The State of Open Source CRM for Nonprofits

Facilitated by Dave Greenberg, CiviCRM Product Manager

Not a training but a place for folks to ask "what is it", "what's new / what's coming", "who's using it" ... possibly could combine this with a broader session about CRM options for NP's.

Allen Poole, ebase developer, will discuss ebase as an example of desktop CRM options.

• CRM: Constituent Relationship Management
  • Send Emails
  • Run a call center
  • Take donations
  • Manage events
  • Manage volunteers
  • Platform that powers an organizations
  • Integrate with accounting
  • What does a CRM not do?
• Hosted vs. desktop: Pros and cons
  • Desktop
    • FileMaker can run over the internet and be accessed anywhere
    • Requires specific client software running on computers to use
    • Installation may be easier for desktop app
    • Does not require an internet connection
    • Typically does not offer access to third-party web services
    • Data is saved as you type
    • Purchased database app (Filemaker, MS etc.) reusable for non-CRM uses
  • Hosted (or web based)
    • Access through a generic piece of software: web browser
    • Data may not be saved as you type for many web apps
    • Data may be safer if hosted at a data center
    • Can be integrated with CMS/web site (registration, user account management)
    • All data can be in one place
• Pros and cons of self hosting (for desktop or hosted)
  • You are responsible for setting up server and own the data
  • Pros: take it offline, backup, complete control over application
  • Con: You are responsible for backups, upgrading
• How to reduce the data entry barrier?
• Integration with third party services
• Reporting is a pain point