Product Development Update: ClearView for PledgeMaker
During the second quarter of 2008, SofTrek Corporation launched a client beta testing program for a new donor management system (DMS). In the weeks leading up to SofTrek’s 2008 Users’ Conference and as a result of feedback from the beta program, the decision was made to postpone the initial release in order to address the limitations encountered during beta.
Following the 2008 Conference, a series of discussions with SofTrek’s Product Advisory Council as well as an internal technical assessment identified the need to use a more robust and flexible development toolset. SofTrek identified an open source technology stack and began work with Enterprise JavaBeans 3, Java Persistence Architecture API, Javaserver Faces, and ICEFaces to develop a Web 2.0 DMS offering. The result is ClearView for PledgeMaker, which will be released in phases.
“Leveraging a different set of tools has allowed us to address both the shortcomings identified in the beta program and significantly improve the user experience,” said Sharon Corner, program manager at SofTrek.
These improvements include: the system runs entirely in a single browser window; no pop-up enabling is required; data persistence across the application; IE 7.0 is standard and supported; no javascript is used; interface/dashboards/grids can be personalized; drag and drop functionality is available; additional “sort by” options can be used; search navigation and context sensitive handling
are improved; and increased opportunties for integration.
“ClearView for PledgeMaker is the DMS that leapfrogs the competition in terms of user interface design, functionality, and usability,” added Corner. “We are confident that ClearView for PledgeMaker will provide the power and flexibility nonprofits have been wanting in order to get the most out of their DMS.”
The ClearView 1.0 release has an improved user interface and functionality in the areas of actions/reminders, addresses/phones/emails, user favorites, financial activity and summary views, contact or moves management, proposals tracking, prospect demographics, prospect research, relationships and networks, enhanced search, and tags (formerly interests). Beta testing of ClearView for PledgeMaker is scheduled to begin at the end of the first quarter of 2009.
To learn more about ClearView for PledgeMaker including beta testing opportunities, please contact SofTrek at 800.442.9211 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
ClearView Subcommittees Defining Requirements
As development of ClearView for PledgeMaker continues in earnest, the next phases are being planned in tandem.
SofTrek has developed a product road map for ClearView, and as each significant functional area of the application is on deck, a subcommittee is formed to assist with requirements definitions. Each subcommittee is comprised of PledgeMaker users who volunteer their time and expertise toward the development of ClearView.
The Planned Giving subcommittee, chaired by Pamela Butler of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is currently wrapping up its work. The committee expects to have all requirments for the planned giving feature of ClearView defined by mid-February. Simultaneously, the Reporting subcommittee, chaired by Bernie McCormick of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, will begin meeting to define standard reporting offerings scheduled for the ClearView 2.0 release.
Later in the year, other subcommittees will be formed to define additional functional requirements including event management, committee management, gift management, and membership management.
If you or members of your organization are interested in participating on a ClearView subcommittee, contact Sharon Corner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
How-to: Fundraise in an Economic Downturn
These are challenging economic times for all sectors. Nonprofits should avoid becoming pessimistic. Studies have shown that Americans are very generous even in economic downturns. In fact, giving has increased practically every year since World War II. People will be giving this year - why shouldn’t they have the opportunity to give to your organization?
Here are some fundraising basics to keep in mind during a tough economy:
Keep asking, but don’t become or sound desperate. It’s okay to admit to donors that times are tough. Being honest about difficulties - both those of the organization and those of the donor - can strengthen relationships. Emphasize to your donors that every year, good or bad, your needs continue. Then let donors make the decision about whether this is a good time to give or not.
Cultivating current donors is always more cost effective than finding new donors. Reach out to donors who have supported you in the past, but don’t abuse them with multiple panic-stricken letters and emails. Focus on the impact your nonprofit is making in the community and ask them to continue being part of those accomplishments.
Let your donors know that you are being fiscally responsible. Keep your money safe by making sure it is in FDIC insured banks and avoid non-insured investments.
Determine which fundraising programs work best and are the most efficient. Cut the least efficient programs and shift those resources to the ones that are doing the most good.
Invest in professional development. Your staff needs to stay sharp. There are lots of fundraising seminars, podcasts, webinars, and blogs which are free and conveniently accessible.
Consider social media as a way to reach your donors. Many online tools are free and can help you develop relationships with people interested in your cause. You may even be able to expand your donor base.
Despite the difficult economy, nonprofits generally don’t need to do anything drastically different. Just stick to the tried-and-true fundraising basics.
(Sources: asaecenter.org; donorpowerblog.com; FundRaising Success; nonprofit.about.com)
Best Practices for Online Giving
Online giving is an increasingly popular method of fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Given the rising costs of traditional fundraising methods, nonprofits are starting to focus on more cost-effective technologies.
Online giving can be much more effective than offline fundraising methods in terms of response rates, dollars raised, cost per dollar raised, and connections with new and younger donors. One great advantage is that the flexibility of online giving solutions allow for experimentation with different strategies and tactics for online fundraising. It then becomes easier to create an online program for every marketing effort and provide donors with more opportunities to support your organization.
Online giving has also become a growing trend among donors. In fact, online giving in the United States increased from $500 million in 2001 to $10.44 billion in 2007. Nonprofits need to get online and offer their donors as many donation options as possible.
Here are some best practices that will help you effectively manage your organization’s online fundraising initiatives:
As you begin your fundraising efforts in 2009, commit to setting high goals for your online fundraising efforts. Nonprofits that do will reach and retain more donors in the coming years.
(Sources: Hart Philanthropic Services Group; nten.org; SofTrek Corporation)
Find the "Right" Donors to Support You
Your nonprofit has a worthy mission, but more than anything, you need the funds to support your initiatives. The best way to get the funds you need is to find the “right” donors.
Cultivate the relationships you’ve already built with existing donors. As the saying goes “fundraising is not raising funds, it’s raising friends.” Philanthropy occurs when a donor feels the decision to give is justified by the merits of your organization’s mission and in return expects nothing more or less than the assurance that their gift will be used as promised. So, stick to these general rules: ask the right prospect for the right amount for the right purpose at the right time.
There really are no right or wrong prospective donors, just the individuals with which you are most comfortable. Certain development professionals are most comfortable with people they know while others are most comfortable with people they don’t. Determine the appropriate persons to make each contact including the ask.
Many experts suggest that once you secure an appointment with a donor, you will most likely secure a donation as well - the only unknown is the amount. Personal appointments are meant to be meaningful; being prepared and attentive are paramount to being successful.
While there is no secret formula for effective fundraising, the most important elements are typically hard work and dedication. With a solid plan, a little know how, and a strong work ethic, you will be well on your way to cultivating relationships with the donors who will continue to support your mission.
(Sources: ehow.com; The NonProfit Times; raise-funds.com)
News & Notes
2009 Users' Conference
Save the date! The 2009 Users' Conference is scheduled for August 3-5 in Niagara Falls, NY. Look for details about registration and session topics in the next issue of eInsights and on SofTrek's website. We look forward to seeing you at the conference.
Training Schedule
SofTrek recently published its annual calendar of scheduled training dates for 2009. The calendar can be found on SofTrek’s website under the training section. Training is extremely valuable if you’ve recently added new staff or are interested in using additional functionalities of the PledgeMaker system. To schedule a training session or to receive a current calendar, please contact Client Services at 800.442.9211 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Send Your Product Ideas
Do you have an idea for enhancing our PledgeMaker fundraising and donor management software? Please share it with SofTrek. Send all of your product suggestions to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Our team reviews all incoming ideas and evaluates them for potential use in future product releases. Keep your product ideas coming.
Links and Resources
Fund-Raising.com
The site provides nonprofits with information about creative ways to generate support. Locate resources on fundraising news and services, join the fundraising community, and search the Idea Bank which features suggestions from site visitors.
Association of Fundraising Professionals
With chapters throughout North America that work to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, and education, the site offers information on publications, activities, and professional advancement. View the full text of its Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice as well as the principles of the E-Donor Bill of Rights.
Hoover's Online
The site offers free information on thousands of public and private companies. Browse news and information including company profiles, key personnel, stock quotes, and selected press coverage.
CEO Forum
The Forum, which assessed progress toward integrating technology into American classrooms, has closed, but its website continues to offer useful information including annual assessment reports, a listing of member organizations, as well as an interactive self-assessment tool.
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so plesant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Dudley Bradstreet
Visit Us Online:
www.softrek.com
Contact Us:
800.442.9211
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Insights
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sales
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Client Support
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Product Ideas
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Copyright © 2009 SofTrek Corporation
