Database design, development, and deployment for a nonprofit organization

With limited resources and technical expertise, many local nonprofit organizations (NPOpsilas) are unable to benefit from efficient database solutions which streamline operations and financial management. This paper describes a unique university-industry partnership established to design, develop, and deploy a database solution for a local NPO. A team of students from the University of Virginia combined with professional consultants from FileMaker, Inc., and Soliant Consulting, to address the database needs of computers 4Kids, a nonprofit technology-mentoring program for disadvantaged youth. A database suite was delivered which improved, integrated, and extended the functionality of existing paper and stand-alone databases. Preliminary results of the project indicated that the implementation of such a design, when performed in accordance with recommended systems methodologies, would indeed be advantageous for the nonprofit institution.