Implementing the Fundraising Extension in CyberGrants involves collaboration between your program team and Bonterra’s implementation specialists to ensure alignment with the platform’s standardized methodology. This methodology is critical to maintaining system stability and reducing risk during and after deployment.

The following steps will guide you through the implementation process for this extension, from initial planning through post-implementation management. 

Pre-Implementation Planning

Step 1: Define Fundraising Goals and Scope

Start by identifying the high-level goals and use cases for your fundraising functionality. Consider the types of events your employees will host and how they will engage with donors. 

• Will fundraisers be open to all employees or targeted groups?
• What donation methods will be available (e.g., credit card, offline)?
• What details should appear on fundraiser pages (e.g., event type, date, location)? 

Step 2: Identify Internal Resources and Roles

Assemble your internal team to support the implementation process. Typical roles include: 

• A program administrator or point of contact
• A team member responsible for fundraiser content and event creation
• An IT contact (if applicable) for internal testing and system access 

Step 3: Understand Platform Constraints

Ensure that your team is aware of the extension's limitations, so expectations are aligned: 

• Payroll donations are not supported for fundraising events.
• You may make only one change per calendar year to the configuration, and only within the scope of the extension.
• All functionalities must follow Bonterra’s standard methodology. 

Implementation Process

Step 4: Kick Off with Your Implementation Project Manager

Begin by scheduling a kickoff call with your assigned Bonterra Project Manager. This session will cover: 

• The implementation timeline
• Data requirements and content preparation
• Key decision points for configuration 

Step 5: Provide Event Criteria and Filter Needs

Work with Bonterra to define the specific filters and display elements for your Fundraiser Search Portlet. You’ll be asked to provide: 

• Event types you want to track
• Date ranges and location filters (e.g., ZIP code, state)
• Content for event listings (e.g., title, organization, description) 

Step 6: Portlet Configuration

Bonterra will configure the following: 

• Fundraiser Search Portlet, including:
  • Keyword search
  • Display fields such as title, date/time, and event type
  • Filters for event type, date range, and location 

• Fundraiser Progress Portlet, which will show:
  • The total amount raised
  • The fundraising goal for each event 

Step 7: Conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Once the portlets are configured, your team will participate in UAT in a test environment. You will verify: 

• The accuracy of fundraiser listings and filters
• Donation workflows for credit card and offline donations
• The fundraiser's progress is to ensure that it reflects submitted donations 

No functionality will move into production without your formal approval. 

Step 8: Approve and Deploy to Production

After testing is complete and all items are verified, you’ll confirm your readiness for deployment. Bonterra will then schedule and promote the configuration to your production environment. 

Post-Implementation Management

Step 9: Monitor Fundraising Engagement

Regularly review activity through the Fundraiser Progress Portlet and internal reporting to assess participation and campaign effectiveness. 

Step 10: Plan Annual Configuration Updates

Since only one change per calendar year is allowed: 

• Track any desired changes throughout the year
• Plan configuration updates in advance of your fundraising calendar 

Step 11: Promote Fundraising Opportunities Internally

Encourage employee participation by promoting active fundraising events through internal communications such as: 

• Company newsletters
• Intranet announcements
• Manager shout-outs or recognition programs 

Step 12: Provide Ongoing Training and Support

Ensure internal staff and support teams are familiar with how the fundraising experience works: 

• Train key users on using filters and submitting donations
• Provide help desk guidance on common donor questions 

By following these steps, you can implement the Fundraising Extension smoothly and ensure your program gets the most value out of this employee engagement tool. For help getting started, please contact your assigned Implementation Project Manager.