Nonprofit CRMs have come a long way in the past 20 years. In decades past, they were little better than digitized spreadsheets. Now, CRMs for nonprofits are the technological hubs that connect disparate functions and strategies into a single, unified platform. Finding the right nonprofit CRM solution can take your organization to the next level—and then some.
If your nonprofit has never used a CRM before, you’ve come to the right place. If your nonprofit has a CRM but is looking for a new one, you’ve also come to the right place. If you have no interest in CRMs for nonprofits then, frankly, you might have taken a wrong turn somewhere.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of nonprofit CRMs, talk about their benefits and core features, and look at 10 of the top nonprofit CRM solutions currently on the market.
Nonprofit CRMs sit at the core of the modern nonprofit technology stack—which means this is a pretty long and in-depth article. If you want to skip to a section that interests you, just click one of the section headings below:
- Nonprofit CRMs: The Basics
- 10 Common Nonprofit CRM Features
- The Key Benefits of Nonprofit CRMs
- 10 Best Nonprofit CRM Solutions (Updated 2025)
- Your Nonprofit CRM Buyer’s Guide
- The Pros and Cons of Spreadsheet CRMs
Alright! Let’s go ahead and get started, shall we?
Nonprofit CRMs: The Basics
Let’s start all the way back at the beginning of the beginning: What’s a CRM?
CRM stands for “Customer Relationship Management.” They’re databases that help businesses track manage their interactions with customers, clients, and other stakeholders.
So, how exactly could a CRM system be useful for a nonprofit? Nonprofits have donors, volunteers, event and class attendees, patrons, and other kinds of supporters—but they don’t really have customers.
That’s why a CRM system that is specifically designed for nonprofits doesn’t work quite the same as a CRM designed for traditional businesses. With these systems, the “C” doesn’t really stand for “Customer.” It stands for “Constituent.”
At the core of a nonprofit CRM sits its database, which serves as a centralized repository of supporter information. It tracks contact details, donation and volunteer history, communication preferences, event attendance, and more.
Many nonprofit CRMs also help organizations centralize their activities by sporting built-in fundraising features, email marketing capabilities, event ticketing, etc.
Those additional capabilities are what we’ll tackle in the next section, starting …. now.
10 Common Nonprofit CRM Features
There are a ton of different nonprofit CRMs on the market (we should know, Neon CRM is one of them!), and, while they all feature a donor database, their additional capabilities and features really run the gamut from fundraising and email to events, grants, and more.
Feeling a little daunted? Don’t worry, here’s a full list of the most common tools nonprofit CRMs include:
1. Donor Database
If a nonprofit CRM doesn’t feature one of these, then you can’t really call it a CRM. The database allows nonprofits to maintain detailed donor profiles, track their giving history, and segment donors based on various criteria such as donation frequency or amount.
2. Fundraising Tools
Most nonprofit CRMs also come equipped with fundraising tools that facilitate donations, both online and IRL (that’s “in real life,” for those of you who don’t speak Internet). The ability to create donation pages is the most common fundraising tool you’ll see, while some others also include peer-to-peer fundraising, even proprietary payment processors (like Neon Pay).
3. Marketing Tools
Many nonprofit CRMs include email marketing capabilities that let you create messages, segment audiences, and send communications all in the same platform. Some platforms also include text messaging and direct mail capabilities as well.
4. Membership Management
Managing members is a whole different ball game from managing donors. That’s why some nonprofit CRMs (including Neon CRM for Associations) come with membership management-specific tools like member portals and members-only pages, membership application and renewal forms, and private member directories.
5. Event Management
Are events, classes, or performances an important part of your nonprofit’s work and fundraising strategy? Many nonprofit CRMs come with built-in events management features like registration forms, ticketing, seating capabilities, and attendee tracking.
6. Volunteer Management
Many nonprofits heavily rely on volunteers, which is why many CRM systems designed for nonprofits often include features for volunteer management, enabling organizations to recruit, schedule, and engage volunteers effectively.
7. Analytics & Reporting
Most nonprofit CRMs offer in-depth analytics and reporting capabilities, providing insights into donor behavior, campaign effectiveness, and overall organizational performance. The more capabilities covered by your chosen platform (and the more data your CRM contains), the greater the reach of these analytical tools.
8. Workflow Automation
One of the ways that nonprofit CRMs can really save staff members time and bandwidth is by automating some workflows so that they can occur without any human intervention required. For instance, a system equipped with workflow automation can send personalized donation receipts and thank-you letters any time a gift is made.
9. Grant Management
Many nonprofits don’t rely solely on individual or corporate donors; they also rely on grants from institutional foundations. That’s why nonprofit CRMs often include grant management features to help organizations track grant opportunities, deadlines, and submissions.
10. Integrations With Other Tools
While nonprofit CRMs often serve as the central hub of a nonprofit’s technology stack, it’s rare that the systems will handle every single aspect of their operations. That’s why these systems offer integrations seamlessly with other software, such as accounting systems (like QuickBooks) and marketing tools (like Mailchimp and Constant Contact). You can check out Neon CRM’s full list of integrations in our Partner Directory.
Later in this article, we’ll discuss 10 of the top nonprofit CRM platforms on the market. Pay attention to which systems offer which features. But first, let’s look at how using a nonprofit CRM can provide real, tangible value for your organization.
The Key Benefits of Nonprofit CRMs
For early-stage nonprofits, a full-service CRM system might seem like a luxury they can’t, well, afford. But, for more established organizations, the benefits of a CRM won’t just be plain to see—the system will practically be a necessity.
Here are the primary benefits organizations stand to gain from using a nonprofit CRM.
- Improved Donor Management: The more donors a nonprofit has, the harder it is to keep their records accurate and updated. CRMs help nonprofits organize and track donor data, making it easier to personalize communications and identify potential major donors.
- Enhanced Donor Engagement: Getting donors from their first gift to their second one is no easy task. CRMs enable nonprofits to create targeted campaigns and events based on donor interests. This helps to keep donors engaged and connected with the organization’s mission.
- Increased Fundraising Effectiveness: Fundraising is too expensive and time-consuming to be based on anecdotes and gut instinct. CRMs provide nonprofits with valuable insights into donor behavior that can be used to optimize fundraising strategies and improve donation rates.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: When working for a mission-based organization, time is always of the essence. CRMs can save boatloads of time by automating many fundraising and communication tasks, such as donation processing, thank-you emails, and reporting. This frees up valuable staff bandwidth to focus on other mission-critical activities.
- Better Decision-Making: In the end, isn’t this what it’s all about? CRMs provide nonprofits with access to real-time data on donor engagement and fundraising performance. Organizations can use this to make informed decisions about overall strategy, resource allocation, and program development.
As you can see, the benefits of using a nonprofit CRM are wide-ranging. Once you’ve moved past the initial stages of your nonprofit’s business plan, the question isn’t so much “Should you use a nonprofit CRM?” as it is “Which nonprofit CRM should you use?”
Speaking of which …. in the next section, we’ll lay out 10 of the best nonprofit CRMs on the market.
10 Best Nonprofit CRMs (Updated 2025)
At last, the main event. If you’re having trouble knowing where to start your search for a nonprofit CRM, check out our entries on 10 of the top solutions currently on the market.
- Neon CRM
- Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
- Bloomerang
- Bonterra
- DonorPerfect
- GiveButter
- Keela
- Little Green Light
- Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
- Virtuous
1. Neon CRM
That’s us! Neon CRM is a comprehensive and powerful nonprofit CRM system built to simplify and elevate donor management and fundraising efforts.
Designed with nonprofits in mind, Neon CRM combines a user-friendly interface with robust, flexible features to support organizations of all sizes.
From tracking every donor interaction to managing complex events, Neon CRM empowers nonprofits to streamline operations, enhance engagement, and foster stronger relationships.
The platform’s advanced reporting, customizable tools, and seamless integrations enables organizations to focus on what matters most—driving their mission forward and making a lasting impact.
Key Features:
Here’s a list of Neon CRM’s key features covering donor management, fundraising, communications, memberships, and more!
- All-in-One Donor Management: Neon CRM provides a centralized database to store donor details, including giving history, interactions, and key engagement metrics. The system supports comprehensive donor segmentation and personalized outreach efforts.
- Online Giving Solutions: Fully customizable donation pages with recurring giving options, donor-covered fees, and branding flexibility. Integrated Neon Pay ensures secure, PCI-compliant payment processing for seamless transactions.
- Fundraising Campaign Management: Tools for running multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including targeted email campaigns, direct mail, and SMS appeals.
- Marketing and Email Automation: Advanced segmentation and tagging allow nonprofits to target specific audiences with tailored communications. Built-in analytics measure open rates, click-through performance, and campaign ROI.
- Event Planning and Ticketing: Manage virtual, hybrid, and in-person events with tools for ticket sales, guest tracking, and automated follow-ups. Features include attendee segmentation and real-time analytics to assess event success.
- Membership Management: Dedicated tools for managing memberships, including automated renewals, customizable member directories, and exclusive member-only content. Provides a unified platform for tracking member engagement and benefits.
- Volunteer Management: Tools for recruiting, scheduling, and tracking volunteer activities and hours. Volunteer engagement is seamlessly integrated with donor profiles, offering a complete picture of supporter contributions.
- Grant Management: Features for tracking grant applications, submission deadlines, and reporting requirements. Centralizes grantor information alongside donor data to streamline the grant management process.
- Integrated Reporting: Over 50 pre-built reports with customizable options. Interactive dashboards provide real-time insights into campaign performance, donor retention, and revenue streams.
- Task & Workflow Automation: Streamline routine administrative tasks with automated workflows for donor onboarding, recurring gift reminders, and acknowledgment letters.
- Flexible Integrations: Neon CRM connects seamlessly with over 50 popular tools like QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Zapier. This integration capability allows nonprofits to synchronize data across platforms effortlessly.
- Data Health & Cleanup Tools: Automated tools ensure clean data by flagging duplicates, verifying addresses, and standardizing contact details. This helps nonprofits maintain an accurate database.
- Security & Compliance: The platform ensures data safety with features like two-factor authentication, encrypted transactions, and compliance with industry standards like PCI and GDPR.
- Self-Help & Training Resources Neon One Academy provides tutorials, webinars, and knowledge bases for users of all levels. Personalized onboarding and live support options help organizations quickly master the system.
Plans & Pricing
Neon CRM offers three different packages designed for nonprofits of varying sizes and needs. Those packages are:
- Essentials: Starting at $99/month, this package provides essential tools for small nonprofits, including donor management, grant tracking, basic fundraising, and reporting. It includes up to three active workflows to automate simple processes.
- Impact: Starting at $199/month, the Impact plan offers more robust functionality, such as enhanced event management, peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities, email marketing, and advanced donor segmentation. This package also includes up to six workflows for increased automation.
- Empower: Starting at $399/month, the Empower plan caters to larger or growing nonprofits. It offers comprehensive tools, including multi-channel communication, in-depth analytics, unlimited workflows, and integrations with accounting and marketing software. Designed for scalability, this plan supports advanced operational needs for nonprofits with complex strategies.
Our pricing is revenue-based, which means that we charge based on the amount you raise, not the number of records that you have.
Why is that? Well, we want to help our clients grow and evolve as organizations. That means letting them stop worrying about the number of names they’re adding to their system and focusing, instead, on the relationships they’re working hard to build.
If you’re interested in the membership features included in Neon CRM for Associations, the pricing for those three packages is as follows:
- Essentials: Starting at $109/mo
- Impact: Starting at $219/mo
- Empower: Starting at $439/mo
If you’d like to know more about each individual package, check out our pricing page.
User Feedback
We analyzed customer reviews of Neon CRM on sites like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what those customers had to say.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Features: Users highlight Neon CRM’s robust suite of tools, including donor management, events, email marketing, and reporting, as a significant strength. It’s particularly appreciated for combining these features into a single, intuitive platform. Revenue-Based Pricing: Many nonprofits value the transparency and scalability of Neon CRM’s pricing structure, which aligns with their fundraising growth rather than penalizing them for adding more records. Customizability: Neon CRM allows organizations to tailor forms, workflows, and reports to suit their unique needs, providing a personalized experience that smaller CRMs often lack. Strong Integrations: Users praise the platform’s ability to connect seamlessly with popular third-party tools, including QuickBooks and Mailchimp, which helps centralize operations and reduces data silos. Training Resources: The Neon One Academy is frequently lauded for offering extensive tutorials, webinars, and customer support, which help users maximize the platform’s capabilities. | Learning Curve: While the platform is rich in features, new users report that it can take time to fully understand and implement its capabilities effectively. Some note that onboarding requires dedicated time and resources. Cost for Some Small Nonprofits: Although the pricing model is revenue-based, smaller nonprofits with limited budgets might find the starting costs higher compared to lightweight CRMs designed exclusively for small-scale use. Occasional Bug Reports: A few users report intermittent glitches or issues with syncing data between modules, which can require follow-up with support teams to resolve. |
Will Neon CRM Fit My Nonprofit?
Yes! Obviously, we’re a little biased here, but Neon CRM is a powerful, scalable CRM solution that can help your nonprofit deliver magical experiences for your supporters.
Overall, Neon CRM is a good option for small and medium-sized nonprofits that are looking for an affordable and user-friendly CRM system.
To find a group demo session that works for your busy schedule, just click the button below.
Want to see the system in action? Please join one of our regularly scheduled group demos!
These 30-minute sessions cover all the system’s features, from donor management and donation pages to events, volunteers, automated workflows, and more–all with zero pressure to buy.
See Neon CRM in Action!
In just 30 minutes, you’ll learn how Neon CRM empowers nonprofit organizations across the US and Canada to manage donors, members, volunteers, grants, and fundraising campaigns!
2. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT
Raiser’s Edge NXT by Blackbaud is one of the most established CRM solutions for nonprofits, offering advanced tools for donor management, wealth screening, and fundraising optimization.
Designed to help organizations strengthen donor relationships and drive sustainable growth, the platform is packed with features that cater to complex fundraising needs.
It’s biggest drawbacks are the high costs and steep learning curve may limit its accessibility for smaller nonprofits.
Key Features
Here’s an overview of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT’s standout features.
- Donor Database Management
- Fundraising Tools
- AI-Powered Insights
- Events Management
- Email Marketing Integration
- Major Giving Features
- Payment Processing
- Reporting & Analytics
- Extensive Integrations
Plans & Pricing
Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT starts at $4,000 per year (approximately $333.33 per month), placing it among the most expensive options on the market. In addition to the high upfront costs, nonprofits should be aware of the following:
- Multi-Year Contracts: Blackbaud often requires organizations to commit to long-term contracts, limiting flexibility to switch platforms.
- Additional Costs: Many advanced features and integrations come with added expenses, making the overall investment higher than the base price.
- Desktop Application Requirement: Unlike many fully cloud-based systems, Raiser’s Edge NXT requires a desktop application for some functionalities.
Given its pricing structure, Raiser’s Edge NXT is primarily aimed at larger organizations with substantial budgets and complex fundraising needs.
User Feedback
We reviewed feedback from users of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what they shared.m users of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what they shared.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Fundraising Features: Raiser’s Edge NXT supports both online and offline campaigns, offering tools to manage events, track gifts, and improve fundraising strategies. Decades of Experience: With a long history in the nonprofit sector, Blackbaud brings unmatched expertise and a proven track record. Integrated Ecosystem: Raiser’s Edge NXT integrates with more than 30 Blackbaud products, allowing organizations to expand functionality as needed. | High Costs: Starting at $4,000 per year, the platform is one of the most expensive donor management solutions available, with additional costs for features and integrations. Complexity and Learning Curve: Many users report that the system is complicated to navigate and requires extensive training for effective use. Slow Innovation: Users have expressed concerns about the slow rollout of new features and updates, which can leave the system feeling outdated. Interface Issues: Some users report that the platform’s interface feels clunky, making routine tasks more time-consuming. |
Will Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT Fit My Nonprofit?
Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT is best suited for large, well-established nonprofits with the resources and staffing to manage its complexity and costs. Its extensive features and integrations provide value for organizations with diverse fundraising needs and major gift programs.
However, smaller or mid-sized nonprofits may find the system too expensive and cumbersome, with a learning curve that outweighs its benefits. For these organizations, simpler, more cost-effective solutions may be a better
3. Bloomerang
Bloomerang offers a donor management CRM that prioritizes simplicity and ease of use for nonprofits by bundling together essential tools for managing donor relationships, tracking engagement, and running fundraising campaigns.
While Bloomerang includes a wide array of features—most of which are focused on helping the goal of improving donor retention—it may lack the depth and customization options some organizations require.
Key Features
Listed below are the primary features offered by Bloomerang.
- Donor Profiles
- Activity Timelines
- Segmented Targeting
- Engagement Tracking
- Grant Management Tools
- Event Management
- Custom Reports
- Wealth Screening
- Fundraising Tools Add-On
- Volunteer Management Add-On
- Membership Management Add-On
Plans & Pricing
Bloomerang’s pricing is based on the size of your donor database, with annual billing as the standard model. All plans include unlimited users:
- Bloomerang CRM: Starting at $99/month ($1,188/year), it offers basic donor management tools like tracking profiles, engagement, and communications.
- Giving+ Module: Available for $40/month ($480/year), this add-on focuses on improving fundraising results with enhanced capabilities.
- Volunteer Management: At $119/month ($1,428/year), it allows nonprofits to organize volunteer schedules and manage tasks.
- Membership Management: Beginning at $25/month, it includes tools for member tracking, renewals, and engagement.
Pricing transparency is somewhat limited, and organizations requiring more complex features may need to contact Bloomerang for additional costs.
User Feedback
We looked at customer opinions of Bloomerang on review sites such as G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what we found.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and Accessible Interface: Bloomerang’s straightforward design is praised for its ease of use, allowing even non-technical users to navigate the platform with minimal training. This simplicity benefits smaller teams with limited resources. Built-In Engagement Tracking: Features like the engagement meter offer nonprofits a helpful way to gauge donor interest and prioritize outreach, reducing the risk of losing high-value supporters. Solid Integrations: The platform connects with tools like QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and payment processors, which extends its functionality without reinventing the wheel. | Limited Customization Options: The system’s rigid structure can restrict nonprofits seeking tailored solutions, particularly for reporting and advanced workflows. Organizations with unique needs may find themselves frustrated by its inflexibility. Scalability Challenges: While Bloomerang is well-suited for smaller organizations, its simplicity can become a hindrance as nonprofits grow. Larger teams often require more sophisticated tools and greater capacity for data analysis. Add-On Costs for Features: Core functionalities may meet basic needs, but key tools like advanced fundraising capabilities or volunteer management require additional purchases, quickly increasing overall costs. Steep Learning Curve for Reporting: Despite its simplicity in many areas, the reporting feature can be unintuitive and difficult for new users to fully leverage without additional training or support. |
Will Bloomerang Fit My Nonprofit?
Bloomerang is a viable choice for smaller nonprofits seeking a straightforward donor management system to consolidate data and improve donor retention. It’s particularly effective for organizations that value ease of use and need only basic tools to manage relationships and events.
However, nonprofits with larger donor bases, more complex workflows, or an appetite for robust reporting may find Bloomerang’s features limiting and its add-ons costly.
4. Bonterra
Bonterra provides a suite of donor management and fundraising tools designed to support nonprofits of various sizes. By leveraging the legacy platforms Network for Good and EveryAction, Bonterra aims to deliver a comprehensive solution for donor engagement and organizational growth.
While its scalability and diverse features make it an appealing choice for many nonprofits, some users have raised concerns about limitations in customization and escalating costs.
Key Features
Here are the essential tools and capabilities included in Bonterra.
- Donor Database Management
- Customizable Donation Forms
- Email & Text Messaging
- Event & Auction Management
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
- Volunteer & Membership Tracking.
- Reporting & Analytics
- Integrations
- Giving Days Support
Plans & Pricing
Bonterra’s pricing structure is tiered to accommodate nonprofits of different sizes and operational complexities. Each plan is influenced by one or both of its legacy platforms:
- Essentials Plan: Built on Network for Good, this plan is ideal for small nonprofits. It includes donor database management, branded donation forms, and automated thank-you emails.
- Pro Plan: Based on the legacy EveryAction platform, this tier is designed for mid-sized organizations. It includes peer-to-peer fundraising, event management, and automated workflows.
- Enterprise Plan: Utilizing even more features of EveryAction, this plan offers AI-powered analytics, advanced CRM tools, and API access to meet the needs of larger, more complex nonprofits.
Optional add-ons, such as enhanced SMS functionality or advanced integrations, are available for additional costs. Bonterra does not provide public pricing details, so nonprofits must contact the company for a customized quote.
User Feedback
We gathered insights from reviews of Bonterra on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what customers think.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of Fundraising Tools: Bonterra supports a broad range of fundraising methods, including peer-to-peer campaigns and event management, which helps nonprofits diversify their strategies. Integrated Communication: Built-in email and SMS tools allow nonprofits to manage donor outreach without relying heavily on third-party applications. User-Friendly Interface: The straightforward design simplifies onboarding for teams with limited technical expertise, helping them adopt the platform more quickly. | Escalating Costs: While the base plans cover essential tools, many desirable features—like advanced analytics and integrations—require costly add-ons. Limited Customization Options: The platform’s rigid workflows and restricted report customization can frustrate nonprofits with specific operational needs. Reporting Challenges: Users often find the reporting tools unintuitive, requiring additional time or expertise to create the desired insights. Variable Customer Support: Post-merger reviews frequently cite inconsistent support experiences, including slower response times and a lack of dedicated account managers. |
Will Bonterra Fit My Nonprofit?
Bonterra is a practical choice for nonprofits that need scalable donor management tools and a mix of fundraising options. It works best for organizations that prioritize ease of use and straightforward features over advanced customization.
However, nonprofits with complex needs or tight budgets should carefully consider the limitations in customization and the additional costs for key functionalities.
5. DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect is a donor management system designed to help nonprofits build stronger relationships with supporters and improve fundraising efficiency.
It provides a wide array of tools for managing donor data, processing donations, and organizing events, but some users find the system’s complexity and cost to be limiting factors.
Key Features
Below is a breakdown of the top features available in DonorPerfect.
- Unified Donor Database
- Advanced Reporting & Analytics
- Automated Monthly Giving Programs
- Customizable Online Donation Forms
- Email Marketing Integration
- Event and Campaign Management
- Extensive Integrations
- Mobile App
- Security & Data Management
- Task & Workflow Automation
Plans & Pricing
DonorPerfect offers three distinct plans to cater to nonprofits at different stages of growth. While specific pricing is not disclosed, each plan is structured to align with the needs of varying organizational sizes and complexities:
- Core Plan: Designed for small nonprofits, this plan includes basic donor database management, integrated donation and event forms, and donor portals. It also features live chat support and a Constant Contact account for email campaigns.
- Plus Plan: Ideal for mid-sized nonprofits, it expands on the Core Plan with additional tools like QuickBooks integration, ReadySetAuction for event fundraising, moves management, and automated alerts.
- Pro Plan: Tailored for large nonprofits, the Pro Plan includes enterprise-level features such as custom API access, advanced direct mail segmentation, and detailed analytics.
DonorPerfect’s modular pricing approach means nonprofits may face additional costs to unlock higher-tier features or advanced integrations. For a detailed quote, organizations must contact DonorPerfect directly.
User Feedback
We analyzed user reviews of DonorPerfect from G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what those customers had to say. to say.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable Donation Forms: Users praise the ability to design flexible and professional-looking donation forms that integrate seamlessly into websites. Comprehensive Reporting Tools: The robust analytics and reporting features enable nonprofits to conduct detailed performance evaluations and gain actionable insights. Strong Integration Options: DonorPerfect integrates with a variety of third-party tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp, making it a versatile addition to existing tech stacks. | Steep Learning Curve: The system’s extensive features and customization options can overwhelm new users, requiring substantial training and onboarding time. Higher Costs for Advanced Features: While the basic plans are competitively priced, unlocking advanced capabilities—such as detailed analytics or custom integrations—can quickly escalate expenses. Complex Reporting Setup: Many users report challenges when creating or customizing reports, often requiring additional technical support. |
Will DonorPerfect Fit My Nonprofit?
DonorPerfect is suitable for larger nonprofits or organizations with a strong focus on data analytics and complex fundraising strategies. Its diverse feature set and extensive integrations make it a powerful tool for managing donor relationships.
However, nonprofits seeking a more straightforward solution may find its steep learning curve and escalating costs to be a drawback.
6. Givebutter
Givebutter is a fundraising platform designed to support nonprofits and individuals in raising funds online. By offering tools for event management, peer-to-peer campaigns, donor engagement, and CRM functions, Givebutter provides solutions for organizations big and small.
While its tip-based pricing minimizes upfront costs—which is particularly attractive to smaller or newer nonprofits—limitations in advanced donor management features and challenges with campaign organization may hinder its effectiveness for larger organizations or those with complex needs.
Key Features
Lets highlight the key functionalities provided by Givebutter.
- Customizable Donation Forms & Fundraising Pages
- Event Management
- Peer-to-Peer & Team Fundraising
- Donor Management & CRM
- Marketing Tools
- Mobile Optimization & Integrations
Plans & Pricing
Givebutter’s pricing model allows nonprofits to use the platform for free by enabling optional donor tips. This means most donors cover the platform fees, enabling nonprofits to keep nearly all the funds raised.
For organizations that opt out of donor tips, the following fees apply:
- Donation Forms: 1%
- Fundraising Pages: 3%
- Events & Auctions: 5%
Standard payment processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction are applicable to all campaigns.
Nonprofits seeking additional functionality can subscribe to Givebutter Plus, starting at $29/month. This includes advanced features like an email editor, automated workflows, and expanded data visualizations.
Pricing scales based on the number of contacts managed, with a 30-day free trial available.
User Feedback
Customer feedback for Givebutter was analyzed from sites like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what users reported.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Affordable Entry Model: The optional donor tip system eliminates upfront platform fees, making Givebutter highly accessible for smaller organizations. Comprehensive Toolset: From donation forms to event management, Givebutter offers an array of features in one platform. User-Friendly Interface: Users often praise the platform’s simplicity and responsive customer support. | Limited CRM Depth: The built-in donor management features are basic, lacking advanced segmentation or analytics needed by more complex organizations. Campaign Organization Challenges: Managing multiple campaigns simultaneously can be cumbersome and confusing for some users. Overwhelming for Beginners: While intuitive for experienced users, the wide range of features can overwhelm those new to fundraising platforms. |
Will Givebutter Fit My Nonprofit?
Givebutter is a practical solution for small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking a low-cost platform to manage fundraising, events, and donor engagement.
Its tip-based pricing and extensive feature set can make it more appealing to organizations looking for affordability and flexibility.
However, nonprofits requiring sophisticated donor management or seamless multi-campaign coordination may encounter limitations, especially as their operations grow in complexity.great solution for very early-stage nonprofits. But as your organization grows, you’ll want to find a system that can grow with you.
7. Keela
Keela is a Canada-based donor management platform designed to help nonprofits streamline their operations, manage donor relationships, and enhance fundraising efforts.
However, its recent acquisition by Aplos has introduced some uncertainty about its long-term roadmap, which nonprofits should consider.
Key Features
Below, you’ll find a detailed list of Keela’s core features.
- Donor Database Management
- Fundraising Tools
- Predictive Analytics
- Personalized Communication
- Automated Workflows
- Volunteer & Membership Management
- Grant Management
- Integrations
- Reporting & Analytics
Plans & Pricing
Keela offers pricing based on the number of contacts, ensuring flexibility for nonprofits of various sizes:
- Up to 2,000 Contacts: $99/month billed annually ($125/month for monthly billing).
- Up to 4,000 Contacts: $129/month billed annually.
- Up to 6,000 Contacts: $159/month billed annually.
Nonprofits with over 10,000 contacts can contact Keela for a custom quote. All plans include unlimited emails, donation forms, and online training, with no transaction fees for processing.
User Feedback
We explored reviews of Keela on G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what customers highlighted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
User-Friendly Design: Keela’s interface is praised for being intuitive, making it easier for nonprofit teams to adopt and use effectively. Strong Customer Support: Responsive email support and extensive resources like webinars and a knowledge base contribute to a positive user experience. Affordable Pricing: With flexible contact-based tiers and no transaction fees, Keela is budget-friendly for small to mid-sized nonprofits. | Integration Challenges: Some users report difficulties with syncing Keela to third-party tools like Mailchimp, leading to inefficiencies in workflows. Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While generally accessible, features like custom workflows and campaign setups require additional time to master. Customization Limitations: Certain areas, like reporting and form creation, lack the advanced customization options found in competing platforms. |
Will Keela Fit My Nonprofit?
Keela is a decent option for small to mid-sized nonprofits looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use platform to manage donor relationships and fundraising efforts. Its broad feature set makes it suitable for organizations with a moderate level of complexity.
However, nonprofits requiring extensive customization or seamless integration with external tools may encounter limitations. Additionally, the uncertainty introduced by its acquisition may warrant consideration for organizations planning long-term investments.
8. Little Green Light
Little Green Light is a donor management and fundraising platform tailored for the needs of small nonprofits. Offering a streamlined all-in-one solution, the platform provides tools for managing donor relationships, tracking fundraising campaigns, and automating acknowledgments.
While it is budget-friendly and user-friendly, its limitations in advanced features may pose challenges for nonprofits with growing or complex needs.
Key Features
Here’s a look at the features that define Little Green Light.
- Donor & Constituent Management
- Customizable Online Donation Forms
- Automated Gift & Acknowledgment Tracking
- Reporting & Data Analysis
- Volunteer & Membership Management
- Event & Campaign Management
- Integration Capabilities
- Security & Data Privacy
Plans & Pricing
Little Green Light uses a transparent, usage-based pricing model where costs are determined by the number of constituent records in the system. All plans include the same features, regardless of pricing tier:
- Up to 2,500 records: $45/month
- Up to 5,000 records: $60/month
- Up to 10,000 records: $75/month
- Up to 20,000 records: $90/month
- Up to 30,000 records: $105/month
- Up to 40,000 records: $120/month
- Up to 50,000 records: $135/month
For every additional 10,000 records, an extra $15/month is charged. Nonprofits that prepay annually receive a 10% discount. For detailed pricing information, nonprofits should contact Little Green Light directly.
User Feedback
We examined user feedback for Little Green Light from G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what those customers said.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Little Green Light’s tiered, usage-based model includes all features without hidden fees, making it accessible for smaller nonprofits on a budget. User-Friendly Design: Its intuitive interface and straightforward setup process allow users to quickly get started with minimal training. Strong Customer Support: Responsive email support and a comprehensive knowledge base, including webinars and tutorials, are frequently praised by users. | Limited Advanced Features: The platform lacks sophisticated automation and customization tools, which may hinder nonprofits looking to implement complex workflows. Outdated User Interface: While functional, the platform’s design feels dated, which can detract from the overall user experience. Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Some modules, like event management and custom workflows, require more time and effort to master. |
Will Little Green Light Fit My Nonprofit?
Little Green Light’s best fit is with small nonprofits seeking a cost-effective and straightforward CRM. Its combination of affordability and core donor management features makes it ideal for organizations with basic needs.
However, nonprofits with plans to scale or those requiring advanced automation and customization may outgrow the platform’s capabilities, prompting a need for a more robust solution.t.
9. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a donor management and fundraising solution designed to support nonprofits of all sizes. As part of the Salesforce ecosystem, it combines advanced CRM functionality with tools specifically built for nonprofits.
While its expansive feature set and scalability are appealing, the platform’s complexity, cost, and steep (steep!) learning curve present significant challenges for many organizations.
Key Features
Below is a comprehensive list of the tools included in Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud.
- Donor Management
- Fundraising Tools
- Campaign Management
- Volunteer Management
- Automation & Workflow Tools
- Advanced Reporting & Analytics
- AI-Powered Insights
- Event Management
- Extensive Integrations
- Program Management
Plans & Pricing
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud offers several pricing tiers, with costs that vary depending on the organization’s needs:
- Nonprofit Cloud Enterprise: is $60/user/month (billed annually) and includes core CRM tools for donor management, basic fundraising, and program tracking.
- Nonprofit Cloud Unlimited: costs $100/user/month (billed annually) and adds enhanced support, increased storage, and sandbox environments for testing.
- Nonprofit Cloud Einstein 1 for Sales or Service plans are $300/user/month (billed annually) and offer advanced AI-powered insights, enhanced analytics, and integrations with tools like Slack Enterprise Grid.
While Salesforce offers 10 free licenses to eligible nonprofits through the Power of Us Program, additional costs for implementation, training, and integrations with third-party tools can significantly raise the total expense, making Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud one of the most expensive CRM solutions on the market
User Feedback
We took a look at reviews for Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud from platforms like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice were analyzed—here’s what users noted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Highly Scalable: The platform can accommodate nonprofits of varying sizes and adapt as organizations grow. Comprehensive Ecosystem: Integration with Salesforce’s suite of products provides access to an extensive range of tools. Advanced Analytics: Tools like Salesforce Einstein provide predictive insights to optimize donor engagement. | Prohibitive Costs: The subscription pricing, coupled with additional fees for implementation, training, and integrations, can strain nonprofit budgets. Overwhelming Complexity: The breadth of features and required customization can overwhelm nonprofits, particularly smaller ones. Steep Learning Curve: The platform demands significant technical expertise, and onboarding can be lengthy and resource-intensive. Challenging Setup and Maintenance: Implementation is time-consuming, and ongoing administrative needs can strain internal resources. |
Will Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Fit My Nonprofit?
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a powerful solution best suited for large nonprofits with the technical expertise, staffing, and budgets to navigate its complexities.
Its scalability and extensive feature set make it a compelling option for organizations with sophisticated fundraising and programmatic needs.
However, smaller nonprofits or those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution may find Salesforce’s high costs and steep learning curve outweigh its benefits.
10. Virtuous
Virtuous CRM is a donor management and fundraising platform designed to help nonprofits enhance donor relationships and improve fundraising efficiency via automation features and integrated tools for managing campaigns.
But with that focus on automation and integration comes both complexity and onboarding costs that may pose challenges for smaller organizations or those seeking a simpler solution.
Key Features
Here’s an outline of the main features provided by Virtuous.
- Donor Management
- Business Intelligence Tools:
- Custom Field Management
- Customizable Donation Forms
- Donor Signals
- Event Management
- Fundraising Automation
- Marketing & Email Campaigns
- Online Giving Solutions
- Security & Compliance
- Volunteer Management
Plans & Pricing
Virtuous offers two pricing tiers to accommodate nonprofits at different stages of growth:
- Platform Plan: Geared toward growing nonprofits, this plan includes unlimited users, automation workflows, and access to expanded fundraising tools. It focuses on scalability for organizations looking to increase impact.
- Enterprise Plan: Built for larger organizations, this tier provides all Platform Plan features plus advanced capabilities such as custom integrations, API access, and tools for managing multi-chapter setups or complex organizational structures.
Both plans include mandatory onboarding and implementation fees, which can be significant. Pricing is customized based on each nonprofit’s needs, so organizations must contact Virtuous for a quote.
User Feedback
We reviewed customer insights for Virtuous on G2, Capterra, and Software Advice—here’s what we uncovered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Automation Features: Virtuous streamlines workflows by automating routine tasks, freeing up time for more meaningful donor engagement. Broad Integration Capabilities: Works seamlessly with many third-party tools, offering flexibility for nonprofits with established software ecosystems. Supportive Customer Service: Users often highlight the helpfulness of Virtuous’ customer support team, especially during the onboarding process. | High Onboarding Costs: The mandatory implementation fees can be a significant expense, particularly for smaller nonprofits. Complex Reporting Customization: While the reporting tools are robust, customizing them to specific needs can be time-intensive and challenging. Steep Learning Curve: The platform’s wide range of features can overwhelm new users, requiring significant time and training to master. |
Will Virtuous Fit My Nonprofit?
Virtuous best serves midsized and large nonprofits that value automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven donor engagement. It’s particularly well-suited for organizations whose features wish list centers around integrated tools and streamlined workflows.
That being said, smaller nonprofits or those with limited budgets may find the platform’s complexity and onboarding costs to be barriers, making it less ideal for organizations that prioritize simplicity and affordability.
Your Nonprofit CRM Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for any type of software isn’t easy. It’s easy to get wowed by a system’s bells and whistles without ever developing a deeper understanding of how that solution will actually help your organization achieve its goals and what it will be like to use it on a day-to-day basis.
We can help.
5 Key Questions You Should be Asking
When trying to sort out which CRM solution will be the best fit for your nonprofit—in its present form, yes, but also two, five, or 10 years down the line—here are some important questions for you to keep in mind.
1. Does this solution align with your nonprofit’s specific needs and goals?
The CRM you choose should be able to support your organization’s specific needs and goals. For example, if you’re a small nonprofit with a limited budget, you will need a CRM that is affordable and easy to use. On the other hand, a larger organization with a complex fundraising operation would need a CRM that has a wide range of features.
2. How scalable is this system?
The right CRM for your nonprofit should be able to scale as your organization grows. A “scalable” solution will be able to handle a growing number of donors, volunteers, and events. You should also pay attention to how growth—especially in your number of records or total revenue—will affect price.
3. How easy is this CRM to use?
A CRM should be easy to use for your staff and volunteers. This means that the system should have a user-friendly interface and should be able to be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. A CRM that your staff isn’t comfortable using won’t be able to provide much value beyond the basics.
4. What are this solution’s integration capabilities?
Your nonprofit’s CRM should be able to integrate with other software that your organization uses, like your website, wealth screening platform, and accounting software. (Fun Fact; Neon CRM and Neon Websites offer a seamless integration with one another!) You want your data to be able to flow frictionlessly between your various software solutions, cutting down on manual entry and preventing errors.
5. What are this CRM’s reporting features?
One of the top benefits of a CRM system is the ability to analyze donor behavior and trends, then translate those insights into better strategic decisions. In order to do all that, you should choose a CRM that has robust reporting features.
Consider Reputation, Cost, and Customer Feedback
As you assess how different platforms deliver on those five questions, you should also consider other factors that lie beyond the system itself. Here are three of the most important ones:
- Vendor Reputation: Do some research to make sure that the given CRM vendor has a good reputation and that they are committed to providing good customer support.
- Cost: The cost of the CRM will vary depending on the features and functionality you need. Make sure to get quotes from multiple vendors before making a decision.
- Customer Reviews: Hear what other nonprofits that have used this CRM have to say! You can find a great cross-section of customer reviews on sites like G2 and Capterra
Don’t forget to tap your professional nonprofit network to see which solutions your colleagues have used and can speak to—for better and for worse. If you regularly attend industry events and nonprofit conferences, you can cast an even wire net for recommendations (or warnings).
Once you have chosen a CRM, make sure you have time to train your staff on how to use it. This will help ensure that they are able to use the system effectively and that your data is protected.
For more tips on shopping for a nonprofit CRM, check out our article below:
The Pros and Cons of Spreadsheet CRMs
Much earlier in this article, we mentioned how smaller or newer organizations might simply not have a large enough donor base to justify investing in a full-fledged CRM.
For nonprofits that fit that bill, a spreadsheet from Excel or Google Sheets can serve as a workable temporary CRM—albeit one that requires a lot more manual entry.
Still, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this approach before making a decision.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost: Spreadsheets are a free or low-cost option for nonprofits. Easy to use: Spreadsheets are relatively easy to use, even for people with limited technical skills. Flexibility: Spreadsheets can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization. Data security: Spreadsheets can be password-protected to protect your donor data. | Manual data entry: All data must be entered manually into the spreadsheet, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. Limited functionality: Spreadsheets do not offer the same level of functionality as a dedicated CRM system. Data backup: It is important to regularly back up your spreadsheet data to prevent data loss. |
Here’s one way you can turn your run-of-the-mill spreadsheet database into a more powerful and user-friendly system: Use Neon One’s free donor database templates designed for Google Sheets and Excel!
With these templates, you’ll be able to manage constituents’ details and track transactions; track the individual performance of different funds, campaigns, and appeals; and even review important metrics in a built-in dashboard.
Neon CRM is Your All-In-One Nonprofit CRM Solution
Finding the right nonprofit CRM is one of the most important decisions a nonprofit can make. The right system will not only centralize all your donor data and operations in one place, but it will give your staff the power (and the extra bandwidth) to create magical experiences for all your supporters.
If you ask us, we think Neon CRM is that solution. It’s an all-in-one donor management with powerful features covering fundraising, email marketing, membership, events, volunteers, payments, and more.
But don’t take our word for it: See for yourself by joining one of our regularly scheduled Neon CRM group demos! This 30-minute session will provide you with a broad overview of everything the platform can do—with zero pressure to buy.
What are you waiting for? Click the button below and join one of our upcoming sessions. We’ll see you there!
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