I’m a complete novice when it come to GIS and could use the recommendations of those with some expertise.

I volunteer for a couple of non-profits who have very limited budgets. Our GIS needs are much more basic than those employed by organizations doing environmental work, etc. What I would like to create is a little more involved that what Microsoft Streets & Trips will allow, but the ESRI product line is for far more sophisticated use than I require.

I would like to be able to indicate specific locations (libraries, churches, police stations, etc. imported from a database) on a street map, identify custom geographic areas (such as two or three street blocks or specific properties) and overlay several layers of census data, political & service area boundaries, etc.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions as to which software programs on the market you feel may best suit my needs.

Thank you for your help.

Brent