Many not for profit organizations as well as member / donor associations start out with a low end financial solution to run their business.  It seems like a good decision because these systems are inexpensive and relatively easy to implement.  Although these solutions are inexpensive to purchase and they serve as a "good starter system", they rarely have the functionality or horsepower necessary to control an organizations transactions and reporting requirements as it grows.  Many will find these systems do not provide one or more of the following:

	Performance
	Stability
	Functionality
	Reporting & Customization Capabilities
	Control
	Support

NFPs circumvent these inadequacies by developing applications in Excel or Access and end up with "islands of information". 

Or you might be in the other situation of having to use a "legacy" custom solution developed on Unix, Pick, or AS400.  These solutions tend to be very rigid, difficult or expensive to maintain and modify, and lack may of the reporting tools necessary to provide timely, accurate information to management.

If you find yourself in one of these situations, you will be very interested to know that you can purchase the Microsoft Great Plains Solution (using Microsoft SQL) very reasonably.  You also have the option of paying for it over 36 months interest free.  The software cost of a four user system with the following modules can be purchase for $235 per month (for 36 months):

	General Ledger
	Financial Reporting / FRx
	Accounts Payable
	Account Receivable
	Bank Reconciliation
	Invoicing
	Microsoft Office Integration

If you need to add Encumbrance Management and Purchase Order, your monthly cost would be $326 per month (for 36 months).

If you need to add Encumbrance Management, Purchase Order, and Interfund Functionality, your monthly cost would be $429 per month (for 36 months).