Representing a broad range of not-for-profit organisations - small, large, city-based, rural - 86 people took part in Harlequin’s sector survey. Information was collected at the CHASE Conference and the Institute of Fundraising’s Yorkshire region’s Annual Conference during spring 2011.

Amongst other questions, charities and membership organisations were asked to complete this statement:


In the future, in relation to technology, we would like to…

Responses from non-Harlequin customers at CHASE and IoF Yorks Conference included:

    • “Be 100% efficient in managing our data – clean and reliant”
    • “Better relationship management.”
    • “Improve our use of social media.”
    • “Have a database that is simple to use.”
    • “Do more with video.”
    • “Use mobile/SMS fundraising.”
    • “Automate processes.”
    • “Reduce travel and try virtual conferences.”
    • “Have an efficient database that does fundraising functions as well as financial functions.”
    • “Remote access for all users.”
    • “Link with online activity.”
    • “Have everything in one place.”
    • “Have an in-house IT professional.”
    • “The fundraising team to have more control of the website; IT run this at the moment.”
    • “Easier access to information.”
    • “Get our ICT strategy in place.”
    • “Expand what we have.”
    • “Make more of our website.”
    • “To have more of our services in the cloud.”
    • “Minimise time wasted – make things easy.”

Tom Ellis, Managing Director of Harlequin, comments: “Hearing a broad voice of the sector is crucial to Harlequin - it is our motto to be all-ears. This helps with product design and ensures we continue to meet consumer needs. We will be using our survey at every event as this is a great way to have many invaluable conversations about what people want and expect from technology in the not-for-profit sector.”

Golden iPods won by fundraising managers in Harlequin survey

Helene Abbiss Fundraising and Communications Manager from Parity for Disability and Breeda Barry (pictured)Fundraising Manager from the Ear Trust have each won a golden iPod in the survey prize draws run by Harlequin Software.