess from DonorAccess. MORE
One of the issues facing small membership organizations identified in our Blog Reader Survey was finding ways to better manage membership databases. So in response, we’re creating a blog series to help organizations identify your membership database requirements; understand the various options available; and help you determine the best solution for your specific needs.( MORE
To make it easy for you to navigate this article, we’ve broken our discussion into three helpful sections: Donor Databases for Small Nonprofits. Donor Databases for Medium-Sized Nonprofits. Donor Databases for Large Nonprofits. Let’s get started shopping for the perfect database! Donor Databases for Small Nonprofits. Check out their guide to nonprofit CRMs as just one example (and learn more about the importance of a solid donor database). MORE
We see this happen often within donor databases and nonprofit CRMs. A clutter-free and efficient migration of data into your new database is a great start, but all of that hard work will be for naught if that environment is not kept intact going forward. There are three common reasons why data in a donor database can go bad: 1. All too often, what happens is these notes don’t make it into the database. Jay Love is a guest contributor for Nonprofit Hub. MORE
Here's a reminder about our Membership Database webinar on Wednesday, May 2. membership database management Wild Apricot webinar MORE
I get asked the question often, “What should we look for in donor database tools?” All good donor database tools worth your time and money will include: 1. For the other two elements, check out the full article on Firespring.org>> The post Three Crucial Elements of Donor Database Tools appeared first on Nonprofit Hub. I believe there are three crucial elements that you need. A dashboard. This allows you to see how things are going at a glance. MORE
Though database technology may not be anyone's first thought related the the human services field, experienced staff of these organizations know just how important these tools are, allowing them to work more efficiently, saving time and money, and maximizing the impact of their work at every level. MORE
This membership database selection guide is perfect for small organizations, associations and nonprofits just getting started with formally managing their member data or looking to switch systems. guide selection database membership MORE
One of the issues facing small membership organizations identified in our Blog Reader Survey was finding ways to better manage membership databases. So in response, we’re creating a blog series to help organizations identify your membership database requirements; understand the various options available; and help you determine the best solution for your specific needs. MORE
We are very pleased to announce that we completed a successful and significant upgrade of our core database systems last night. While not as flashy as some of our feature upgrades for users, this is the kind of infrastructure upgrade that sustains VisionLink and our customers over time. MORE
To find out how your database management processes stack up against the top nonprofits, take this short quiz that Wes Trochlil (Founder of Effective Database Management) helped us put together. data management management trochlil wes membership database data quizThis quiz is designed to help you identify areas to improve, and give you expert tips. At the bottom of the quiz, compare your score against others. MORE
In my last blog I talked about a segment of your audience that could use a bit more love: non-donors, prospects, casual observers—the usual suspects. Call them what you will, but these are the people that expressed interest in your organization and mission and are waiting to hear more. The challenge is that organizations typically focus on supporters and this valuable group gets left out because they’ve donated zero on the giving ($) scale. MORE
I'm planning a new workshop on selecting donor databases, focusing on the question, "Why is this so friggin' complicated?" It needs to be easy to get reports from the database, but it also needs to support complex selection criteria. what a new database can do when you only know what your current one does--or doesn't do, what you'll need in the future)? Advancement Services Databases Donor Databases IT Management Nonprofit Technology MORE
Shopping for a donor database is a complicated process, which is made even more difficult when it is hard to find information about a software's compatibility with your organization's unique mission and needs. That's why we've put together a collection of guides to the process of evaluating and selecting database tools, customized for several types of organizations that we commonly work with. MORE
At the end of last year, I spent a good deal of time analyzing our database (yes, my inner geek is showing) and asking the big questions: where do I need to make an investment? The reason marketers start here is the same reason a nonprofit should – making a connection to the real people in your database. Author: Jennifer Atkins. MORE
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. The only way I know of to answer your question is to go through these steps: Write down what you need in a database, in as much detail as you can. MORE
Donor Databases Nonprofit Management Nonprofit Technology SoftwareA colleague forwarded the following email from a vendor and asked how I think a potential buyer should respond. I've redacted the message to anonymize the vendor: Dear _, I thought you might be interested in a recent analysis of low cost fundraising software, conducted jointly by independent organizations Idealware and N-TEN. MORE
What exactly is a membership database and how can it help you achieve your organization's goals? Here are details on an Expert Webinar with Wes Trochlil that can answer your database questions. webinar membership database MORE
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. The response hit the nail on the head: We started working on folding shadow databases into (Raiser''s Edge, our central database) about 8 years ago. I have a story that we have used quite often: A few years ago, we imported a shadow database into Raiser''s Edge. MORE
Database are extremely useful in simplifying business operations, communication, and workflow for both the for-profit sector and nonprofit sector. Nonprofits and charities use databases to manage donor, volunteer, and B2B profiles and aggregate data. However, database are also used for storing records, files, other types of information. But of course, a good database can go down-hill if it is not properly maintained. Tech CRM data database management donors volunteer MORE
When does a small nonprofit need a database? CoolData blog : "When should an organization acquire some kind of database system or CRM? Any organization, no matter how small, has to track activity and record information for operational purposes. This may be especially true for nonprofits that need to report on the impact they’re having in the community. I usually think in terms of tracking donors, but nonprofits may have an additional need to track clients and services." 'via MORE
I've been enjoying the discussion in the Chronicle of Philanthropy's LinkedIn group in response to the question, " What's a good, affordable donor database program for a small non profit? " (you'll probably need to join the group to read the responses). Advancement Services Donor Databases Fundraising Nonprofit Technology MORE
Whether its bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and pooled income funds, EveryAction allows for tracking and management of legacy gifts within your donor database. #12. MORE
A question was posted to a listserve for nonprofit techies looking for tips on training staff on a new database. The trainer needs to understand the database, present technical concepts clearly and without jargon, teach at the students' level, and be incredibly patient. Train end users on a sample database, not production data. The sample database should be configured with your own codes, menus, security settings, and any customizations. MORE
Database Related Topics Connection Cafe
SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Database Administrator, Manager of Development Operations, Manager of Development Systems, Information Systems Manager — every career move I thought, “With this new title, at this new organization, I will definitely have a voice. No one else understands the database the way you do.
Wild Apricot
JULY 2, 2020
One of the issues facing small membership organizations identified in our Blog Reader Survey was finding ways to better manage membership databases. So in response, we’re creating a blog series to help organizations identify your membership database requirements; understand the various options available; and help you determine the best solution for your specific needs.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Wild Apricot
APRIL 23, 2020
This membership database selection guide is perfect to help small organizations, associations and nonprofits just getting started with formally managing their member data or looking to switch systems
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. The response hit the nail on the head: We started working on folding shadow databases into (Raiser''s Edge, our central database) about 8 years ago. I have a story that we have used quite often: A few years ago, we imported a shadow database into Raiser''s Edge.
EveryAction
JULY 16, 2018
Though database technology may not be anyone's first thought related the the human services field, experienced staff of these organizations know just how important these tools are, allowing them to work more efficiently, saving time and money, and maximizing the impact of their work at every level.
Connection Cafe
AUGUST 28, 2017
Here are some of the coping strategies I’ve used during a database cleanup : Don’t purge files too soon , but go through them and put the contents in date order and dispose of any obvious duplicates (if needed). Nonprofit Management database clean-up donor database inherited filesIt’s probably happened to anyone who has changed jobs in fundraising a few times – you inherit files that are less than helpful.
Connection Cafe
MARCH 14, 2013
Bad data is bad business, and there’s a cost to it: Inaccurate reporting, … Technology Cleanup data DBA Maintenance Training
Robert Weiner
DECEMBER 21, 2012
A question was posted to a listserve for nonprofit techies looking for tips on training staff on a new database. The trainer needs to understand the database, present technical concepts clearly and without jargon, teach at the students' level, and be incredibly patient. Train end users on a sample database, not production data. The sample database should be configured with your own codes, menus, security settings, and any customizations.
AFP Blog
MAY 6, 2014
Interesting tool from our friends at the Foundation Center Foundation Center - Nonprofit Collaboration Database : Nonprofit Collaboration Database Search the Nonprofit Collaboration Database to find real-world examples of how nonprofits are working together. Learn more about the database, here
EveryAction
JUNE 18, 2018
Shopping for a donor database is a complicated process, which is made even more difficult when it is hard to find information about a software's compatibility with your organization's unique mission and needs. That's why we've put together a collection of guides to the process of evaluating and selecting database tools, customized for several types of organizations that we commonly work with.
EveryAction
JULY 9, 2018
Here are a few examples of how different departments can save time and increase their impact by using a unified database. For nonprofits doing political advocacy and social justice work, having solid data management practices can sometimes be an afterthought.
TechImpact
SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Nonprofits use databases to handle volunteers, donors, staff, and more. For smaller nonprofits, a database may be nothing more than an Excel file. Medium to large nonprofits might have an IT staff and a simple database, designed by the in-house development team. When it comes to database management, Graham finds that nonprofits are not necessarily looking for more staff, but better tools to manage their growing donor lists. Who manages the database?
Robert Weiner
JULY 10, 2012
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]. The cost of fundraisers refusing to use the current database because it’s not user-friendly, so their pipeline and contact history is in their heads, in spreadsheets or paper files, or has to be entered by an assistant (though you can put a cost on the last one).
TechImpact
NOVEMBER 26, 2013
Database are extremely useful in simplifying business operations, communication, and workflow for both the for-profit sector and nonprofit sector. Nonprofits and charities use databases to manage donor, volunteer, and B2B profiles and aggregate data. However, database are also used for storing records, files, other types of information. But of course, a good database can go down-hill if it is not properly maintained. Tech CRM data database management donors volunteer
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. The only way I know of to answer your question is to go through these steps: Write down what you need in a database, in as much detail as you can.
Connection Cafe
JULY 30, 2015
In my last blog I talked about a segment of your audience that could use a bit more love: non-donors, prospects, casual observers—the usual suspects. Call them what you will, but these are the people that expressed interest in your organization and mission and are waiting to hear more. The challenge is that organizations typically focus on supporters and this valuable group gets left out because they’ve donated zero on the giving ($) scale.
AFP Blog
MAY 4, 2015
When does a small nonprofit need a database? CoolData blog : "When should an organization acquire some kind of database system or CRM? Any organization, no matter how small, has to track activity and record information for operational purposes. This may be especially true for nonprofits that need to report on the impact they’re having in the community. I usually think in terms of tracking donors, but nonprofits may have an additional need to track clients and services." 'via
AFP Blog
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
Charity Commission to join national fraud database : The Charity Commission is to become a member of Cifas, the national fraud database, so it can develop a risk fraud profile of the charity sector and provide a means of checking trustees for linkage to fraud and rights to remain in the UK.
Wild Apricot
JUNE 19, 2015
Database expert and consultant, Wes Trochlil, gives us a quick run-down of his top 5 database management tips and speaks about his upcoming Wild Apricot Free Expert Webinar. database management
Wild Apricot
JUNE 12, 2020
A membership database will help you move on from using spreadsheets and start making the best of your member data. Use our free membership database template to get started
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). Now, it's certainly possible that an organization chose the wrong database to begin with, or has outgrown the system they chose, or the vendor isn't providing good support and keeping the technology up to date.
Wild Apricot
MAY 16, 2019
Wild Apricot is a simple membership database software that makes it easy to register members, collect payments, and communicate with them. Start your free trial now
Robert Weiner
MARCH 17, 2013
Donor Databases Nonprofit Management Nonprofit Technology SoftwareA colleague forwarded the following email from a vendor and asked how I think a potential buyer should respond. I've redacted the message to anonymize the vendor: Dear _, I thought you might be interested in a recent analysis of low cost fundraising software, conducted jointly by independent organizations Idealware and N-TEN.
Robert Weiner
NOVEMBER 10, 2011
I'm planning a new workshop on selecting donor databases, focusing on the question, "Why is this so friggin' complicated?" It needs to be easy to get reports from the database, but it also needs to support complex selection criteria. what a new database can do when you only know what your current one does--or doesn't do, what you'll need in the future)? Advancement Services Databases Donor Databases IT Management Nonprofit Technology
Robert Weiner
AUGUST 19, 2009
The good folks at Aspiration have been working to put my list of donor databases into a wiki. Along the way the identified some that seem to have disappeared and weren't on my earlier list of defunct donor databases. Giving Database from Willow Mountain Consulting. Tags: Donor Databases Here are the new entries: Association Management System from Micro Solutions. Donation Management System from Cumulus 9. DonorAccess from DonorAccess.
Robert Weiner
FEBRUARY 24, 2012
I've been enjoying the discussion in the Chronicle of Philanthropy's LinkedIn group in response to the question, " What's a good, affordable donor database program for a small non profit? " (you'll probably need to join the group to read the responses). Advancement Services Donor Databases Fundraising Nonprofit Technology
Idealware
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
Databases are the technology that nonprofits love to hate. Some people wish their database had more options, some wish it were simpler, and some just wish they could get the same results from a query twice in a row. If you’re unsure about your current database, you aren’t alone. Third Space Studio sought in this new report to understand how other nonprofits feel about their databases. How much do you like your database?
Connection Cafe
MARCH 10, 2014
If you haven’t already, take a look at my Spring Cleaning Your Database article from this time last year. Take the time to check your database backups and review your disaster recovery plans. Other thoughts on optimizing your database? It is that time of year again: you’ve made it through the end-of-year fundraising rush and post-holiday data cleanup (hopefully!), and your Spring events and campaigns are still pretty quiet (for now).
Wild Apricot
MAY 20, 2015
What exactly is a membership database and how can it help you achieve your organization's goals? Here are details on an Expert Webinar with Wes Trochlil that can answer your database questions. webinar membership database
Wild Apricot
MARCH 11, 2011
One of the issues facing small membership organizations identified in our Blog Reader Survey was finding ways to better manage membership databases. So in response, we’re creating a blog series to help organizations identify your membership database requirements; understand the various options available; and help you determine the best solution for your specific needs.(
Connection Cafe
MARCH 2, 2011
At the end of last year, I spent a good deal of time analyzing our database (yes, my inner geek is showing) and asking the big questions: where do I need to make an investment? The reason marketers start here is the same reason a nonprofit should – making a connection to the real people in your database. Author: Jennifer Atkins.
Wild Apricot
DECEMBER 23, 2016
To find out how your database management processes stack up against the top nonprofits, take this short quiz that Wes Trochlil (Founder of Effective Database Management) helped us put together. data management management trochlil wes membership database data quizThis quiz is designed to help you identify areas to improve, and give you expert tips. At the bottom of the quiz, compare your score against others.
Wild Apricot
NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Wild Apricot has created a Guide to help small organizations identify your membership database needs; understand your options as well as offering tips and tools to help you make an informed software or system choice. membership records membership database management
Robert Weiner
JANUARY 13, 2009
The flip side to my list of donor databases would be a list of systems that no longer exist. Tags: Donor Databases Fundraising Advancement Services This does not mean that these systems are no longer in use, just that they’re no longer being sold or supported (I recently met someone who still uses FundMaster, which hasn’t been sold since at least 1999). This probably isn’t as useful a list, but it’s short so here goes: SYSTEM. VENDOR. Alchemy.
AFP Blog
MARCH 23, 2016
The One: 5 Benefits of Committing to a Single, Centralized Database - Target Marketing : 'via Blog this
Wild Apricot
DECEMBER 23, 2016
To find out how your database management processes stack up against the top nonprofits, take this short quiz that Wes Trochlil (Founder of Effective Database Management) helped us put together. data management management trochlil wes membership database data quizThis quiz is designed to help you identify areas to improve, and give you expert tips. At the bottom of the quiz, compare your score against others.
NonProfit Hub
JULY 12, 2017
To make it easy for you to navigate this article, we’ve broken our discussion into three helpful sections: Donor Databases for Small Nonprofits. Donor Databases for Medium-Sized Nonprofits. Donor Databases for Large Nonprofits. Let’s get started shopping for the perfect database! Donor Databases for Small Nonprofits. Check out their guide to nonprofit CRMs as just one example (and learn more about the importance of a solid donor database).
VisionLink
DECEMBER 9, 2010
We are very pleased to announce that we completed a successful and significant upgrade of our core database systems last night. While not as flashy as some of our feature upgrades for users, this is the kind of infrastructure upgrade that sustains VisionLink and our customers over time.
NonProfit Hub
JUNE 27, 2015
I get asked the question often, “What should we look for in donor database tools?” All good donor database tools worth your time and money will include: 1. For the other two elements, check out the full article on Firespring.org>> The post Three Crucial Elements of Donor Database Tools appeared first on Nonprofit Hub. I believe there are three crucial elements that you need. A dashboard. This allows you to see how things are going at a glance.
EveryAction
SEPTEMBER 24, 2018
Whether its bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and pooled income funds, EveryAction allows for tracking and management of legacy gifts within your donor database. #12.
Wild Apricot
MAY 1, 2012
Here's a reminder about our Membership Database webinar on Wednesday, May 2. membership database management Wild Apricot webinar
Wild Apricot
APRIL 19, 2017
This membership database selection guide is perfect for small organizations, associations and nonprofits just getting started with formally managing their member data or looking to switch systems. guide selection database membership
NonProfit Hub
APRIL 11, 2014
We see this happen often within donor databases and nonprofit CRMs. A clutter-free and efficient migration of data into your new database is a great start, but all of that hard work will be for naught if that environment is not kept intact going forward. There are three common reasons why data in a donor database can go bad: 1. All too often, what happens is these notes don’t make it into the database. Jay Love is a guest contributor for Nonprofit Hub.
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