Training in the Raiser's Edge

The Raiser’s Edge (RE) by Blackbaud is the most comprehensive, powerful software available for managing your database and fundraising. My Dutch Uncle’s many training options will equip you to get the most out of RE, whether you need to learn the basics or develop a high level of expertise. Topics range from an overview of RE, to the various functions of managing data, to essentials of mailings and acknowledgments, to specialized modules and administration tasks.

Training is provided in small classes at our headquarters. We can also arrange training at your office or devise customized database solutions.

For further information, e-mail Mark Fabbri, Manager of Database Operations & Training or call Mark at 415-625-2942.

RE101

Raiser’s Edge Overview: Tabs, Terms, and Logging In

We introduce and review the tabs and fields in RE, as well as terminology specific to RE and fundraising. We cover the log-in process, discuss your organization’s version of RE, and explain the need for and structure of a policy manual.

RE102

Constituent & Gift Entry / Batch

Methods of entering constituent and gift information are thoroughly explained, also why certain information is required. We cover uses and importance of the Campaign, Fund, and Appeal fields; explain and demonstrate how to build and use batches.

RE103

Actions & Attributes

You’ll learn how and when to use these very important tabs, which are key to building an accurate and thorough history of your constituents. Information collected in both categories will help you create better queries and reports, and optimize your Moves Management program.

RE104

Queries: Simple & Complex

Queries are an extremely powerful tool but difficult to master. Knowing what kind of query you need and how to extract the desired information requires an advanced understanding of how RE “thinks” and how to “ask” for data. We take you through a step-by-step process and help you avoid detours.

RE105

Reports: Canned & Custom

Reports are how we communicate information stored in RE. They are critical to measuring revenue, tracking events, and showing summaries and specifics. To produce an accurate report, you must choose the correct format. You’ll learn report functions, how to alter them, and, if needed, how to build a custom report.

RE106

Exports: How & When to Use Them

This class explains when to use an export vs. a report. Exports can help you create documents outside RE, and provide a conduit between RE and other database formats. We demonstrate how to format and sort your export, as well as tricks that simplify the process.

RE107

Acknowledgment Letters & Envelopes

Generating acknowledgment letters is vital to good donor stewardship and your organization’s image. Creating, editing, and printing them is one of the chief functions in RE. You’ll learn how to create, import, and save multiple types of letters in your system; how to customize letters to your donors; how to keep your message current with easy editing procedures. We also discuss merge fields and formatting.

RE108

Dashboards

Among the most underutilized tools in the RE arsenal, Dashboards are the simplest way to keep everyone in your organization up to speed, providing key team members with the latest snapshot of progress and accomplishments, besides saving reams of paper. We show you how to build, use, and share Dashboards.

RE109

Lists: Snail Mail & E-Mail

Good lists are the critical piece in sending direct mail solicitations or an e-mail blast. Learn how to get the list you want without spending hours editing in Excel. We also answers such questions as: Why were key donors left off your list? Why were letters sent to people who requested “no mail”? Why did a constituent (embarrassingly) get a letter addressed to “Anonymous” instead of his/her name?

RE110

Events Module

Learn how to use this module to manage any event your organization sponsors. Track payments, seating charts, table assignments, and payments. Link registration dollars to gifts; link online payments; designate benefits and sponsorships. Produce name tags and tables signs, assign bidder numbers, and track in-kind gifts. Take full advantage of this powerful RE tool.

RE111

Tribute Module

Memorial and honor gifts are common and must be carefully acknowledged. Such gifts typically require at least two acknowledgements, sometimes more. The donor, his/her family members, and the honoree must all be entered in RE, and each must be part of the “thank you” process. Correct entry also ensures accuracy in your published lists. We show you how to manage this sensitive process with ease.

RE112

Membership Module

This module needs to be set up correctly before you can use it effectively: linking memberships to gifts and benefits to groups requires a thorough knowledge of the mechanics. We help you understand how to navigate and demonstrate how to track renewals and upgrades.

RE113

Administration: Importing Data

Save time and ensure accuracy by importing large amounts of data with the click of your mouse. Once mastered, this complicated process is an essential tool for all who hold administrative rights. We show you how to design, format, and clean your data before an import. After this class, translating external information for entry in RE will be a snap.

RE114

Administration: Global Changes, Deletions, Additions

Global tools streamline tedious tasks and ensure accuracy and consistency. They are excellent for organizing, cleaning, and transferring data. We cover all the basics—changing both constituent and gift information, quickly adding or deleting specific data—so you can take control of your information and adapt to changes that may require modifications.

RE115

Administration: Working with Tables and Fields

Tables and Fields are the foundation of your database infrastructure, allowing you to control what goes in and how it comes out. Learn how to set up rules that all users must follow to ensure that data is entered consistently and accurately; how to create custom fields for your organization and tables that increase the level of detail in your data.

RE201

Customized Classes

These classes are tailored to an organization’s needs. Have a special project or large group of employees to be trained? Want to spend extra time on a particular subject? We’ll build a class just for you—and conduct it at your office if more convenient.

RE301

Blackbaud® Online Products

Blackbaud’s Sphere, Grow, and NetCommunity have become essential tools for today’s connected world. With them you can build a newsletter, create an e-blast, process a credit card, and much more. This class conveys the basics as well as more advanced steps.