Selecting and implementing donor or membership database

Selecting and Implementing a Donor or Membership Database Norman Reiss Jewish Funds for Justice http://www.jewishjustice.org [email_address] Blog - http://www.nonprofitbridge.com 646-827-0635 Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss

Do I Need a Database?
Aren't paper records enough?
Why can't I just use Microsoft Excel?
Do I want to focus more on fundraising?
Can I easily generate tax receipts for donations?
How large is my membership?
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss

How much it will cost?
Wide range of costs
You don't need a high end system
Some examples:
Salesforce w/Nonprofit Starter Pack – free up to 10 licenses
Telosa Exceed Basic - $500
GiftWorks - $500 - $800
Etapestry – monthly fee varies (free < 500 records)
Wild Apricot - $0 - $200 / month

What Software Should I Use?
Use web based instead of locally installed software
May not need software specifically intended for religious organizations?

What Data Do I Need to Keep?
Name, address, phone
Don't forget email address and mobile phone #
What donations are designated for
Personal information about constituents (if desired)

Do I Need a Consultant?
Before you hire any consultant or vendor...
Speak with colleagues at other religious organizations
Decide what your requirements are
Make sure you get referrals / recommendations
Be careful of anyone who tries to sell you a solution before understanding your needs

Who Will Maintain the Database?
Will need ongoing attention
Can you share the responsibility?
If multiple people enter data, make sure data is entered consistently (and watch out for duplicates)
How will financial information be tracked?

What Else Do I Need?
The basics:
Donor / membership database
Website
Online donation capability
Email marketing
What can come later
Social media
Blog

How Will I Install New Database?
Do you have expertise within your organization to handle?
What form is your data in now?
What types of reports will I need?
Make sure you select a product that includes some level of technical support

Resources
Idealware
Ten Common Mistakes in Selecting Donor Databases
A Few Good Donor Management Systems
Consumer's Guide to Low Cost Donor Management Systems
Network for Good - Why You Need a Donor Database
Nten - Choosing a Low Cost Constituent Database
Wild Apricot – Membership Software Selection Guide

Questions? Norman Reiss Jewish Funds for Justice http://www.jewishjustice.org [email_address] Blog - http://www.nonprofitbridge.com 646-827-0635 Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss

Selecting and implementing donor or membership database

by Norman Reiss

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