Software for tracking our contacts and their donations
We are working on choosing a software to replace our Raiser's edge.
Fundraisersoftware.com is top of the list.
But I would like to find a software that ..
One.. has a more robust database that we can tie into for other needs
Two.. can share the contacts with the entire office since we have overlapping contacts and a need for a contact management system in other departments
Three.. allows seemless web integration with our existing joomla/drupal mysql cms
Four.. Does live transactions of donations and does not need to have web based entries re-entered.
Thanks
Alfred Nutile
Submitted by alfred on May 16, 2007 - 9:00am.
I'm not sure but you can try
I'm not sure but you can try joomla it has a lot of modules you can add to it, i've started using ready made joomla site to help get customers up and running quicker. I've come across add ons for just about everyone's custom site.
Check out Idealware's quick review
Idealware did a nice quick overview of a variety of tools folks are using. Check out their review here:
http://www.idealware.org/articles/fgt_low_cost_dbs.php
While I'd promote ODB (since it's our baby) sounds like you need something that has more web capability than ODB currently has. We also use Democracy in Action here at OC and I think it would meet the criteria you detail. Their tech support is always very good. A number of folks in our network are quite happy with Salesforce.com but I'm not sure to what extent it deals easily with donations. Our friends at Grassroot.org, might be able to provide you with some greater detail.
- Felicia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Organizers' Collaborative
14 Beacon Street, Suite 707 - Boston, MA 02108
617-720-6190 [voice] - felicia@oc-tech.org [email]
http://www.organizerscollaborative.org [web]
Look to more Open Source
In almost all respects, you seem to be asking precisely for CiviCRM.
It's free, but if you can overlook that and plan to spend your current estimated budget for custom development, support, and training, you will be best served – especially in the long run – by CiviCRM.
1. Robust web-based database.
2. Role-based permissions to share contacts' information.
3. Runs on either Drupal or Joomla CMS.
4. Integrates with payment systems for live donations.
~ ben
member, Agaric Design Collective, "Open Source Web Development"
person, People Who Give a Damn, "building the infrastructure for a network of everyone"
I would really like to use Civi or SugarCRM but..
There are a couple concerns here with the staff.
One..That there is an existing user base already using the software so the staff here can call them and see what they think. I went through the list of Civicrm testimonies including Amnesty international and found out that either A they where no longer using it or B I could not get a hold of any one else.
Two..that there needs to be a forum or support they can contact. The civi one is slow if at all, I've tried.
Three. there is a company besides me they can rely on for support.
I can get most of the above with Sugar CRM open but I rather go with Civi.
Any thoughts.
Timeline?
I'm surprised you don't get support on their forums– for specific questions I've found them amazingly responsive, including with hands-on help, through their ticket system, the freenode #civicrm channel, their mailing list, and the forums.
Amnesty Project Impact I know is just moving to CiviCRM. I think Rob Purdie of Important Projects is overseeing that. And CivicSpace offers hosted, turnkey CiviCRM. They can probably help you with all your questions.
Agaric Design Collective can also help you with each point you raise, depending on your timeline for getting started.
~ ben
member, Agaric Design Collective
http://AgaricDesign.com - "Open Source Web Development"
person, People Who Give a Damn
http://pwgd.org - "building the infrastructure for a network of everyone"
Found fourkitchens.com to help with CiviCRM
I really do want to use civicrm for a number of reasons
One. good interface
Two. drupal integration
Three. I know php and mysql
Four. overall great web features
And fourkitchens.com seems so far able to support our needs so I will keep you posted on this. I will note the chat room too.
So this is looking good.
I did call Amnesty international and Steven in the DC dept who is head of the Media area seemed clear that they ended up making their own?
But I never reconnected with him for more details.
As for salesforce, I called the number and once the sales person found out I was calling for a non-profit he said I needed to call Steven Wright (sp) and then would not answer any of my questions so I could find out if it was even worth it.
I called Steven W. and left a message yesterday so we will see if he calls me back today or?
Anyways with that said I do hope to make this process something that can be shared with others so the change or usage of such good software will be easier. And the mind set of needing to spend thousands on licenses can be not spent at all or spent on support and services.
Al