CiviCRM Development Project
The Organization’s current contact database is a SQL database with an Access front end, based on a donor database template. Originally, the database had a web front-end written in Ruby on Rails which was accessible to staff in the field, however, the server operating this web-based front end failed early in 2010, and the web portal has been down since then.
The bulk of The Organization’s constituent relationship management involves several small training/workshop events, held around the state of Oregon and Southern Washington each year. For each event, The Organization staff must secure facilities and catering, occasionally other miscellaneous vendors, as well as tracking trainers, volunteers, and event attendees. For most of these events, attendees register with the Ford Family Foundation, and the attendance list is forwarded to The Organization.
The Organization also offers a semi-annual conference, Regards to Rural, which attracts 400-500 community leaders from around the state. This 2 day conference requires organizing multiple sessions, sponsorships, awards, meals, attendees, etc.
RDI needs a constituent relationship management system capable of storing and reporting on constituents and services provided; events and vendors; donors and donation data; and funders and grant opportunities. In Spring/Summer 2010, RDI commissioned a needs evaluation and database research, and determined that of the available options, CiviCRM would best meet their needs and budget.
The audience for this project will be internal RDI staff, both in the office and working in the field. We expect in the future to be able to open up conference registration through this portal, either embedded into or linked from RDI’s website.
