Join Us at the 2007 PledgeMaker Users' Group Conference
As the annual Users' Group Conference nears, I'd like to welcome all of our PledgeMaker users to consider attending. We had great time last year, and we're looking forward to even better time in 2007. Last year's attendees provided some valuable feedback, so this year we'll continue "to raise the bar."
Our staff will present on PledgeMaker and industry topics such as report writing, tips and tricks, multi-channel marketing, and nonprofit trends. For additional information about sessions, registration, and evening activities, read the Users' Group Conference article in this issue or visit www.pledgemaker.com/conference07.asp. You can also contact Michelle Patterson, conference coordinator, at
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.
On behalf of the entire SofTrek team, we look forward to seeing you at the Conference!
Dave Spacone, CEO
Better Understand Your Donors With Advanced Analytics
The newest PledgeMaker module allows fundraisers to collect and analyze valuable information to help turn donor potential into donor value.
Advanced analytics allow a nonprofit organization to focus on its major donors by providing a broader context of insight and interpretation. The PledgeMaker Advanced Analytics Module (AAM) is designed specifically for nonprofit organizations needing to mine, analyze, and understand donor information.
Organizations use analytics to better and more efficiently reach their donors. Analytics help fundraisers tailor campaigns that will attract the right prospects. Using industry-leading technology, PledgeMaker AAM tracks and analyzes behaviors and giving tendencies, demographics, and communication preferences to help fundraisers gain a deeper understanding of their donors. This information can then be used to devise and refine campaign strategies to convert donor potential into donor value.
A recent industry study found that campaigns which utilized analytics had a median ROI of 145 percent. The study concluded that analytics significantly improved decision making and had an overall positive impact on campaigns.
Advanced analytics also offer insight into the impact of business decisions to help fundraisers develop an overall marketing plan and donor management strategy.
PledgeMaker AAM uses highly scalable data warehouse and business intelligence technology to provide a comprehensive and reliable view of donors. This lets fundraisers explore donor data quickly and efficiently instead of running several queries and shuffling through multiple reports.
PledgeMaker AAM is completely integrated with PledgeMaker which allows fundraisers to spend more time understanding donors and less time managing data. PledgeMaker AAM includes standard reports as well as ad hoc query tools and has several flexible delivery options for sharing key information with managers, staff, and board members. Results can be imported into the PledgeMaker database for improved list management and segmentation.Plus, the intuitive web interface is appropriate for users at all levels.
To learn more about the benefits of PledgeMaker AAM, contact Sales at 800.442.9211 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
(Sources: SofTrek Corporation; DM Review Magazine; idc.com; Teradata Magazine)
Benefits of Using Advanced Analytics
Collect and analyze valuable donor information. Gain insight to help you focus on your major donors. Explore your donor data quickly and efficiently. Tailor your campaigns to attract the right prospects. Refine your marketing campaign plan. Improve your overall donor management strategy.
2007 PledgeMaker Users' Group Conference News
Some noteworthy information about registration, sessions, and activities to help you plan for the annual Users' Group Conference.
This year’s PledgeMaker Users’ Group Conference will be held Sunday, July 29 through August 1 at the state-of-the-art Conference Center Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
We are putting together some interesting and informative sessions focusing on Business Objects, PledgeMaker report writing, multi-channel marketing, PledgeMaker tips and tricks, and industry trends just to name a few. We are also exploring the possibility of having some of our PledgeMaker users present case studies on specific ways in which their organizations are using PledgeMaker.
Registration rates for the conference are as follows:
Early Bird $595 (until May 18)
Regular $695 (May 19-July 13)
Late Registration $795 (after July 14)
Conference accommodations will be provided by the newly-renovated Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn Express), located just across the street from the conference center. Room rates are $119 per night if reserved in advance.
We have also lined up several great evening activities. On Sunday, SofTrek will host a welcome dinner to get the conference started. Join us on Monday evening as we visit historic Lewiston, N.Y. More details about these and other evening activities will be forth coming.
PledgeMaker Version 4.4.2 Released
SofTrek recently released PledgeMaker version 4.4.2, which includes several enhancements and added functionalities such as a map button to facilitate address mapping, multiple FTP destinations for file exports, organizational option to turn off SQL filter boxes, and enhanced reporting features and receipt utility.
Highlights of the 4.4.2 release include the addition of iReach for building and managing integrated email campaigns as well as maintenance screens for building QuickView layouts.
For more information about PledgeMaker version 4.4.2 and related enhancements, contact Client Services at 800.442.9211 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Strengthen Security and Protect Your Donor Data
1. Train and educate employees on your privacy policy and the importance of information security. Promote care, accountability, and common sense.
2. Restrict information access to those who need to know. Consider implementing identity-based access controls to protect your data. The fewer people with access to your database, the fewer security breaches you risk.
3. Limit donor data collection to information you really need. For example, use member numbers instead of social security numbers to identify your donors.
4. Set multiple layers of security: lock your database server in a secure room; install a firewall on the server; establish virtual private networks to provide encrypted connection for remote users; use password-management products to automate password creation and resets.
5. Stay current with security technologies and review your systems and processes on a regular and frequent basis. Embrace the responsibility of protecting your donor data in the same way you embrace your organization’s mission.
(Sources: SofTrek Corporation; FundRaising Success)
Postal Rate Increase Will Affect Nonprofits
Postage is already one of the greatest expenses for many nonprofit organizations. Soon, it is expected to become even greater.
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently announced that on May 14 average postal rates will increase by 6.7 percent.
The rate increase will affect all nonprofit standard mail, which includes letters and larger-sized mailings or flats. First class postage will increase from 39 to 41 cents and post cards from 24 to 26 cents. All rectangular nonprofit standard mail, including front-end premiums which were previously classified as standard mail, could now be treated as either not flat-machinable or a parcel, which does not carry a nonprofit rate. Rates within subcategories will vary depending on sortation and automation levels. Nonprofit periodicals will also receive a substantial rate increase as of July 15.
The Direct Marketing Association’s Nonprofit Federation continues to request a year-long delay in order to allow nonprofits adequate time to prepare for the rate increase.
According to the USPS, nonprofit organizations mailed approximately 11 billion letters and 3.6 billion flats in 2006. First class mail accounts for 43 percent of mail volume and 48 percent of revenue while standard mail, including the subcategory standard nonprofit, comprises 51 percent of volume and nearly 33 percent of revenue. The last postal rate increase was in January 2006.
For a complete list of USPS rates and fees including the increases, visit
www.usps.com/ratecase/.
(Sources: usps.com; The NonProfit Times; The Chronicle of Philanthrophy)
Develop Successful eCampaigns
eMarketing plays an increasingly vital role in fundraising and outreach efforts for nonprofit organizations. Email is cost effective, drives higher response rates, yields rapid results, and allows an organization to segment its database and send targeted messaging. Several simple techniques can help enhance the effectiveness of your eCampaigns.
Have a clear call to action. Develop specific instructions within the email that leads a donor or prospect to take a specific action.
Personalize messages. Donors more often read emails from names they recognize. Also try using a donor’s name in the subject line.
Develop a meaningful subject line. First impressions really count in eMarketing. Have a meaningful subject line to grab the attention of your donors so they’ll open and read your email.
Test, test, and test again. Test subject lines, layout, and copy to figure out what works for your audience. Testing requires minimal resources and makes for much more effective email campaigns.
Track email links. Use tracking information to learn what works and what doesn’t in order to refine future eMarketing campaigns.
TIP: Conduct your eCampaigns with PledgeMaker iCampaign Tools.
(Sources: SofTrek Corporation; Carlson Marketing; emailcash.com)
News & Notes
2007 Users' Conference
It’s time to register! Visit www.pledgemaker.com/ conference07.asp for registration information, session topics, and evening group activities. Hurry, early bird registration ends Friday, May 18. We look forward to seeing you at the Conference.
Training Dates
Did you know that training dates are published in each issue of eTips? Check the bottom of each eTips email for upcoming sessions. If you aren’t already an eTips subscriber, send an email to
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, subject “subscribe.” To
schedule training, contact Client Services at 800.442.9211 or
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.
eInsights
Now you have a choice about how Insights is delivered to you. eInsights is the electronic version of Insights and is available to all subscribers. We hope that you’ll find this a convenient way to keep current on PledgeMaker, the fundraising industry, and new technologies. If you have comments about eInsights, suggestions for articles, or would like to subscribe, email
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. Remember, your feedback is always welcome!
Links and Resources
TechSoup (www.techsoup.org)
TechSoup provides technology information, products, and resources for nonprofit organizations. Read case studies, profiles, advice on technology funding, listings of volunteers and consultants, and information on computer training.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy (www.philanthropy.com)
The publication's website is loaded with fundraising information organized into broad topic areas. The site summarizes the current issue, offers access to archive issues, lists job opportunities in the nonprofit sector, provides links to resources on the web, and lets you sign up for breaking news email updates.
Free Management Library (www.managementhelp.org)
Free Management Library provides comprehensive resources about leadership and management. The site offers free, self-directed courses on topics such as fundraising, program management, strategic planning, communications, and more. Each topic includes a list of recommended reading and related Library topics for further learning.
ZabaSearch (www.zabasearch.com)
Verify individual addresses and telephone numbers using the ZabaSearch database. This free public information search engine allows you to search by state or to select advanced search options in order to verify donor and prospect contact information.
Copyright (C) 2007 SofTrek Corporation
