Vicks,
Things have changes drastically in the area of technologies. Computing technologies that were once in the 100's of dollars is now available for a few 100's. Surveillance systems that were only available for Las Vegas casino's can now be used for an economical price at food banks and youth centers as well as for video conferencing. Databases that target specific non-profit operations are generally available for hundreds instead of thousands of dollars and provide greater reporting capabilities then were afforded non-profits just 5 years ago. Ujima Consultants (the company I work for, provides 14 such targeted application products in our UjimaSuites <http://ujima.biz/software/ujimasuites.html> 
http://ujima.biz/software/ujimasuites.html)
Such database also help to shape NFP organization's into new process that enhance there data collection, data accuracy, reduce cycle time, increase productivity and lead to more timely reporting. No longer does an organization have to wait until the entire index cards are counted over 2 days by 3 people or the laborious input for 12 hours into an Excel file with limited macros. Such databases are available.
In addition, some of the simple database requirements can be met with the wizards and templates available in most COTS ("commercially available off the shelf"; products like Microsoft Office Access and Open Office Base) applications only requiring some knowledge of relations database. These applications can be had for very economical prices or free of charges through TechSoup and directly from the companies. They also have an easy learning curve and great support from help files and online sources.
So I agree in part, that there is this misconception of cost and the lack of understanding that you don't have to be rich to do these things. I think that the NFP sector can combat this attitude by:
1. Continuing similar or like dialog as in this listserv to raise consciousness and provide continue entry port for education.
2. Becoming aware of technology and software advocates for NFP organizations such as TechSoup (www.techsoup.org/) and Npower Seattle (www.npowerseattle.org <http://www.npowerseattle.org/> ).
3. Attend conferences and workshops related to the tools provided for NFP organization such as through Brand in the Box Consulting (www.brandinthebox.com <http://www.brandinthebox.com/> ) that regular runs seminars related to technology enhancements for NFP's.
4. Make use of the Internet for internal working tools (requires some "assembly" and results in an Intranet), research and online communications with staff and donor-base.
5. Continue to stay abreast of technology in the capturing of new training and new blood with the skills and appreciation of what works!
Isom Taylor,
Ujima Consultants
<http://www.ujima.biz/> www.Ujima.Biz
-----original message-----
>>;So one thing that I am realizing in working in the nonprofit sector and having just recently done a presentation for a class that I am currently taking, I realized that people have a really skewed way of viewing the cost of technology. When I tell people that there are low cost providers for Nonprofits or ways to get discounted and/or free equipment or training, people don't get it. They think every database is tens of thousands of dollars and that isn't the case. They also think streamlining something into one systematic process into a database isn't possible, again because they think it will cost to much time or money. It just seams to me that nonprofits limit themselves. That they think just because they are nonprofit, that they can't do and/or have certain things. There is this misconception of cost and the lack of understanding that you don't have to be rich to do these things. So, I was just curiuos if other individuals felt this way as well and/or what can the
sector to to combat this attitude.>>
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