Module 3: Company Setup & Configuration focuses on the foundational data required to successfully implement and operate the FastFund Raising system. Because the database is highly integrated, users learn the importance of carefully outlining their development office’s goals and objectives before entering any data. If the Fundraising module is linked to FastFund Accounting, much of this configuration is controlled directly by the fiscal office to ensure structural consistency. The module begins by configuring essential company information and fiscal settings, including federal and state tax IDs, contact details, and accounting preferences like the organization’s fiscal start month.
A critical component of the setup process is defining the Chart of Accounts structure, which must adhere to FASB-116 and FASB-117 accounting standards. Users learn how to structure multi-segment account numbers—comprising Funds (Net Asset Classes), Cost Centers, and Object Codes—to ensure every transaction automatically rolls up into accurate financial reports. Additionally, the module explores FastFund’s centralized Entity structure, which categorizes all names in the database as either Constituents, Vendors, Clients, Employees, or Other Names. Because this database is shared across all FastFund applications, understanding entity relationships is crucial for eliminating duplicate data entry.
Finally, the module teaches users how to customize their database and secure their system. Users learn to establish Codes and Data Classifications—such as Attributes, Roles, Affiliations, and Classifications—which act as flexible, user-defined tags for segmenting constituents and targeting future outreach. To protect this sensitive data, the module covers how to set up Users, Roles, and Permissions. Administrators learn how to create User Groups based on specific job categories, ensuring proper internal controls and segregation of duties by granting staff access only to the specific tools they need.