What We Do

As a fundraising software consulting firm specializing in database solutions for the non-profit sector, Michitsch Systems has extensive experience in fundraising management & fundraising systems such as the following – Click on each section to expand for details.

Blackbaud: The Raiser’s Edge™ & NXT

The Raiser’s Edge™ developed by Blackbaud Inc. (www.blackbaud.com) is the leading software package for managing your fundraising activities. Our consultants are skilled experts in all aspects of The Raiser’s Edge™, including data conversions, migrations and repairs; upgrades; importing, exporting & segmentation. Since we have been in business, we have worked on more than 130 Raiser’s Edge client databases.

Data Conversion

In 2000, Blackbaud Inc. hired Michitsch Systems to conduct Data Conversions on their behalf. Shortly afterward, they made the strategic decision to run all their conversions in-house; however, Michitsch Systems continues to conduct data conversions for clients who choose not to hire Blackbaud for the service. Our experts have converted hundreds of data files from various systems including websites, event tracking and auction software and Campus Call software, to name a few.

Diagnostics

Our structured, systematic approach to database assessment has a proven track record with our clients. Through careful analysis, we identify inconsistencies and areas of concern. We conduct data cleanup, as well as establish safeguards for you to carry forward – so that you can be confident that your data is accurate and up to date.

Optimization

We can help you optimize your Raisers’ Edge capabilities – by developing user-friendly database features that suit your needs and support your fundraising goals. We can assist you with all aspects of database organization and policy development to ensure that your system continues to run smoothly.
We have successfully implemented many donor management systems for The Raiser’s Edge™ with our clients, including;

Major Gift Prospecting Systems
Campaign Management
Mailing List Development
Planned Giving Management
Prospect & Moves Management
Business Intelligence Metrics & Key Performance Indicators
Board Reporting & Strategic Planning
Event Management
PCI Compliancy
Membership Management

Whether your goals include increasing donor revenue, improving relationships or maximizing your reporting abilities, Michitsch Systems can get you there

Project Management

Project Management requires that the combination of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques of the Project Manager be applied strategically to all project activities in order to meet the project requirements. Based on a logical progression of several grouped processes (the 5 Process Groups), Project Management is recognized as an official, highly successful system for achieving your organization’s strategic plan.

Managing a project typically includes:

Identifying requirements
Addressing the needs, concerns and expectations of the stakeholders as the project is planned and carried out
Balancing the competing project constraints, including – but not limited to – Scope, Quality, Budget, Resources and Risk

In July of 2009, Cathy received her PMP (Project Management Professional) designation after proving 10,000 hours of Project Management experience. This designation officially recognizes Cathy Michitsch as possessing the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques required for successful project management. With 10,000 hours of experience to guide her, Cathy’s expertise will prove invaluable to your Project.

Training

You want your team of fundraisers to work confidently and effectively; to uphold the values and carry out the good work of your organization. To this end, proper training on your user-directed systems is vital.

Our Raiser’s Edge training specialists come onsite to you to create the perfect customized training environment for your team. We work with your data and related questions to achieve targeted instruction that addresses your needs.

We have experience running onsite sessions for entire organizational departments, as well as one-on-one training with individual users. Whether you are using the system for the first time, or are looking to advance your knowledge, we can help.

Michitsch Systems Customized Boot Camps

Each year, Michitsch Systems runs several Raiser’s Edge Customized “Boot Camps” for our clients that are looking to improve their understanding of the system. The classroom-style Boot Camp, at your site, is an opportunity to learn in-depth and hands-on about some of the more challenging aspects of Raiser’s Edge; and also to introduce you to some tricks and shortcuts that you may not know existed! Call for more information.

*The timing of this service is dependent on client demand. If you’re interested in a Boot Camp in the near future, please contact us.

Policies & Procedures Manuals

A Database Policies & Procedures manual is essential for any non-profit wanting to protect the integrity of their information. These manuals are key when it comes to consistency in data entry; they are an invaluable training tool for staff and consistently result in improved productivity.

Michitsch Systems has designed numerous customized Policy & Procedures manuals for our Raiser’s Edge™ clients. Often developed as a result of a database audit, these manuals reflect key decision making concerning your database configuration, and establish standardized data entry procedures.

Our manuals also contain enough basic information about The Raiser’s Edge™ program to help guide new users along the way.

Blackbaud Online Products

We have experience supporting and building online pages, queries, reports, and data synchronizing to Raiser’s Edge with these Blackbaud products:

Online Express
Luminate Online (“LO”)
NetCommunity
Sphere (Friends Asking Friends)

With Luminate Online we not only created online donation pages for everyday use, but also set up a LO site to handle a multi-million dollar telethon weekend. Donors were able to donate online easily and volunteers used LO pages to enter all the pledges that came in over the phone.