PROGRESS RESOURCES INC.

Management and Training  

for Nonprofit Organizations 

A Decision Maker’s Guide to Managing Multiple Databases,

A study done by the "Managing Multiple Databases Task Force"

February 2001

This is an exerpt from the study:

The need to manage multiple databases is an historical and on-going challenge.

During the early years of the information age, many Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) purchased and/or built databases to address their needs. Over the years, funding sources began to require the use of specific databases, many of them incompatible with one another. For example, some agencies have successfully integrated data from CSBG programs (Community Service Block Grant), Head Start and Energy Assistance. But they are required to use a separate database for WIC (Women, Infants, Children).

Moreover, the national Head Start office is strongly encouraging all grantees to use the HSFIS database (Head Start Family Information System).

In reporting and accountability, no one is in charge and everyone is in charge. The US Congress, federal agencies, state Legislatures, state agencies, and other funding sources all contribute to a local agency’s ever-changing reporting needs. These are added to an agency’s internal information requirements, involving service delivery and measurements of efficiency and results. Some agencies have chosen to use multiple databases because it seemed like the best route at the time. This is especially true if one considers databases for managing accounting/payroll, personnel/training, fundraising, mailing, event/project planning, transportation routing, etc.

What’s the basic problem with multiple databases? .....................................

For the full study, contact us at progressresourcesinc@gmail.com