Raiser’s Edge is a comprehensive, robust fundraising and donor management software designed to help non-profit organizations streamline their fundraising efforts, manage donors, and build stronger relationships.
It is a product of Blackbaud, a company known for its software solutions for non-profit organizations.
Background Overview of Raiser’s Edge
Raiser’s Edge was first introduced in the late 1980s and has since evolved to meet the changing needs of non-profit organizations.
It is now a cloud-based solution, Raiser’s Edge NXT, that offers a wide range of features to help organizations manage their fundraising and donor relationships more effectively.
Features and Benefits of Raiser’s Edge
- Donor Management: Raiser’s Edge allows organizations to track and manage all their donor information in one place. This includes contact information, donation history, event attendance, and more.
- Fundraising Tools: The software provides various tools to help with fundraising efforts, including online donation forms, event management features, and email marketing capabilities.
- Reporting and Analytics: Raiser’s Edge offers robust reporting and analytics features, allowing organizations to track their fundraising progress and make data-driven decisions.
- Integration Capabilities: Raiser’s Edge can integrate with other software solutions, such as financial management and email marketing tools, providing a more streamlined workflow.
Example: A non-profit organization could use Raiser’s Edge to track a donor’s donation history, send personalized email updates, and invite them to upcoming events based on their interests.
How to Use Raiser’s Edge
Using Raiser’s Edge involves setting up your organization’s database, adding donor information, setting up fundraising campaigns, and utilizing the reporting and analytics tools. The software is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean, intuitive interface and plenty of support resources available.
Challenges with Raiser’s Edge
While Raiser’s Edge is a powerful tool, it does come with some challenges. For example, the software can be complex and overwhelming for new users. It also requires a significant investment, both in terms of the cost of the software and the time required to learn how to use it effectively.
Example: A small non-profit organization with a limited budget may struggle with the cost of Raiser’s Edge. Additionally, they may not have the resources to dedicate to learning and implementing the software.
Getting Started with Raiser’s Edge
- Purchase and Install: Purchase the software from Blackbaud and install it on your organization’s system.
- Set Up Your Database: Set up your organization’s database, including adding donor information and setting up fundraising campaigns.
- Learn the Features: Take the time to learn about Raiser’s Edge’s various features, including donor management, fundraising tools, and reporting and analytics.
- Start Using: Use Raiser’s Edge to manage your donors and fundraising efforts.
Conclusion
While Raiser’s Edge has some challenges, it is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance a non-profit organization’s fundraising efforts.
Its robust features and benefits make it a worthwhile investment for any organization looking to streamline its fundraising and donor management processes.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway and is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
