Data management 101 – The basics of good database management

A friendly, practical starter course for anyone who works with data — fundraisers, comms, service teams, ops, volunteers and new database managers alike.

Data sits at the heart of every charity, but most teams never get the chance to learn the basics in a simple, human way. This short course gives you the confidence to understand what data you have, how to look after it, and what small changes make the biggest difference day-to-day.

We keep things punchy. No jargon. No long lectures. Just clear explanations, relatable examples, and quick wins you can put into practice straight away.

What you’ll learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Spot the different types of data your charity holds (far more than you think).
• Understand where data is stored and why that matters for teamwork and risk.
• Make sense of CRM systems in plain English — what they do and how to choose one.
• Improve data quality with small, everyday habits anyone can build.
• Navigate GDPR, consent and supporter permissions with confidence.
• Create simple first steps towards a data policy or CRM improvement plan.

How it works

The course is made up of short modules you can complete in under an hour altogether. Each module includes:

• A clear explanation of the essentials
• One practical action you can take immediately in your organisation
• A downloadable tool or template to support you
• An optional reflection prompt
• A link to relevant CRAFT resources or Forge apps

You finish with a single end-of-course quiz to check your understanding and earn your CRAFT Data Curious badge.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for:

• Fundraisers who want to understand their data better
• Comms or digital teams who rely on supporter information
• Service delivery teams who collect data every day
• Trustees or leaders who want a clearer picture of good data practice
• New or aspiring database managers starting out in their role
• Anyone who wants to feel more confident and less “in the dark” about data

No technical background needed — just curiosity.

Why this matters

Good data management isn’t about software. It’s about people working well together, making informed decisions, and treating supporter information with care and respect. Even tiny improvements can save hours, reduce risk and build trust across your organisation.

This course gives you the foundations to get there — one small, practical step at a time.