Introduction for local infrastructure organisations

What is this project offering?

We are offering a set of tools for your organisation to manage its internal and client-facing information:

1. A robust database and website for your organisation
2. A project implementation plan explaining how your project will be delivered
3. A functional specification specifically tailored for Local Infrastrcuture Agencies (LIOs) in the UK
   The database and website will incorporate the tools and structure you need to get up and running quickly
4. A trusted provider, with in-built flexibility
5. An ecosystem of Support, training and further development by a range of local providers.
6. Good practice information and training materials on how to run and manage your database
7. A sustainable solution with low ongoing costs and no tie in to one provider

An organisational database and website

CiviCRM has a range of well designed and thoroughly tested functionality designed for non profit organisations.  Below is an quick summary of functionality that should interest LIOs.

• Segment and communicate with clients in a variety of ways
• Report on your work and audience
• Manage electronic and paper mailings
• Organise and manage events and training courses
• Keep track of membership
• Map organisational processes and workflows
• Control what information is available to different audiences, for example, public directories, members areas, staff pages, etc.)
• Easy to use tools for publishing content (information, news, photos, files etc.) using industry standard content management systems (Drupal or Joomla).
• Flexibilty.  Many changes can be made without going back to the developers (depending on your level of expertise).

This is only a brief introduction.  Browse http://civicrm.org/aboutcivicrm and CiviCRM components like CiviMember, CiviMail etc. for much more detail on what CiviCRM can do.

How much will it cost?

Development and ongoing costs depend on a number of factors including the functionality you want, the level of expertise at your organisation and the developer you choose.  As a guide you should expect to pay not more than £x,000 for initial development of your database and website.

The collaborative development process and free availability of CiviCRM means setting up and using CiviCRM at your LIO is significantly cheaper than existing alternatives with similar functionality.

I'm interested! What now?

Contact a partnership between an LIO and a development organisation.  These partnerships are help co-ordinate the project and can give you good advice on how to get started.  They are currently the following:

• London and South East: Voluntary Action Westminster and Third Sector Design (email michael@thirdsectordesign.org)
• South West: VOSCUR and Circle Interactive (email enquiries@circle-interactive.co.uk )
• North of England: TBC (are you a developer working in partnership on CiviCRM with a CVS in the north of England?)

Note: for a list of developers working on CiviCRM more generally, see http://civicrm.org/professional.

Have a look at our What you get, as a Local Infrastructure Organisation page.  This should give you an idea of the shape of the project and the processes involved in developing and supporting your database and website.