From time to time, we get word from a partner, client, or team member that some information has been shared about Foundant’s software and services that isn’t completely accurate.
It’s an easy tactic to claim we are getting too big. But our sustained growth over the last 15+ years allows us to outshine our competition in customer service.
★ ★ ★ ★
“I found it was easy to navigate when learning, and there are great tutorials to help you get familiar with the software. The support during integration was amazing. As the software goes through upgrades, Foundant provides easy-to-follow webinars.”
Patty F. | Finance and Operations Director
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The customer service is always top notch. When I have questions, I am always met with help by friendly kind people who walk me through the specifics.”
Britta F. | Grants and Operations manager
The right core system for your organization
Selecting the right community management software is pivotal for your organizational success. Particularly for organizations in the social good sector, the choice of software can profoundly impact operational efficiency and community engagement.
Key features to look for in Foundation management software
Integrated fund accounting and CRM: Essential for seamlessly managing finances and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Portal: recently updated, CommunitySuite’s Portal allows you to customize a seamless experience for a wide range of users – from donors to fund managers to grantees. Make engaging with your organization easier.
- Grant and scholarship management: Streamlines the application, review, and award processes – including post-award management and communication.
- Donor management: Keeps track of donor interactions, preferences, and history to enhance fundraising strategies.
- Event management: Facilitates the planning, promotion, and execution of events.
- Online giving: Simplifies the process for online donations, a crucial component of modern fundraising.
- Customer service: Offers robust support to ensure users maximize the software’s potential.
Solution features in detail
CommunitySuite delivers purpose-built foundation management software that addresses the unique needs of philanthropic organizations, while AkoyaGO relies on a generic business accounting platform that requires extensive customization and integration.
Fund Accounting
| CommunitySuite | AkoyaGo |
|---|---|
| Purpose-built fund accounting designed for community foundations | Generic business accounting using Microsoft Business Central – not designed for community foundation fund accounting |
| Multiple native admin fees and revenue share capabilities | Requires customization for complex fee structures |
| Transparent balance swap details with full visibility | Automated balance swaps with no transparency – “black box” approach |
| Configurable fund statements with flexible formatting options | Limited statement customization without additional development |
With financial and CRM functionality in one system, your teams will be more efficient and your organization will be positioned to develop even stronger donor and community relationships.
CRM
| CommunitySuite | AkoyaGo |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive profile pages with a complete constituent view | Profile information spread thin across the system |
| Profile designations and categorization for targeted outreach | Limited profile designation capabilities |
| Quick donation history view showing giving patterns over time | Fragmented giving history requires navigation between systems |
| Communication tracking within unified system | Communication history may not sync between CRM and accounting |
| Advanced search and filtering across all profile data | Limited search functionality in system |
System Architecture and Integration
| CommunitySuite | AkoyaGo |
|---|---|
| Unified single platform | Two separate systems (CRM and accounting) and sometimes the sync can break |
| No additional software costs – complete solution included | Additional Microsoft Suite expenses required |
| Native integrations for all community foundation activities | Requires third-party integrations for donations and accounting |
Support and Partnership Approach
| CommunitySuite | AkoyaGo |
|---|---|
| Extended support hours for critical foundation needs. 7:00am-6:00pm Monday-Friday | Limited support hours: 7:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday only |
| Dedicated support team approach with comprehensive coverage (Average resolution time of less than 3 hours) | Spread-thin support, some clients have had to wait up to 3 weeks for a response from support |
| Larger engineering team dedicated to clients’ needs | Smaller development resources spread across various business needs |
| Idea Lab – commitment to continuous improvement based on client feedback | Custom development focus – limited input from clients on feature development |
| Community-driven development with input from foundations | Development driven by Microsoft Business Central roadmap, not community foundation needs |
As discussed earlier, Foundant consistently excels at client support. Whether via phone, chat, or email, our team thrives on helping clients make a difference in their communities. We offer a detailed knowledge base kept up to date by our dedicated product education team in tandem with our frequent product releases.
Many of our team members – across all areas, but particularly in support – started at Foundant after having worked as foundation staff – grants managers, fund accountants, program officers, and more come to Foundant looking for the next step in their careers and a way to use their knowledge and expertise to help their peers in the industry.
We learn from our clients, and we promise to always prioritize your success.
40%
of Foundant team members have worked in the philanthropic sector
455
Idea Lab ideas (ideas submitted from clients) implemented in 2023
98%
98% satisfaction with support resolution
Keys to choosing the right software for you
At the end of the day only you can decide what the right choice is for your organization based on the benefits, cost, key features, and company support.
Here are a few last things to keep in mind as you continue your search:
- Assess your organization’s needs. Involve your team to identify current pain points and define goals.
- Consider your budget and clarify hidden fees or costs associated with getting the support you need to be successful.
- Understand ease of use, implementation timeline, and training requirements
- Evaluate customer support by talking to current clients a vendor has “taken away” from the other vendor(s) being evaluated.
- And, most importantly, talk to other users of the systems being evaluated, including ones the vendors do NOT provide as references.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about what Foundation management means for Foundant. More importantly, thank you for all you do to make all our communities a better place.
We welcome your questions and look forward to partnering with you to elevate your foundation management and expand your community engagement.