Your data entry process documentation is one of your most important data hygiene tools. Good documentation helps ensure that information is entered accurately, thoroughly and consistently. It’s a buffer against staff turnover, and the first step toward process improvement.

Cleaning up your data will not only yield better database screening results, but it’ll also help with overall donor relations and reporting. So get ready, we’ve got some sure-fire best practices coming your way!

Do you get a lot of mail returned when you send out a solicitation or cultivation mailing? If you aren’t doing regular NCOA (National Change of Address) screening, then you’re missing an important and inexpensive data hygiene tool. NCOA helps you to update addresses for people who have moved so you can keep in touch with your donors.

Data hygiene problems tend to fall into one of the following six categories. Each has their own challenges, and their own methods for fixing.