Creating a Central Repository

Our small non-profit (5 employees) needs a central repository created that can be used by several individuals at the same time and generate a variety of reports. The network people (for the system that allows us to use their computers and server) have said we need to use Access. Are there any special tools or programs already available since none of us are well-versed in Access? We have no funds to purchase software so are looking for anything free or able to be shared.