The root cause of many of the problems nonprofit organizations experience with their databases is often nothing to do with the software itself. Without plans to design and use them, processes, to guide them, and people to effectively use and manage them, databases cannot deliver the value your organization wants or needs. In our previous[…]
The root cause of many of the problems nonprofit organizations experience with their databases is often nothing to do with the software itself. Without plans to design and use them, processes to guide them, and people to effectively use and manage them, databases cannot deliver the value your organization wants or needs. Last month, we[…]
In our last post, we highlighted the Top 7 Reasons Your Database is Not Working for You. Over the next three posts, we’ll address each of three keys to database success, and – spoiler alert – none of them are the software itself! We find that when organizations’ databases are not meeting their needs, the[…]
Years ago, we wrote a post titled “It’s Just a Database,” emphasizing that a database is just a tool, and it’s only as good as the data you put in it. Now, we are revisiting that theme in response to a common request we receive. Nonprofits often reach out to us seeking help to transition[…]
In our last post, we looked at setting a vision for your database. Now that the vision for your organization’s database has been established and shared, what’s next? Now it’s time to engage and support your teammates in efforts to achieve your vision. Teach a Man to Fish There’s an old Chinese proverb that goes[…]
So you’ve just completed implementation on a database for your organization or inherited one that your organization has used, to some extent, for decades. Now what? Well, whether you’re starting with a clean slate or trying to breathe new life back into your system, it’s time to step back and think about a vision for[…]
This is the fourth and final post in a series in which I implore nonprofits to do some critical reflecting and planning before you embark on any evaluation work or make changes to your data collection forms, tools, or processes. I think there are four key things organizations need to know when planning their evaluation[…]
This is the third post in a series in which I implore nonprofits to do some critical reflecting and planning before they purchase, design, or modify their client databases. However, the same tips are helpful before you embark on any evaluation work or make changes to your data collection forms, tools, or processes, too. This[…]
In my last post, I pointed out that a database is just a tool. It’s not magic. It’s not omniscient or omnipotent. Your database is only as good as your evaluation planning and data strategy. I think there are four key things organizations need to know in order to design and make the best use[…]
I’ve heard so many nonprofit leaders talk about client management or performance management databases like they are the answer to all of a program’s problems. If we had a database, we could . . . Know which clients are succeeding Better monitor our activities Track client progress over time Streamline our billing Save time on[…]