1. What is Bloomerang CRM?
Bloomerang is a cloud-based constituent relationship management (CRM) system designed for nonprofits. It helps organizations manage donor relationships, track fundraising efforts, and improve donor retention.
2. Why should nonprofits use Bloomerang?
Bloomerang provides tools to:
- Centralize donor and gift data.
- Track donor engagement with real-time insights.
- Create customized reports and campaigns to increase donations.
- Integrate with other fundraising tools for seamless operations.
Getting Started
3. How do I log in to Bloomerang CRM?
- Visit Bloomerang’s login page.
- Enter your username and password.
- Click Login to access your dashboard.
4. What should I do if I forget my password?
- On the login page, click Forgot your password?
- Enter your registered email address.
- Follow the link sent to your email to reset your password.
5. How do I add a new user to my Bloomerang account?
- Go to Settings > Users.
- Click Add User and fill in their details.
- Assign appropriate roles and permissions based on their responsibilities.
- Send them their login credentials.
Donor Management
6. How do I add a new donor?
- Navigate to the Constituents tab.
- Click Add New Constituent and select the constituent type (individual, organization, or household).
- Fill in their contact information, engagement history, and any other relevant details.
- Click Save.
7. How can I track donor interactions?
- Open a donor’s profile in the Constituents tab.
- Use the Timeline to log communications, meetings, or events.
- Add notes, upload files, or set follow-up reminders for future interactions.
8. How do I manage recurring donations?
- Go to the donor’s profile under Recurring Donations.
- View active recurring gifts, update payment methods, or adjust donation amounts and schedules.
Campaigns and Fundraising
9. How do I create a fundraising campaign?
- Go to the Campaigns tab and click Create New Campaign.
- Add campaign details like name, goal, and purpose.
- Assign associated donations to the campaign to track progress.
10. Can I track event attendees and donations?
Yes, use the Events feature to:
- Create and manage events.
- Record attendance and link donations to specific events.
- Track ticket sales and sponsorships.
11. How can I set up a donor acknowledgment letter?
- Go to Templates > Acknowledgment Letters.
- Create or edit a template with your preferred wording.
- Use merge fields to include personalized donor information (e.g., name, gift amount).
- Print or email letters directly from Bloomerang.
Reports and Analytics
12. How do I create a custom report?
- Go to the Reports tab and click Create Report.
- Choose a report type (e.g., donations, constituents, campaigns).
- Apply filters to refine the data and select columns to display.
- Save the report for future use or export it as a PDF/CSV.
13. What is the Engagement Meter, and how does it work?
The Engagement Meter visually represents a donor’s relationship with your organization, factoring in:
- Frequency and recency of donations.
- Communication history.
- Event participation and interactions.
This helps identify high-value donors or those needing more engagement.
Integration and Compatibility
14. What tools integrate with Bloomerang?
Bloomerang integrates with tools like:
- FundraiseUp, DonorSearch, and QuickBooks for fundraising and financial management.
- Mailchimp and Constant Contact for email marketing.
- Zapier for connecting with hundreds of additional apps.
15. How do I set up an integration?
- Go to Settings > Integrations.
- Select the tool you want to connect (e.g., QuickBooks or Mailchimp).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize and configure the integration.
Troubleshooting
16. Why isn’t a donor’s data updating correctly?
- Ensure all required fields are filled in.
- Check for duplicate records in the Constituents tab.
- Re-sync data if using an integration like Mailchimp or QuickBooks.
17. What should I do if a report doesn’t display the expected data?
- Review and adjust the report’s filters.
- Check if the data was correctly entered into Bloomerang.
- Ensure you’re viewing the correct date range.
18. Why is my email campaign not sending?
- Verify your email settings and ensure the recipient list is valid.
- Check for bounce notifications and address any issues.
- Ensure your account has enough email credits (if applicable).
Security and Compliance
19. How does Bloomerang protect donor data?
Bloomerang uses:
- SSL encryption for secure data transmission.
- Role-based access to limit user permissions.
- Regular data backups to prevent loss.
20. Does Bloomerang support GDPR compliance?
Yes, Bloomerang includes tools to:
- Manage donor consent for communications.
- Track and honor data deletion requests.
Billing and Account Management
21. How can I view or update my subscription plan?
- Go to Settings > Account Settings.
- Click Subscription to view your plan and billing details.
- Update your plan or payment method if needed.
22. How do I cancel my Bloomerang subscription?
- Contact Bloomerang Support directly to initiate cancellation.
- Provide the necessary account information and follow their process.
Support and Assistance
23. How can I contact Bloomerang support?
- Use the Help Center for articles and guides.
- Submit a ticket via the Support Portal.
- Call their support line during business hours for direct assistance.
24. Does Bloomerang offer training?
Yes, Bloomerang provides:
- Onboarding sessions for new users.
- Regular webinars and video tutorials.
- Personalized training sessions upon request.