Airtable: the Brilliant Nonprofit Tool

At the Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP), we were running into a major problem with Google Forms: we were receiving thousands of applications, and each applicant had multiple attachments, roles they were interested in, assignments, and so on. It was becoming incredibly difficult to manage all of this data.

Relational Database to the Rescue

The solution was simple: a relational database. A relational database is a type of database that stores data in tables that are related to each other. This makes it easy to manage and track large amounts of data, even if that data is complex and interconnected... thousands of applicants with a dozen variables to each is a perfect example of this.

Enter Airtable

So, what does Airtable have to do with all of this? Airtable is a cloud-based relational database that is easy to use and affordable. It's the perfect tool for organizations that need to manage large amounts of data, but don't want to invest in a lot of expensive software or hardware.

How YIP Used Airtable

At YIP, we used Airtable to create a custom interface for potential applicants to fill out. We also built a bucketing system that automatically routes applications to the appropriate hiring manager and people operations member - all with no-code. This has made our hiring process much more efficient and easy to use for staff.

Applications Beyond YIP

There are so many applications for Airtable beyond applicant tracking. It can be used to manage customer relationships, track projects, and even organize your personal life. If you're looking for a powerful and easy-to-use relational database, Airtable is a great option.

Personal Example: Networking Success with Airtable

I've also found Airtable to be an invaluable tool for managing my professional network - I use it to track the contact information, metro area, and last meetings with many of the people I've meet professionally. This has helped me to stay in touch with my contacts, nurture relationships, and land new opportunities.

In case all of this hasn't gotten the point across yet: I highly recommend Airtable to anyone who wants to manage large amounts of data or improve their networking skills. It's a powerful and easy-to-use tool that can make a real difference in your life or organization.