Why data should be your nonprofit’s best friend?
If you are raising money for your nonprofit, you’re most likely using an online database to manage donations, names, contact information, etc. We are now living in a world where our data is so much easier to manage, there are more options to give and the time it takes to process a gift is down. Woo-hoo, right?
Well…most of the time nonprofit leaders bemoan their database because it doesn’t “work well".” People end up switching databases because they got a “deal,” or a new leader likes this platform better than the current one. And sure there are problems with some databases, where they don’t have the right reports or it’s difficult to find information that should be easy to uncover.
I’m gonna be honest, if you don’t like your database, the database is not really the problem, it’s you.
Whoa! Did I just call you out? Sure did. But in the nonprofit industry, we need to be a little more honest with ourselves about what is working and what isn’t working.
Before you pull the plug on your current database here are a few things I suggest you consider to improve your data management practices.
Make sure there is a consistent set of processes to add and update donor information and contributions. The big problem here is a lack of consistency in data. Make sure that
Determine the reports you need on a regular basis and build those. Be realistic about the information you need to pull out of your database. Have your database work for you, not the other way around.
Use all the functionality. Some databases have great inset tools like National Change of Address, wealth searching and duplicate matching. Make sure you are using all the benefits before you chuck it for a flashier deal.
Set up a time with your database host to discuss these questions and get the answers you need to do the work. You are paying these folks a nice chunk of change. Work with your account executive to fully understand the ins and outs of your database. It’s possible the information you need is a lot easier to find than you can imagine.
If it’s not working, have a sincere conversation about what needs to change and how to make things better. Work with your board, staff and volunteers to identify what kind of data is most valuable to your organization. Or talk to a professional.
As we move into an AI-enhanced world. Data can be your friend or your enemy. Get things organized and get your database to a place where it helps you raise more money instead of sucking valuable time away from your work.