How to use CiviCRM system within CABS?

CiviCRM is a robust, open-source Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system specifically designed for non-profit and civic sector organizations. Here’s a basic guide on how to get started and use some of its core functionalities:

1. Installation and Setup

Choose a Platform: CiviCRM can be installed on WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla. Select the platform that best fits your organization's website or intranet.
Install CiviCRM: Follow the detailed installation instructions specific to your chosen platform on the official CiviCRM documentation.

2. Configuring CiviCRM

Set Up Basic Configuration: Configure settings such as organization contact information, localization (currency, language), and email settings through the administrative dashboard.
Custom Fields and Profiles: Customize data fields to match the data you need to collect for contacts, contributions, events, etc. Create profiles to gather or present sets of fields for specific purposes.

3. Managing Contacts

Adding Contacts: Manually add individual contacts or import a list of contacts using the import wizard.
Organizing Contacts: Use groups and tags to organize contacts for easier management and targeted communications.

4. Contributions and Fundraising

Configure Contribution Pages: Set up online contribution pages to accept donations, memberships, or event fees.
Manage Donations: Track and manage donations, generate financial reports, and send donation receipts automatically.

5. Event Management

Create Events: Set up event details, including date, venue, pricing, and registration options.
Manage Registrations: Handle online registrations, track attendance, and communicate with registrants.

6. Membership Management

Setup Membership Types: Define different types of memberships with varying durations, fees, and renewal policies.
Manage Memberships: Oversee membership sign-ups, renewals, and automated reminders for expiring memberships.

7. Communications

Mass Mailings: Utilize CiviMail for sending newsletters, fundraising appeals, and other bulk emails.
Automate Communications: Set up scheduled reminders and automated responses based on specific triggers.

8. Reports and Analysis

Generate Reports: Use built-in reporting tools to analyze data across various modules like contributions, events, and memberships.
Customize Reports: Create custom reports to meet specific informational needs.

9. Extensions and Integrations

Extend Functionality: Install extensions from the CiviCRM Extension Directory to add features like SMS marketing, advanced reporting, or integration with other software.
API Access: Utilize CiviCRM’s API for custom integrations with other tools and platforms your organization uses.

10. Maintenance and Security

Regular Updates: Keep your CiviCRM installation updated to the latest version to ensure security and stability.
Data Security: Implement security best practices such as regular backups, access controls, and secure user authentication.

Training and Community Support

Documentation and Resources: Make extensive use of the available documentation, community forums, and webinars.
Community Support: Engage with the CiviCRM community through forums and mailing lists to get help and share knowledge.

CiviCRM is highly customizable, which means you can adapt it extensively to fit the specific needs of your organization. For detailed guidance and problem resolution, regularly refer to the official documentation and participate in community support platforms.

CiviCRM Installation and Configuration Guide for WordPress

CiviCRM is a powerful open-source CRM tailored specifically for non-profit and civic sectors. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring CiviCRM on a WordPress platform.

Step 1: Download and Install CiviCRM

Before you begin, ensure your server meets CiviCRM's system requirements. Then, follow these steps:

Navigate to the WordPress Plugins Directory: Open an SSH connection to your server and enter the WordPress plugins directory:
```
cd /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/
```

Download CiviCRM: Fetch the latest stable release of CiviCRM from SourceForge:

wget http://downloads.sourceforge.net/project/civicrm/civicrm-stable/4.6.9/civicrm-4.6.9-wordpress.zip

Create a Directory for Files: Make a directory to store CiviCRM files and set the appropriate permissions:
```
mkdir files
chmod 777 files
```
Install Unzip Utility: Install unzip if it is not already installed on your system:
- For Debian/Ubuntu:
```
sudo apt-get install unzip
```
- For Fedora:
```
sudo dnf install unzip
```
Unzip the Installation Package: Unpack the downloaded file:
```
unzip civicrm-4.6.9-wordpress.zip
```
Change File Ownership: Assign ownership of the files to the web server's user:
```
sudo chown -R www-data:www-data *
```

Step 2: Create a Database for CiviCRM

Log into MySQL: Access your MySQL server:
```
mysql -u root -p
```
Create a New Database: Set up a new database named civicrm:
```
CREATE DATABASE civicrm;
```

Create a Database User: Grant privileges to a new user dedicated to CiviCRM:

GRANT ALL ON civicrm.* TO civiuser@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
exit;

Step 3: Configure CiviCRM in WordPress Admin

Activate the CiviCRM Plugin: Go to the plugins page in your WordPress admin panel and enable CiviCRM.
Run the CiviCRM Installer: Navigate to "CiviCRM Installer" found in the settings menu and input the database information you set up earlier.

Step 4: Resolve Database Trigger Creation Issue

If you encounter a "could not create a database trigger" error, follow these steps:

Edit MySQL Configuration: Open the MySQL configuration file:
```
sudo vi /etc/mysql/my.cnf
```
Modify the Settings: Add this line under the [mysqld] section:
```
log_bin_trust_function_creators = 1
```
Restart MySQL Service: Apply the changes by restarting MySQL:
```
sudo service mysql restart
```
Re-check Requirements: Go back to the CiviCRM setup in WordPress and click "Re-check Requirements".

Step 5: Basic Configuration Post-Installation

Configure Essential Settings: In the CiviCRM home dashboard, set up your organization's name, email address, and CiviCRM mailing configurations.
Synchronize WordPress Users: Integrate WordPress users into CiviCRM by navigating to “Administer” > “Users and Permissions” > “Synchronize Users to Contacts”.
Complete the Configuration Checklist: Ensure all necessary settings are configured by following the “Configuration Checklist” under “Administer” > “Administration Console”.

ds4cabs / CABS_Smart_Website