Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario (CPAMO)
and Neighbourhood Arts Networks (NAN) present:

A Seminar Series
Smart Data – Getting Your Data Working for You

Funded by Creative Trust with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Delivered by Young Associates
For more information on Young Associates Data Smart services click here

Monday, December 17, 2012 from 2-5pm

Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership
219 Argyle Ave, Room 113-114 (first floor)
Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1

Please note the registration ends on December 15, to register: http://smartdataottawa.eventbrite.ca/
This is a FREE session which will cover only one of these topics please select the topic/s which interest you in the registration form.

1. Singing from the Same Songbook: Harmonizing Database and Accounting Software
Every organization is likely to have at least two databases: its accounting package and a marketing, membership or fundraising package. Work is greatly streamlined when information is entered only once – but what’s the best way to harmonize the reporting so that both databases tell the same story? This workshop will consider the primary point of data entry, and options for capturing summary information without repeating all the details. In addition, we will explore reporting formats that will help you tell a story about your impact and celebrate your successes, supported by good, quantitative data – both financial and statistical. Case studies will be presented for discussion.

2. Garbage into Gold: Housekeeping for your Database
The information you get out of your database is only as good as the data you put into it. In this seminar we will explore ways to create consistencies in the collection and data entry processes to ensure that your data is telling the true story. Finding lots of duplicate entries? Sinking staff time into maintaining multiple data files with overlapping contents? Losing opportunities because of missing patron information? Not sure if you’ve accurately tracked all your donations? Learn how to identify errors and omissions in your database, and get your data working for you again.  

3a. Managing Data : Policies and Procedures for Populating Your Database (Spreadsheets)
Is your organization not big enough to warrant purchasing a fundraising database? Are you using spreadsheets to track your audience? No problem! Who should be tracked in your spreadsheet? What is enough information about a contact to warrant a spot in your database? Is an email address enough? Are you sure that your patrons’ information is safe in your spreadsheet? During this introductory seminar we will explore the basics of tracking contacts and donations within spreadsheets, and keeping consistent records when more than one person is working in the file3b. Managing Data: Policies and Procedures for Populating Your Database (Relational Databases)
So you have a database system….now what? Who should be tracked in your database? What is enough information about a contact to warrant a spot in your database? Is an email address enough? Are you sure that your patrons’ information is safe in your database? During this introductory seminar we will explore the basics of adding contact records to your database, and how with a few clicks you can create your own network of supporters that works for you.

4. Researching Your Database: Advancing Marketing and Fundraising with Database Research
You’re on your way to a clean and consistent database, but where does that get you? It’s time to research your database. Learn how to analyze your database for Marketing and Fundraising purposes to grow your audience and further your mandate. Expand your patron base, target your marketing, and meet or exceed your fundraising goals. Learn tips and tricks for mining your data and expanding your potential.  

5. Managing Up, Down and Across: A Peer Exchange about Buy-In on Database Investment, Training and Policies
How much time does your database require to be properly maintained? Whose job is it to monitor the database? Can your data give you the answers you’re looking for? Are your organization’s expectations of your database realistic? Join us as we open a discussion among peers on how to manage database expectations. Whether you are responsible for database maintenance, or you supervise or participate in the process, you will benefit from the opportunity to share ideas for improving the process. Everyone needs to understand what goes into best database practices. Individuals from all organizational levels are encouraged to attend (staff, volunteers, board members). Organizations are welcome to send multiple representatives.