FirstClass feature showcase #2: CRM Integration

Is there anything worse than incompatibility?

 

In the context of bequest management – and if you’re a bequest manager in particular – then the answer is probably ‘no’.

 

After all, a large component of bequest management involves taking large amounts of data, often from different sources, and making sure that it’s accessible, accurate and consistent – at all times! To do that, you need bequest management software that integrates seamlessly with your CRM.

 

Historically, FirstClass was designed to work alongside Advanced CARE and Raiser's Edge 7. This meant that if you had those widely used CRM systems, then you were sorted. If you didn’t, then you probably weren’t getting the very best from FirstClass.

 

Thankfully, that’s now changed.

 

A fully inclusive FirstClass

 

Following a period of heavy investment, FirstClass is now fully integrable with Dynamics 365, Salesforce and Raiser’s Edge NXT – arguably the three most used cloud-based CRMs available today.

 

Not only that but via FirstClass Cloud and FirstClass in House, charities can benefit from our CRM Integration Standard – a quick and easy way to associate their FirstClass records with the corresponding record on their CRM system.

 

But why is this important for charities?

 

True data source

 

Two-way communication, which Cloud integration supports, is important in order for charities to have real-time access to accurate records.

 

Various non-cloud CRM integrations can restrict FirstClass to only pull data from a Charity’s CRM system. However, with new cloud-based CRMs, information required is pulled from ALL sources, which means that every piece of data matches and that there are no discrepancies.

 

Of course, a bi-directional flow of data isn’t completely infallible; it’s only bi-directional at the point in which the records are linked together (although with FirstClass’s advanced option, legacy managers can incorporate sync routines so that each record is synced over time).

 

But the point is that two-way is better than one-way. Not only that, but by opening up FirstClass to a wider group of CRMs, our legacy management software is now available to even more charities.  

 

If you already use FirstClass with any of the aforementioned CRM platforms, then you’ll know what we mean. Equally, if you do have one of the compatible CRMs but don’t yet have FirstClass, then now’s a very good time to find out how FirstClass can add value to your legacy management strategy.

 

FirstClass is world-class bequest management platform designed in partnership with some of the UK’s biggest and much-loved charities. Can we help you? If so, contact the team on 01257 272730 or email info@firstclass-software.com.

Stay Informed: Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Retirement approaching

By Fiona Paton • October 30, 2025
With the upcoming retirement of Microsoft SQL Server 2016 on 14th July 2026 , we want to ensure you're aware of how this may impact your use of FirstClass. If you're using FirstClass 4 Web, Essentials, or Cloud , there's no action needed - your database is fully managed by us. If you're using FirstClass 4 In-house , then this update is important. Please review your setup or speak with us and/or your IT team to ensure you're prepared. To check your database type, open FirstClass , go to the System page from the main window, and look for whether you're using Microsoft SQL Server or Azure SQL Database . How to check your SQL Setup in FirstClass Open FirstClass and go to the System page (see below) from the main window, and look for whether you're using Microsoft SQL Server or Azure SQL Database . Locate the SQL Server Edition field: If it shows SQL Azure, you're using the cloud-based Azure SQL Database version. No action is needed - Microsoft handles updates automatically. If it shows something else like Standard or Enterprise Edition , you're using the traditional on-premise version. This requires manual updates and will eventually go out of support. Next, check the SQL Server Version field: This will show a numeric value (e.g., 13, 14, 15, 16). If your version is 13 or lower , you should begin planning with your IT department and our support team to upgrade your database server before support ends. Why it matters Security : Unsupported versions no longer receive security updates, leaving your systems vulnerable. Compliance : Many regulatory frameworks require supported software. Performance : Newer versions offer better performance, scalability, and features. If you're unsure about any of the above? Log a support ticket and we’ll be happy to assist.

New Outlook for Windows - Here's What You Need to Know

By Fiona Paton • October 27, 2025
Microsoft’s New Outlook for Windows Whilst it became generally available in August 2024, it is currently not supported by FirstClass d ue to integration limitations. The New Outlook cannot facilitate outbound sending or importing of emails from other applications, and it does not yet provide the full functionality available in Classic Outlook. What this means for you: Computers running FirstClass must continue using Classic Outlook to maintain full functionality. Microsoft encourages users to try the New Outlook, so be aware of this prompt if you rely on FirstClass for email integration. Guidance for users: Look for the New Outlook icon in the top-right corner of Outlook, see below Revert to Classic Outlook by clicking the slider to “off”, see below, and restart Outlook to switch back to Classic Outlook. For any issues with email integration, please contact our support team FirstClass remains fully compatible with Classic Outlook. Users are advised to retain Classic Outlook until full support for the New Outlook is confirmed, which is supported by Microsoft until at least 2029. Further details on extended support for classic Outlook can be found here.
Lady looking at a computer screen, happy

What’s New, What’s Next: Introducing FirstClass 5 Essentials

By Fiona Paton • October 27, 2025
We're excited to announce that we're set to unveil FirstClass 5 Essentials, the first phase of the latest generation of our award-winning platform, in a move that is expected to cement our position as the charity’s choice of legacy management technology. Development on FirstClass 5 began in 2024 following significant investment from our parent company ClearCourse, and close collaboration with Paul Browne, Head of Legacy Administration at Legacy Link. Now, as part of the first phase of the rollout, FirstClass 5 Essentials will replace FirstClass 4 Web as the company’s most accessible product, which is geared towards smaller charities looking to transition from manual legacy management to modern-day, automated processes. Whilst the launch date of FirstClass 5 is yet to be confirmed, the unveiling of FirstClass 5 Essentials, which is scheduled for release before Christmas, will include new features not currently available in FirstClass 4 Web. These include a multi-charity view, for users who manage legacies for different charities within a group structure, and the ability to manage multiple legacies per legator, such as where pecuniary and residuary gifts stem from the same legator. A new issues function, which allows users to address legal and contentious issues, is also included. Hosted within the cloud to provide users with added security, FirstClass 5 Essentials is expected to radically modernise legacy case management via a much more accessible user interface, improved connectivity and integration capabilities with other systems such as Smee & Ford, and enhanced workflows that make the platform quicker to navigate and easier to use. Rich Mullens, Product Director at FirstClass, comments: