Would you like to receive thedatabank's newsletter? Send us an email and type "subscribe" in the subject line.

Newsletter, September 2006

By Karen Graham, Client Development Manager

Nonprofit Neighborhood
Food For Thought Program Gives Clients Something to Chew On

This month thedatabank launched Food For Thought , a series of lunch sessions that bring clients and staff together in an informal setting. The purpose is to brainstorm and exchange candid feedback that would be helpful to the client. ( full article )

New User Guide now available

Our much anticipated User Guide was released a few weeks ago.  Users may access it online at any time through the Databank menu under Help.  The User Guide covers all of the standard functions of the Databank and the Fundraising Module .  A special User Guide for PowerMail, thedatabank's HTML bulk email tool, is also in the menu for users who have the e-Marketing Module .

New Features in Meetings & Events Module

We just released two new features for the Meetings & Events Module.

First, Databank users can now duplicate an event simply by clicking a button in the Edit Meeting screen.  This is a great time saver!  If you have a recurring meeting or event, you can use this feature to copy the time, description, location and other details.

Second, a "tag" style feature has been added to our Meetings & Events module.  It allows a user to select a list of members, then assign the group to one or more events on their Meeting list.  This feature comes in handy when importing lists of attendees.  Sign up for the Meetings & Events Module Training this week to learn how to use this new feature.

Tip du Jour
Increase email deliverability by getting on supporter safe lists

Though there are techniques for getting your opt-in messages past spam filters, the best way to ensure your messages are delivered is this: get recipients to add you to their safe list.  Make sure to display the request in three key places:

• The confirmation screen that appears after filling out a Databank web form

• Prominently on your web site

• On print materials, especially reply cards that ask for an email address

A simple message like the one below can make a big difference.

"Please make sure our emails reach you.  Add news@thedatabank.com to your safe list today."

Karen's Blog
Safe and sound

Anybody who is tired of reading about my baby can just skip the next paragraph.

Have I mentioned that he is the perfect child?  He is 7 months old already, and he sits and babbles and is generally delightful.  Like any parent, I want the best for my child and his safety is of the utmost importance.  It goes without saying that I was very careful in selecting a daycare provider and I checked her out thoroughly.  I am 100% confident that he is in good hands while I am here at work.

Now, I hope you don't love your data as much as your kids.  Still, your list is one of your organization's most valuable assets.  This is one place where a security blanket is not going to do the trick.  Make sure your data is genuinely secure, and that it's backed up frequently.

As a client of thedatabank, your data is stored in a state-of-the-art facility.  Our servers are at Vericenter , a Tier 1 data center with real-time electronic backups, firewalls, redundant power supplies, and redundant internet connections.  The facility is also physically secured with 24-hour guards, locked cages, and biometric access points.  Your Databank is also backed up on tape every single day, and the backups are stored in an off-site vault. 

Information transmitted over the internet is encrypted using 128 bit SSL encryption security .  Access to The Databank requires a password and ideally, each user has his or her own password with a customized level of permission.  (Obviously, to maximize security, do not allow your computer to remember your password and do not share passwords.)

So, you and Baby can both rest easy.

Karen

Back to main News page

News Archives

Newsletter Archives

Upgrade Archives