ADVANCEMENT

Advancement is a department with great scope at ABC. If it isn't running a program or running the organization itself, it probably is an advancement function. This department is focused on taking ABC beyond our current capacity so that our programs can impact more people. This means more raised money, more earned money, more awareness, and a stronger case for support. 

Think of advancement like an umbrella. Under that umbrella, we have what other organizations would silo into different departments:

• Fundraising: also known as development in many organizations, this is the act of soliciting donations for the organization. This includes everything from grant writing and the Chipotle fundraisers and annual appeal letters to major donors and friends that put ABC in their wills.

• Marketing: otherwise known as spreading the word. We do this in a variety of ways, including social media, blog stories, events (big and small), and more.

• Data: data is EVERYONE'S job at ABC, but it’s our job to oversee the greater data strategy. What information do we need to increase impact, raise awareness, and tell our story? Which data points speak the loudest? We accomplish these goals in conjunction with all ABC staff and data consultants from Data Bloom.

• Member Services: previously known as our donor-directed accounts, ABC has 200+ member accounts that leverage our fiscal agency program. We provide several services, both paid and unpaid, to these members, mostly surrounding fundraising and marketing. These accounts typically earn ABC enough revenue to justify the costs associated and also impact upwards of 5,000 students per year. 

Please use this advancement page to find ways to tell your story, raise awareness for what you’re doing, ask for support, increase impact, or communicate growth. We want you to succeed, and we hope these tools help.

ADVANCEMENT SYSTEMS

• Neon One - is a customer relationship management system (CRM) we use for online fundraising. It allows non-profits to track relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and other key stakeholders, to better be able to raise funds and grow the organization. If you need to use this software, contact Vanessa Macy.

• QuickBooks (QBO) - is an accounting software that tracks income and expenses. The system is designed to organize a company’s financial information so that reporting of data is easier and automated. QBO allows us to accept incoming payments from multiple online payment processors and manage bill paying and invoicing. If you need to use this software, contact Karen Swedersky.

• PayPal - is an online payment system that supports online money transfers and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods such as checks and money orders. We use PayPal as an easy way for donors to give to ABC on our website and also to organizations that are members of our fiscal agency program. If you need this software, contact Lindsay Spaulding Simmons.

• Square - is a payment processing system that can be used in-person and/or online. Many of our members use this tool at in-person fundraising events to create a quick and easy donation experience. If you’re interested in using this software, contact Lindsay Spaulding Simmons.

DIGITAL RESOURCES

• LeagueApps - this software was donated in perpetuity to ABC to use for athletics teams. The software can track team registrants, family contact info, personal info, team performance metrics, attendance, waivers, and game schedules. It can also help share this relevant info with families. If you’re interested in using this software, contact Carmen LB.

• DataBloom - ABC has engaged a limited contract with Data Bloom to produce a sustainable data dashboard we can leverage to track and showcase our impact and operational data long term. For help refining your data strategy or aligning with ABCs data strategy, contact Carmen LB.

• MailChimp - Adam oversees our use of MailChimp.

• WordPress/Our Website - Adam works to update our ABC website. Please be sure to reach out to him for any needed changes. 

• Canva - this online graphic design and branding software makes it easy to produce attractive social media content and collateral for low-stakes events and purposes. For access and training, contact Carmen LB. For more complex branding projects, please reach out to Vanessa Macy to work with our contracted designer within branding guidelines.

• Docusign - this online tool makes it easier for us to send contracts and agreements around for signatures. Common uses are for invoices, member and employee agreements, and donor statements. If you need DOCUSIGN, reach out to Vanessa Macy.