Are you using spreadsheets and documents to run a small charity or community group but getting bogged down in slow and repetitive manual data entry, complications with file sharing and online access, and time-consuming manual reporting procedures?

If so, a database might be the best solution. There are lots of pre-built database options out there but they can be expensive, not fit for purpose or simply too heavy duty for a small organisation. Why not try building your own instead? There are lots of free build your own database tools which allow you to take your spreadsheets to the next level, getting your data organised and online where everyone can securely access it.

Led by database experts but with a focus on peer learning, the Build your own database cohort programme will help you evaluate what you need a database to do, guide you through how to build your own from scratch and steer you through how to get your data tidied up and imported into your new database.

All the tools we'll use will be free or very low cost readily available solutions. And even more importantly, there's no coding and no technical knowledge required at all. All you need is to enjoy logical thinking and problem solving.

You will be working alongside other small London based charity and community groups, sharing the journey with them, learning from each other and building a technical support group around you for the future.

The programme will run for an 4 month period and will require a time commitment of at least 14 hours a month (8 hours in facilitated sessions, 8 hours of your own time) from participants.

Come and join us for an information session to find out if building your own database is the solution and for information on how to apply to our Build your own database cohort programme.

This introductory session will help you decide if our cohort programme is for you. The session will cover:

• The goals of the cohort programme

• Key benefits of using a database

• Reasons for building your own database

• What topics & tools the cohort will cover

• How much time you’ll need to commit – both in & out of sessions

Is the Build your own database cohort information session for me?

This is an information session for charities and community groups who would like to reduce the amount of spreadsheets & documents they use and replace them with a DIY database solution.

The goal of the session is to help you decide if joining our Build your own database cohort programme is the right thing for you and your organisation.

Am I eligible for this course?

This introduction session and the follow on Build your own database cohort programme is fully funded by the Cornerstone Fund for small charities & community groups delivering services in London, and we can only accept participants who work or volunteer for organisations fitting this description.

Hosts

Alice Linell is the Superhighways Data and Evaluation Adviser, supporting small charities and community groups gain skills to better use data to help shape services and influence others.

Lindsay Hodgson leads on leads on app development work at Catch Impact, which she set up in 2012 after 10 years of social impact consultancy. A non-techie herself, Lindsay believes that with new low-code platforms, there's a new way forward for charities to capture and analyse data about their impact.

More about Datawise London

This training event forms part of the Datawise London programme, funded by City Bridge Trust as part of the Cornerstone Fund. London’s community data is one of our greatest assets. Our mission at Datawise is to help you unlock it.