Keeping Raisers Edge up to date

Roma Sharma 2

Hi - please does anyone have a Raisers Edge user Service level   Agreement and if you don't mind share with me?



Secondly , how do you make sure all fundraisers are using Raisers Edge and updating Raisers Edge as they go along. Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.



thanks 

Keri Eadie

In answer to your second question about making sure all fundraisers are using and updating Raiser's Edge.  There are a couple of things.  If you have meaning reports set up that the fundraisers need they will be more inclined to update Raiser's Edge.  For example if you have a pipeline or a forecast report they want to see the work they have done show up - so they update regularly.  Also if your organization can adopt "if it isn't in Raiser's Edge it didn't happen" it helps make the entry more important.

Nicole S

I have found that it's usually pretty easy to tell who isn't using the database.  Signs to look for:

• they have forgotten their password
• if you pull a list of record "last changed by" their name never returns any results
• they ask a lot of simple questions -- like how much did we get from so and so last year or what is this guy's address (should all be in the database)
• they have a lot of lists, manilla folders, and excel spreadsheets
• they are never logged on when you check the "database connection viewer" plug in

It is helpful if the database is as meaningful as possible -- like dashboards & reports that are easy to use.



Everyone's service agreement will be different based on the size of the organization, the number of users, and any additional modules or services that you're using.

Jennifer Reager

I wasn't aware of the Database Connection Viewer. . .just checked it out, and it seems because we are hosted by Blackbaud, I only see myself (although it does have something about connections displayed at the bottom). Do you know if this is correct?



Also, have you been spying on my director?? 

Nicole San Miguel:

I have found that it's usually pretty easy to tell who isn't using the database.  Signs to look for:

• they have forgotten their password
• if you pull a list of record "last changed by" their name never returns any results
• they ask a lot of simple questions -- like how much did we get from so and so last year or what is this guy's address (should all be in the database)
• they have a lot of lists, manilla folders, and excel spreadsheets
• they are never logged on when you check the "database connection viewer" plug in

It is helpful if the database is as meaningful as possible -- like dashboards & reports that are easy to use.



Everyone's service agreement will be different based on the size of the organization, the number of users, and any additional modules or services that you're using.

 

 

Hilary Newell

I have set up a query that is run on a monthly basis that looks at actions, new constituents, letters, gifts, income etc and this is used to look at the amount of work out Fundraiser's too.  One of my initial tasks was to get the fundraisers on board with using a database as with the previous fundraising database was not used by them at all, it was mainly used for recording donations, nothing was kept about the consittuents, what they did, there attributes etc.  All of our fundraiser now use RE on a daily basis and it is one of the first things they log on to when they come into the office and they also use the mobile RE when in the community.  It was difficult in the begining but I started off with easy wins like the automated letter all they have to do is enter the Constituent ID and click on their preset letters which brings through a completed letter for them to print off, including the donation amount, they have the ability to amend the first paragraph for personalitation if they wish, or if not just print their own standard letter out.  The same with the certificates all they need to do is pull up the certificate template and its printed out with the name and amount donated in the correct display.  This tiny step saved them a lot of time and began to show them how time effective RE could be, they all now set up their appeals (we do this slightly different to everyone else I know, but it works for us), their own letters and consituent records.  They understand the importance of adding an industry for segmentation and completing the relationship contacts and salutations.  We do an audit every month on new records and any gaps that are missing from the record is highlighted and an email sent to them asking them to complete the record.  This also helps keep RE up to date and effective for all.

Unknown

Hi Jennifer-



We are also hosted and in my Database Connection Viewer I see two connections right now. I see one connection for one of my users (although at least four users are logged in at the moment) and one called RE7_ControlConnection.



FWIW, https://kb.blackbaud.com/articles/Article/43767

"Each time a user accesses a different table or make a change to the database, a connection is made."



Still not sure why I don't see my other users since they are actively connected to RE and updating constituent records as I write this.



 

Jennifer Reager:

I wasn't aware of the Database Connection Viewer. . .just checked it out, and it seems because we are hosted by Blackbaud, I only see myself (although it does have something about connections displayed at the bottom). Do you know if this is correct?