This document provides an overview of setting up a database for a social benefit organization. It discusses planning the database by reviewing current and future data needs, business processes, and reporting requirements. It also covers requisite resources like acquisition, maintenance, and ongoing costs. The document recommends creating a request for proposal, budget, and timeline and highlights advanced data capabilities like business intelligence, analytics, and benchmarking dashboards.

1. Data Points to Success: Getting Started with a Database for Your Organization Kevin Lo Lead Technology Analyst July 19 th , 2011

2. We are working toward a time when every social benefit organization on the planet has the technology resources and knowledge they need to operate at their full potential.

3. 45+ US TechSoup Donor Partners

4. TechSoup.org resources

5. Overview Logic model review Planning your database Resourcing Decision points The future of data

6. Why do you collect data? Source: Demonstrating Value, www.demonstratingvalue.org Databases help turn data into information

7. Logic Model Review Source: Measuring Success, Product Grant Program, http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac48/pgp_success.html

8. Planning your database Current and future data What sort of data do you have already? What data do you wish you collected? Business processes Who handles your data? (ie. data flow) Are there areas of improvement? Reporting How can you better assess your performance? What kind of report would you like to produce for your board/funders/supporters?

9. Requisite Resources Don’t expect a database to be “one time expense” Will include both capital and operating expenditures (“CapEx” vs “OpEx”) Acquisition costs Ongoing costs Maintenance costs

10. Things to ask yourselves Off-the-shelf vs customized? Online vs. Offline? How open/secure do you want your data? Who needs to access what data? How much interoperability do you need? What platforms do you run?

11. Plan of action RFP Prepare a budget Setting a timeframe Determine deliverables Review and correct

12. Advanced data Business Intelligence Analytics Infographics Benchmarking and dashboards Un/Semi/structured data

13. Additional Resources http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/databases/archives/page10161.cfm - Database Planning Guide http://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/publications/big_data/index.asp - McKinsey Big Data Report

14. Questions and Comments? [email_address]