IT System Upgrade FAQs

General

What’s happening?

Seattle Foundation is transitioning 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 will be the launch of a new online portal that will go live this fall.

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Our existing IT system is outdated and no longer meets the needs of our fundholders and staff.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.

Will this impact the online donor portal?

Yes, temporarily. To ensure a smooth process during this upgrade, our online resources, including the donor portal, will be temporarily unavailable starting Friday, September 20.

What happens while the online portal is down? How do I make grant recommendations?

During this time, please continue your philanthropic activities as usual. While the portal is down, there will be an online form to submit your grant recommendations that we will send to you by September 20. Please see additional questions related to grant recommendations below.

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.

Grant Recommendations and Processing

What’s the latest I can make grants in the old system before it shuts down temporarily?

Grant recommendations submitted by Friday, September 13 at 5pm will be processed the following week. Grant recommendations submitted after September 13 will be processed as normal but grant payments will be delayed and are expected to be sent no earlier than October 18.

How do I make grant recommendations when the portal is unavailable?

While the portal is down, please continue your philanthropic activities as usual. There are two ways to make grant recommendations during this time:

  1. With the online form that will be provided by September 20
  2. By reaching out directly to your Philanthropic Advisor

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.

What if I want to make a grant recommendation in someone’s honor for the Jewish holidays?

Grant recommendations made by Friday, September 13 will be processed the following week—in plenty of time for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Grant recommendations submitted after September 13 will be processed as normal, and nonprofits will be notified, but grant payments will be distributed no earlier than October 18. Be sure to get your requests in early!

What if I want to add funds to my fund during this transition?

We are here to help make this transition as smooth as possible. You can add funds through any of the methods found on our asset delivery instructions or by contacting your Philanthropic Advisor. Donations to your donor advised fund will be deposited into Seattle Foundation’s Wells Fargo account and marked as a future deposit into your Fund’s account. After the portal goes live, this deposit will be allocated to your chosen investment pool. Your new balance in the portal will be available after October 18 and please note that your charitable tax receipt will be delayed.

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?

Contact your Philanthropic Advisor at any time with questions about your grantmaking and how it could be impacted by our IT improvement process. We are here for you as your trusted partner in philanthropy.