Native Americans in Philanthropy
DharmaTech partnered with Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) on a major project in 2008 that involved upgrading their CiviCRM database to the latest version and building a dynamic website system that allows their staff to create new content in a straightforward and easy-to-use way. Based in Minnesota, Native Americans in Philanthropy works to advance philanthropic practices grounded in Native values and traditions.
Prior to working with DharmaTech, NAP was stuck using an old version of CiviCRM (the database software we offer) and needed help upgrading to the latest version. But much more than that, they needed to fundamentally bring their technology into the 21st Century. They needed an interactive website integrated with their database that allowed their members to login, search a dynamic online membership directory, access members only forums, and much more.
The project began with DharmaTech upgrading their database to the latest and greatest version. As described in our blog post here, the upgrade was a complex project, primarily because their original database had not been built in a straightforward and well thought-out way. For example, it classified all organizations as "households."
Once we completed the upgrade and data clean-up, we then configured the database in a way that allowed NAP to capture the important data they needed to track. This involved working closely with NAP on their data "map" and finding ways to capture all this info for members that join their organization through the website.
The next phase of the project involved building their website content management system. NAP worked with a designer who provided the graphic design and coding for the new site. DharmaTech provided a powerful website system with all of the features needed by NAP, including:
- A members-only forum with moderation for staff
- Online donation and membership sign-up forms
- Online event registration
- Searchable membership directory
Best of all, the website is integrated with their database, which means that online donations and sign-ups are automatically entered into CiviCRM.
The project allowed DharmaTech to showcase our skills with the software and really push NAP forward in their work. We look forward to future phases of this project that will allow us to streamline their work even more.
Visit their site at http://nativephilanthropy.org/
