I recently learned about an innovative "Community Database" project being co-offered by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and TRG Arts. Participating organizations manage their mailing lists in a shared database and may opt to share lists with one another via this medium. In addition, the Community Database will offer free NCOA (National Change of Address) cleanses, and data analysis for individual organizations and on the community of participating organizations. Additional data services, including data hygiene and response rate tracking, are available for a fee.
The part that is unclear is whether this database can be used as a primary constituent database, or if participating organizations will need to create integration with another product. That could be a downside, but outsourcing like this could provide some significant upsides, especially for smaller organizations lacking dedicated data management staff.
In my shop, I have been looking a lot at the role of outsourcing work. Not to replace core staff functions, but to provide extra bits of expertise or simply time, on an as-needed basis. Especially as cloud computing (there, had to get that buzzword in!) becomes more dominant, it is easier and easier to employ off-site workers.
Sadly, I was unable to find a link to information about this program on RACC's website. If you find it, leave it in the comments!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Edward Tufte in the Northwest!
Edward Tufte, one of the pioneers of modern data visualization, will give day-long workshops in Portland and Seattle in June (the 20th and 21st in Seattle, the 22nd in Portland, and other locations around the country as well). If you've seen my previous posts on data visualization, you know that Tufte has heavily influenced my thinking in this area.
I haven't seen Tufte speak before, but considering the genius of his books (and that you receive all four for registering, a hefty value in themselves), I highly recommend that you attend.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Job Opening on My Team
There's a job opening on my team at Portland State. Advancement Services is a highly-regarded team at Portland State with a lot of exciting projects going on. We're looking for a data-lover who knows SQL, and possesses good communication skills and an exceedingly strong ability to prioritize among multiple projects. If this sounds like you, please consider applying!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Refugees From the Private Sector
Much ado has been made about baby boomers' late life career choices. Today's Oregonian had an article about the trend of baby boomers leaving lucrative private sector jobs for the nonprofit sector.
Here are a couple of thoughts on this phenomenon:
*It's interesting to think of the potential generational dynamics at play in a workplace with experienced (but not in the non-profit sector) boomers and younger staff who are making a career of nonprofit work. This is in part due to the increasing professionalism of the sector, with nonprofit management academic offerings becoming much more commonplace. The Oregonian article mentions the younger boss/older employee situation, which can be awkward for both parties. Much has been written lately about navigating generational divides in the workplace, like this recent Fortune article.
*As one of those younger nonprofit careerists, I am excited to think about refugees from the private sector bringing their experience to bear in the nonprofit world, which has much to glean from the business world. Think of all the ways we are a decade behind: email (!) communications, to say nothing of social networking and online experience; customer/constituent relationship management; data mining; measuring outcomes to increase accountability, and more. Then again, it's kind of like the old saying about Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire: those of us who've been in the nonprofit sector have been "dancing backwards and in heels" for a long time now. Anyone migrating into the nonprofit sector must get used to accomplishing work with a fraction of the staff and budget available in an analogous corporate setting.
Here are a couple of thoughts on this phenomenon:
*It's interesting to think of the potential generational dynamics at play in a workplace with experienced (but not in the non-profit sector) boomers and younger staff who are making a career of nonprofit work. This is in part due to the increasing professionalism of the sector, with nonprofit management academic offerings becoming much more commonplace. The Oregonian article mentions the younger boss/older employee situation, which can be awkward for both parties. Much has been written lately about navigating generational divides in the workplace, like this recent Fortune article.
*As one of those younger nonprofit careerists, I am excited to think about refugees from the private sector bringing their experience to bear in the nonprofit world, which has much to glean from the business world. Think of all the ways we are a decade behind: email (!) communications, to say nothing of social networking and online experience; customer/constituent relationship management; data mining; measuring outcomes to increase accountability, and more. Then again, it's kind of like the old saying about Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire: those of us who've been in the nonprofit sector have been "dancing backwards and in heels" for a long time now. Anyone migrating into the nonprofit sector must get used to accomplishing work with a fraction of the staff and budget available in an analogous corporate setting.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Back in action
After a hiatus of nearly a year, Fundraising Nerd is back! The next few weeks will bring brand-new posts and some site design enhancements as I prep for a grand re-launch. The reborn Fundraising Nerd will include an expanded focus to cover some of the issues that have been preoccupying me in the past year.
Fundraising Nerd will still cover fundraising and technology, but I'll also be writing about leadership and management issues, including motivating people, managing time and priorities, dealing with stress, and communication. FN will highlight interesting and fun news, how-tos and analysis on these topics. Look for some fun new features as well, including an advice column ("Ask a Nerd").
It's great to be back! The last year's been crazy (hence the unplanned blogging hiatus), but I've learned a ton, and have a lot more to learn. I can't wait to share it with you.
Fundraising Nerd will still cover fundraising and technology, but I'll also be writing about leadership and management issues, including motivating people, managing time and priorities, dealing with stress, and communication. FN will highlight interesting and fun news, how-tos and analysis on these topics. Look for some fun new features as well, including an advice column ("Ask a Nerd").
It's great to be back! The last year's been crazy (hence the unplanned blogging hiatus), but I've learned a ton, and have a lot more to learn. I can't wait to share it with you.
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