Blackbaud, Inc. — The Financial Edge

MANAGEMENT FEATURES :
The Financial Edge users can create an unlimited number of dashboards based on information derived from any available panel of information. All dashboards contain drill-down capability for easy information access. The Financial Edge offers what-if analysis, so users can view various scenarios and choose the one most viable for their organization. Security is multi-level, with the ability to set security levels for projects, accounts and queries, along with standard security options such as module and function level settings. The Budget Control feature can be set to warn or never allow, which will check existing budget levels for overages and will warn users accordingly. The Financial Edge also provides users with excellent collection tools, and the add-on Paper Save module allows for the management of source documents electronically. Fundraising is easy with The Raiser’s Edge, which integrates with The Financial Edge for complete donor and financial management.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS & REPORTING :
All system reports can be easily customized to suit user needs. Optional products such as F9 provide additional spreadsheet report customization capability. The Financial Edge also produces required financial reports such as FASB 117 and GASB 34. Grant and endowment reporting is available through the Project, Grant and Endowment Management module. All reports can be exported to a variety of formats including Excel, HTML, Crystal Reports, ODBC, RTF, Word or XML.

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT :
The Application Programming Interface (API) makes it easy to integrate with third-party products. Common file formats used for data import and export include HTML, Excel, Word and XML. Blackbaud also offers a variety of products that are all designed to integrate with its core product to provide a complete nonprofit solution. Users can provide their accountants with a password to access system functions.

HELP/SUPPORT :
The Financial Edge offers an excellent Help function for each system module. System updates are available on the vendor’s website and can be downloaded when desired. Blackbaud’s website contains an outstanding selection of information, including user guides, FAQs, a product Knowledgebase, and a selection of training options. The Blackbaud Advantage support plans offer varying levels of support based on organizational needs.

SUMMARY & PRICING
The Financial Edge for Small Offices starts at an affordable $2,995, and is suitable for up to three users. Standard modules begin at $2,000 each. The Financial Edge is just a small portion of the financial, fundraising and donation management products offered by Blackbaud. This very comprehensive system is an ideal fit for larger nonprofits that require a high level of accountability and analysis.

2010 Overall Rating: