There are a bunch of CRM solutions which you’ve probably heard of (like Salesforce, SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, ad nauseum) but have you ever heard of an Open Source one?
I’m familiar with a few others but I’ve never heard of CiviCRM until a few weeks ago.
Apparently it’s built with advocacy group and non-profits in mind…
From their mouths:
CiviCRM is a powerful contact, fundraising and eCRM system that allows you to record and manage information about your various constituents including volunteers, activists, donors, employees, clients, vendors, etc.
Track and execute donations, transactions, conversations, events or any type of correspondence with each constituent and store it all in one, easily accessible and manageable source.
Fascinating!
Check it out if you’re looking for an alternative CRM solution.
For more summary info you can also see this press release from the Free Software Foundation announcing their use of it for their organization. Other organizations using it include Amnesty International, WikiMedia and others:
http://www.fsf.org/news/nonprofit-fundraising-civicrm
Kevin
http://opensourcechurch.com
Very cool. Thx Kevin!
peace | dewde
John – CiviCRM is becoming quite popular with ministries. Since it’s built from the ground-up to be used by nonprofits, advocacy organizations, support orgs, and outreach orgs it’s a great fit. Heartbeat Int’l is implementing CiviCRM and is thrilled so far.
Best part – it’s open source (Free). But like all things, “free as in kittens”. Out of the box it will work for many, many things. But the level of customization is incredible. From Amnesty Int’l to the Jane Goodall Institute to Wikipedia to the Canadian Bible Society (and many more Christian orgs) it’s quite flexible.
I just had to give my two cents since I’m a big fan. I’m hoping a larger network of Christian ministries can start using it. I hear there is a Linked In group for Christian CiviCRM orgs – need to check that out too.
Terrific information, Chris! Thanks for sharing!
peace | dewde