Is Raiser’s Edge Easy to Learn?

Understanding Raiser’s Edge

Before exploring whether Raiser’s Edge is easy to learn, it’s important to understand what it is.

Raiser’s Edge is a software program that helps nonprofits manage their fundraising and donor management activities. It offers a range of features, including donor management, event management, online fundraising, prospect management, volunteer management and more.

Raiser’s Edge also has powerful reporting capabilities and integrates with other software programs such as accounting and marketing automation platforms.

Is Raiser’s Edge Easy to Learn?

No software program is entirely easy to learn, but Raiser’s Edge can be particularly challenging due to its complexity. New users can easily feel overwhelmed at the start, but fortunately there are a number of resources available that can help them overcome any initial struggle.

The Raiser’s Edge software has a comprehensive online help center, which provides access to articles, videos, and other resources that can help you navigate your way around the software.

Additionally, Raiser’s Edge provides online training opportunities, such as webinars, e-learning courses, and virtual conferences, which can help new users navigate the software and learn best practices.

Raiser’s Edge Training Opportunities

There are various training opportunities available to Raiser’s Edge users. For instance, new users can participate in orientation webinars that introduce them to basic Raiser’s Edge concepts.

Users can also participate in virtual conferences, monthly webinars showcasing tips and tricks on how to use the software to its full potential. You can also consider enrolling in the Raiser’s Edge e-learning portal, “Blackbaud University,” which offers online courses for new users and advanced users alike. Enrollment does come at a significant cost, however, and many non-profit organizations find it difficult for their staff to fully invest the amount of time required to make this form of training a good investment.

Finally, you can also consider professional Raiser’s Edge training. At Marsherall Partners, we offer both on-site and remote training courses for nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Use Caution When Learning from your Raiser’s Edge Peer Community

Joining the online communities of Raiser’s Edge users can be an attractive option for many who are new to the software, but it’s important to remember that not all advice is equal in terms of quality. While these forums usually contain users happy to help others navigate their way around the software, the quality of the response can be less consistent than dedicated, professional training, and in some cases could even go against best practices.

Worth Navigating the Learning Curve

Is Raiser’s Edge easy to learn? In the end, it depends on your organization’s needs, resources, and experience with software programs similar to it. However, if your organization is in need of powerful fundraising capabilities that can help you manage donor data and raise funds more efficiently, opting for Raiser’s Edge is the way to go.

Always remember, though, that Rome was not built in a day. Even with new user-friendly functionalities, online help, community spaces, and comprehensive training resources, learning Raiser’s Edge is an ongoing process for users of all abilities. Even for those with years of experience, there is always something new to learn.