Sheldon --

I'm just getting back into DB work; I got bucked into management years back, and am only now getting an opportunity to get code-dust back on my fingers. 

As you've probably noticed, DB work is *inherently* tricky; the additional layer of computer-systems administration that inevitably ends up on top only adds to a pre-existing problem. 

I have not yet put in hands-on experience with SalesForce.  What I've picked up on the gossip-mill (most recently at OSCON last month) suggests that while free implementations are available for non-profits, there are two issues with it:  1.) It's really more designed and more suited to a for-profit context, and 2.) it has an alarming tendency to suddenly become non-free, *after* one is already committed to it.

I'd suggest CiviCRM as an alternative.  It's specifically designed with NFP operations in mind, and while the inherent complexity I'd mentioned above will make it suddenly look very worthwhile to hire a consultant to do the implementation for you, it *is* FOSS, and you *can* do the implementation yourself.  I'd suggest hiring a *trainer* rather than a consultant, as that way you learn how to fix it yourself rather than give your organization as hostage to the consultant. 

If you want to discuss this in greater detail, please contact me off-list. 

best,

Joel

polydad8@yahoo.com


From: sheldon mains <sheldon@spokesconnect.org>
To: The Think Tank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org>
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2015 12:15 PM
Subject: [TheThinkTank] Comprehensive Database for community bike center-- any expereinces

We're (Cycles for Change in St. Paul, MN ---www.CyclesForChange.org) is starting a search for a comprehensive database for all of our programs and activities.  We want something that:
 
Tracks participants, donors and volunteers over all programs
(Earn-a-Bike, Community Partners Bike Libary, Learn-to-Ride, Open Shop, Youth Apprenticeship, Volunteer Night, Community Rides, Equity Council, Infrastructure Advocacy)

Automates event sign-up for classes and events

Manages multiple email newsletters

Tracks participation levels (e.g. how often someone comes to open shop or if they attended all 4 classes in a four week course)

Tracks all communications with all participants, volunteers and donors

Comprehensive demographic information

Customizable reports

Anyone with any suggestions?  We're looking at something that is on the web (we have three locations). We are looking for something that does not require a techie to manage.

Specifically, we've heard there is a community bike center that has created a bike center implementation of SalesForce 

thanks much

sheldon
..............
Sheldon Mains
Cycles for Change
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.

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