Blackbaud Fundraiser Performance Management vs. Flipcause

I think there are better charitable relationship management platforms out there. BFPM serves a purpose, but it is an incomplete product for the hefty price tag it comes with. Certain aspects are billed as proprietary, like the MG EVI ratings, but they are inconsistent and often incorrect. BFPM has barely been updated in the decade I have been a user, which leads me to believe that the Blackbaud team is not innovating or devoting resources to enhancing/improving this product. It could stand a refresh to bring the entire product into the year 2022.

Incentivized

If you are doing this for fun, and don't actually need the money that you raise through Flipcause, they're great, but if you need the funds to, say, run payroll or pay rent, do not even THINK of using them. You will spend a lot of time tearing your hair out, and sending yet another email begging them to transfer funds

• User-friendly interface
• Accessible from anywhere
• Multi-level search and query functions
• Streamlined prospect data pages

Incentivized

• Flipcause has a great user interface for donors.
• Flipcause sends customizable donation receipts.
• Flipcause easily integrates with our website.
• Flipcause has great customer service.

Incentivized

• "MG EVI" scores are a sham
• Doesn't seamlessly translate over to Banner in certain areas
• Clunky 'new tab' functionality quickly floods entire browser window.

Incentivized

• You have to contact them multiple times to get them to give you your money.
• It generally takes at least a month to get funds from them to you.
• They take a really long time to respond to support emails, if they respond at all.

Website design is great and easy to use

Flipcause has amazingly responsive customer support staff and "Success Teams." When you sign up, your Success Manager makes sure you have all the information and support needed to get up and running quickly and easily. Your Success Team will happily provide support on an on-going basis as needed, although we have not needed much support due to the easy-to-use interface

Incentivized

BFPM has the advantage because it is designed to be user-facing and user-friendly. It is a simple website to learn to use and navigate, but that does not mean it is flawless. It helps me and my colleagues engage with the database in a more straightforward manner, without having to learn and remember various codes and queries.

Incentivized

We previously used Network for Good to process online donations and to sell event tickets, but Flipcause has proven much better at meeting our needs. I prefer the Flipcause interface and functionality, especially for event registrations. We have also used PayPal and PayPal Here to collect donations online and in person. While these are trusted and recognizable for our donors, they are only useful for collecting donations and do not have easily customizable donation receipts.

Incentivized

• MG EVI is not the end-all-be-all it was sold as
• Still requires use of Banner for certain info
• Helps streamline data entry by allowing gift officers to enter their own contacts.

Incentivized

• Diminished trust from employees because of payroll delays.
• Unable to plan ahead because we have no idea when we will get our funds.
• Excessive time spent chasing funds, rather than fulfilling our mission.
• Excessive time spent researching new platforms, and changing all our infrastructure because we've finally decided we can't stay with them any longer.