Story Image:

When Marla Cautilli took her position as Development Director at Summit Academy in Louisville, Kentucky, she was thrilled about the mission of the school and about working to benefit children with learning disabilities. She was not so excited about the donor database that the school was using. She was not familiar with the software. In fact, no one was. Both of the employees that utilized that database were no longer with the organization. When they looked into the cost of training the staff on this software, they decided the best short-term solution would be to create their own database. They used that for about a year, during which time they searched for a donor tracking system that had the flexibility of a self-designed database, user-friendly features, compatibility with their fundraising process, and a competitive price. Those needs are what drew them to eTapestry.

Summit Academy adopted the Benevon model of fundraising in 2004. Benevon provides training and coaching for nonprofits around a specific fundraising strategy. At their first workshop they heard about eTapestry and their Next Step component that is designed specifically for organizations using Benevon. Summit experienced success with the Benevon fundraising process and saw eTapestry as a perfect way to take their fundraising to a new level. While the price and capabilities of the eTapestry database were the reason they chose eTapestry, the purchase came with an unexpected positive feature - the ears of the eTapestry staff.

The mission of Summit Academy is to teach children the way they learn rather than expecting them to learn the way we teach. This is accomplished by listening to the individual needs of each child. When Marla discovered that a data tracking system could adjust to her organizations needs, just like Summit Academy adjusts to the needs of its students, she was impressed. "eTapestry really listens!" states Marla. "They understand what I need or want, and they make changes to accommodate me. It's amazing!"

Marla began using the eTapestry database 4 years ago, and over the years their needs changed. They had to be able to store and track information differently within the database to reflect these changes. "Between the Support Staff and the Suggestions Team, eTap always seems to find the answer, whether they find the ability within the database or create a change in the software in order to accommodate the need," said Marla. "When we encounter something that we can't figure out how to best track within the database, the Support Staff listens to our issue and works to find an option that will produce the desired results. They are very knowledgeable and patient."

Of course, there are times when it is not a matter of navigating the database, sometimes the database is simply not designed to perform a desired function. And that is where the eTapestry Suggestions Team comes in.

"A couple of years ago we wanted to be able to create letters that contained certain combinations of information. We submitted suggestions to the eTap Suggestion Team and they gave the Correspondence section an overhaul that better met our expectations," said Marla. "A year later we wanted to share complete pledge schedules and all related pledge information in our pledge reminder letters, and eTapestry responded with the new Pledge Schedule template. This has saved me hours, if not days, of work. It's easier for me, and my donors like it too."

Most recently Summit Academy contacted eTapestry Suggestions to request a better option for entering upgraded pledges. "eTapestry made it happen and it is wonderful!" exclaimed Marla. "It seems like eTapestry is always getting more and more user friendly. They continue to grow and evolve along with nonprofit organizations needs."

"Sometimes they even make changes before we ask for them, or even think of them. They seem to be in tune with the fundraising world and any new changes that might impact their users," explained Marla.

"An added benefit to eTapestry is their relationship with Benevon. The Next Step component of eTapestry allows us to easily produce reports that assist us in our Benevon workshops. It is marvelous!"

"I can't say enough about eTapestry's willingness to accommodate the needs of their users and the ability for them to do so quickly and effectively. It has definitely been an unexpected and wonderful surprise," said Marla. "I take great comfort in knowing that no matter what needs I may have in the future, eTapestry will be ready and willing to listen."

About eTapestry

Since its release as the first web-based fundraising software for nonprofits in 1999, eTapestry has grown to a leadership position with over 5000 nonprofit customers worldwide. eTapestry provides On-Demand fundraising solutions, including a donor database, website development, ecommerce, and advanced email. To learn more, visit us at www.etapestry.com, or call us at 888-739-3827. eTapestry is a Blackbaud Company.