Membership Database
Good Morning, We are interested in Software / Advice in acquiring a membership database for 900 present members (with room to expand this) This would be on a standalone PC with a windows 7 operating system. Regards Paul Thiessen Treasurer U3A(UWA)inc.
Reply by Chris from Far Edge Pty Ltd on Tuesday, 23 July, 2013 - 10:56
Hi Paul, CiviCRM is a free membership database - http://www.civicrm.org . You can download / install /configure yourself to have a play. There's a community of users you can find on the site, or if you want someone to "take care of it all" we're happy to help out. Regards, Chris Far Edge 0284251430Reply by Bianca Wirth from Wirth Consulting Pty Ltd on Tuesday, 23 July, 2013 - 11:07
Hi Phil, There are lots of great options out there for non profits including: - Microsoft Access: at its most simple you could create a basic Access database - there are existing templates for basic CRM databases available e.g. http://www.microsoftaccesscrm.com/ is pretty basic for around $655 AUD. This is desktop based so would work on a standalone PC with Windows 7. - Salesforce: this is cloud based but I think that often offers better flexibility e.g. not having to worry about a single PC going down with all the data on it, allowing sharing of data with multiple personnel (restricted of course) and so forth. Salesforce actually provide 10 free licenses to approved non profits http://www.salesforcefoundation.org/nonprofitstarterpack so its cost effective if you can get it - Zoho CRM: another web based one that is a bit simpler to understand than Salesforce I think. Free for up to 5000 records http://www.zoho.com/crm/zohocrm-pricing.html - website integrated: depending on the website system you run, you could also integrate a crm it into your website e.g. Joomla or Drupal (website platform) + CiviCRM (a plugin for Joomla/Drupal) Hope that helps, Cheers, Bianca Wirth Consulting Online Technology Specialists www.wirthconsulting.com.auReply by Graham Hill from Metisc on Tuesday, 23 July, 2013 - 11:11
Hi Paul, You have a number of options, and UWA itself has a number of different membership systems in use in different areas. There are some Open source systems available as Paul mentioned. CiviCRM is installed as part of your website rather than on your PC. Depending on your tax status (Charity) you also have Microsoft Dynamics CRM available through ConnectingUp. But this requires Microsoft Windows Server if installing on your own premises. A lot of our Not For Profit customers are choosing cloud options (commercial or Open Source) these days as it expands the availability and doesn't require dedicated hardware, just a browser. There are also some commercial products you can run on Windows 7 but they tend to be pretty pricey. Feel free to give me a call or email if you want to kick around your options. Graham Hill Metisc 08 93555880 / 0418448228Reply by Lidia Lal from Blackbaud Pacific Pty Ltd on Tuesday, 23 July, 2013 - 11:11
Hi Paul, You should also consider eTapestry: https://www.blackbaud.com.au/notforprofit/fundraising-crm/products/etapestry You can see examples of how other organisations have used eTapestry for membership purposes here: https://www.blackbaud.com.au/company/customer-stories Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like any more information. With best wishes, Naomi naomi.hamilton@blackbaud.com.au +61 2 8986 6000Reply by from PiCRM Software on Tuesday, 23 July, 2013 - 12:35
Hi Paul, Troy here from Not For Profit Systems - http://www.notforprofitsystems.com/ For most of our clients we have configured a setup for their membership requirements. Benefits have included: * configured based on your particular needs * Easily keep in contact with your members including email and direct mail. * Reduce accounting administration should accounting/MYOB integration be needed * automated backup of your database because it is cloud based. * Local Australian support that understands the non profit sector. Feel free to contact me. Regards, Troy Ph: 1300 102 192 / 0406 626 312Reply by Peter Dijkema from Organon Consulting on Tuesday, 23 July, 2013 - 14:28
Hi Paul, There are multiple options as you can see from the previous answers. As Graham from Metisc mentioned Dynamics CRM and you probably will be able to obtain Dynamics CRM through the donation program which would require you to have a server onsite. An alternative to this is the Charity licensing for Dynamics CRM Online which provides you software as a service (so no need for a server). Above all I think it is important to stress that you find someone who can help you to implement the CRM system. Make sure you feel comfortable with this person/organisation. You might be interested in reading an article I published last week: http://organonconsulting.com.au/wp/11-questions-you-should-ask-before-selecting-a-not-for-profit-crm-system/ If you need any help let me know. Peter Organon Consulting 0468 817 715

