My Nonprofit Data Goals

My goals when I work with a nonprofit organization in their donor management system are to make their data...

Simple
As simple as possible is probably a better way to say it. Your database holds information about folks who support your mission. That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less. Don't get hung up on the bells and whistles (the tools that help you navigate the system). Start with what you know and build from there. A better understanding of the bells and whistles will come in time if you stick with it. Always go back to the basic organizing structure of your database - records, tabs, and fields.

Approachable
No one should feel alienated from your donor management system. It is a place where everyone who needs it can get a 360-degree view of donors and their activities or interactions with your organization.

Fun
Let's face it. Data is not most people's jam. I get it. But it can be fun. The best way to have the most fun with your data is to keep up with it. Pull lists that help you track, audit, and manage the specific data you need. This way you will have your current portfolio at your fingertips each time you log into the database, avoiding the need to search and hunt for what you need.