Blackbaud — Fundware

The Classic selections on the menu offer a different navigational system,
with the screens presented less intuitively than the standard interface. Although
they are easily navigated, it may slow new users down until they are comfortable.
However, only setup and infrequently run tasks use the Classic interface.
Data-entry screens throughout Fundware are easily navigated, with a clean interface
and lookup options in all the necessary fields, as well as navigational tabs
that provide access to various system options. Data entry is also helped by
the presence of “smart” boxes that retain prior data-entry information
to fill in fields automatically.

MODULES/SCALABILITY-
Fundware offers users an excellent array of modules that include GL, AR, AP,
Bank Reconciliation, Allocation Management, Advanced Printer Control, Advanced
Security, Budget Preparation, Cash Receipts, Electronic Timesheets, F9 Financial
Reports, Fixed Assets, Import Expert, Report Manager, Advanced Reporter, Corridor
ODBC, Payroll, Project/Grant, and Web Reporter.

The vendor also offers industry-specific packaged solutions for the following
specialties: Educational Foundations, Human Service, Mental Health, Government,
Native American, Workforce Development, and Youth Development organizations.

Fundware is available in two versions: Pro (for one to eight system users)
and Enterprise (for eight to 100+ users). As a scalable option, Fundware allows
users to easily purchase the modules that their organization needs immediately,
and then add others as needed.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY-
The Dashboard feature found in each of the Fundware modules allows complete
customization of the module user interface for each system user. Excellent audit
trail functionality allows management to view all data entered, along with any
changes and deletions, date of the entry, and system user. Fundware easily handles
a variety of allocation types, including indirect cost, flexible, multi-step
and percentage. Users can easily budget in multiple years including multiple
fiscal years, if necessary.

An excellent Project/Grant module will track project and grant information,
and the allocation management allows users to calculate both indirect costs
and investments. Tight budgeting controls in the AP will alert users when budgeted
amounts have been exceeded. Investment revenue can be distributed to a variety
of accounts, including donors, funds or shares. Fundware enables users to manage
unlimited funds and cost centers, and also contains an excellent drilldown capability
from any document in the system.

REPORTING-
Fundware comes with more than 60 predefined financial reports, including FASB
117 reports. The Report Manager module offers numerous report templates that
can be customized to suit the needs of an organization. Fundware also offers
the Advanced Financial Reporting module, which provides specific row and column
definition. Reporting format options include Rich Text, Comma Delimited/CSC
or Unformatted Text.

Fundware’s Advanced Print Control module allows users to create custom
forms including MICR checks, invoices and statements using the pre-defined form
templates that are included in the module. For a personalized touch, organizational
logos can be added to any form created. The F9 Financial Report Writer allows
Fundware files to be lined to Excel in order to create custom spreadsheets.
Select reports can also be exported to the Web.

SUPPORT/HELP-
Fundware currently offers four levels of support plans: Maintenance and Enhancements,
Self Service, Standard, and Premier. User guides are available to registered
users for all support plans. Self Service, Standard and Premier support plans
offer users access to the online product Knowledgebase. Clients of the Maintenance
and Enhancement and Self Service support plans have access to billable per-call
support. Standard and Premier have unlimited call access to the FundWare helpdesk.

Helpdesk hours are Monday through Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday
6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (all times are Mountain). Premier subscribers also have
access to a separate toll-free number answered by a second tier support technician.
Fundware users can utilize the excellent Help function that is found within
the system, and training options are available, including regional classes,
remote one-on-one training and personalized onsite training.

RELATIVE VALUE-
Blackbaud Fundware offers flexible pricing for its nonprofit product line. Modules
range in price from $1,295 to $3,995 and can be purchased as needed. Specialty
packages are also available, with costs varying depending on modules and options
purchased. Although available in a one- to eight-user configuration, Fundware
is truly designed for larger organizations, offering nonprofits and government
entities the flexibility and the power they need in an easily navigated product.

2009 OVERALL RATING: