Category Archives: basics

What do nonprofits need in a database?

by leah

Image of interlocking gears representing how data fits together, including marketing, fundraising, and analytics.It depends…

I know that’s not the answer you want, but it’s the answer you need. There is no “one size fits all” database solution for nonprofit organizations. But there is a set of questions you should ask about your needs before you start talking to vendors. The answers are critical if you want to select the correct database for your organization.

Must-ask questions before you begin

    1. Why are you looking for a database right now? What is the overall problem you’re trying to solve or goal you’re trying to reach?
    2. What kind of data will you be storing and how will you use it? Fundraising? Membership? Volunteer management? Marketing/communications? Event registration? Community mobilization? Managing your organization’s programs? Some other specialized use? All of the above?

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I’ve Hit the Bigtime: Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio

by leah

Photo: being interviewed for Nonprofit Radio at 16NTC

Being interviewed for Nonprofit Radio.
L to R Oliver Seldman, Leah Kopperman, Jessica Teal

At the March 2016 Nonprofit Technology Conference I was lucky enough to be interviewed–along with Oliver Seldman (who was with Advomatic at the time) and Jessica Teal–for Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio.

Since this interview is about 20 minutes long, I guess that’s my 15 minutes.

We discussed the Component Based Design process, which we’re currently using at The Jewish Education Project. I’m the lead on a project where we’re combining our 5 websites into one, to better represent the full agency and the work we do. We’re working with Advomatic and Teal Media on the project and we expect to launch toward the end of 2016.

Listen using this embeded player, or subscribe in iTunes or on Android and look for episode #304: “Design on a Budget & Communications Mythbusters”

Jargon: “Component based design” is a newer web design process used to produce a more flexible site with elements that can be rearranged and reused in various combinations. If you’re curious to learn more about it I recommend this episode of The Web Ahead where host Jen Simmons interviews Karen McGrane.