Another GiftWorks Testimonial June 18, 2009

I hope you're not getting tired of reading GiftWorks testimonials, because we have so many inspirational ones to share!  While we at Mission Research are in the software business, and do it very well, we are also mission-driven.  And I think that's what makes us different.  We are completely motivated by the important and innovative work being done by nonprofits across the globe.  We also are very aware of the change and empowerment great software can bring to these organizations.  We take our responsibility extremely seriously and are always gratified to know when we've done well. 

So, here's a great story from Joy Wallace,  Development Director at the Fransican Spiritual Center in Milwaukie, Oregon.  And unless you tell me to stop, this testimonial won't be the last!

When I came to the Franciscan Spiritual Center as the Development Director three years ago, I asked where the organization’s database was, because I wanted to send out an appeal. I soon found that my colleagues did not know what a “database” was, and found a pile of papers in my mailbox with lists of people’s names and addresses … some were handwritten lists on yellow lined paper! Consequently, one of my first priorities as a new staff member was to find a database program that would work well for us. I asked other staff members how they might use information from a database as a guide for my search.

I called the Technical Assistance for Community Services (TACS), Portland, Oregon 

organization designed to support non-profits in the area. I asked for help to determine which database would be best for the Franciscan Spiritual Center. I soon met with a TACS consultant, who gave me files of materials about various databases plus a few free sample CDs. I reviewed the print materials, and brought the CDs back to my office.

From the moment I opened up the sample GiftWorks CD, I knew it would be the database for us. I found GiftWorks to be very user friendly and self explanatory. I could also see that we would benefit from many of the features included in GiftWorks. In addition to the GiftWorks program, we purchased GiftWorks Premium Support for the first year. The technical assistance I received via telephone and e-mail the first year was excellent!

The Franciscan Spiritual Center offers a variety of programs and retreats, so we now keep track of the people who participate in each program. This allows us to market new programs by sending out targeted announcements. It allows staff members easy access to participant lists for their personal use and we can track growth and interest in new and familiar programs.

We have a crew of twenty-plus volunteers, who assist us at the Center, and we use GiftWorks to keep track of who volunteers, and make notes about what types of jobs are done for us by specific individuals. Once again, GiftWorks makes it easy to communicate with volunteers and keep current with their participation.

Like other non-profits, donations are a challenge for us. GiftWorks has been invaluable in tracking donations, comparing donations over the three years we have been using it, and helping us to make informed decisions about development strategies. I am able to revise and update the mailing list for each appeal, and easily send an Excel file of the list to our printer who also does our bulk mailing.

We are delighted with GiftWorks as our database. It has been a gift to the Franciscan Spiritual Center, and it is a gift that works well for us.

Peace,

Joy Wallace

Development Director

Comments

I would like to know how could I add the history of South Kids International and how people could help the street children from Brazil?
Thanks,
Elaine
South kids international

Hi Elaine,
We would love to hear your story and will share it if we can. Just email us at info@missionresearch.com.

Thanks!