Harding University set out to modernize its advancement operations after successfully implementing Slate for Admissions. With a new Vice President for Advancement who was already familiar with Slate, the institution chose to adopt Slate Advancement to replace a legacy environment built on Raiser’s Edge and ActiveEcho.
Challenge
Advancement data was spread across systems, making reliable reporting difficult without manual work.
IT and Advancement were new to modern advancement system design, increasing risk in data modeling and workflow design.
Leadership needed clearer fundraising insight, but requirements evolved over time.
Staff were unprepared for the operational and cultural shifts required by the move to a new advancement platform.
The project needed to go live before the Raiser’s Edge contract expired, compressing the transition window.
The university needed to modernize its advancement environment within clear cost constraints while minimizing long-term dependency on external resources.
Solutions
Deep Advancement Domain Alignment
Provided senior advancement architecture leadership, designed core workflows, and built lasting internal capability.
Sequenced foundational capabilities first to control costs and enable Harding to own ongoing configuration and enhancements.
Advancement Data Model and Workflow Design
Designed core advancement constructs, including gifts, pledges, restricted funds, and endowments within Slate.
Clarified business rules and classifications critical for accurate financial reporting and stewardship.
Reporting & Executive Visibility
Worked with leadership to translate high-level questions into concrete reporting requirements.
Built reports that delivered meaningful, accurate insight rather than ad hoc data extracts.
Staff Enablement & Knowledge Transfer
Paired SIG consultants with Harding’s dedicated advancement business analyst for hands-on learning.
Conducted multiple on-site sessions and ongoing weekly working meetings.
Transitioned ownership of day-to-day system operation to Harding’s internal team.
Integration with Finance
Integrated Slate Advancement with Banner via Constituent to ensure all gifts flowed accurately into financial systems.
Outcomes
The project launched in just six months, aligning with the expiration of the legacy system contract.
Clear ownership was established between IT and Advancement, improving data accuracy and governance.
Established a sustainable operating model by building internal expertise and sequencing implementation priorities, helping avoid long-term cost escalation.
Harding’s leadership gained access to accurate, actionable fundraising data with significantly less manual effort.
SIG consultants helped build Harding’s internal capability; the University’s advancement analyst now designs and maintains reports and workflows independently.
Advancement, IT, and Finance now enjoy stronger cross-functional alignment, operating from a shared system of record for fundraising data.
Future Outlook
Harding University continues to expand its use of Slate Advancement by enhancing executive dashboards and fundraising performance reporting, expanding staff self-service reporting, and strengthening advancement governance and data quality. The implementation now serves as a foundation for long-term advancement growth and modernization.
“Because of the circumstances, we knew we needed external help—somebody who could guide us through this product. We had heard good things about SIG, so we chose them, and we’ve been happy with the partnership.”
