Dreamforce Registration Opening Soon...

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Look out for special ($99!!!!!) registration pricing for nonprofits to attend Dreamforce in December. According to the Salesforce Foundation, registration should be opening around the end of July. You'll want to register as soon as possible after receiving email notification to secure the $99 per registration fee, otherwise the price jumps up to $199. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Idealist Consulting sponsored PDXNet2Camp last week

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

We were thrilled to sponsor and attend the PDXNet2Camp last week. It was a great meetup of about 80 nonprofit professionals to discuss a variety of topics including Analytics, Community Building and Social Media. We co-sponsored the event with Net Squared and NTEN, and were happy to contribute.

Idealist Consulting returns from the Salesforce Developer Sprint

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

We attended the Salesforce Developer Sprint in California last week. We were there with 4 other consulting groups, in addition to the Salesforce Foundation development team, to revamp the Salesforce Nonprofit Starter Pack. We're very excited for the coming changes, which will improve many of our clients' experience with Salesforce. Details coming soon...

Idealist Consulting featured in B-Corps Blog

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting was featured in the B-Corps blog this week. We're thrilled to be included in such a great community of socially and environmentally responsible businesses. You can read the full article here.

Idealist Consulting's client Wounded Warriors featured on NPR

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

We're thrilled to learn that a client of ours, Wounded Warriors, was featured on NPR. Wounded Warriors is an organization that helps veterans who've been wounded in service rebuild their lives with a variety of programs like employment and education programs. We love to see our clients getting the recognition they deserve. Please click here to listen to the podcast, or read the full article.

Idealist Consulting hosts 2nd Salesforce User Group

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

We were thrilled with the turnout for our 2nd Salesforce User Group meeting, we gave a presentation on navigating the AppExchange and helping nonprofits learn to choose the best apps for their organization. Here's the presentation from the meeting:

View more presentations from Cat Monaghan.

Maryland signs b-corp status into law

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Maryland First State in the Union to create Benefit Corporation Legislation

April 13, 2010 - Annapolis, MD: Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law the nation's first legislation creating Benefit Corporations, a new class of corporations required to create benefit for society as well as shareholders.

Unlike traditional corporations, Benefit Corporations must by law create a material positive impact on society; consider how decisions affect employees, community and the environment; and publicly report their social and environmental performance using established third-party standards.

The legislation, sponsored by Senators Jamie Raskin and Brian Frosh and Delegate Brian Feldman, passed the Maryland Senate with a vote of 44 - 0 and the Assembly 135 - 5.

"Milton Friedman would have loved this," said Andrew Kassoy, co-founder of B Lab, the non-profit that drafted the model legislation with William H. Clark, Jr., partner in the Corporate & Securities Practice Group of Drinker Biddle and Reath. "For the first time, we have a market-based solution supporting investors and entrepreneurs who want to make money and make a difference," Kassoy added.

The new law addresses a long time concern among entrepreneurs who need to raise growth capital but fear losing control of the social or environmental mission of their business. These entrepreneurs and other shareholders of Benefit Corporations now have additional rights to hold directors accountable for failure to create a material positive impact on society or to consider the impact of decisions on employees, community, and the environment.

From a company's point of view, the new law empowers directors of Benefit Corporations to consider employees, community and the environment in addition to shareholder value when they make operating and liquidity decisions. And, it offers them legal protection for those considerations.

"Today marks an inflection point in the evolution of capitalism," said B Lab co-founder Jay Coen Gilbert. "With public trust in business at an all-time low, this represents the first systemic response to the underlying problems that created the financial crisis -- protecting companies from the pressures of short-termism while creating benefit for shareholders and society over the long-haul."

"This is a great moment in the evolution of commercial life in Maryland and America," said Senator Raskin. "We are giving companies a way to do good and do well at the same time. The benefit corporations will tie public and private purposes together."

Maryland is the first state to pass Benefit Corporation legislation, but others are quickly following Maryland's lead. Vermont Bill S.263, co-sponsored by Senators Hinda Miller and Peter Shumlin, has already passed the Senate and will be considered by the Vermont Assembly over the next 30 days. Other states considering the legislation include Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Idealist Consulting thrilled to attend the NTEN Conference this year!

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting to host first meeting of Salesforce Nonprofit User Group - Portland

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting is hosting the first meeting of the Salesforce Nonprofit User Group- Portland. We'll be addressing Twitter as a marketing tool for nonprofits, as well as discussing the Salesforce for Twitter application. The user group will be a great way for local nonprofits to come together with industry leaders to discuss Salesforce issues and apps, as well as exchange ideas. The meeting is being held at 6 pm on March 23rd and is sponsored by the Prem Group, who have generously donated their downtown Portland office as a venue. We're thrilled to host, and are sure the meeting will be a success!

Idealist Consulting to visit Google campus to discuss collaboration efforts.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Idealist Consulting has a rich history of helping non profit organizations implement affordable technical solutions. Salesfroce.com, Common Ground, Drupal and Google are just a few of the solutions we work with. This week Idealist Consulting will be chatting with Google about supporting some of our efforts in developing countries. We are looking forward to the prospect of have such a reputable partner in philanthropy, work alongside us in our track two program. For more information about the work we do – domestic or abroad, drop us a note and we will be happy to speak to you.

Salesforce and Haiti

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Salesforce will match your charitable donation (up to a combined $100,000). Even if you and/or your company donate even $2, that is more than half the population lives off of in a day. Just click on the link, and the foundation will match your donation. The smallest contribution can make a difference in this terrible situation.

Idealist Consulting supports our clients

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Aside from a portion of revenue being dedicated to environmental and social responsibility Idealist Consulting has extended roughly $40,000 in discounts and gifted over 250 hours to our clients for the year of 2009. We would like to thank the all the Idealist Consultants that helped to make this happen. Were it not for their efforts many of our clients would have been unable to adopt the technology that has made them successful...Thank you John, Jim, Hudi, David, Tanner, JT, Chris, Mark, Mike, Larry , Calista and everyone else who made this year a little easier for our clients... nice work!

Convio Summit (11-15) and Dreamforce (11-17) Idealist consulting to sponsor NPO party and keynote speaker.

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

CONVIO SUMMIT!
To learn more about the Convio Summit please visit...
http://www.convio.com/summit-2009/

Why should you go?
--To Visit Idealist Consulting's booth.
--To hear Idealist Consulting's sponsored Keynote Speaker Gilbert Tuhabonye.
--Meet our client that won the Convio Innovator Award.
--Learn about Common Ground (built on Salesforce).
--Visit the warm Austin, Texas weather.
--Meet and share ideas with Convio staffers and partners, industry leaders, and your peers.
--Discover best practices for online fundraising, marketing and advocacy
--Learn strategies for using the Internet to build stronger constituent relationships

DREAMFORCE!
Dreamforce is the Salesforce Event of the year. To learn more please visit...
http://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce/DF09/site/

Why should you go?
--To visit Idealist Consulting at booth #131.
--See a rock star Concert (last year the Foo Fighters).
--See a great keynote speaker (last year Neil Young).
--Join over 1000 other nonprofit organizations and experience the cloud computing event of the year.
--Visit the great city of San Francisco.
--Get a whole bunch of corporate shwag.
--Participate in the over 30 nonprofit dedicated workshops.
--Join Idealist Consulting at our sponsored party.

Party Details…
Please join us for a festive evening of drinks and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the Power of Us on Thursday, November 19 from 7:00 to 9:30pm at the Ferry Building One Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, California

All the best and we hope to see you in Austin and/or San Francisco.

Idealist Consulting to Attend Dreamforce 2009 and The Convio Summit

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting will be attending two very important conferences this November. The Convio Summit in Austin Texas (CovioSummit) and Dream Force in San Francisco (Dreamforce).

For the Convio Summit Idealist Consulting will have a booth and be sponsoring the Key Note speaker Gilbert Tuhabonye. In addition to this involvement Idealist Consulting will also be presenting to Convio Partners that are dedicated to implementing the Convio suite of products. Our presentation will be focused on the enhancement of teamwork between Convio Partners in an effort to enhance the already client focused deployment process that Convio is recognized for. All told this is shaping up to be a wonderful conference.

For Dreamforce Idealist Consulting will be sharing booth time with Common Ground and the Salesforce Foundation as well as sponsoring the Nonprofit After Party. Dreamforce needs no introduction. With previous keynote speakers such as George Lucas, Collin Powell and Neil Young and musical guests like the Foo Fighters, it is a good time to be had by all.

For more information about either of these events, please feel free to contact us directly.

Idealist Consulting has moved

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting has moved to a central location in the Portland metro area. Our new mailing address is...

Idealist Consulting
PMB 393
25 NW 23rd PL STE 6
Portland OR 97210-5599

We can now accept all mailing types (USPS, UPS and Fed Ex) and if any of you are in Portland area there will now be a "casual conference" area for clients and a "swing desk" for those in need of a work space.. We welcome the change (and the square footage) and are looking forward to on site visits from clients and prospective clients alike.

Come visit us:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2285+NW+Johnson,+Suite+E,+Portland,+OR+97210&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=35.219929,78.837891&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=2285+NW+Johnson+St,+Portland,+Multnomah,+Oregon+97210&z=16

Idealist Consulting to present at NTEN

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Cloud computing is the “new” new wave of information technology. It promises lower costs, faster “time to market,” greater flexibility, and improved efficiency. Some claim it will also help you win friends, lose weight, and freshen your breath. What’s hype versus true value for nonprofits? How much can cloud computing actually deliver?

Leading cloud computing experts will lay out the basics, wring fact from fiction, discuss cloud computing’s impact on mission-based organizations, and show how it can work for you.

Takeaways:

1. What is cloud computing?
2. Why should nonprofits care about cloud computing?
3. Who are the premier cloud computing vendors?
4. How should nonprofits make the leap into the clouds?

> Register Now!

Presented by: Rob Jordan, Idealist Consulting and Rem Hoffman, Exponent Partners

Idealist Consulting Becomes Authorized Convio Solution Provider

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Joins an Exclusive Network of Partners Authorized to Implement and Service Convio’s Software for Nonprofit Organizations (July 10, 2009) Idealist Consulting today announced that it is now an authorized partner in the Convio Solution Provider (CSP) program. The Convio program was designed for companies wanting to deploy Convio software and provide related services. Idealist Consulting is one of the first partners to be authorized around Convio Common Ground™ CRM, the company’s constituent relationship management system that is used to manage donors, volunteers and other supporters. Idealist provides nonprofits with high-quality consulting and implementation services around Convio products for both English and Spanish speaking nonprofits organization looking to maximize their return on investment in technology. "As a former Peace Corps Volunteer and Red Cross Disaster Action Team captain, I am familiar with the importance of a well designed constituent relationship management (CRM) system that does more for nonprofit organizations than traditional donor databases,” said Rob Jordan, Principal, Idealist Consulting. “Communication, organizational memory and efficiency cannot be achieved without an integrated system. The combination of our more than 150 clients nationwide and Convio’s reach and product quality makes this partnership a recipe for success for any nonprofit looking to implement Convio Common Ground CRM.” In addition to ensuring that authorized partners provide the same level of consistency and service that Convio clients have grown to expect, the CSP program also gives nonprofits the flexibility to choose the applications, providers, and approach that are best suited for their needs. In addition to being a CSP, Idealist Consulting has extensive experience in working with the Salesforce platform and serving charities of all shapes and sizes in the nonprofit sector. “Our experience with Convio Common Ground and with the Salesforce platform helps us offer the ideal combination for nonprofits looking for an affordable, reliable and powerful constituent relationship management system, —” added Jordan. Fred Waugh, vice president, alliances for Convio commented that, “With both experience working with nonprofit organizations and deep Salesforce expertise, Idealist Consulting delivers needed value to the nonprofit sector. The expertise Idealist Consulting brings to the table is highly desirable for nonprofits looking to implement a more efficient, effective and powerful alternative to their traditional donor database..” As an authorized partner, Idealist Consulting has received advanced product training and has passed a comprehensive training course proving they are well-versed on the implementation methodology and best practices around Convio solutions. To learn more about Idealist Consulting's services, interested parties can visit www.idealistconsulting.com. To learn more about the Convio partner relationship with Idealist Consulting visit www.idealistconsulting.com/convio-partner. For more information on Convio visit www.convio.com

Idealist Consulting attends Salesforce Foundation Partner Meeting in New York and San Francisco

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This month Idealist Consulting attended the Salesforce Foundation partner meeting in both New York and San Francisco. The partner meeting was an interactive conversation with top Foundation partners as well as members of the Salesforce.com Foundation team focusing on doubling the number of nonprofit and educational organizations benefiting from cloud computing.

Idealist Consulting is one of the original Nonprofit implementation partners and has seen significant growth since it started working with the Salesforce Foundation over four years ago. The new Nonprofit Edition with new pricing structure we learned about at the Partner meetings are going to have a big impact on the Nonprofit space as a whole. We see over 6000 nonprofits using Salesforce now and we are projecting that number to double in a year’s time. This partner meeting and other like it are making Salesforce one of the more approachable database solutions for NPO’s big and small. That said keep a look out for Dream Force 2009 in San Francisco…we hope to see you there.

Idealist Consulting -- One of the orginal four Salesforce Foundation partners

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Roughly four years ago the Salesforce Foundation invited Idealist Consulting to become a partner. There were only four partners at the time, and a handful of nonprofit configurations. Since that time we have helped to implement Salesforce for over 150 nonprofit organizations throughout North America. In addition to this effort we were the first to deploy an application specifically for the nonprofit sector as well as one of the first organizations to help jump start the SFNP user group and provide development support with the Non Profit Edition. It has been a wonderful relationship for our clients and Idealist Consulting and we are looking forward to furthering our mission with the Salesforce Foundation.

This June in San Francisco and New York the Salesforce Foundation will be enhancing their partner program to help more nonprofits take advantage of the gifted database that has help to growth so many nonprofit organizations around the globe. We are looking forward to being a major contributor in this effort and will be anxious to share what we can with the nonprofit community. For more information about Idealist Consulting’s history with the Salesforce Foundation partner program, please feel free to contact us directly at info@idealistconsulting.com

Idealist Consulting to attend NTEN conference San Francisco (Booth #22)

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Idealist Consulting’s will be attending the NTEN conference in San Francisco April 26 -28. Please visit http://nten.org/ntc-science-fair for more information. We will also be sponsoring the NTC After party…sure to be a good time. If you are interested in attending the After Party please contact us directly…We would love to pick up your tab as our guest at the party.

Idealist Consulting launches APEX wiki with Salesforce Foundation.

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

In an effort to help support the nonprofit community as a whole -- Idealist Consulting has teamed up with the Salesforce foundation to develop a wiki devoted to Apex code. It is our hope that this informative online guide will help speed the adoption of Salesforce within the nonprofit sector. Please take some time to visit the link below and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Check out the link to learn more…

http://wiki.apexdevnet.com/index.php/Apex_Supplemental_Documentation

Idealist Consulting will be attending Dream Force 2008 (Booth # 250)

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

November 2nd to the 6th Idealist Consulting will be attending Dream force 2008 in San Francisco. We can be found at a booth share with the Salesforce foundation (Booth #250). You may find us at the booth on Tuesday the 4th from 11:00 - 1:00 and Wednesday the 5th 9:30 to 10:30 am. This is the 6th annual user conference and the largest salesforce.com event to date. Over 10,000 attendees are expected for what has become the industry's cloud computing event of the year. Visit salesforcefoundation.org to get a preview of the latest keynotes and customers presenting. Please come visit us at the birds of a feather session which we will be offering free consultation on variouse topics (Room 135 North 12:45 to 1:45).

You may also run into one of our consultants at the show. That said, keep a look out for Rob Jordan, David Cheng, Mark Bruso and Jim Westfall. Should you wish to find us while you are at the show please dial 503 889 8832 to reach one of our representatives directly at the show or stop by booth 250 to pick up any support materials. And please make an effort to stop by the booths of our solution partners…They make an effort to support npo’s with discounts from their product. Learn what they have to offer and how they can help your organization operation more efficiently.CongaActevaClick ToolsCrm Fusion.

Finally, look for us at the Key Note speech. Marc Benioff will be recognizing Idealist Consulting and the work we have done developing Applications for the Nonprofit Sector.

Idealist Consulting implements over 125 Salesforce configurations.

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

With over three years as a consulting firm working with the Salesforce Foundation, Idealist Consulting has implemented over 125 Salesforce configurations. These implementations included a number of different organizations ranging from nonprofit organizations to B corporations. Each of these organizations represented various different missions including, but limited to, community development, environmental protection, business ethics, philanthropy, education, disaster relief, local government, social services and more.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following senior consultants for their efforts and hard work which was essential in achieving this monumental goal: Mark Bruso, David Cheng, Kara Chanasyk, Mario Duff, Hudi Falik, John Licata, Matt Leclair, Tanner Wells, Jim Westfall, Chris King and Ash Shepherd.

And thank you to all our wonderful clients who without their trust and confidence this goal could never have been accomplished.

Idealist Consulting to present at Israel / Palestine Cross Border Workshop

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Nonprofit Sessions in Tell Aviv Israel and Ramallah Palestine on August 3rd to the 7th. This is an introduction to Salesforce for nonprofit organizations, showing product overviews, discussions on data best practice, how to use the AppExchange plus much more. This cross border effort is the first of its kind and we are proud to be part of this collaboration and are looking to attending. Sign up her If you wish to attend https://www.salesforce.com/eu/form/event/foundation-ramallah.jsp.

Idealist Consulting and Salesforce Foundation

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting is one of four consulting groups that has been chosen by the Salesforce Foundation to help develop the next nonprofit edition for the Salesforce Foundation. We are honored to be a part of this endeavor and are looking forward to debuting our contribution at the next Dreamforce in San Francisco.

Spanish Speaking Support

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting will be providing Spanish speaking consultancy services as soon as July of 2008. Our new web site will be offered in both Spanish and English languages and we will be providing Spanish speaking staff to support all of Spanish speaking projects. This will include web site design, database development and strategic assessments.For more information about this roll out feel free to contact us directly.

Dreamforce Europe

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting will be attending Dream Force Europe May 7th and 8th 2008 in London England. The Salesforce Foundation will be hosting a very special networking event for all Dreamforce Europe delegates, partners and employees. Moreover, In collaboration with Salesforce.com Foundation, UK charity Young Enterprise London (YEL) will be running an afternoon of workshops for young people from schools across London in an effort to support the local community. To learn more about Dreamforce Europe and how to get involved with the efforts of the foundation please click here.

Idealist Consulting at NTEN Louisiana

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

More than 1,000 people came together at the Sheraton New Orleans for the Nonprofit Technology Conference to connect with colleagues, learn about the issues, share their knowledge with others, and, of course, have fun. We talked about what works, what doesn't work, and what is in the works for those using nonprofit technology to further a cause. This year's theme was:

Building Community: Connections around the globe and around the corner.

More than ever, technology is helping nonprofits tap into and build communities to create social change. Now, more than ever, our stakeholders are able to connect, share and act on our behalf from around the globe, or around the corner. At this NTC, we paid special attention to the tools and strategies that are reshaping how we go about doing our work, by empowering our clients and stakeholders.

We are now a B Corporation!

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Idealist Consulting has been officially registered as a b corporation. We are the first Salesforce partner to do so and are looking forward to building a strong relationship with the B corporation community. B Corporations^™ are a new type of corporation that are purpose-driven and create benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. B Corporations^™ are unlike traditional responsible businesses because they: Meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards. Institutionalize stakeholder interests. Build collective voice though the power of a unifying brand.

Dreamforce 2007 in San Fran

Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Thanks to the sponsorship of the salesforce foundation Idealist Consulting will be operating a booth at Dreamforce 2007 to be held in SAN FRANCISCO, May 22 / -- Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM), the market and technology leader in on-demand business services, today announced Dreamforce 2007, the largest on-demand conference of the year and salesforce.com's 5th annual user and developer conference. The conference is designed to make salesforce.com's community come alive by bringing together 32,300 customers and the entire on-demand community. Dreamforce 2007 will be held September 16-19, 2007 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. Read more