eTapestry saves time and money for ministries

YouthPartnersNet has partnered with eTapestry, a Web-based fundraising application, to further help its hundreds of partners focus on their core mission of providing services for children and youths in at-risk communities.

Donor records and fundraising reports in eTapestry can be viewed remotely and changed anywhere and anytime an Internet connection and Web browser are available.

"We can't afford to focus precious energy on non-mission related activities," said Dean Cowles, president of the Denver-based YouthPartnersNet, which provides funding and services to ministries nationwide. "eTapestry allows ministries-small and large-to do what they do best and leave the process of managing databases and technology to professionals in those fields."

eTapestry has partnered with YouthPartnersNet to offer a 10 percent discount on recurring monthly fees to its ministry partners. YouthPartnersNet also will use eTapestry to track its own list of 9,000 constituents.

"eTapestry is delighted to be a part of this crucial movement to improve the quality of life for our nation's children and youth," said Chip Muston, national account manager for eTapestry. "Rev. Cowles has established a top notch team and network to build on the success of Compassion USA."

YouthPartnersNet will encourage its ministries to use eTapestry when they're ready to build a systematic network to track their supporters, Cowles said.

"eTapestry is easy to learn and use and can be accessed from almost anywhere, which is essential to professional leaders who need the most up-to-date donor information," he said.

YouthPartnersNet also will use eTapestry to help a national philanthropic group work with ministry partners to organize volunteers.

Ministry partner Shepherd Community, an Indianapolis-based ministry that offers after-school programs, emergency food and shelter and a summer day camp, discovered the eTapestry advantages when it began using the Web-based software four years ago.

"eTapestry takes me into consideration, meets my needs, can grow with me, and has a smorgasbord of things to pick and choose from," said Jay Height, director of Shepherd Community. "If we become a million-dollar nonprofit some day, I have a package that will grow with me."

Height said eTapestry is a strong asset to his rapidly growing ministry.

"eTapestry makes my job easier and helps me grow relationships with those who invest in my ministry," Height said. "It makes me a better leader and our organization stronger."

About eTapestry
Founded in 1999, Indianapolis-based eTapestry is the first Web-based donor database and communications management system that rents its software to customers who access it over the Internet. Nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes using eTapestry do not pay the large upfront purchasing costs or the ongoing maintenance and support contracts typically paid in the purchase of more traditional software. For more information, go to www.eTapestry.com.

About YouthPartnersNet.org
YouthPartnersNet.org is an outgrowth of Compassion International, which assists churches worldwide in helping children and youths in at-risk communities by providing professional assistance and funding. YouthPartnersNet.org, founded in 2003, invests in the most effective Christian programs and ministries in cities, rural areas and Native American reservations. For more information, go to www.youthpartnersnet.org.