Nancy Ketchman
Former Director of Advancement, Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi
Before working with Donor Database Experts, we were managing three large databases for our national direct mail program. On the surface, it appeared that we had millions of donors. However, donors were listed multiple times, we were mailing to deceased individuals, and we had a costly and inefficient acquisition program that wasn’t yielding the results we needed. It became clear that our databases were preventing us from running effective campaigns and, worse, alienating donors. We needed an expert to help us streamline and modernize our system.
From the very beginning, Donor Database Experts were incredibly thorough in understanding the unique challenges we faced. They didn’t just jump into solutions; they took the time to listen, ask insightful questions, and truly understand our complex needs. I had interviewed other consulting firms, but it was clear that Donor Database Experts stood out because of their professionalism, honesty, and depth of experience. They were upfront about what was a realistic timeline for our solution, which was invaluable in helping me set proper expectations with my team.
We needed a consultant who was really part of the team. I definitely feel like that with Donor Database Experts. The DDX team has great trainers. They're patient, they answer all of our questions, they're responsive.
Donor Database Experts worked closely with us during every step of the process. First, they assisted in selecting the right database solution. They sat in on every call I had with different software vendors, helping me ask the right questions and ensure we chose the best option.
Once we selected the system, DDX took charge of the customization and implementation. They helped us merge the data from our three databases into one cohesive system, ensuring that the conversion was as smooth as possible. The attention to detail they provided was outstanding—they travelled to our headquarters and conducted on-site training for our team. We have regular check-in calls to address any ongoing questions or challenges. They weren’t just consultants—they truly felt like part of our team. They helped us with more than just the technical aspects; they also guided us on best practices for tracking members of our giving societies, handling major gifts, and ensuring that our database could support our broader goals.
Thanks to Donor Database Experts, we have a database that works for us. The new system is not only cutting-edge but also highly customized to meet the specific needs of our large donor program. We no longer waste money sending duplicate mailings to the same donors, and the integrity of our list has helped us run more effective campaigns. Our donors are happier, and we’re able to focus on cultivating major gifts and building stronger relationships.
If you’re considering working with Donor Database Experts, I wholeheartedly recommend them. They are one of the most professional and knowledgeable teams I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I can honestly say that our database transformation would not have been possible without them, and I’m incredibly grateful for their partnership.
