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.

Pilot Project Launched to Support Free Wills Month

By Fiona Paton • July 31, 2025
To shine a light on October’s Free Wills Month , an initiative designed to offer those aged 55 and over the chance to have straightforward wills written or updated free of charge, FirstClass and sister company Cymba have joined forces and are partnering with the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) to launch a project that illustrates the impact mobile messaging has on legacy giving. Whilst mobile messaging is typically associated with text-to-donate campaigns, the partnership between two companies that sit within ClearCourse’s stable of brands will showcase how this technology can be used to inspire people to leave legacies in their wills. The webinar, entitled “ How to Boost traffic to your Free Wills and Legacy pages ”, will be jointly hosted by the FirstClass and Cymba teams, and explore how emerging Rich Communications Services (RCS) technology, the evolution of SMS, can be used to drive engagement when it comes to legacy giving. The event will also provide charities with insights into how they can build trust when it comes to increasing donations and gifts by revealing tried and tested messaging formats that drive action. Charities will also learn how to highlight their free wills and legacy pages by harnessing RCS’s ability to implement branded quick-action buttons, and understand the difference in outcomes between SMS and RCS messaging via a dedicated split testing session. In the lead up to the webinar, which takes place on 11 September at 10:30 am, Cymba and FirstClass will be running test campaigns with several of the UK’s prominent charities, the results of which will be revealed during the session. On the event, Rich Mullens, Director at Cymba and FirstClass, comments: “ Regular givers are often among the most open to leaving a legacy. In this webinar, we’ll show charities how mobile messaging can help them engage these supporters more effectively and drive meaningful traffic, not only for donations but also to inspire gifts in wills. We’re delighted to unite these two brands, both of which are founded on helping charities boost donations via mobile messaging and increase their legacy giving, and we’re confident that attendees will leave feeling inspired to use new approaches. ” The new Data (Use and Access) Bill, which gives charities greater freedom to use the soft opt-in by enabling them to contact past supporters with relevant legacy messages without needing fresh consent, removes barriers to utilising RCS. This means that the benefits of RCS, such as the ability to use logos, images, video, and tap-to-act buttons, can be quickly and efficiently embraced by charities looking to incorporate this emerging technology. For more information on Cymba, FirstClass, and Free Wills Month, visit https://www.cymba.co.uk , https://www.firstclass-software.com , and https://freewillsmonth.org.uk ,  respectively.

ILM Annual Conference 2025: Highlights from the FirstClass lounge

June 2, 2025
FirstClass hosted an exclusive breakout space at the ILM Annual Conference 2025, and it was a great experience! Discover the event highlights and our team’s thoughts on the experience.

Three things we're looking forward to at the ILM Annual Conference

May 7, 2025
Are you attending this year's ILM Annual Conference? Discover three reasons why the FirstClass team is excited about this year's legacy management event.