TechSoup Articles: Databases

How to Plan for a Data Move

TechSoup — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0800

We'll show you what data conversion entails, how to prepare for a data move, and weigh the pros and cons of various data-migration techniques.

Donor-Management Software Comparison

TechSoup — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

This donor-management product comparison chart will help you evaluate software based on your needs.

Tracking Constituents in Small and Mid-Sized Organizations

TechSoup — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Best practices for selecting and managing a constituent database at smaller NPOs.

A Few Good Tools: Low-Cost Constituent Databases

TechSoup — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Nonprofit technology experts share their recommendations for affordable constituent databases.

Ten Common Mistakes in Selecting Donor Databases

TechSoup — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0800

How to choose a donor database that will support successful fundraising.

Donor Databases: Three Nonprofits Tell Their Stories

TechSoup — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:00:00 -0700

Real-world accounts of how different nonprofits have successfully set up donor databases.

A Few Good Databases for Membership Organizations

TechSoup — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 12:00:00 -0800

Idealware asks eight nonprofit technology professionals to recommend membership databases.

Donor Management Software

TechSoup — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 12:00:00 -0700

Check out this review of various donor management software packages.

Client Management and Outcomes Tracking Databases

TechSoup — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 12:00:00 -0700

Client management and outcomes-tracking databases can help your nonprofit be more effective.

Sample Functionality Scorecard

TechSoup — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 12:00:00 -0700

This functional requirements spreadsheet will help you compare software based on your needs.

Creating a Service Delivery Flowchart

TechSoup — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 12:00:00 -0700

Download an example of a service delivery flowchart.

Inexpensive Donor Databases

TechSoup — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 12:00:00 -0700

No need to spend a lot on a donor database. Check out our list of free and low-cost options.

Preparation Helps Ensure Painless Database Creation

TechSoup — Fri, 28 Jan 2005 12:00:00 -0800

CompuMentor helps environmental NPOs build databases through the Environmental Solution Forum.

The Power of Many: Collaboration for Common Goal

TechSoup — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 12:00:00 -0800

Nonprofits band together to create databases and build software.

Working for Equality and Economic Liberation

TechSoup — Fri, 25 Jun 2004 12:00:00 -0700

Read how one nonprofit used technology strategically for civic engagement.

HMIS: Why Homeless Shelters Must Collect Data or Die

TechSoup — Thu, 16 Oct 2003 12:00:00 -0700

A law that aims to count homeless people worries privacy advocates.

Usability and Maintainability

TechSoup — Fri, 26 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Learn how to avoid common database implementation mistakes.

Database Planning

TechSoup — Wed, 17 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Database planning can be a daunting task. Learn lessons from an NPO that's been through it.

Agency-Wide Databases in Multi-Program Nonprofits

TechSoup — Wed, 17 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

There's no right way to build a database. Assessing your needs can help create the best solution.

Data Integration

TechSoup — Thu, 11 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

ebase is a set of tools and community of users that is powerful, affordable, and accessible.

Database Death: What Lies Beneath the Surface

TechSoup — Tue, 09 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Rethink database planning, management, and training with this guide to organizational strategies.

Should Nonprofit Agencies Build or Buy a Database?

TechSoup — Tue, 09 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Should you build or buy your database? We’ll help you decide how to best manage your information.

Relational Databases

TechSoup — Mon, 08 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Relational databases can keep track of complex relationships. Find out why you might need one.

Database-Driven Web Sites

TechSoup — Mon, 08 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Learn to better serve your users with dynamically generated pages and a database-driven Web site.

Open Source Database Technologies

TechSoup — Mon, 08 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0700

Learn all about MYSQL and PostgreSQL, two Open Source, server-based database management systems.

Remote Data Access Options

TechSoup — Tue, 02 Apr 2002 12:00:00 -0800

Use remote access to share data with your clients and colleagues and to travel freely.

Information Management

TechSoup — Fri, 29 Mar 2002 12:00:00 -0800

Databases can help you manage your data effectively, but implement them carefully.

Database Planning Guide, Version 1

TechSoup — Wed, 30 Jan 2002 12:00:00 -0800

This guide to the database planning process includes templates, worksheets, questionnaires.

Introduction to Databases

TechSoup — Tue, 29 Jan 2002 12:00:00 -0800

How to decide what kind of information storage system your organization needs.

Database Best Practices

TechSoup — Mon, 29 Oct 2001 12:00:00 -0800

These tips can help your organization create usable, sustainable, and sharable databases.