Bookmark and Share

Resources

The GIJP Technology Program is dedicated to offering all organizations participating in the Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy programs research and support services to help them utilize technology effectively to reach their fundraising and outreach goals.

In addition to the general technology support and services offered to all camps, the Technology Program team supports 30 organizations with their donor management software – DonorPerfect Online (DPO). With the help of SofterWare – the maker of DPO – the team has customized the software to specifically target the needs of nonprofit camps.

Here are some tips for managing your donor and gift data in a donor database:

Although many camps have implemented DPO successfully, it has become increasingly clear that every organization has different needs; there is no one system that meets the needs of every nonprofit organization. Therefore, the Technology Program has initiated other services and programs to ensure each organization utilizes the right software for them. More information about those services can be found here:

Initial Technology Assessment

The Technology Program is now offering an Initial Technology Assessment to all camps participating in the Grinspoon Institute of Jewish Philanthropy camps program. Technology Program team members work with key members of the camp and their Mentor to understand the camp’s current state and future vision in alumni outreach and fundraising, and prepare a plan to utilize technology to reach their goals. Please read the Case Study we prepared based on our Initial Technology Assessment process with Camp Morasha to learn more about what this service requires, and it what it can offer your camp. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Martone or your Mentor for more information.

Social Networking

Need to learn more about social networking? Not sure what web 2.0 is? Don’t know where to begin? Please read our Social Networking FAQ for more information about how you can use new web tools to build community online and help you reach your alumni outreach and fundraising goals.

For example, Pinemere Camp has created a highly successful online community where alumni, campers, parents, and staff can share stories and pictures and reconnect with the camp and each other. We have prepared a case study discussing Pinemere Camp’s success building this community using Ning.com, a social media tool for creating gated social networks. Check it out!

We have also prepared a detailed comparison of Facebook Groups and Pages. This document will help you better understand the pros and cons of each tool, and help you determine which one is right for your organization. Already have a Facebook Page? Read our short document on how to select a short, easy to remember username for your Page.

The GIJP Technology Team can also help you improve your usage of Facebook and Twitter. We have prepared two documents detailing tools and widgets you can use to make your use of Facebook and Twitter more effective:

- GIJP Facebook Offerings
- GIJP Twitter Offerings

For example, there are widgets that allow you to promote your Facebook Page or Twitter Account on your website or blog. There are also tools to help you manage the time you spend on your social media efforts by allowing you to schedule posts in advance and easily view all mentions of your organization on Twitter. Take a look at these two documents to find out what is possible and then contact Joe Ruotolo, our Business Systems Analyst, so that he can help implement the appropriate functionality for you.

For more information about the Technology Program, email Kevin Martone, the Technology Program Manager. You can also reach him at (413) 439-1974.