Fundraising CRM News from DonorPerfect

Monday, April 24, 2006

Coming Soon...Again!

Even though we just released our latest upgrade, plans are in the works for a MAJOR addition to DonorPerfect Online.

We're striving to make things easier to use, especially reporting. From our repeated customer surveys, you've let us know that reporting is your number one concern. In the works (for a release in a few months), is a complete redesign of the Financial Reports section of DPO to make finding and using our existing reports easier than ever.

Also, a brand new batch entry module is currently in Beta-test for a number of clients. This all new module will replace our existing batch entry module and be completely customizable by each user, including templates, default values, required fields, split gifts, soft credits, etc.- and will be able to capture any kind of fundraising transaction quickly and efficiently.

Finally, a new help system will be implemented that can guide anyone through simple to complex tasks in the program. Similar to the 'Paper Clip' Icon you see in some Microsoft programs, these helpful pop-up windows will explain how certain DPO functions work, including what we consider to be best practices with using that particular function. (And don't worry. Each user can control the help windows- even eliminate them entirely- so they don't get in the way!)

Look for more information about these updates in the next few months!

Monday, April 17, 2006

Perfect Fit

Over the years, DonorPerfect has maintained relationships with thousands of clients, and one of them, the Grinspoon Institute for Jewish Philanthropy is taking their DonorPerfect success to a new level.

Last year, we worked with them to create a low-cost program to offer DonorPerfect Online to approximately 130 summer camps. After a pilot program of 5 camps was successful, the institute has chosen to roll out DPO to their other member camps.

Here's the link announcing the program: Grinspoon Institute Technology Program

We're proud of the relationships we've been able to cultivate through the years. If your organization would like to learn how a DonorPerfect Online program can be established for your multi-site/chapter or affiliated organization, please contact Marc Siegel at msiegel@donorperfect.com

Thursday, April 13, 2006

New Features are a BIG hit!

It's only been a few days, and the feedback is pouring in- clients love the new features!

We've had many people call in about accepting credit cards through our new Insta-Charge feature.

Some have said that the pricing is higher than what they could get from other sites, and one that came up was PayPal.

On the surface, it may appear PayPal (or other credit card processors like it) may be cheaper. However, once you scratch the surface they still charge a monthly fee (in this case, $20), and the discount rates are nearly the same as ours.

Of course, none of them have direct interaction to your DPO database. Our service not only makes it easy to process a credit card, but also ensures the transactions will be properly recorded- automatically- making it easy to reconcile your credit card payments with DPO. None of the other providers can offer this integration.

Lower rates are possible if you process a high number of transactions. Please contact Julie Blum (jblum@donorperfect.com) for more information.


Also a big hit this week was the FREE instant address verification service on the Main Donor screen. Simply type in as much (or as little) as you know about the address, and click on Verify Address. DPO will attempt to match the address and standardize it. It's pretty amazing how good it is- I tried to fool it with misspelled street names, wrong cities, etc., and it corrected it every time. This feature will really save clients as new addresses will always be correct and the mail will get through!

Finally, the Comprehensive Donor Revenue Analysis Report is making waves. This all new report, covering over 26 separate statistics, provides a great overview of your fundraising efforts. Soon, we'll be releasing aggregate results of this report, so that you can compare your performance to other non-profits. To run the report, click on Reports, Financial Reports, and select Comprehensive Donor Revenue Analysis.

Thursday, April 06, 2006

AFP Conference and our New Release!

We just attended the Association of Fundraising Professional conference in Atlanta, and it was exciting to show off our new version of DonorPerfect Online. Prospects and clients raved over the new easy to use address validator, instant credit card button (now dubbed "Insta-Charge" by our marketing wizards), and other great reports and features.

We were also grateful to be recognized by AFP for our 20th year of supporting their conference, and my colleague, DonorPerfect's Senior Vice President Frank Chudnow, accepted the award in front of almost 3000 people. After his 15 seconds of fame, General Colin Powell, USA (Ret) took the stage and delivered a very dynamic speech on the power of leadership.

One of his quotes during the speech was:

"You'll know you're a leader when your troops will follow you out of curiosity."


So does your staff find you curious? Do you find it curious to follow your leader? That's some interesting discussions right there.

Finally, on another topic, this weekend we'll be releasing our newest upgrade. You should have received the newsletter- click here for a copy.

Let us know what you think! We'll be posting reviews from the upgrade in future blogs or newsletters, so don't be afraid to provide feedback!