We are also in the market for a database:
1) we really need to cut down the time it takes for us to do the class registration/notification/tracking
2) We really need to have a major individual fundraising campaign
3) We really need to do a better job tracking outcomes of our activities.

We are now in the multiple spreadsheet/google documents mode--we need to do better.

We need something that:
automates class sign-up that automatically goes into database
tracks class participation
tracks volunteer people/contacts/events/activities/hours
tracks individual donations
tracks contacts with everyone we deal with (volunteers, clients, potential clients, donors, potential donors)
online payment that automatically goes into database

Since we are part of a (very slightly larger) nonprofit (our neighborhood association) we need something that can track participants that are SPOKES related and that are Seward N'hood Group general activity related.

All this info has been helpful. 
1) We did seriously look at CivicCRM but decided that without an on staff tech person, it just took too much care and feeding.
2) We seriously looked at Salesforce ("free") but with the needed modules, isn't free.  And getting someone to help with the set-up (I thought I could do it myself--past life was helping nonprofits with databases--Way too involved) would cost a minimum of $10,000.
3) we looked at Apricot (Community TechKnowledge)-- right price point, simple to use and set-up but didn't meet our needs.

Right now it looks like we'll go with the system from theDataBank.com--Starting with the fundraising system and adding events and volunteers.  Monthly cost is more than we wanted but their set-up cost is lower.  If we actually use it for individual fundraising, it will easily pay for itself very quickly.

..............
Sheldon Mains
SPOKES Bike Walk Connect
www.SpokesConnect.org  www.fb.com/SpokesConnect
Minneapolis, MN 612/618-7149
Three ways to donate to SPOKES:
1. Volunteer.  2. Donate repairable used bikes. 3. Financial donations always welcome. Check www.SpokesConnect.org for details.


On Tue, Jul 15, 2014 at 12:02 PM, Falls City Community BikeWorks <fccbikeworks@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks so much for sharing! This is my first time being responsible for the management of a non-profit's books and records, and I'm sure I can't count the number of mistakes I'm making :-P 

Anyway, this community is amazing, and I sure do appreciate y'all! 

Bella



On Tue, Jul 15, 2014 at 12:58 PM, Mark Friis <iebafriis@gmail.com> wrote:
We use clubexpress.com.  Not cheap but it works well plus you get a website portal.

Mark Friis

Executive Director, Inland Empire Biking Alliance

PO Box 9266

Redlands, CA 92375

909-800-4322

mfriis@iebikingalliance.org

WWW.IEBIKE.ORG


On Mon, Jul 14, 2014 at 11:03 AM, Falls City Community BikeWorks <fccbikeworks@gmail.com> wrote:
Hey all,

I'm new to this community resource, but love it already. Such creativity out there! 

I'm trying to find some free/cheap software to help organize our new community bikeshop's mushrooming files. I've looked at BigTent, GroupSpaces, MemberPlanet, and SilkStart...they don't do what I need them to, and really just create more work...

Features wishlist includes:
- Membership management (with admin ability to add members, a way to attach a signed waiver to each member account, and easy option to send out membership renewal reminders) 
- Shop calendar (with sign-up options) 
- Donor management (with option to track donations) 
- Online payment option (or ability to link to PayPal) 

Any advice (pro/con) about the software you've tried would be greatly appreciated. 

With gratitude,
Bella

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