From Spreadsheets to Scalability: Databases as a Next Step for Non-Profits.

This article focuses on the evolution of data management strategies in non-profit organizations, emphasizing the transition from spreadsheets to scalable database systems for program evaluation. It reviews various database types—including SQL, NoSQL, and Microsoft Access—highlighting their respective benefits and limitations in handling structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. The article addresses challenges non-profits face in implementing databases, such as limited IT infrastructure, scarce full-time technical support, and the need for ongoing staff training. Through case studies, it identifies best practices like tailoring database solutions to organizational needs, fostering collaborations with IT experts, and investing in capacity-building to enhance data management and evaluation capabilities. The findings underscore the importance of balancing technological complexity with practical resource constraints to support effective program evaluation and organizational growth.