| 1. What is the best fund raising package?
2. How do we choose the right fund raising system?
3. Our fund raising software is terrible. Should we buy another system?
4. Our data is a mess. What can we do?
5. We bought a new fund raising system. Why not just set it up ourselves?
6. Wouldn’t we save money if we do the conversion ourselves?
7. So why should we use JCA to do our conversion and implementation?
8. Our fund raising system is constantly crashing. What should we do?
9. How do we make our fund raising system work with our ticketing and accounting systems?
10. Which software packages have you worked with?
11. My database is coded inaccurately, but no one in my office knows how to rectify this. How do we fix it?
12. We are producing multiple reports from various sources and systems, is there another way?
13. It’s time to convert our database and the standard conversion utility will not suit the needs or the structure of my organization. What should I do?
14. Should I get Windows NT or 2000? Should I buy the upgrade to The Raiser’s Edge® 7?
15. We are not able to analyze the effectiveness of our appeals, but would like to-how do we do it?
16. Our MIS staff is not able to respond to our department’s needs, can you help us?
17. I'm looking for Razors Edge consulting, why can't I find it?
1. What is the best fund raising package?
There are a number of excellent fund raising software packages in the marketplace, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Some packages are geared toward major gifts fund raising while others may focus more on direct mail. Some packages are quite complex while others are less sophisticated. The bottom line is that there is no one fund raising software that is right for everyone.
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2. How do we choose the right fund raising system?
Identify “peer” organizations with similar fund raising needs and ask them what software they are using and how successful they are in using it. If possible, arrange an on-site visit to see firsthand how the system operates. You may also want to contact a fund raising systems consultant—someone who has worked with a number of different systems—who can make impartial recommendations based on your specific requirements. While vendor demonstrations may be helpful, you need to do your due diligence in checking customer references.
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3. Our fund raising software is terrible. Should we buy another system?
Maybe. Though you may have ‘terrible’ software, it may be that the system is ok, but configured improperly. Or, the users have not been properly trained. Before buying a new system, seek help from the vendor or a consultant as to whether the system can meet your requirements. Without proper training, even a new system will be problematic.
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4. Our data is a mess. What can we do?
Call us; JCA is familiar with virtually all of the major software packages, so there’s an excellent chance that we can get you back on track quickly. We can create a standardized coding structure that will help you generate reports more easily. We can help de-dupe your database. And, best of all, we can perform all aspects of the data cleanup with minimal interruption to your fund raising operations.
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5. We bought a new fund raising system. Why not just set it up ourselves?
This is generally not a good idea. Fund raising systems have become quite complicated. Your team will not have the experience required to properly set up that software. JCA can provide the expertise required to set up the codes properly; to accurately “map” the data from your old system to your new system. And, most importantly, JCA has the technical skills to convert the data accurately and quickly.
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6. Wouldn’t we save money if we do the conversion ourselves?
Actually, you probably won’t save any money and, in the end, you very well may lose money. Remember, every hour you spend struggling with the data conversion is one less hour that you can spend raising money. An experienced professional can do the job better and faster. After all, when you’re sick, you see a doctor. When your organization’s critical donor information is at risk, you shouldn’t take chances.
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7. So why should we use JCA to do our conversion and implementation?
Because JCA takes the time to learn about your fund raising operations and your specific requirements. We can fine-tune the conversion to ensure that the each value within each field of your old system is converted to the appropriate place in your new software. Furthermore, we are “on the ground” with you. Unlike a vendor, who is typically a thousand miles away, we’ll meet with you at your offices to map the data. We’ll even install the software and converted data for you. Over the last 18 months, we have performed over 60 data conversions. Many of these formerly skeptical clients will tell you that they were surprised at how smooth and accurate the conversion was. And, our custom training—using your data on your system—is invaluable in getting you up and running quickly.
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8. Our fund raising system is constantly crashing. What should we do?
Contact us; JCA has its own networking division with certified network and applications professionals ready to help you. Whether you’re on NT on NetWare, JCA can help you solve your problems. We don’t ‘pass the buck’: many times, the client is caught between the software people blaming the network and the network people blaming the software. We’ll take full responsibility for your entire network and make sure that your fund raising program operates the way it should.
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9. How do we make our fund raising system work with our ticketing and accounting systems?
JCA has successfully implemented interfaces for performing arts halls, museums and medical centers. To begin with, there needs to be a common ID number among all the systems. Data can then be sent electronically from one system to another to add or update an address, membership level or other pertinent information. JCA will write a custom program to automate the entire process.
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10. Which software packages have you worked with?
• Advocate
• Artifax
• Banner
• Benefactor
• BSR Advance
• Convio
• DonorPerfect
• Enterprise/CS
• eTapestry
• FundMaster
• Kintera
• Millennium
• Paradigm
• PASS II/Tickets.com
• PledgeMaker
• Prologue
• The Raiser’s Edge® (DOS and Windows)
• Tessitura
• VISTA
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11. My database is coded inaccurately, but no one in my office knows how to rectify this. How do we fix it?
Like most organizations with an established database, you’ve probably had a number of people input data into the system. And, the only consistencies are the inconsistencies and duplications. We can recommend the best route for clean up and consolidation of the codes. And, we can train your staff so they will be more comfortable with the system.
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12. We are producing multiple reports from various sources and systems, is there another way?
In addition to your fundraising system reports, you create spreadsheets and word-processing reports, which usually entail double input. Typically this continues because that’s how the Board or Accounting likes it. We can assist you by designing comprehensive income/expense reports. We can eliminate double entry by direct exports of data from your fundraising and/or accounting systems.
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13. It’s time to convert our database and the standard conversion utility will not suit the needs or the structure of my organization. What should I do?
Imagine a mud ball being thrown against the wall. That’s how some conversion programs treat your data. Your data will be splattered into various tables and random fields. We will work with you to understand how you have used your old system and how to logically map your data into the new system. Why waste time and money mopping up afterwards when you can have it done right the first time?
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14. Should I get Windows NT or 2000? Should I buy the upgrade to The Raiser’s Edge® 7?
If the flurry of upgrades and new releases have left your staff struggling to catch their breath, we can help. We can show you the new features, plus the tips and shortcuts that will improve your day-to-day activities.
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15. We are not able to analyze the effectiveness of our appeals, but would like to-how do we do it?
Whether it’s a 100,000-piece mailing or 500 letters, you need to analyze the effectiveness of your mail campaigns. A fundraising system tracking your returns and weighing expenses against income can help strategize your next mailing. JCA can help to unlock the potential of your fundraising software by structuring codes to immediately tell you what's working and what's not.
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16. Our MIS staff is not able to respond to our department’s needs, can you help us?
As is the case in many organizations, the MIS staff is stretched thin and your department may not receive the immediate attention needed. JCA can serve as your personal MIS team. We are able to support you with a range of services from basic software and hardware troubleshooting high-end networking issues. Just give us a call.
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17. I'm looking for Razors Edge consulting, why can't I find it?
Many people search for Razors edge help or consulting, but can never seem to find the database system they want. Razor's Edge is a common misspelling of the database system The Raiser's Edge®. JCA can help you get training, upgrade, or convert data to Raisers Edge®.
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Blackbaud® and The Raiser's Edge® are registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc. Jacobson Consulting Applications Inc. is an independent consulting firm and as such is neither sponsored nor endorsed by Blackbaud, Inc.
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