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. … [Read more...]
Thoughts on Software RFPs
I received the following email from Keith Heller, a database consultant who works with Raiser's Edge and Common Ground clients: We’ve been involved with responding to many RFPs over the years and I have a general inquiry that is in your bailiwick. I often see RFPs that are quite lengthy and … [Read more...]
Idealware’s Field Guide to Nonprofit Software: Fundraising, Communications and Outreach
Idealware recently released its Fundraising, Communications and Outreach. Unlike their earlier guides (to inexpensive donor databases, content management systems, online donation tools, etc.) this one is an actual book (84 pages, paperback) and costs actual money ($19.95, plus, I assume, … [Read more...]
SF Fundraising Day 2010
San Francisco's Fundraising Day will be happening June 16 at the downtown Marriott. Once again I have the honor of co-chairing the Technology Track with Michael Stein. We've programmed sessions on online fundraising with Madeline Stanionis, social media with Jeff Patrick, database selection … [Read more...]
The Idealware Research Fund
My friends at Idealware have created a new fund to support their research. Many of Idealware's reports have been funded by foundations and some have had corporate sponsorship. As you probably know, neither foundation nor corporate support is a reliable funding source these days. In addition, … [Read more...]
TechSoup’s New Site Design
TechSoup, the nonprofit tech web site where I host a discussion forum, went live with a redesigned home page over the weekend. I love the new look, although it's only skin-deep. This is Phase 1 and only affects the home page--most links take you to pages on the old site, with a the old … [Read more...]
NTEN’s Online CIO Conference in September
Want to build your IT leadership skills without a travel budget? Our friends at NTEN are launching a 2-day virtual conference for nonprofit IT leaders. I'm thrilled to see this. I think there's a big need for a "mini-MBA" for nonprofit chief information officers (CIOs), particularly … [Read more...]
Nonprofit Technology 601
Heather Carpenter's Nonprofit Leadership 601 blog posted a list of resources for people who are new to the field of nonprofit technolology. This post lists books, reports, Web sites, blogs, and conferences that nonprofit techies — and not just those newbies — should know about. We're happy … [Read more...]