Case Study: The Woodhull Freedom Foundation

www.woodhullfoundation.org

It should have been good news. The Woodhull Freedom Foundation had received a generous grant to move from their current donor management software to another, very expensive piece of software. In spite of that, Ricci Levy, Executive Director of Woodhull, was having second thoughts. Up until then, Woodhull had been a FundRaiser Professional user. The Woodhull Freedom Foundation works to affirm sexual freedom as a fundamental human right.

“I began trying to work with this popular online software, and it was just too complex. I realized that I’m spoiled by the instant responsiveness of FundRaiser. FundRaiser doesn’t require me to hire a consultant to know what to do,” says Levy.

Still, Ricci needed to have online access to her donor data. When she called FundRaiser to talk about the problem, she was thrilled to learn that a new online version of FundRaiser had just been developed. She immediately decided to switch back to FundRaiser and give FundRaiser Online a try.

FundRaiser Online worked for her. “The software is highly intuitive. I like everything about the online version of the software that I liked about the desk top, plus that fact that it is completely available to me wherever I am,” says Ricci.

“FundRaiser Online has completely freed me. My donor database is completely and utterly transportable, if I am at a conference, in a train, or even in my car on a long trip. As long as I can get online I can get into Fundraiser,” says Ricci.

“When I go to a conference, and someone says, ‘I’ve been a long time supporter of you’. I can check on them in my database, what their giving history is and what their role is. It makes it easier to know if there is a chance to increase their support of Woodhull. Also, there are many people who say that and aren’t in the database. When I go to my room and I look up that person and they are not there, then I can put them in the database and go back and talk to them about becoming a supporter,” says Ricci.

As a Mac user, Ricci is also happy that online access makes the interface easier. “In order to keep using FundRaiser on a Mac, I had to maintain a parallel desktop. Now that it is online, it is so immediately accessible,” says Ricci.

Moving to online software was a big step for Ricci. “Years ago, when I was looking at donor software, I didn’t want to go online. I was afraid my data wouldn’t be secure. After years of working with FundRaiser as a company, I feel confident in their care and attention to detail. I know my data is be secure, and that I am covered and in good shape."

In addition to the advantages of having FundRaiser available online, there are other new features in FundRaiser Online that Ricci likes. “I like being able to do recurring payments instead of pledges. The ability to track and identify volunteers because of the color coding… that alone has cut my browsing time dramatically.” says Ricci.

Ricci continues to be happy with her decision. “I can’t recommend FundRaiser enough. The biggest thing is the training that is available, and the enormous good will of everyone I speak to at FundRaiser. Whatever problem I identify, whatever issue I have, they are always responsive,” says Ricci.

Resources

From the developer: what are FundRaiser Online & FundRaiser Hosted?

FundRaiser Online

Sasha Daucus edits the FundRaiser Software newsletter, focusing on articles that help nonprofit organizations feel more comfortable with their donor management software tools. In her free time she enjoys cooking and listening to world music from the Mediterranean region.

FundRaiser Software offers non-profit organizations intuitive donor management software that is easy to learn and easy to use. Three programs, ranging from simple to sophisticated, let you choose the features you need now, while guaranteeing a built-in growth path for the future. Software flexibility, budget options, and superb technical support make FundRaiser Software uniquely adaptable to the needs of non-profit organizations - whatever their mission.