How does eTapestry work?

eTapestry is a Web-based software that customers access via a Web browser and Internet connection. All customer data is stored on eTapestry's secure servers, allowing customers to access their database and conduct nonprofit business from almost anywhere. Unlike many other Web-based providers, eTapestry is also an application service provider because it does not require nonprofits to maintain the software at their own locations. eTapestry makes upgrades and modifications on weekends at no cost to its users. No costly hardware or software is needed to launch eTapestry and IT staff is not needed to maintain it.

Does eTapestry have experience in the nonprofit sector?

eTapestry's founders were part of the leadership and technology team for Master Software before Blackbaud purchased it in 1997. Many former Master Software employees now work at eTapestry, where collectively, they have more than 300 years of experience in the nonprofit software market. Many eTapestry employees volunteer and serve on charity boards.

What is the track record of eTapestry's management team?

eTapestry's management team is headed up by leaders of Master Software, a former leading provider of popular donor management software products Fund-Master and FM Light. The company was best known for its quality software and outstanding customer support. Master Software had more than 5,500 customers worldwide when Blackbaud purchased it.

How does eTapestry charge for services?

eTapestry runs on a monthly fee or subscription business model, which has shown to be a more steady and stable revenue stream for technology companies. Over a five-year period, eTapestry saves nonprofits about half of what they would spend on software and hardware for a traditional system. Because customers don't commit to more than one month at a time, they have more influence over the product and eTapestry's quality customer service.

How is eTapestry funded?

eTapestry is funded through a core group of founding employees and $6.5 million in venture capital from Boston-based HarbourVest Partners LLC and Indianapolis-based Gazelle TechVentures.

What plans does eTapestry have for future product development?

eTapestry upgrades its system about every six weeks with improvements that include enhancements requested by customers and major upgrades, such as the addition of online giving. These upgrades are typically done on a weekend and do not require any action from eTapestry customers.

Does eTapestry have hidden costs or require hardware upgrades to work properly?

No, all of eTapestry's fees are clear from the beginning. eTapestry's Web-based software does not need hardware upgrades, such as new servers or more powerful computers. All eTapestry users need is a quality Internet connection.

Can customers export eTapestry data when they want to?

Customers can easily export their data any time they want without eTapestry's help. Data can be exported into documents that can be opened in several different applications, such as Excel or Word.

How many customers (not users) does eTapestry have?

eTapestry has about 1,500 nonprofit customers and many more users.

Who are eTapestry's clients?

eTapestry clients range from mid-size nonprofits to one-user customers with small development staffs. Its clients include the Indianapolis-based NCAA Foundation, Grand Rapids Metropolitan YMCA and Maryland-based Goodwill Industries International Inc. Another customer, Brussels-based International Crisis Group, has members who use the Web-based software in New York, Brussels, Paris, Bosnia, Kosovo, Nairobi, Jakarta, Kyrgystgan and Washington, D.C.
eTapestry also partners with groups that represent nonprofits to provide large-member discounts. These partners include Goodwill Industries and Philanthropic Service for Institutions, which represents 300 Seventh-day Adventist academies, colleges, universities and hospitals. eTapestry is the only online donor/alumni software vendor for the Higher Education Cooperative Purchase Consortium, the nation's largest cooperative consortium made up of 1,800 colleges.

Do customers renew with eTapestry?

About 95 percent of eTapestry's customers renew their subscriptions, which is one of the highest renewal rates in the industry.

Is my data safe and secure with eTapestry?

Yes. eTapestry customers' data is stored in the same data center used by Monster.com. The data center is redundant in its number of data links to accommodate peak usage. It also is equipped with diesel generators in case of power outage. Customers' data is stored at multiple, secure locations and backed up daily. Customers use a login ID and password to access their data, which is encrypted with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology, the same protocol used by banks.
eTapestry stores nonprofit data similar to how service bureaus or direct mail firms do. eTapestry does not share, sell or rent data. Customers retain full ownership of their data.

Does eTapestry provide technical support?

Yes. eTapestry provides e-mail and phone support. It often incorporate suggestions from customers in upgrades. The incorporation of technology and experience in the nonprofit marketplace combine to provide the highest levels of support, training and product upgrades. eTapestry's quality of our support services is what makes us stand out from other providers.