After the Sessions: Building Apps and Workflows with Microsoft Power Platform

Kody Jackson
Kody Jackson
Seventh Anniversary Kudos 2 Participant Facilitator 1
in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT® Blog
Starting something new doesn’t have to be difficult.



Just ask one of the hundreds of people who tuned into our recent webinars on extending Raiser’s Edge NXT with Microsoft Power Platform: Below are some of the most common questions from the session, along with some practical next steps.

QUESTIONS

Q: What can I do with the Microsoft Power Platform?

A: Use the Power Platform to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Power Apps lets you build custom apps for web or mobile. We’ve seen customers use Power Apps to:
  • Automate board reporting
  • Add constituent information directly into Raiser’s Edge NXT (volunteer signups, monetary pledges/commitments)
Power Automate helps you build custom workflows to streamline repetitive tasks. Customers have used Power Automate to:
  • Create staff notifications (large gifts, birthdays)
  • Automate responses to constituent requests (email unsubscribes)

Q: How much does this cost?

A: Our certified connector is included in your Raiser's Edge NXT subscription (no cost from Blackbaud), but you’ll need a Power Apps or Power Automate license to use the connector because it is a Premium connector.



Not sure if you want to commit to a license? Use free trials to test out Power Apps (30 days) or Power Automate (90 days). Most Blackbaud customers qualify for significant discounts, but actual costs vary by license type (per user or per app/flow) and volume (# users or # apps/flows).



For more details, check out the Power App and Power Automate licensing FAQ and Microsoft Nonprofit Offers.



Q: As I’m building out apps and workflows, what support is available?

A: If you find bugs or encounter technical issues, reach out to Blackbaud Support. For all other questions, check out our documentation, Microsoft’s resources, or ask a question in the Community.



Q: How is Power Automate different from the Workflow Designer capability in Raiser’s Edge NXT Web View?

A: Though both involving workflow automation, these tools are distinct and complementary.

Use Power Automate when you need to:
  • Connect to systems outside of Raiser’s Edge NXT (Office 365, Twitter, another CRM, etc.)
  • Support more robust programming logic
Use Workflow Designer when you want to:
  • Perform actions solely using Raiser’s Edge NXT (Actions, Emails, etc.)
  • Trigger workflows based on specific events in Raiser’s Edge NXT (e.g., you receive a gift)
    • The Power Platform can support this use case, but only at scheduled intervals

Q: How do I get started?

A: Check out the Next steps below.
NEXT STEPS

By yourself:
  1. Complete our Initial setup tutorial.
  2. Check out some of our sample solutions:
With others: With help from a pro:

The partners listed below are experts in both Raiser’s Edge NXT and Power Platform. They can engage with your organization to design, build, and implement custom solutions to fit your needs:

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