Fundly gives organizations such as universities, political groups and non profit organizations a way to socially fundraise. The organization can get set up in less than five minutes using their name, Federal Tax ID and address. Fundly provides organizations with a button they can add to their website, blog or profile page to request donations. Organization profiles can be as detailed as the user likes. A logo or image can be added, content and links. Fundly helps users pass on their message and request for donations by posting to Facebook or sending custom emails. Users can also import their contacts to Fundly. A Facebook app version is also available so users can keep their social network updated. Through the Fundly dashboard, the user can observe their fundraising progress and follow up with a thank you message to donors. The application also provides users with direct deposits so they never have to wait for a paper check.
Fundly was founded in March of 2009 by Erik Nilsson and James Nicol. It was intended to provide an easy fundraising solution to non profit organizations. The company is based out of Palo Alto, California and currently consists of over 10 individuals, including President Nilsson, Chief Architect Nicol, CEO Dave Boyce, CTO Jeremy Burton, Vice President of Operations Mike Nobil, advisor Tim Villanueva and investor Jason Henrichs. In February 2011, Fundly raised $2 million from investors found through AngelList.
Fundly stands out in the way it makes fundraising easier for organizations. The application provides a number of helpful tools, including a button for the user’s website or blog as well as a handy Facebook app. This enables the user to quickly spread the word to far more people thanks to the abilities of the internet and Fundly.
The Fundly website uses a pale background color and simple logo to create an inviting environment for its users. The homepage features a large header with color images depicting current fundraising efforts or causes. Four simple navigational links at the top, right hand corner of the page allow the user to learn more or access Fundly Pro.
A new user can get started by clicking the “Sign Up!” link found in the green box on the homepage. The green box grows to reveal the Fundly registration form. The form requires an organization name, first and last name, email address and phone number. A note at the bottom of the form advises the user that Fundly only accepts customers in the United States at this time. After clicking the green and white “Sign Up” button at the bottom of the form, the user is advised to check their email for an activation email which must be accessed to complete registration.
Fundly gives users two membership options to choose from. The first is a Standard membership which includes reporting and analytic features, unlimited funding, unlimited fundraising pages, email tools and social networking features. There is no subscription fee for Standard accounts, but Fundly takes approximately 2.9% of all donations received. The Fundly Pro membership includes advanced reporting, full donation widget customization, check processing and batching, API access, Legacy systems integration, compliance reporting and access to the power fundraising interface. This membership includes a subscription fee; however the user must contact Fundly to receive a quote for their organization.
Fundly is a valuable tool for any organization that is raising funds. The application is easy to use and offers users two membership options to choose from. Additional features allow users to monitor their donations and tap into their Facebook social network.