FUND E-Z Development Corporation - FUND E-Z Accounting

From the Nov. 2009 Review of Not-for-Profit
Accounting Programs.

FUND
E-Z Development Corporation has offered nonprofit software for 20 years. The
latest release, Version 10, offers a completely rewritten software product that
is now a client/server application utilizing MS/SQL Express 2005.

EASE OF USE/FLEXIBILITY-
FUND E-Z’s user interface uses the ‘ribbon style’ menu found
in Microsoft 2007 Office. There ribbons are Home, Batch, G/L, A/P, P/O, A/R
Client Billing, Allocations, Fund Raising. And each ribbon contains four sections:
Add New, Items, Reports and Help. The Items area is where users can access lists
and perform tasks. The interface uses tabs across the top of the screen that
provide access to installed modules. To the right of the screen is a fully customizable
vertical menu that will display frequently used functions or informational screens
chosen by the user.

Clicking on a function will bring up an additional screen that contains a
series of function icons. Data-entry screens are easily navigated and free of
clutter, with lookup options available when needed.

MODULES/SCALABILITY-
FUND E-Z Accounting comes with GL, Bank Reconciliation, Budgeting, AP, AR, Client
Billing, Direct Allocations, Security and Tools. The FUND E-Z Pro version includes
these same modules as well as Purchase Orders/Encumbrances, Indirect Allocations
and Batch Processing. FUND E-Z Pro is an excellent option for nonprofits that
need a little more flexibility and customization capability. Also available
is the excellent FUND Raising module, as well as a HIPAA Billing module.

Most nonprofits will be able to use FUND E-Z Accounting without purchasing
the FUND E-Z Pro edition of the product, but for those in an active growth stage
or those that anticipate future growth, purchasing the Pro module will ensure
that the software will grow right alongside the organization.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY-
FUND E-Z Version 10 is a completely new product, with improved navigation and
system functionality. Changing the architecture of FUND E-Z changed its functionality
significantly. Using a client/server application has made FUND E-Z a more reliable
product, with increased system speed and better data integrity. Other changes
include a complete redesign of the user interface with FUND E-Z now utilizing
the ‘ribbon’ style interface found in Office 2007 (as previously
noted). A fully customizable Quick Access Toolbar allows users to place frequently
used functions all in one area for even quicker system access. Pull-down lookup
fields are found throughout, and the addition of ‘on the fly’ capability
makes entering data more efficient.

Importing and exporting data has also been enhanced, as has the audit trail
function. When entering repetitive data, information is memorized for easier
data field completion. The recurring features function has been improved, as
well, allowing for the setup of daily, weekly, monthly or yearly recurring transactions.

The FUND Raising module has been completely revamped and can now be used as
a stand-alone module or fully integrated with FUND E-Z’s GL. A donor history
tab has been added that provides one-click access to complete donor history.
The new user-defined mailing list function allows for the addition of donors
to any and all appropriate mailing lists. The addition of pledge payment scheduling
allows for the easy generation of a payment schedule and sending out reminders.

The FUND E-Z Pro module also offers numerous enhancements, including segment-level
security and provisional posting that allows users to see the ‘what-if’
results of selected transactions. The new batch entry feature allows transactions
to be reviewed prior to posting.

REPORTING-
FUND E-Z Version 10 processes all necessary financial reports required by nonprofits,
including FASB 117. An integrated custom report writer is included, simplifying
the customization of standard reports via the Custom field. This feature allows
for the creation of an entirely new report using some of the criteria from an
existing report.

New in Version 10 are expanded reporting filters, along with the ability to
print reports with specific ‘to/from’ dates instead of just month
and year. All reports can be printed using cross-fiscal year data, and new drilldown
capability allows users to drilldown to originating data in reports. All reports
can also be exported or emailed as PDF, RTF, HTML, Excel, CSV, Text or Image
files.

SUPPORT/HELP-
FUND E-Z’s ‘Help’ functionality offers the ability to search
for specific items. A support agreement is required for the first year of product
ownership. Support agreements offer unlimited telephone support, free software
revisions and access to FUND E-Z’s Support Center. Training classes are
also available, both online and onsite.

RELATIVE VALUE-
Quality doesn’t always have to be expensive, and FUND E-Z proves it, offering
a single-user system for $1,995. The FUND Raising module is $995, and FUND E-Z
Pro is $1,495. Five additional system users will cost $1,495. Though FUND E-Z
has been reviewed in the past, Version 10 is an entirely new product that deserves
serious consideration from small to mid-sized nonprofits looking for an affordable,
reliable system that can grow with the organization.

2009 OVERALL RATING: