Blog
March 16, 2023
Insights from the 2023 ascend User Community Meeting
UC Innovation’s ascend, the most comprehensive advancement solution, enables education institutions to use Salesforce more effectively to support fundraising success. Attain Partners is proud to partner with UC Innovation to lead digital transformation with ascend and support the missions of institutions across North America.
Attain Partners is a Salesforce certified implementation partner, the 2022 Salesforce.org Consulting Partner of the Year – Education, and a Salesforce Summit Partner. Our advancement transformations help institutions to be competitive and provide the best donor experience by upgrading to systems that vastly improve efficiency and deliver improved fundraising outcomes and alumni engagement.
2023 is the year for advancement, central solutions, and community
We had the pleasure of discussing advancement and digital transformation with the incredible ascend community last week at the 2023 ascend User Community Meeting (aUCM). The overarching themes were the community’s combined focus on advancement transformation, centralized solutions, and collaboration to achieve success for all institutions.
Now is the time to focus on advancement efforts
This is the year for advancement. Attain Partners and ascenders are zeroing in on digital transformation to support successful advancement and growth of advancement departments.
Like any large undertaking, advancement projects have their ups and downs, but maintaining a clear focus leads to success in reaching long-term goals. A passion for advancement work is essential to maintain morale across teams throughout long-haul projects. Attain Partners’ experts excel in keeping the big picture in focus and reminding clients there is always time to iterate and adjust once we go live. Further, our advancement experts are passionate about working with organizations to truly transform and optimize their operations to better equip them to advance their important missions.
Centralized solutions are the key to lasting success
The resounding message we heard from every ascender throughout the aUCM was, “We’re happy we made the switch!”
Regardless of where an institution begins its journey, centralizing the data and communication in Salesforce has proven to reduce institution workload, improve donor satisfaction, and boost advancement success. Data visibility and consolidated contact records ease communication across departments for a streamlined, polished, and professional experience.
Having a single source of data effectively and easily improves operational processes. Once they’ve experienced this, leaders in both higher education and nonprofit organizations want to have the same kind of singular point of contact throughout their digital transformation and advancement projects as well. In a time where everyone’s job has multiple moving pieces, one identified project leader per initiative makes it easier to submit questions, make suggestions, and track project progress. This approach reduces stress on individuals and results in greater success where everyone can focus on what they do best.
We do better work together
As the solution was formed during the pandemic, this was the first time the entire ascend user community met in person and it certainly won’t be the last. The value of the community was evident as we shared successes, brainstormed solutions, and formed plans to support each other going forward. University leaders were eager to support each other, share best practices, and truly help one another.
The ascend community is growing and open to supporting new members, which serves as a valuable advantage for institutions embarking on digital transformation and advancement initiatives.
Attain Partners is ready to lead your ascend advancement journey
Energized from an inspiring week at aUCM, we are eager to continue fostering relationships with institutions to improve operations and achieve their missions as they work to positively impact their stakeholders. Contact us to begin your journey or for help along the way!
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