IT System Upgrade FAQs

General

What’s happening?

Seattle Foundation has transitioned to a new IT system, a change that will greatly enhance our services and your philanthropic experience. We are updating our IT system to the Microsoft 365 platform that will help to streamline multiple parts of our business, including your giving history and fund information. Part of this transition is the launch of a new online portal.

Why the change?

Our existing IT system is outdated and no longer meets the needs of our fundholders and staff. Microsoft 365 will improve your giving experience and help us be a smarter and better partner. This new system, including a new online fundholder portal, will help to:

  • Create better visibility of your philanthropic activities all in one place.
  • Provide better tools for you and your advisor to enhance your giving.
  • Make it easier for your Philanthropic Advisor to be responsive to your interests and inquiries.

Can I see how the new system will work?

Yes! We hosted two virtual sessions before the launch date to show you how the portal works. You can watch a recording of this preview that provides a walk-through of the new system.

Will my profile and grant history be automatically transferred to the new system?

All your past account information, grant request history, and balance statements will be in the new system. You don’t need to reenter any information—just log in. If any of your information is slow to transfer, please reach out to your Philanthropic Advisor who is happy to help.

How do I log in?

You can log into the new portal in the same way. On the Seattle Foundation website, click on the “donor login” button. Enter your email address, which is the same as the address where you are receiving this email. Please note that you will need to create a new password for your account by clicking on “forgot my password” and following the instructions.

What if I need help navigating the portal?

We are here to help! You can always reach out to your Philanthropic Advisor with questions and these step-by-step guides can help to familiarize you with the portal and its capabilities.

Grant Recommendations and Processing

How will this transition affect grant recommendations and payments?

Grant recommendations already received have begun their due diligence process and payments will begin to be made in batches. We ask for your patience as some payments will reach nonprofits later than others. Our goal is to send all grant recommendations received while the portal was offline by the end of October.

Grants made in the new portal will go through our due diligence process and payments will be made in the order received. As with any new system, there will be a learning curve, and we anticipate that grant processing will be slower than normal for the next few weeks. We will work as quickly as possible to send grant payments to the nonprofits you support. The last day to submit grant recommendations to be processed in 2024 will be December 6.

Will nonprofits be notified that payments will be delayed?

Yes, when a grant recommendation is made, we will be in ongoing communication with you and the nonprofit you support. For example, once you make a grant recommendation and due diligence completes, we can let the nonprofit know that they will be approved for your grant so that they can book that revenue and plan accordingly.

Can I make grants offline?

Yes, you can always call or email your Philanthropic Advisor, who can then make grant recommendations on your behalf.

What if I have more questions?

We have a dedicated service team ready to help. Email [email protected] or call (206) 515-2111 for technical assistance. Your Philanthropic Advisor is also ready to answer any additional questions you may have.