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Newsletter, October 2006

by Karen Graham, Client Development Manager

Nonprofit Neighborhood

"New Payment" feature
The Databank's Fundraising Module now makes it easier to process credit cards received off-line.  If you have payment gateway integration set up through thedatabank, you may have noticed this new feature which was added a few weeks ago. 

Here's how it works.  On the Contributions page in a member record, beside the New Contribution and New Pledge links, you will see a New Payment link.  Click that and enter the credit card info, then submit it for authorization.

A few situations when this will be handy:

• Donors respond to a mailing by writing in their credit card number, in lieu of sending a check.
• Conference participants pay at the door with their credit cards.  Write them down on paper, or if an internet connection is available, enter them into the Databank on the spot.
• Silent auction winners charge it to their credit cards as they pick up their items.
  

Orphaned Contribution Report
This new report shows contributions that are linked to nonexistent campaigns or campaign segments. (Sometimes this happens if you delete a campaign or segment that already had transactions associated with it, and those transactions become "orphans.") 

These contributions can not be included in contribution histories or summary reports until their keycodes are corrected.  If you notice that the numbers in your campaign reports don't seem to add up, try running the orphaned contribution report, and you probably will find the problem.

Access the orphans by clicking on Report in your Databank menu, then clicking Orphaned Conribution Report .

Welcome to these new clients
Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago)
Partnership for Safety and Justice
Minnesota College Access Network


Tip du Jour

Exchanging lists
When trading a list with another organization, it's important to respect the wishes of people on your list.  Databank users should remember to filter out records marked Unsubscribed and Do Not Exchange.

Bonus tip!
Did you know that the Advanced Query link is a shortcut to the Personal Information search?  Whenever you're looking at a member record, you'll see this link to the left of the EZ Query boxes at the bottom of your screen.

Karen's Blog

Adding Modules - no hardhat required
Recently my husband and I have been talking about adding on to our house.

I got a couple of remodeling books from the library, and they recommended a detailed process for deciding what we want and selecting a contractor.  That alone seemed overwhelming - and then there are the months of monitoring the project, sharing our living space with workers, and tolerating dust and debris (and possibly no ceiling), not to mention paying off the loan.

Fortunately, adding on to your Databank isn't nearly as costly or disruptive.  Most additional Modules can be set up for only $100-250 and take about 2 weeks.  Here's the process:

1. Arrange for an in depth demonstration with your client rep.
2. Get a proposal including price estimates and timeline.
3. Sign to accept the proposal and pay the setup charge.
4. Meet with your client rep and/or project manager to discuss customization and review work that has been done.
5. Receive live training on the new Module.

And best of all, we won't put a dumpster in your back yard.

Karen

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