A Better World Through You

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  • I have used FundRaiser in my work with a couple of different nonprofits, and I always come back to them because the software brings a great deal of organization and focus to our work. I also feel like I have a personal relationship with the folks at FundRaiser, which makes working with them a fun experience. Their prompt return of calls, attention to detail and willingness to work outside the box adds up to unparalleled customer service. – John Mok-Lamme, Karis, Inc
  • Before switching to FundRaiser, we used an online donor management system by another company. After losing connection to our data several times during a major campaign, we urgently needed a better system. Now we use FundRaiser, and the software meets our needs perfectly and allows us to be much more productive. We are very pleased with FundRaiser Software. --Calvin Bader, WJIE Christian Radio
  • "With more than 300 staff members, 10 locations and 4,000 clients served annually, development here calls for a high level of professional ability. FundRaiser tracks all aspects of campaign fundraising - from participants, to responses, to sponsorships... it is a very valuable tool!--Regina Sheehan, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health
  • For almost two decades, we've been using FundRaiser Software to help with our development efforts. The software is very user friendly; pretty much anyone can just sit down and easily figure out what needs to happen.--Amy Reidesel, Whatcom Humane Society
  • We receive a lot of in-kind donations for our store, and for our capital campaign; anything from discounted or free services, to materials needed for a particular project. In FundRaiser, we can easily send accurate, personalized thank-you letters for all types of donations. FundRaiser saves us a lot of time and works really well. --Kara Brinkman, BRING Recycling
  • The consultant we chose to help us implement new software was familiar with many donor management programs. We went through the programs together with a fine-tooth comb, and FundRaiser came out on top. For our purposes, the most complex programs were overkill. FundRaiser had the ability to get us started at an entry level and we could then upgrade as our needs increased. We haven't even come close to tapping half of the features that the software has to offer us.--Ward Orem, Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hurt Home
  • We've been with FundRaiser Software for many years now and we're very happy with them. I've found all that I need in FundRaiser, PLUS a track record with me of years and years of the most stellar, responsive, accommodating customer service I've ever experienced. I've recommended FundRaiser to many colleagues and they, too, have found it more than meets their needs and enhances their fundraising efforts. --Ricci Levy, Woodhull Alliance for Sexual Freedom
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BRING Recycling

http://www.bringrecycling.org

BRING Recycling

When BRING Recycling began their capital campaign it was a big jump for them. Kara Brinkman, Administrative Assistant at BRING Recycling and a FundRaiser Select user, says "The capital campaign was a major change in mind set for our organization. We started out very grassroots in 1971 as a recycling center. As the community has become more aware and involved in our mission we’ve also evolved. Raising money and courting donors didn't come naturally to us, but we've done well. The community here in Eugene has been really supportive."

Their key to Phase 1

Kara Brinkman-BRING Recycling

BRING’s capital campaign started with raising the money to build a “Planet Improvement Center.” The Center is a resale outlet for used building materials; and a community learning and action center. BRING has successfully finished Phase I of their capital campaign, raising over a million dollars in the process and built the building. Pledges have been key to that success. "We had pledges ranging from $40 to $40,000. A lot of people wanted the option to make a pledge," says Kara.

Keeping pledge details in order

Pledge tracking is filled with details. Even if all pledges are relatively similar, for instance monthly payments of $50, there will always be late payments, missed payments, or payments that are larger or smaller than expected. Keeping track and following up can quickly turn into a mountain of details.

Getting a handle on reminder letters

For Kara, "the hardest thing was trying to get a handle on tracking the reminders." She got it under control with automatic reminders to herself set up on her computer. "I used the tickler system a lot, both within FundRaiser and on my own calendar set up. I had weekly, monthly, and quarterly reminders to check when pledges were coming due." The tickler notices made it "really easy." In FundRaiser, she can automatically link a particular reminder letter to a donor. Then, she comments, "I went in and said 'print reminder' and out went the reminder."

BRING Recycling used reminder and overdue letters when needed to keep donors informed and understanding the importance of their gift. Says Kara, "We updated all of our letters every month or so. They included progress on the campaign and updates on the new facility, which was important to keep donors feeling involved. We used the overdue letter as another way to remind them that they wanted to help us out. They had the same content as the reminder letters, and followed a general format. In every letter we said, ‘this is what we are doing, this is how we are progressing, and oh, by the way, (reminder or overdue).’ "

Keeping track of the where and why of donations

In FundRaiser, Kara likes the ability to track motivation, fund, purpose and solicitor on pledges.

"We have several different funds that are all related to the capital campaign, and which we separate out, particularly if there is a matching fund. We also like to track the motivation. For instance, was an appeal done through direct mail or through the newsletter? We have many different tracking requirements to find out where the donation is coming from and

the gift codes allow us to easily do that."

New challenges in Phase 2

Moving into Phase 2 of the campaign, they are facing new challenges. “It’s a more difficult sell, because we are in the new building now,” says Kara.

One challenge is being able to see which are the most important sources of donations. That is more difficult because the sources are even more diverse. BRING has donations of money coming from all of these sources:

  • Appeal letters
  • Newsletter donation envelopes
  • Workplace giving programs like United Way and EarthShare
  • BRING’s website
  • Giving websites, like JustGive.org
  • Memorial gifts, given to honor or remember a loved one
  • Grants

Understanding the value of these various sources would be extremely difficult without help from FundRaiser gift tracking. Using FundRaiser, they can see what is working best. “We can tell that what’s coming in now is mostly responding to the newsletters. We get a good response for two to three months when we send out the newsletter. That is steady and consistent,” says Kara. BRING can also see that few new donors are attracted with every newsletter, along with regular donors.

Responding to the economy : In-Kind donation

“The economy has affected the donations,” says Kara, “but our sales center is just booming. We are getting many more donations of materials to the store and lots more shopping. People are coming who haven’t been here before. With the slow economy, people are looking for alternative ways to fix up their houses.”

“We also get in-kind donations for the capital campaign, anything from discounted or free services, to materials needed for a particular project. In FundRaiser, we record the value as the donor quotes it It works really well.” says Kara.

Resources

Increase Donations and Donor Loyalty with Pledges by Sasha Daucus

Capital Campaigns for Small Groups

Capital Campaigns and FundRaiser by Larry Weaver

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