So Why Should I Update My Connector Again?

In the past, the limited ability to send and process memorial and tribute information from Sphere to the Raiser’s Edge Connector has been an unfortunate limitation.  With the Connector version 4.1.1.4, we are alleviating a lot of that frustration!

For memorials/tributes from Sphere, linking can be done automatically or manually through the Donations link, depending on the nature of the data. When [Match or Create Tribute] is clicked, linking is automatic if a unique matching constituent record is found.

If no constituent record matches the acknowledgee data, a new constituent record and link are automatically created.

Now tribute types from Sphere will be automatically created in The Raiser’s Edge if users choose the [Create Tribute] option. If users create the tribute manually using the [F7] method, they will be prompted to provide the tribute type. Users will need to complete the manual process.

In the scenarios where automatic linking is not possible (e.g., multiple matching constituent records), the user can click the [Find Tribute] button to start the manual linking process:

To manually search for acknowledgee relationships, users can place the mouse in the Acknowledgee text area and press the [F7] key to open the Search Relationship Dialog Box. Users can then select or add the necessary relationship.

While processing these gifts, keep in mind that incoming acknowledgees must be linked to constituent records in The Raiser’s Edge in order for the associated transaction to process in The Raiser’s Edge.

If that wasn’t enough to send you into your server room for an update, there is more!  We have added new fields for mapping Memorial and tribute information in Sphere!  Releasing Sphere 9.4.0 brought a few options I know you’re going to like to the Mapping table!

Users automatically have the ability to specify which memorial/tributes to synchronize in The Raiser’s Edge through Sphere. Previously, memorial/tributes from all sources were sent, although only the ones from Single Gift Entry would have the necessary data to be fully compatible with memorial/tributes in The Raiser’s Edge.  Now, you can pick and choose through Control > Administration > Connector Sync > Admin > Memorial/Tribute Fields, what types you wish to send.

Hopefully these new features will make your processing easier and your records more consistent between the two databases;  download The Raiser’s Edge Sphere Connector 4.1.1.4 to take advantage of the new features!  As always, if you come up with the next great feature, please submit it to our Idea Bank!

You can keep up with us on Twitter by following @bbsupport; we use the hashtag #bbsphere when we discuss Blackbaud Sphere. Take a look at our Twitter Guide for more information.