Buying Software for Fundraising: Common Mistakes Ministries Make

Selecting the right software for fundraising may not be a simple process, but by understanding the eight common mistakes nonprofits make, you will be on the right path to making an informed selection for your ministry. After all, fundraising software is important for the success of your ministry’s finances and for making a positive impression on your donors. When you go to make a selection, keep these mistakes in mind so you can avoid them.

Software for Fundraising

Software for Fundraising

  1. Letting techies make the final decision: You should include them on the selection team, but don’t let them choose the software alone. Instead, program officers and those in charge of fundraising should drive the final decision.
  2. Wishful budgeting: Depending on the software, you may need new computers, printers, network upgrades, end-user training, and maybe even additional staff to run the system. Remember, while open source and free fundraising software costs nothing, you lack support, training, and good interface design if you choose these options.
  3. Putting price at the top of the priority list: The cost is important, but you must find a product that fits your resources and meets your needs as well as offering a good price.
  4. Randomly exploring demos: Only bother to look at demos that meet the needs your current system lacks and fits within your allotted budget.
  5. Falling in love with the features: Yes, software for fundraising comes with some exciting features, but a quality vendor that can change with technologies and provide good support is the most important deciding factor. If the vendor goes away, you’ll be left choosing fundraising software from scratch again.
  6. Buying beyond your needs: While you should plan for the future when buying fundraising software, make sure the bulk of the features can be used now. In other words, don’t buy a Lamborghini when all you can afford to maintain is a Honda.
  7. Thinking that the software will install itself: Someone has to oversee the conversion from the old system to the new software. You may get through this process by reassigning the tasks of your current staff or hiring temporary support staff to work on the project.
  8. Failing to put effort into the software after it’s up and running: Once the software goes live, you must continue to give it attention. Place someone in charge of the software to run periodic audit reports to identify and fix any problems that arise. Keep your budget open for software and hardware upgrades in the future.

For more information about software for fundraising from Donor Direct, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Then, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow our blog.

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DonorDirect Integration with Microsoft: Software for Nonprofits and Ministries

DonorDirect has integrated their software solution with the Microsoft CRM to create compatible Microsoft software for nonprofits. This integration allows for better management of customer and donor relationships, missionary recruitment, and staff management.

Microsoft Software for Nonprofits

Microsoft Software for Nonprofits

Donor Management

The success of your ministry is based on the relationships you create and nurture with your donors. DonorDirect software for nonprofits gives you access to data in real time so you can work based on the most current and accurate information possible. Track your entire history of donor interactions, schedule appointments, record notes, plan follow-up activities, and view the complete profiles of those who make contributions to your ministry. These actions empower you to target ideal donors, launch campaigns, start new programs quickly, give useful information to people in the field, and communicate effectively with everyone.

Missionary Management

Accurate, to-the-minute information is needed to attract and recruit missionaries to share in your vision. Microsoft software for nonprofits has all the capacities you know from the Microsoft CRM 4.0 platform, including the features and functions required to put missionaries to effective use in accomplishing your ministry’s goals. Enjoy regular communication, effective training, and constantly updated information.

Staff Management

Staff are the backbone of successful projects. Managing a staff can be rewarding, but the task may seem impossible without the right software for nonprofits. The ability to manage large groups of eager workers doesn’t need to be overly strenuous when you have the ability to communicate instantly with teams in various locations.

This is just the start of discovering the capabilities of Microsoft software for nonprofits. With the right tools, you’ll be able to build relationships, find the right missionaries to spread the word, and manage a ministry staff.

To learn more, be sure to connect with DonorDirect on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn. Then, find more successful tips for ministries by following our blog and visiting our YouTube Channel. Schedule a free demo with DonorDirect by visiting our website, or by calling (866) 530-3310 today!

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Fundraising Software for Nonprofits: Bookkeeping Basics for Ministries

In this modern age, ministries of all sizes are using fundraising software for nonprofits to help them organize fundraising efforts of all scope and size. Some ministries choose CRM software designed for use by for-profit businesses, but because of the profound differences between nonprofit ministries and for-profit businesses, this is not the best option. Instead, fundraising software designed for ministries will help you accomplish your goals with greater effectiveness.

Fundraising Software for Nonprofits

Fundraising Software for Nonprofits

Accounting and fundraising management in ministries is crucial, as people are making donations and pledges throughout the year. Not only does your ministry need fundraising software that manages these funds, but also software that can automate accounting reports in real time.

The accounting reports required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) are different for nonprofit ministries than they are for other kinds of for-profit businesses. Examples of required reports for nonprofits include a Statement of Financial Position, a Statement of Activities, and a Statement of Functional Expenses, along with a Statement of Cash Flows and Notes to Financial Statements that are also required by for-profit businesses. The fundraising software you use should provide you with a means of creating and editing these documents.

You can also use fundraising software for nonprofits to organize automatic monthly charges on the credit cards of donors who wish to give frequently. Some ministries are reluctant to organize monthly contributions because of the perceived complexity of starting a monthly donation program. However, with the right fundraising software, there is no need to feel overwhelmed or incapable of setting up something like this.

Keep in mind that your needs will change over time as your ministry grows and your goals are met. Perhaps growth and the need to use more suitable software is the reason you are looking into fundraising software for nonprofits. Whatever the case, know that DonorDirect offers various kinds of fundraising software to precisely suit your needs.

To learn more, be sure to connect with DonorDirect on FacebookTwitter and LinkedIn. Then, find more successful tips for ministries by following our blog and visiting our YouTube Channel. Schedule a free demo with DonorDirect by visiting our website, or by calling (866) 530-3310 today!

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Nonprofit Donor Software vs CRM for Ministries

Every ministry has a mission that can be made possible by nonprofit donor software. To manage your donations as effectively as possible, software for nonprofits ministries is the place to turn.

Nonprofit Donor Software

Nonprofit Donor Software

Some ministries use various kinds of customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage interactions and build relationships with donors. However, not all CRMs are integrated with accounting, so random CRM software in a ministry cannot be as efficient as nonprofit donor software when trying to build a relationship with your donors.

The fact is that your ministry’s goals are probably complex and unique to your geographical area. Customized CRM software designed specifically for ministries is the best tool for improving your efforts to complete your mission. Nonprofit donor software by DonorDirect is easy to manage because it integrates with common Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Outlook. This creates a familiar experience from the very first time you use the software, thus reducing training time and increasing user friendliness.

In addition, most ministry IT departments feel comfortable with software for nonprofits right away because it presents familiar technology. This reduces the learning curve and enables your ministry to move forward faster than ever thanks to shortened training time and improved user experience.

DonorDirect is the leading provider of nonprofit donor software to large ministries. The various types of software solutions offered are used to track the activities within your ministry and build better, stronger relationships with your donors. No matter the size of your ministry, or how far your ministry reaches, there is software for nonprofits that fits your needs perfectly.

To learn more, be sure to connect with DonorDirect on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Then, find more successful tips for ministries by following our blog and visiting our YouTube Channel.

Schedule a free demo with DonorDirect by visiting our website, or by calling (866) 530-3310 today!

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Building Relationships with Donor Software for Nonprofits Ministries

Donor software for nonprofits ministries is essential for building relationships with and nurturing lifelong donors. It’s unfortunate that when times get tough, the need of nonprofit ministries skyrockets, yet resources are at their most limited.

Donor Software for Nonprofits

Donor Software for Nonprofits

To help remedy this paradox, you can use donor software to develop your fundraising capacity. In order for this to be possible, your ministry must have three qualities:

Leadership: When employees are engaged and their input is valued, they will fully embrace the mission and value of the ministry. Therefore, good leadership and organized leadership succession is required of any organization that wants a shared vision and productivity on all levels.
Technical Ability: Staying organized in this technological world is impossible without some technical ability. You must have the resources you need to execute the programs you have in mind, which often requires technology, including donor software.
Adaptability: You must be willing to assess the current success of your programs and make modifications when necessary. One modification is to use donor software for nonprofits ministries if you aren’t already doing so.

With these fundamentals in place, you’re ready to cultivate lifetime donors who love and support your ministry for many years. Consider focusing much of your attention on building relationships with your donors instead of merely seeing them as a dollar sign. Here’s how:

Track All Donations with Donor Software. This involves knowing who gave how much and when. This is the minimum requirement for recordkeeping and acknowledging donors.
Thank Your Donors. It’s impossible to thank a donor too much, so make the effort to send a “thank you” card every single time a donor contributes to the cause of your ministry. Let them know their gift is appreciated to encourage them to donate again in the near future.
Focus on the Big Donors. Find out why they donate the most. Are their donations a response to general fund requests and solicitations? Instead of assuming, get to know these individuals and discover firsthand what motivates their generosity.
Become Loved by Everyone Else. Newsletters are a great way to communicate with your supporters so they know the most recent ministry happenings. Share your achievements, plans, and needs. Explain specifically how their contributions will help your ministry reach its next goal. Be sure to share the progress of the goal in the next newsletter.

Using your energy to build relationships will help tremendously in your goal to form a stable support base for your ministry. Using donor software for nonprofits is the ideal way to track donations and keep on top of your financial goals.

To learn more, be sure to connect with DonorDirect on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Then, find more successful tips for ministries by following our blog and visiting our YouTube Channel. Schedule a free demo with DonorDirect by visiting our website, or by calling (866) 530-3310 today!

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Donor Tracking Software Helps You Get Relational

Not all CRM software is a “one-size-fits-all.” With donor tracking software, ministries can finally get relational with their customers.

Learn about your donors by tracking their favorite sports team, where they attended college, their volunteer activities… Whatever you feel is important to have that connection with your donor.

Most importantly, donor management software that is uniquely designed for your ministry can help you get relational with your donors, in real time and from practically anywhere.

To see how your ministry can engage with your donors through donor management software, schedule your free demo with DonorDirect today. Also, be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Or, view more videos like this on our YouTube Channel.

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Tim Tebow Beliefs, Football and Amazing Grace

From being ridiculed from his Superbowl Ad for Focus on the Family last year to “Tebowing,” Tim Tebow’s beliefs and unyielding faith should be admired.

The following article was originally posted by Mollie at GetReligion.org on January 9, 2012


Tim Tebow just won the most exciting game of football I’ve seen in a while. And he did it by passing (yes, you read that right — passing!) for 316 yards. Brendan O’Hare, a columnist at Bleacher Report, wrote:

“Tebow threw for 316 yards (“Some coincidence, huh?” — every Internet person ever) and showed that despite his inexplicable refusal to complete screen passes, he is surprisingly skilled at throwing wobbly deep bombs.”

Tim Tebow Beliefs

Tim Tebow Beliefs

So yes, as a huge Broncos fan from Colorado, my Twitter feed was blowing up with Tebow tweets and the hashtag #Tebow316 was fairly active.

Drudge had the headlines “Amazing Grace” and “Throws For 3:16 Yards,” for crying out loud. You might remember those pictures of Tim Tebow with the John 3:16 eyeblack back in college, right? During the 2009 BCS Championship Game when he wore that, 92 million people Googled the phrase “John 3:16.” The NCAA then banned eyeblack messaging. That makes for some interesting backstory.

And then, as if the religion and football mashup wasn’t already going to happen, Tebow tweeted out a Bible verse:

Hebrews 12:1-2 GB²

I had to ask Sarah Pulliam Bailey to decipher the GB² part (she pointed me to this explanation), but here’s the passage from Hebrews:

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

All this to say, I think we’re going to have another round of interesting media coverage of Tim Tebow and my Denver Broncos. More than anything, could you help us keep an eye out for any particularly good or bad coverage?

Since we’re back on the general Tebow topic, I rather liked this recent Tebow-inspired column about the Rainbow Man, that dude with the rainbow afro who used to hold up John 3:16 signs at myriad sporting events in the 1970s and 1980s. Did you know he’s in prison? And the Erie Times managed to write a story about Tebow, published the day of the game, that managed to explain the way some Christian sports fans feel about Tebow. You could see how these quotes could have been clipped to make them seem to advocate a different perspective.

But last night’s dramatic victory has already gotten a bit of coverage. Sports news site the Big Lead has an item up, headlined “Yes, Tim Tebow Threw For 316 Yards Against Pittsburgh and He Had John 3:16 on His Eye Black Once in College.”

CNN didn’t avoid the topic either. Most of this story focused on the specifics of just how Tebow led the team to victory, the stats, the final overtime play, the complicated overtime rules, etc. But then it got into the religious angle:

Tebow has been criticized since his college days at the University of Florida for his awkward throwing motion and his overt Christian faith – including his practice of bowing in prayer after touchdowns. But Denver fans, and eventually the Broncos front office, embraced him this season as he led a series of late-game comebacks.

On Sunday he threw for 316 yards (which some people noted might be punctuated 3:16, for the cornerstone verse from the Gospel of John); 204 of those yards were throws to Thomas.

And yet no mention of Thomas sharing a birthday with Jesus? I kid, but I think that CNN handled that just fine and with an economy of words. This Washington Post “On Faith” blog item is packed with links and background and also handled the religious angles well.

Oh, and the television rating for the final quarter of the game? ESPN says it drew a stunningly high rating — a 316 rating.

Again, please let us know if you see any particularly good or bad treatment of Tebow and religion. I’m hoping it’s not going to be what O’Hare predicted, “Another week of ‘polarizing’ opinions from the media, laced with stupid religious undertones and a sense of undeserved audacity in whatever they say.”
CREDIT: Originally written by Mollie at GetReligion.org on January 9, 2012.


DonorDirect specializes in helping ministries spread the Gospel by providing uniquely designed software to help those ministries stay organized throughout all departments, in an effort to build relationships with their Donors. For a free demo of our software, contact DonorDirect by calling (866) 530-3310 today! You can also stay in touch with DonorDirect on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Also, join the conversation on LinkedIn. God Bless.

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Donor Management Software for Nonprofit Ministries

DonorDirect’s Donor Management Software has helped clients, like Billy Graham and Samaritan’s Purse, through Donor Management Software designed specifically to help their ministries continue to spread the Gospel.

DonorDirect helps ministries with important functions such as donor management, volunteer outreach, accounting and fundraising.

Contact us today for a free demo or by calling (866) 530-3310.
And be sure to follow us on Twitter @DonorDirect

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Proud to Serve NRB 2011 Award Nominees through Donor Database Software

Donor database software is at the heart of many ministries. In fact, a number of nominees for the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) 2011 Honor Award use DonorDirect software. The correlation between using specially designed donor software and staying organized is clear.

NRB 2011 Nominees | Donor Database Software

NRB 2011 Nominees | Donor Database Software

In many cases, DonorDirect software enables ministries to focus on their mission of spreading the gospel instead of spending more time than necessary on logistics. These are the ministries that get recognized for their accomplishments with the NRB Awards.

The NRB is an association of non-partisan Christian communicators from around the world. The goals of the association are to spread the truth of the Bible, promote excellence in the media and defend free speech.

Here are some of the NRB Award Nominees who use donor database software to help them accomplish their missions.

The Nominees for Internet Awards
Best Ministry Website

  • Answers in Genesis
  • Focus on the Family

Best Mobile Ministry Initiative

  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: BGEA Mobile
  • FamilyLife: mobile website
  • Focus on the Family: Plugged In

Best Use of Short Form Video

  • Answers in Genesis: Evolution Refuted
  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: God Is Jealous for You

Best Use of Social Media

  • Focus on the Family

Most Creative Online Initiative

  • Answers in Genesis: Ark Encounter
  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: Search for Jesus

The Nominees for Radio Awards
Radio Impact Award

  • Focus on the Family: Adventures in Odyssey

The Nominees for Television Awards
Best Television Commercial

  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: Billy Graham Library – “Pop up Spot”
  • Focus on the Family: The “Bubble” Commercial
  • Amazing Facts: Jaw Dropping Commercial

Best Television Mixed Media Campaign

  • Amazing Facts: After May 21
  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: Rock the Range

Best Television Public Service Announcement

  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: Ransom TV – Identity – Who Am I?
  • Focus on the Family: Wait No More

Best Television Special Programming

  • Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: Always Good News – My Hope Malawi

Best Television Talk Show

  • Focus on the Family: Your Family Live

We want to help your ministry focus on your mission. Contact DonorDirect today for a free demonstration of our donor database software – or call us at (866) 530-3310! Also, be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Find more successful tips for ministries by following our blog and visiting our YouTube Channel.

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Donor Management Software for the Giving Season

It’s the season for giving, and donor management software can help you prepare for the end-of-year donation rush. DonorDirect offers a holistic donor management software process that is specifically tailored for use by ministries. Here’s a look at what most ministries are doing, the downfalls of using multiple platforms to store donor information, and the benefits you can expect from using DonorDirect donor software.

Donor Management Software

Donor Management Software

What Software do Most Ministries Use?
Most ministries are using a software solution they buy or that is built in-house, but not many ministries are using a software that is specifically tailored toward unique ministry needs.  While most ministries incorporate some type of management software, ministry specific activities, like media management, missionary allocations, child sponsorship, easy to use segmentation and other activities, are overlooked because that software is not designed with their ministry in mind.

What are the Downsides of Non-ministry specific Management Software?
In order to enjoy the key elements needed for keeping track of donations, some ministries use a basic software designed for non-profits. This often leads to limited information because the software is not designed to capture the needed information regarding ministry donor like prayer requests, relationships with other donors, other organizations they may give through, and much more. The solution is to choose donor management software that offers everything you need in one place.

What does DonorDirect Offer?
Software designed specifically for ministry donations is preferred because it provides several key features that anyone who has the proper authorization within the ministry can access through a sleek, user-friendly interface. The most important key features include:

  • Single transaction entry for donation, product purchase, event registration and subscription
  • Automatic response for all donor interaction
  • Accounting information for important tax receipts
  • Complete Communication records whether email, phone, letter or in person meeting
  • Giving History
  • Marketing Automation
  • Pledges
  • Other Ministry Interaction the Donor has had (prayer requests, special needs, etc.)

Such detailed information for ministry specific donor database software helps the donor be viewed as a person rather than a dollar sign.

What are the Long-Term Benefits of DonorDirect?
The most profound benefit is that it’s easy to keep track of donations when they’re all recorded in one place. Ministries that use specifically designed donor database software enjoy:

  • Better communication and customer service
  • More efficient finance tracking for accurate reporting and records management
  • Complete multichannel analysis
  • Better understanding of who your donor is and all that they do with your ministry

The holidays are understandably busy for everyone. As you reflect, know that your ministry can be more efficient, save time and raise more funding with donor management software that is specifically designed to support your ministry and your mission to spread the Gospel.

Contact DonorDirect now for a demo, or call (866) 530-3310! Also, be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Find more successful tips for ministries by following our blog and visiting our YouTube Channel.

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