microsoft office web components software raiser's edge

microsoft office web components software raiser

High profile successes of some nonprofits make moving more fundraising and advocacy online seem like a no-brainer. Recently, one of the biggest players in fundraising software, Blackbaud, in Charleston, S.C., has moved into the field, offering Web and email tools to increase constituent engagement while centralizing data in its flagship Raiser’s Edge database. Other providers, such as GetActive in Berkeley, Calif., and San Francisco-based Groundspring, have put considerable effort into building integrated online communities. Kintera in San Diego, as part of its Kintera Sphere software as a service platform, and Convio in Austin, Texas, have been developing tools to apply modern technologies to the traditional task of building better relationships with constituents and eliciting more consistent responses in terms of gifts, peer recruitment, and advocacy. Two vendors have dominated the marketplace for online community tools.

Targeted email that is in step with print communications makes outbound messaging efficient and more productive.

Web pages that utilize data about user preferences keep stakeholders engaged as they reach out for information and,.

Databases with more comprehensive information about individual interests, preferences, and habits are central to coordinated communications.

Of all of the online tools available, three are emerging as the focus of effective communication, education, and solicitation: Often referred to as building online communities, the sector is moving to integrate offline and online communications to create a consistent voice in online communications while unifying information about individuals as they interact with the organization, and each other, through online and offline channels.

Traditional channels for outreach and fundraising such as publications, direct mail, and telephone continue to be the biggest revenue stream for most agencies, but online channels are gaining ground and offering a way to engage a younger audience as both donors and advocates of the mission. People want to communicate as people, and, no matter where and how, they’ll self-select into little groups or communities of interest to share insight and ideas and to support each other’s ideas.įor the 21st Century nonprofit, that means evaluating both constituent needs and channels of communications and creating the right mix of medium and message to form the kind of community that stakeholders expect. Client meetings might start with questions about each person’s family. Staff meetings have little asides about weekend adventures.

They have to include a little bit of themselves into every exchange.

Microsoft office web components software raiser's edge