RaiserSync FAQ

What syncs

Does RaiserSync sync every Raiser's Edge field?

No. RaiserSync syncs a set list of fields, plus up to 25 Raiser's Edge attributes (custom fields) you choose yourself. The field reference lists everything. If you need something that isn't there, tell us: we add features to the app for everyone, based on what organizations ask for.

Does RaiserSync bring over Raiser's Edge relationships?

Yes. When relationships are switched on, every relationship type comes over: spouses, family, employers, board members, foundation contacts and your own custom types. When both records are in HubSpot, they're linked with your Raiser's Edge labels, and every contact gets a household name and a list of relationships. People and organizations added in Raiser's Edge only as a relationship get their own HubSpot record so they can be linked. You can bring over every type or pick the ones you want.

What email and website activity goes back to Raiser's Edge?

Every 3 hours, RaiserSync writes each contact's HubSpot engagement to custom fields on the constituent record: the last marketing email sent, the last time they opened and clicked one, website visits and pageviews, their original source, and HubSpot subscription opt-outs. Additionally you can choose what calls, meetings, mailings and emails to log as Raiser's Edge Actions from a HubSpot workflow. See the field reference.

Does installing RaiserSync bring in our historical data?

No. RaiserSync syncs new gifts and changes from the day you connect. To bring past giving into HubSpot, you can export from Raiser's Edge and import into HubSpot, ideally before gifts start syncing, or we can run a historical import through the Raiser's Edge API as a separate project.

Timing

How quickly do changes sync?

Gifts and constituent changes in Raiser's Edge usually reach HubSpot within 15 minutes. Attributes, membership and relationships are also checked nightly, because Raiser's Edge doesn't announce those changes. Contact edits in HubSpot go back to Raiser's Edge within minutes, and email and website engagement every 3 hours. More on timing.

Why did a batch of old gifts suddenly update in HubSpot?

RaiserSync responds to changes Raiser's Edge reports, and some changes touch many old records at once. Common causes:

• Editing a fund, campaign, appeal or gift type that many gifts share.
• A global change or bulk edit in Raiser's Edge.
• Merging constituents.
• Reconnecting RaiserSync after a gap, which processes the changes from that time.
• Blackbaud maintenance that refreshes records' last-updated dates.

It doesn't mean anything new was imported. To check, ask your Raiser's Edge admins about recent bulk changes and look at a sample gift's last-updated details, or ask us.

Matching and email

What is the System Record ID, and why does RaiserSync match on it?

Raiser's Edge has two IDs: the Constituent ID you see on the record, which can be changed, and an internal System Record ID, which never changes and is what Blackbaud's API uses. RaiserSync saves the System Record ID on every HubSpot record it syncs and matches on it first, then on primary email. How matching works.

Why am I seeing duplicate contacts?

Almost always because a contact was in HubSpot before RaiserSync, without a System Record ID, and its HubSpot email is different from the primary email in Raiser's Edge, or missing. RaiserSync can't tell they're the same person, so it creates a new record. Adding the System Record ID to existing contacts with one import prevents it. How to avoid duplicates.

Which email address becomes the HubSpot email?

The email marked primary in Raiser's Edge. Other addresses on the record become HubSpot secondary emails. If HubSpot rejects the primary address as invalid, the record is still saved and the address is kept in Unformatted Email until it's fixed in Raiser's Edge.

If an email changes in Raiser's Edge, does HubSpot update?

Yes, with that change, not with the next gift. The primary email is kept the same in both systems: change it in Raiser's Edge and HubSpot follows, and change it in HubSpot and Raiser's Edge follows.

Opt-outs and permissions

Where do email opt-outs come from, and do they change HubSpot's own settings?

RaiserSync checks every place Raiser's Edge can say "don't email": the Requests no email setting, Do not email on the primary address, email consent, solicit codes such as Do Not Email, and deceased or inactive status. It sets RE email opt-out to Yes, with the reasons in a second property. The Do not email, mail and call flags also come over as their own properties.

RaiserSync doesn't change HubSpot's built-in subscription or global opt-out status. Build an active list where RE email opt-out is Yes and exclude it from your marketing emails. If your team uses solicit codes for other channels too, decide which properties govern email, mail and phone, and document it so everyone filters the same way.

Plans and support

What does RaiserSync cost?

One plan with everything included: $367 a month, or $3,950 a year billed annually. Organizations on our original one-way plan keep their plan and price, and can move to the current plan any time with no reinstall.

Can RaiserSync be customized for our organization?

We no longer build private customizations. Instead, we add what organizations need to the app itself, so everyone benefits and the app stays simple to run. Tell us what you need at sync@yodelpop.com. We also offer historical imports and help setting up workflows, lists and reports around the synced data.

How do I get help?

Email sync@yodelpop.com with your organization's name, what you're seeing and, for a specific record, its System Record ID.