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Expert Tips: Marnie
A well-managed database is essential for any nonprofit
"Database stuff can be a bit dry ... :)" So says San Francisco-based information systems manager Marnie in an e-mail to Do-Gooder. But Point Foundation, where she works, collects a lot of data, and somebody has to organize it all. The same is probably true of your nonprofit. Marnie agreed to break down for us why a good database is important and how she keeps Point Foundation's data organized.
First, what exactly does Point Foundation do?
Point Foundation provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender scholars with scholarships to attend the nation's foremost higher educational institutions, with qualified mentors who provide a network of emotional and professional support, and with leadership training. The well-rounded support provided by a Point Scholarship helps Point Scholars to assume the leadership positions they seek and in turn creates leaders who make a difference in the LGBT community at large.
Why focus on LGBT students?
Point's work is vital because nearly one-third of LGBT students drop out of high school to escape the violence, harassment, and isolation they face there — a dropout rate nearly three times the national average. As a result, LGBT students are twice as likely to report they were not planning to pursue a higher education. Many LGBT students face rejection by their family and peers, including the withdrawal of both emotional and financial support.
You came to the foundation in 2005. What's your job there?
I was responsible for overhauling the organizational database, establishing standards for maintaining the integrity of the data, and overseeing the maintenance of the current systems. Now I am tasked with the express duty of leveraging technology to create more efficient systems while being fiscally responsible and adhering to the organization budget.
Um, you mean you've only got so much money to spend and you have to make the most of whatever technology is out there to make sure everyone at the foundation can get the information they need, right? Why does database management matter for a nonprofit?
First, what exactly does Point Foundation do?
Point Foundation provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender scholars with scholarships to attend the nation's foremost higher educational institutions, with qualified mentors who provide a network of emotional and professional support, and with leadership training. The well-rounded support provided by a Point Scholarship helps Point Scholars to assume the leadership positions they seek and in turn creates leaders who make a difference in the LGBT community at large.
Why focus on LGBT students?
Point's work is vital because nearly one-third of LGBT students drop out of high school to escape the violence, harassment, and isolation they face there — a dropout rate nearly three times the national average. As a result, LGBT students are twice as likely to report they were not planning to pursue a higher education. Many LGBT students face rejection by their family and peers, including the withdrawal of both emotional and financial support.
You came to the foundation in 2005. What's your job there?
I was responsible for overhauling the organizational database, establishing standards for maintaining the integrity of the data, and overseeing the maintenance of the current systems. Now I am tasked with the express duty of leveraging technology to create more efficient systems while being fiscally responsible and adhering to the organization budget.
Um, you mean you've only got so much money to spend and you have to make the most of whatever technology is out there to make sure everyone at the foundation can get the information they need, right? Why does database management matter for a nonprofit?
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16:41 EST, 27.Nov.07
13:57 EST, 27.Nov.07