CiviCRM good for my goals?

[fausto@urbanupbound.org]

Hey Guys,

I work at a nonprofit and we are trying to manage our grants, and contracts and put them in one place. I envision being able to create a database from which multiple users can access information on the contracts which would be managed by myself on Civicsrm and constantly updated.

1. Is Civics the right tool for our organization?
2. Is setting up a server to be our database difficult?
3. And is there a large learning curve for users?
4. Might it be more useful for us to invest in paid software like Donorsnap of SUMAC?

Thank you!

Thank you

[Coleman Watts]

1. Is Civics the right tool for our organization?

Quite possibly. It can certainly do the things you've described.

2. Is setting up a server to be our database difficult?

Setting it up yourself requires some technical skill and/or ability to read and follow directions and google it when you get stuck.
But if you are considering paid software then you have money to hire a consultant to help you implement Civi, in which case they would do all the hard stuff.

3. And is there a large learning curve for users?

Every new system has a learning curve. Civi has a lot of features, so there is a lot to learn. I don't think that would be any different with the other systems you are considering.

4. Might it be more useful for us to invest in paid software like Donorsnap of SUMAC?

When I implemented Civi for my nonprofit, it was the best thing they could have hoped for. I haven't used the other systems you mentioned but there are a lot of advantages to going open-source - lower cost, more community support, better ability to get new features added, to name a few.

[Hershel]

Coleman's answers are very good. Bottom line--CiviCRM is a very good tool and it sounds perfect for you.

[Coleman Watts]

If you haven't looked at it already, I would suggest you start by reading the book:
http://book.civicrm.org/user/

[JohnFF]

Coleman's answers are spot on:

2. Is setting up a server to be our database difficult?

If you have a managed server with an interface attached (i.e. cPanel) you can use something called Installatron to install a fully working Civi in a few clicks.

3. And is there a large learning curve for users?

I've yet to meet a staff member that can't use Civi. It seems a lot at first. The big challenge will be deciding how you want your Civi configured. My advice: stick at it. Commit to it and it'll work for you

[fausto@urbanupbound.org]

Thank you for all the information guys I greatly appreciate it! I'm working with my bosses to figure out if this program will be the one we use.

Thanks!

[Coleman Watts]

One question you'll probably get from your bosses is "who else uses it?". Good to have an answer to that one: https://civicrm.org/what/casestudies

Also, "who can we talk to who is using it?": https://civicrm.org/ambassadors

And: "what professional services are available to help us deploy and support it?": https://civicrm.org/providers