Blackbaud — Fundware

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

Now a Blackbaud product, Fundware (formerly Kintera Fundware) continues to offer nonprofit organizations and government entities solid fund accounting functionality. Designed for mid-sized nonprofits and government entities, Fundware provides users with an excellent, scalable product that offers the flexibility that organizations desire.

EASE OF USE-
Fundware’s user interface is pleasantly uncluttered, with system modules displayed both at the top of the screen utilizing a drop-down menu, along with a vertical display of all modules on the left side of the screen. Clicking on either option will display a list of the functions found within that module. Each module also has a homepage option that can be customized to suit user needs. Clicking on the Open function changes the menu interface to resemble an Explorer-like system, complete with an expandable menu to the left of the screen.

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.