Then the group pooled resources. One did software research, another studied hardware, while each provided strong grant-writing skills. Point people in operations and fund development were identified to work together and integrate their respective activities. Then the accounting staffs and counseling staffs developed common frameworks for their respective activities. Two years ago, just completing a simple mail-merge task was not an easy operation.
Staff now completes tasks in minutes that used to take hours.
This improvement began with a donation of hardware and software from I.B.M. and a private donor. Nicola Rees, executive director, purchased Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office software at exceptionally affordable prices through Schola's membership with CompuMentor, and Hewlett-Packard provided a printer. A volunteer networked the equipment and provides ongoing support. Schola Cantorum now does its own desktop publishing for events, and can easily do complex mail merging. It has a Web site, an electronic newsletter, and an e-mail distribution list for concert announcements.