My nonprofit experience has been limited to membership groups, and in my training, I’ve discovered this is an area in which FundRaiser excels. All three versions of FundRaiser (Spark, Select, and Professional) have the ability to manage members, though in Select it is an optional module. The process is very similar in all three versions as well.
When you enter a gift the type can be marked membership dues. This triggers the system to set up a new membership where you can input the type (family or individual), any benefits, and double check the renewal date. As an organization, you can choose how you want the memberships to renew and any default benefits as part of the settings. In fact, you can print membership cards.
Most membership groups send some sort of newsletter and mailing these becomes easy with FundRaiser. Whether you have a larger newsletter where you only need labels or print something more informal, the ability to print exactly what you need will have you taking care of your members easily. Version 5.01 offers a “print flag” for new members; you select this box so your newer members don’t miss a single issue of your newsletter.
Don’t think that memberships are just for newsletters! The ability to use group facilities is an excellent benefit. And don’t discount the good feeling your donors will have knowing they are aiding your organization’s mission. Memberships can be one more tool to generate recurring income, too.
Memberships also have one other great benefit for your organization. The marketing adage about someone seeing a company’s name multiple times before they’ll act is also applicable to nonprofit organizations. Good membership management will place your name in front of your donors, which will help keep your cause on their minds. And that means stronger fundraising for you.
Learn more about FundRaiser robust Membership Management features