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Fund Raising Software
Fund raising software is a broad term that refers to online
applications designed to facilitate the fund raising process. Some
businesses refer to fundraising as donation management. There are many
types of software available for this purpose, some for profit
corporations and others for non-profit.
Some of the tasks that quality software can assist with include the
direct request for donations, including appeals in print forms like
letters or newsletters or those that come through the mail, called
“direct mail.” A software program can help an organization set up a
program to sell products as a fund-raising endeavor, keeping track of
clients, stock, and delivery terms, as well as accounts payable and
receivable.
Software also can handle laborious chores like membership dues and
due-dates. It can process funds from grants and foundations. In-kind
donations and pledges likewise can be managed by the right kind of
software application. Making use of capabilities like a spreadsheet, a
sort mechanism for databases, and other data management processes, the
software can expand to grow with your business. Many companies offer a
basic software package for organizations that are newly formed or that
have just begun developing fundraising activities. A more sophisticated
software package can be added to upgrade your basic system when the
time comes.
In addition to purchasing software designed to help with fundraising,
you will need to find a volunteer or paid individual who will become
familiar with the software and utilize it for your organization’s
purposes. This may take some time, so enlist one or two people who are
interested in and willing to help out in this capacity. Your
operator(s) will need a working computer and possibly an Internet
connection to put the program to good use. You also may want to keep a
computer service technician on staff, possibly as a volunteer or in a
paid position, in case your system or software develops a
glitch.
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