Membership Platform Budget

Budget Request for Cloud-based Membership Platform

Background:

When I became Membership chair, one of the initiatives I had hoped to implement was the migration of the Membership database from FileMaker Pro to a cloud-based Membership platform for a variety of reasons (listed below). Due to time constraints, I had not yet achieved this goal.

The current membership database file resides locally on a single device accessible to one user. Managing and making changes to the database requires installation and knowledge of FileMaker Pro. This severely shrinks the pool of volunteers who can assume responsibility for Membership tasks.

While discussing with Karyn and Eitan Grunwald the possibility of Karyn Grunwald replacing me as Membership chair, it became readily apparent that now would be the perfect opportunity to move to a cloud-based Membership platform. Eitan offered to research the available options. The results of his research follow:

We searched for cloud-based membership platforms that can provide the following benefits:

• User-friendly, no tech skills required. Easy, intuitive interface with minimal learning curve.

• Accessible anywhere by multiple users.

• Data automatically and securely backed up, which can be simply and completely exported for transfer to another database, if needed.

• Built-in standard membership features (categories, queries/reports, import/export, individual/batch data entry, etc.) and the ability to easily customize, including replication of existing FP membership categories and fields.

• Automated confirmation and renewal reminder emails (currently done manually).

• Automated data transfer into Constant Contact (currently entered manually).

• Automated data entry from member-completed forms (currently done manually).

• Potential integration with payment processing, if desired.

About two dozen highly-rated membership databases for small nonprofits were initially investigated. After making comparisons we determined that a suitable platform, providing the benefits listed above, is available for less than $75,000/yr. In fact, it’s only about $400/yr.

We are requesting that lower amount as an annual budget for a cloud-based membership platform.

Gary Pratt