selecting and implementing donor or membership database
DESCRIPTION
How a nonprofit organization can select and implement a donor / membership database, presented at the 2011 Congregations 2.0 Conference on Jan. 14, 2011TRANSCRIPT
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 1
Selecting and Implementing aDonor or Membership Database
Norman ReissJewish Funds for Justice
http://www.jewishjustice.org
[email protected] - http://www.nonprofitbridge.com
646-827-0635
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 2
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 3
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
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 4
What Software Should I Use?
Use web based instead of locally installed software May not need software specifically intended for
religious organizations?
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 5
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)
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 6
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
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 7
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?
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 8
What Else Do I Need?
The basics: Donor / membership database Website Online donation capability Email marketing
What can come later Social media Blog
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 9
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
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 10
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
Congregations 2.0 / Jan. 14, 2011 / Norman Reiss 11
Questions?
Norman ReissJewish Funds for Justice
http://www.jewishjustice.org
[email protected] - http://www.nonprofitbridge.com
646-827-0635