Free event registration

Julie SullivanCrowley

We want to revamp our RSVP process for openings and are not getting where we need with Altru Events, even fundraising events. The first obstacle is members having to sign into our website. Too many issues there (forgotten passwords, etc.), so we want to create an Altru web form that is emailed to JUST members (so no need for them to validate membership) and then they register for the free event with as little detail as possible and it will still register them in Altru. We have gone as far down the event registration process as possible, but it's still requiring too much and asks for the same info (name and address) more than once because it looks like a purchase (even though free). Anyone have luck in this area? TIA

Shawn Collins

@Julie SullivanCrowley My organization is struggling with the same thing--and we estimate that we are losing 10 to 15% of our donor/engagement pipeline due to each of the issues you have listed here. We get calls complaining about this every week.

You can see how clunky our forms for free events are here; you can also see the explainer that we have had to include as a way of trying to keep our audience connected. 2025 is NOT a year in which non-profits can afford to lose any engagement and donors, yet the cost of Altru goes up every year.

I followed up with Blackbaud last week about the second payment page and its failure to autofill, which has been a problem introduced by Blackbaud since at least July 2024, and even though this is a feature that should be a simple fix (a common feature of web forms since 2010 if not earlier). Here's the text of the chat:

( 15m 40s ) Shawn: Why do attendees have to complete this section since they already have on the first page?
( 17m 30s ) David - Blackbaud Support: Unfortunately, not, when you click on the register now button, that is actually a link that connects to your webform in Altru, it will open in a new tab. and the checkout section has to be filled out to complete the registration so that the information downloads into Altru. I understand that this is a free event and there is no payment taken, but this is the default form for all events free or paid.
( 18m 11s ) Shawn: I had spoken with Ricardo via chat about this issue in July 2024 019775893
( 18m 22s ) David - Blackbaud Support: Let me take a look at that case
( 18m 58s ) Shawn: This is a known and continuing problem.
( 19m 31s ) Shawn: Would you please send me the terms and conditions for the Blackbaud Merchant Service?
( 20m 7s ) David - Blackbaud Support: I understand now, it's the auto fill feature that you are speaking about.
( 21m 16s ) David - Blackbaud Support: Unfortunately that had to be disabled earlier in the year as there was an issue with it filling in with incorrect information, This is being looked into and is expected to be turned back on in a future release.
( 21m 39s ) Shawn: When? It has been more than a year.
( 21m 53s ) David - Blackbaud Support: I do not have a time frame for the next release date.

It hurts my soul that Blackbaud harms non-profits this way.

Be well,

Shawn K. Collins