Item: Raiser's Edge
Rating: 5
Author: Michelle Wilkinson, CFRE

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

My previous employer used The Raiser's Edge as the fundraising database for each campus of a multi-campus university system. The campuses maintained their own separate copy of the database, meaning that we had six or more separate sets of data.

Pros and Cons

RE was made for fundraising. This is the focus it has so it is set up to anticipate all of the various ways that fundraisers and administration will need to access and manipulate the data.
RE has created modules that allow the organization to pick and choose what elements it will require. The modules work well and are planned appropriately.
RE will hold all types of data and is easy to pull the data out.
Because it so popular, there are a number of products that work well with RE in terms of integration.

RE is complex so it is difficult to manage for a small shop.
RE will require a bit of training to bring users up to speed in fully using the management tools it provides.
Imports are very difficult to do. They almost require a dedicated RE manager to oversee.
RE is expensive. Small shops should not buy a Mercedes if they can do everything they need with a Prius.

Return on Investment

Actions helped our group to improve the major gift pipeline management.
The integrated email allowed us to connect with alumni in personal ways; the birthday notes always felt personal even though we sent large numbers at a time.
Easy reports allowed us to identify prospects to move up the giving ladder.

Alternatives Considered

Salesforce

I'm currently using Salesforce at another organization and have not been happy to make a general business product fit into the fundraising landscape. I inherited this system and it was not well-thought out before implementation. I'm now faced with re-building a program that is used for other areas of the agency as well which will make it more complicated. Having a program that is built for your specific needs helps.

Likelihood to Renew

If I were still in my previous job, we would continue using it and the wonderful training we purchased to help staff better use it. I would highly recommend signing up for a training contract so staff can leverage all of its power.

Likelihood to Recommend

Mid-size organizations need to really determine if they are ready for it, and if they can invest the resources in the purchase, ongoing management, and training required. The organization must be able to commit to having a dedicated person for RE if they really want to harness the power of the product. Small organizations should look elsewhere. You don't need the complications.