The Raiser's Edge by Blackbaud

Database for all donations - information is kept reliable, complete (can be used to store a lot of data/facts) and accessible for reports

Pros

Data entry is easy and reports are dependable. Versatility in the type of information that can be stored in each constituent record.

Cons

the software programmers I know say the set up is very 'old school.' I use batches a lot in RE - and the setting up of each is not as intuitive as some software programs out there.

Pros

It provides a comprehensive, detailed account of all interactions, donations, and potential contacts among our donor base. Whenever I've had to call customer support, they have been incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and typically have gotten to the bottom of whatever issue I'm having.

Cons

There are SO many functions and features that it is hard to utilize them successfully at any given time. Reports can be complicated to produce, and creating queries to generate the specific sets of donor groups you are looking for is difficult at best.

Pros

I can organize all actions and gifts while being able to pull information the way I need it presented.

Cons

I find queries can sometimes be challenging. I occasionally run one that just isn't working correctly and it can be frustrating.

There are many - accurate reporting information, NXT version, wealth assessment, various levels of access for users, etc

Pros

The NXT version is wonderful for day to day recording of donor activity, etc. The analytics is awesome for planning purposes and love how it alerts you to possible lapsed donors.

Cons

There is a learning curve, but it is well worth it. I find it more helpful to talk with someone that IM to resolve an issue.

Pros

Allowing people who do not know the software in-depth to be able to create simple queries by themselves, and its mobile friendly.

Cons

It can be slow at times, and if a query is not set up properly, a relationship officer might have too much access to data. For example, checking how many gifts a client has given, without checking how many were written off.

Pros

Easily able to create queries, track proposals, and moves management. Allows user to easily track and monitor the whole donation process from proposal, to ask, to pledge, to monetary donation acquired.

Cons

Inability to record ticketing or act as a box-office database needed to run a full-service non-profit company.

Our upper management staff were able to easily create and view reports, rather than ask someone from our team; which gave them more control.

Pros

Functionality, and ease of use. Our V.P.'s and CEO are able to login and view the actions of our fundraising team, as well as where we are with each campaign, fund and appeal.

Cons

Refresh time. There is a lag with refreshing, and we had hoped it would be real-time.
We all wish it had all the bells and whistles of Raiser's Edge, but we know that is coming in the future.

Pros

NXT is intuitive, accessible from anywhere on nearly any device. It allows users to take the database with them on the road.

Cons

Not all features in the classic Raiser's Edge are implemented in NXT yet. New features come on line often, though, so this shouldn't be a long-term issue.

Raiser's Edge NXT has notified us when prospect donor pledges are ending and recommendations for cultivation which has increased our major giving donors.

Pros

The Raiser's Edge database was very outdated however with the addition of NXT it's now very visually appealing and user-friendly. They took the old database look and revamped it to include charts, recommendations for donor cultivation and alerts daily referencing which donors to reach out to. It's very mobile friendly and great for major giving officers so they could make notes and assign tasks to their team while on the road. You could easily look up donor records and it's all accessible from Blackbaud.com so you don't need to download an app. It's good to have when on meetings and if you have to be an exhibitor for your Foundation and quickly look up donor records.

Cons

NXT shows consecutive donor years at the top of each profile however the years are not always accurate with the years in Raiser's database. Sometimes the years are way off. Also, they should make it easier to view outstanding pledges in NXT. NXT is a bit pricey however worth the cost and your return on investment is improved as it notifies you when you have major giving prospects to reach out to.

Not a whole lot more than RE Legacy.

Pros

The web interface is easier to use than the legacy Raiser's Edge product. There are some cool features and basic level reporting available.

Cons

It is read-only, pretty shell of the Legacy RE database, but users still have to login to the old RE database to enter data and advanced level reporting.

Pros

RENXT is a wonderful leap forward for those that are currently using RE7. First off, it is online, so you can login anywhere and on any device, which for me makes it far more useful to fundraisers. Ultimately, I am a big fan and I think it makes your fundraisers spend more time reaching out to key donors, rather than working on back end tracking and database work. Also, what I appreciate the most is that I do not have to hire people who have RE experience anymore, because it is so easy for them to immediately start working out of NXT. It opens up the candidate pool!

Cons

This is a general blackbaud critique, but their customer service is not always the best. They can be difficult to get in touch with and you sometimes have to wait for a while to get a question answered or problem fixed. I will say, we have not had any issues with NXT in particular, where we needed to call them though.

Reporting functions are great.

Pros

Functionality and reporting is very comprehensive.
Lots to learn. Training is available and useful.

Cons

sometimes overwhelming, there are so many functions and you need alot of training.
Wish it were more GUI.

Pros

Easy to navigate & info. entry. Very user friendly data base especially for constituent, gift, membership & gift batching entry. Clicking on individual tabs selections gave an at-glance history all in one spot & on one page.

Cons

Queries could be challenging trying to select all the necessary criteria fields to populate for the report info. you were seeking

We migrated from Jenzabar's Poise system. This gives access to our Constituent data in a very useful interface.

Pros

We consider Raiser's Edge to be the Cadillac of Fund Raising Software. The new RE NXT is very useful for the Executive Staff.

Cons

It is a disparate system. Getting data to Raiser's Edge requires an import. Getting data to our ERP requires an export.

Ease of use is a huge benefit- primarily because I have used RE for more than 17 years. I have networked with other uses for quick troubleshooting and support.

Pros

Cloud-based - I like the mobility of having donor information available at any time and any where from my mobile devices. There are many other additional features that make RE unique - it is difficult to list them all.

Cons

Price-- it is still out of reach for smaller non-profits. RE is still considered the top software among development professionals. There are universal properties to databases - but the offerings and modules are more user friendly than other software options. Just wish that it was more feasible for others to purchase and pay for the maintenance.

Pros

Raiser's Edge has a great reputation for large organizations, making sure that they have every tool they need to track donors and donations. They are very adaptable and work hard to stay on top of customer needs.

Cons

Raiser's Edge is too big for our company and our department. I don't have time to track my one-time donor's allergies or favorite golf course. Also, because their program is such an in-depth solution, tracking the bare minimum requires a large amount of clicks and screens.

Learned more about database structure

Pros

The ability to customize to fit our organizations needs. The training was awesome too! Technical support was always available and always came up with an answer even if it was not the answer we wanted.

Cons

Data was hosted so we did not have direct access to our data. Reporting was very limited and you had to know crystal reports to spit any meaningful reports out. Canned reports did not suit our needs. We were not able to connect to our email server in a hsoted environment making the email functionality useless.

Pros

The various tabs that are available for each record make it possible to have an incredible amount of sorted information.

Cons

It can be a little clunky to get used to at first. Making queries takes a bit of getting used to as well.

Pros

The ability to search for constituents. The ease of inputting in the information needed for each gift donor.

Cons

The ability to run reports as needed. Would like to have more use of access with the reports that I use a lot.

RE NXT is a great system for tracking donor relations for nonprofits. RE has been the standard CRM for nonprofits for a while but their improved NXT edition is worth the extra expense. Wealth screening, enhanced features like donor mapping, and customized reporting are all improved features of NXT over the base RE 7 edition. It is an essential tool in building deeper relationships with donors and thus in raising more money to support your nonprofit.

Pros

Comprehensiveness, power of analytics, mobile cvompatible

Cons

Expense

Advice to Others

It is essential for nonprofits who want to raise significant funds to resource their missions.