There are generally a two different styles of benchmarking:

1. Internal benchmarking: where results are compared internally over multiple different activities, time periods, geographical areas, etc.
2. Peer Benchmarking: where results are compared between organisations in the same sector

Furthermore, benchmarking can either be:

1. Quantitatively-oriented: where metrics are calculated and compared e.g. what is a good performance level and who was closest/furthest to it. This is generally data-right (more initiatives compared) but context-poor (less information about each initiative being compared).
2. Qualitatively-oriented: where processes and perception is critiqued and compared  e.g. what “best” looks and/or feel like and who was closest/furthest to it. This is generally data-poor (fewer initiatives compared) but context-rich (more information about each initiative being compared).

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“Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission”
Written by and for nonprofit technology staff and nonprofit leadership staff, this collection of case studies, analyses, and guidelines shows how technology can be strategically deployed in their organizations to better accomplish a nonprofit’s mission.

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Online Nonprofit Technology Conference – Sept 16/17
The online conference will cover what Tech and IT Leaders need to know to hone their skills and understanding in order to make better informed technology decisions. Those who attend this conference will leave better able to act as leaders in managing the intersection of mission and technology unique to their organization.

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I bet many of you are using a form of cloud computing without knowing it. Current examples are Gmail, Yahoo mail, Google Docs, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office Live Workspace. They are often called Software as a Service (SaaS). A company provides access to their software applications over the Internet and you access it through your web-browser. If you are using email hosted by a company, like one of those mentioned above, you and your staff don’t have to manage an in-house email server like Exchange. You simply sign up for the accounts and all the back-end stuff is handled for you.

Jaegar outlines a variety of aaS (”as-a-Service”) options for nonprofits to consider for moving hardware, software and data management to a virtual environment, and ends with some practical advice:  “Not every IT function should be migrated to “the cloud,” so you should discuss your situation with your IT staff or a consultant. The concept may be a bit scary for some, but once you get over that hurdle and realize that you are already using cloud computing, I think you will start seeing other ways you can use it to help your nonprofit get your work done efficiently.”

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NonProfitDB replaces existing databases, spreadsheets and applications with one single system. NonProfitDB is web-based and it can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization.

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Social media strategy, guidance and campaign development.

We combine a deep understanding of nonprofit organizations with business strategy and social media to create innovative social media strategies and campaigns designed individually for each client.

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Obopay is a free fast and easy way for non-profits to collect money from members or supporters. Members and supporters send you money from their phone, online, or directly from your own web site and you get paid instantly. No need to deposit checks or handle cash.No charge to receive money. And there’s no set-up fees or monthly minimums. It’s also free for you to receive a payment from a member or supporter that pays with their credit or debit card.

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Trail Blazer is a company specializing in the data management needs of nonprofits and political organizations. Quick access to donor information will improve your ability to raise more money. Trail Blazer in unparalleled in the industry for training and support. We ARE your partner.

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