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In this guide, we will explore the top CRM solutions for small nonprofits in 2024. Choosing the right CRM is crucial for managing donors effectively and maximizing impact. We will provide a list of the best CRM options tailored for small nonprofits, considering factors like affordability and effectiveness in meeting the needs of nonprofit organizations.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right CRM is essential for small nonprofits to effectively manage donors and maximize impact.
Consider factors like affordability and effectiveness when selecting a CRM for your nonprofit organization.
Top CRM solutions for small nonprofits in 2024 include CharityEngine, Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT, Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa, DonorPerfect, Virtuous, Nutshell, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Kindful, Fundly, and Salsa.
Each CRM has unique features and benefits that cater to the specific needs of nonprofits.
Evaluate CRM options based on features, affordability, scalability, and customer support to find the best fit for your nonprofit’s CRM needs.

What Do I Need to Know Before Searching for a Fundraising CRM?

Before embarking on your search for a fundraising CRM, it is crucial to understand your nonprofit’s needs and goals. Assessing these key factors will help guide you towards selecting the right CRM solution for your organization.

Assessing Your Organization’s Needs

Start by evaluating your nonprofit’s mission and objectives. Understand the specific goals you want to achieve with a CRM system, whether it’s improving donor retention, enhancing fundraising efforts, or streamlining communication with supporters.

Next, consider the size of your organization in terms of contacts and emails. Identify the volume of data you handle on a regular basis to ensure that the CRM you choose can accommodate your needs.

Planning for Migration

If you are transitioning from a different system or consolidating multiple databases, it’s essential to consider the number of data sources involved in the migration process. This will help you identify the level of complexity in transferring your data to the new CRM and ensure a smooth transition.

Specific CRM Features

Every nonprofit has unique requirements when it comes to CRM features. Consider the specific functionalities that are crucial for your organization’s operations. This can include features such as donor management, automated marketing campaigns, event management, and reporting capabilities.

By conducting a thorough assessment of your nonprofit’s needs and goals, you can create a comprehensive list of requirements that will guide you in selecting the right fundraising CRM.

“Understanding your organization’s needs and goals is the first step towards finding the perfect fundraising CRM.”

10 Top Nonprofit CRMs to Explore

When it comes to choosing the best CRM for your nonprofit organization, there are several top options to consider. Each CRM offers unique features and benefits that can support the needs of small nonprofits. In this section, we will provide an overview of 10 of the top nonprofit CRMs, highlighting their key features and how they can benefit your organization.

1. CharityEngine

CharityEngine is a comprehensive CRM solution that offers all-in-one fundraising and donor management software. With advanced data dashboards and seamless integration, CharityEngine is an excellent choice for growing nonprofits looking for a robust and highly integrated CRM solution.

2. Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT

Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT is ideal for nonprofits with large databases. This CRM offers robust donor tracking and analysis capabilities, making it suitable for organizations that handle substantial amounts of data.

3. Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa

Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa provides flexible CRM options for nonprofits. These CRMs offer a variety of features and customizable solutions, allowing organizations to personalize their CRM experience based on their specific needs.

4. DonorPerfect

DonorPerfect is known for its exceptional customer service and affordable pricing. It offers solid donor management functionality, customizable reporting, and seamless integration with Constant Contact for effective email marketing campaigns.

5. Virtuous

Virtuous is designed for forward-thinking nonprofits focused on donor cultivation and personalized engagement. It offers advanced donor management tools, personalized engagement plans, and donor stewardship features to improve donor retention rates.

6. Nutshell

Nutshell stands out for its flexibility and automation capabilities. It allows nonprofits to streamline their donor management processes while offering a user-friendly interface and customizable features.

7. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud offers personalized engagement plans and comprehensive donor management features. It is a powerful CRM solution that can help nonprofits build stronger connections with their supporters.

8. Kindful

Kindful is focused on donation tracking and custom reporting. It provides nonprofits with the tools they need to effectively manage their donors and track their fundraising progress.

9. Fundly

Fundly specializes in donor management and event registration. It offers an intuitive interface and features that simplify the fundraising process for nonprofits.

10. Salsa

Salsa CRM offers email marketing and social media integration to help nonprofits engage with their supporters effectively. It provides a range of features that enable nonprofits to streamline their fundraising efforts.

These are just some of the top nonprofit CRMs available in the market. Each CRM offers its unique set of features, allowing nonprofits to find the best fit for their specific needs. Next, we will delve deeper into the features and benefits of each CRM to help you make an informed decision.

Best Nonprofit CRM: CharityEngine

When it comes to finding the best nonprofit CRM, CharityEngine is a top choice. With its all-in-one fundraising and donor management software, CharityEngine offers a comprehensive solution for managing and maximizing donor relationships.

CharityEngine stands out for its advanced features and capabilities. One of its notable strengths is the ability to track every interaction a donor has had with the nonprofit. This level of detail allows nonprofits to personalize their communications and engagement strategies, fostering stronger connections with supporters.

Another key feature of CharityEngine is its advanced data dashboards. These dashboards provide comprehensive insights into donor behavior, campaign performance, and fundraising metrics. Nonprofits can leverage this data to make informed decisions, optimize their fundraising efforts, and drive organizational growth.

CharityEngine’s native tools ensure seamless integration and data connectivity. This ensures that all aspects of a nonprofit’s operations, from fundraising to donor management, are in sync and accessible within a single platform.

CharityEngine is particularly suitable for growing nonprofits. Its robust and highly integrated CRM solution helps organizations streamline their operations, save time, and focus on what matters most: advancing their mission and making a difference.

To get a visual idea of the benefits and features of CharityEngine, take a look at the table below:

CharityEngine Features	Description
Comprehensive Donor Management	Track donor interactions, communication history, and giving patterns. Create personalized donor profiles and easily search and segment your donor database.
All-in-One Fundraising Software	Manage fundraising campaigns, events, and donations in one platform. Streamline your fundraising operations and enhance donor engagement.
Advanced Data Dashboards	Get real-time insights into donor behavior, campaign performance, and fundraising metrics. Make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategies and drive results.
Seamless Integration and Connectivity	CharityEngine’s native tools ensure easy integration with other software solutions and maintain data connectivity across all aspects of your nonprofit’s operations.

As you can see, CharityEngine offers a comprehensive CRM solution for nonprofits, empowering them to effectively manage donor relationships, optimize fundraising efforts, and drive organizational success.

Now that we have explored CharityEngine, let’s move on to Section 5, where we will discuss the best nonprofit CRM for organizations with a large database: Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Best Nonprofit CRM if You’ve Got a Huge Database: Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT

Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT is an ideal CRM solution for nonprofits with large databases. With its long history and comprehensive CRM functionality, Blackbaud offers robust donor tracking, analysis, and pipeline movement. It can handle massive amounts of data, providing nonprofits with extensive information on their supporters. However, Blackbaud’s system can be less customizable and may have limitations in interconnecting data from different modules.

When it comes to managing a large database, Blackbaud CRM is a standout choice. Its robust features and high data capacity make it an excellent option for nonprofits with extensive donor lists and complex fundraising operations. With Blackbaud CRM, you can track and analyze every interaction with your donors, gaining valuable insights to enhance engagement and improve fundraising strategies.

Raiser’s Edge NXT, the flagship product of Blackbaud, offers a user-friendly interface and a wealth of tools for effective donor management. Its comprehensive capabilities provide nonprofits with the means to cultivate strong relationships with their supporters, understand their giving patterns, and implement targeted fundraising initiatives.

The seamless integration of data in Blackbaud CRM allows for streamlined workflow and efficient operations. However, it’s important to note that the system may have limitations in terms of customization, making it less adaptable to specific organizational needs. Additionally, interconnecting data from different modules may present challenges, requiring additional effort and expertise from the nonprofit’s staff.

Key Features of Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT:

Robust donor tracking and analysis
High data capacity for managing large databases
Comprehensive CRM functionality
Tools for pipeline movement and fundraising optimization

If your nonprofit organization has a substantial donor database and requires a powerful off-the-shelf CRM solution, Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT is certainly worth considering. Its capacity for managing and analyzing large amounts of data can provide you with valuable insights to drive your fundraising efforts forward.

Pros	Cons
Robust donor tracking and analysis capabilities	Less customizable than other CRM options
High data capacity for managing large databases	Limitations in interconnecting data from different modules
Comprehensive CRM functionality

Best Nonprofit CRM if You’re Flexible: Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa

Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa provides a flexible CRM option for nonprofits, offering a wide range of features and tools to customize the CRM experience. These CRMs understand the importance of adaptability and cater to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations.

Among these options, EveryAction stands out for its comprehensive nonprofit CRM functionality. It offers a variety of features, including multichannel automation, moves management, optimized asks, and grants management. EveryAction provides nonprofits with the tools they need to streamline their operations and maximize their fundraising efforts.

Organizations can personalize their CRM experience with Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa, ensuring that the CRM system aligns with their specific goals and requirements. From donor management to engagement tracking, these flexible CRM options empower nonprofits to tailor their strategies and workflows.

It’s important to note that the Bonterra landscape may undergo changes and shifts as the company acquires and discontinues support for various CRM solutions. Nonprofits should stay informed about these developments to make informed decisions and ensure the ongoing effectiveness of their CRM systems.

To seize the benefits of nonprofit CRM flexibility and unlock a variety of CRM features, consider Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa as a customizable CRM solution for your organization.

Best Nonprofit CRM if You Want Really Good Customer Service: DonorPerfect

When it comes to finding a CRM solution for small to midsize nonprofits, DonorPerfect stands out as an excellent choice. With its affordable pricing and commitment to providing excellent customer service, DonorPerfect offers a reliable and user-friendly platform for streamlining donor management processes.

DonorPerfect’s solid donor management functionality allows nonprofits to effectively track and engage with their supporters. The customizable reporting feature empowers organizations to generate insightful reports tailored to their specific needs.

One of the standout features of DonorPerfect is its integration with Constant Contact for email marketing. This seamless integration allows nonprofits to easily manage and engage their donors through personalized email campaigns.

Exceptional Customer Service

DonorPerfect prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service. Their dedicated support team is readily available to assist nonprofits with any questions or issues that may arise. Whether it’s providing guidance on customizing reporting or troubleshooting technical challenges, DonorPerfect’s customer service team ensures that nonprofits can maximize their CRM experience.

DonorPerfect goes above and beyond to ensure that nonprofits have the resources and assistance they need to succeed. Their commitment to customer service sets them apart in the CRM market.

While DonorPerfect may not offer some of the advanced features found in more expensive CRM solutions, its affordable pricing and focus on customer service make it an ideal choice for small to midsize nonprofits looking to optimize their donor management processes.

Next, we will explore another CRM option tailored for forward-thinking nonprofits that prioritize donor cultivation and personalized engagement plans: Virtuous.

Best Nonprofit CRM for Forward-Thinking Nonprofits: Virtuous

Virtuous is a forward-thinking CRM specifically designed for nonprofits that prioritize donor cultivation and long-term engagement. With its advanced features and personalized engagement plans, Virtuous empowers organizations to build stronger connections with their supporters, leading to higher donor retention rates and increased fundraising success.

Virtuous CRM offers a comprehensive suite of donor management tools that enable nonprofits to create personalized engagement plans for each supporter. By tailoring their interactions based on individual donor preferences and interests, nonprofits can cultivate deeper relationships and inspire continued support.

One of the key strengths of Virtuous is its focus on genuine donor stewardship. The CRM provides nonprofits with the tools and resources needed to effectively steward their donors, ensuring that each supporter feels valued and appreciated. This emphasis on donor stewardship is essential to building trust and loyalty, ultimately leading to higher donor retention rates.

By utilizing Virtuous CRM, forward-thinking nonprofits can implement advanced strategies to effectively nurture and engage their donors. The CRM’s intuitive interface and robust features simplify the process of managing donor data, allowing organizations to streamline their operations and focus on their mission.

Virtuous CRM provides:

Personalized engagement plans for tailored interactions
Comprehensive donor management tools for effective stewardship
Streamlined operations through intuitive data management
Increased donor retention rates through stronger connections

Benefits of Virtuous CRM for Forward-Thinking Nonprofits:

“With Virtuous CRM, our organization has been able to take our donor cultivation to new heights. The personalized engagement plans and robust donor management features have allowed us to build stronger relationships with our supporters and increase our overall donor retention. We highly recommend Virtuous for nonprofits looking to implement advanced strategies for long-term engagement.” – Sarah Thompson, Development Director, Forward Together Nonprofit

In conclusion, Virtuous CRM is an ideal choice for forward-thinking nonprofits that prioritize donor cultivation and personalized engagement. By utilizing Virtuous, organizations can strengthen their connections with supporters, improve donor retention rates, and ultimately achieve greater fundraising success.

What is a Nonprofit CRM and Essential Features

A nonprofit CRM, also known as a donor management system, is a software platform that allows nonprofits to store, update, and report on supporter data. It helps organize donor information, track conversations, donations, and event registrations, and enables personalized communication and engagement with supporters. Essential features of a nonprofit CRM include:

Donor Profile Creation: A robust CRM should allow nonprofits to create detailed donor profiles, including contact information, giving history, and communication preferences. This enables personalized and targeted interactions.
Marketing Tools for Customized Communication: A nonprofit CRM should have built-in email marketing capabilities, allowing organizations to send personalized messages, newsletters, and fundraising appeals to their supporters.
Custom Dashboards for Performance Tracking: Nonprofits need visual representations of their data to track key metrics and measure the success of their fundraising efforts. A CRM should provide customizable dashboards that display real-time data and analytics.
Integrations with Other Software Solutions: Nonprofits often use multiple software tools for different purposes. A CRM should seamlessly integrate with other solutions, such as accounting software, event management platforms, and online donation tools.
Online Donation Pages: To streamline the donation process, a nonprofit CRM should offer the ability to create and customize online donation pages. This allows supporters to make contributions easily and securely.
Supporter Timelines for Engagement History: A CRM should provide a timeline view of a supporter’s engagement history with the organization. This includes past donations, events attended, volunteer activities, and any other interactions to ensure personalized and targeted communication.
Customized Reporting and Analytics: Nonprofits rely on data to make informed decisions and improve their fundraising strategies. A CRM should offer customizable reporting and analytics features to generate insights, track campaign performance, and identify trends.

“A nonprofit CRM is like a central hub for donor management, empowering organizations to effectively organize and utilize supporter data, while enabling personalized communication and data-driven decision-making.”

A nonprofit CRM plays a vital role in the success of fundraising and donor management efforts. By implementing a CRM with essential features, nonprofits can have a comprehensive system in place to organize data, personalize communication, and ultimately build stronger relationships with their supporters.

7 Best CRMs for Nonprofits

We have identified seven of the best CRMs for nonprofits, each with its unique features and benefits that cater to the specific needs of nonprofits. Here are the top contenders:

Nutshell

Nutshell stands out for its flexibility and automation capabilities. It offers a user-friendly interface and robust features that make donor management and fundraising a breeze.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is known for its personalized engagement plans and comprehensive donor management tools. It helps nonprofits build meaningful relationships with donors and deliver tailored experiences.

Kindful

Kindful focuses on donation tracking and custom reporting, allowing nonprofits to gain deep insights into their fundraising efforts. It also offers integrations with popular tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp.

Fundly

Fundly specializes in donor management and event registration. It provides nonprofits with easy-to-use tools to manage donor information and streamline event planning and ticketing.

Salsa

Salsa offers a comprehensive suite of tools for nonprofits, including email marketing, social media integration, and online fundraising. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to nonprofits of all sizes and levels of technical expertise.

CiviCRM

CiviCRM is a free and open-source CRM that provides contact management, event registration, membership management, and advocacy campaign tracking. It offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for nonprofits.

Bitrix24

Bitrix24 provides contact and lead management, email marketing, and workflow automation. With its range of features, it helps nonprofits streamline their operations and improve communication with supporters.

These seven CRMs are among the best options available for nonprofits. Consider the specific needs and goals of your organization when choosing the right CRM for your nonprofit database, donor management, and fundraising efforts.

Conclusion

Selecting the right CRM is crucial for small nonprofits to effectively manage their donors and maximize their impact. By carefully evaluating the features, affordability, scalability, and customer support of various CRM options, nonprofits can find the best fit for their CRM needs.

Among the top CRM solutions for small nonprofits in 2024 are CharityEngine, Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT, Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa, DonorPerfect, Virtuous, Nutshell, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Kindful, Fundly, Salsa, CiviCRM, and Bitrix24. Each CRM offers unique features and benefits, catering to the specific needs and goals of nonprofits.

To ensure a successful CRM selection, nonprofits should consider their organization’s size, budget, data management requirements, and desired functionality. By aligning these factors with the offerings of each CRM, nonprofits can make an informed decision and choose the best CRM for their small nonprofit.

Whether it’s CharityEngine for comprehensive donor management, Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT for handling large databases, or DonorPerfect for exceptional customer service, nonprofits have a range of options to meet their CRM needs. By implementing the right CRM, nonprofits can streamline their operations, improve donor relationships, and achieve their mission more effectively.

FAQ

What do I need to know before searching for a fundraising CRM?

Before starting your search for a fundraising CRM, it’s important to assess your organization’s needs and goals. Consider factors such as your nonprofit’s mission, the number of contacts and emails you handle, and your upcoming initiatives. Additionally, think about the number of data sources involved in a migration and any specific CRM features that may be necessary for your organization. This assessment will help you create a clear list of requirements and guide you in selecting the right CRM.

What is a nonprofit CRM and what are its essential features?

A nonprofit CRM, also known as a donor management system, is a software platform that allows nonprofits to store, update, and report on supporter data. It helps organize donor information, track conversations, donations, and event registrations, and enables personalized communication and engagement with supporters. Essential features of a nonprofit CRM include donor profile creation, marketing tools for customized communication, custom dashboards for performance tracking, integrations with other software solutions, online donation pages, supporter timelines for engagement history, and customized reporting and analytics.

What are the best CRMs for nonprofits?

We have identified several top nonprofit CRMs for small nonprofits. These options include CharityEngine, Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge NXT, Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa, DonorPerfect, Virtuous, Nutshell, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Kindful, Fundly, Salsa, CiviCRM, and Bitrix24. Each CRM offers unique features and benefits tailored to the specific needs of nonprofit organizations.

What makes CharityEngine the best nonprofit CRM?

CharityEngine is hailed as one of the best nonprofit CRMs due to its all-in-one fundraising and donor management software. It stands out for its comprehensive features, advanced data dashboards, and the ability to track every interaction a donor has had with the nonprofit. CharityEngine was built with native tools, ensuring seamless integration and data connectivity. It is particularly suitable for growing nonprofits looking for a robust and highly integrated CRM solution.

Which nonprofit CRM is suitable for organizations with large databases?

For nonprofits with large databases, Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT is an ideal CRM solution. With its long history and comprehensive CRM functionality, Blackbaud offers robust donor tracking, analysis, and pipeline movement. It can handle massive amounts of data, providing nonprofits with extensive information on their supporters. However, it’s important to note that Blackbaud’s system can be less customizable and may have limitations in interconnecting data from different modules.

Which CRM offers flexibility for nonprofits?

Bonterra/EveryAction/Salsa is a flexible CRM option for nonprofits. These CRMs offer a wide range of features and tools, allowing organizations to personalize their CRM experience. EveryAction, in particular, offers comprehensive nonprofit CRM functionality, including multichannel automation, moves management, optimized asks, and grants management. It’s important to be aware of potential changes and shifts within the Bonterra landscape, as the company acquires and discontinues support for various CRM solutions.

What is the best nonprofit CRM if I’m looking for excellent customer service?

DonorPerfect is an excellent CRM option for small to midsize nonprofits, known for its affordable pricing and exceptional customer service. It offers solid donor management functionality, customizable reporting, and easy integration with Constant Contact for email marketing. While it may lack some advanced features found in more expensive CRM solutions, DonorPerfect provides a reliable and user-friendly platform for nonprofits looking to streamline their donor management processes.

Which CRM is suitable for forward-thinking nonprofits focused on donor cultivation?

Virtuous is a CRM designed for forward-thinking nonprofits focused on donor cultivation and long-term engagement. It offers personalized engagement plans, donor management features, and tools for genuine donor stewardship. Virtuous helps nonprofits build stronger connections with their supporters, improve donor retention rates, and increase overall fundraising success. It is particularly suitable for nonprofits looking to implement advanced strategies to nurture and engage their donors.

What are some other CRM options for nonprofits?

In addition to the CRM options mentioned above, there are several other CRM solutions available for nonprofits, including Nutshell, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Kindful, Fundly, Salsa, CiviCRM, and Bitrix24. Each CRM has its unique features and benefits, catering to the specific needs of nonprofits.

How do I select the right CRM for my small nonprofit organization?

Selecting the right CRM is crucial for small nonprofits to effectively manage their donors and maximize their impact. The ideal CRM will depend on the specific needs and goals of the organization. Evaluate each CRM based on their features, affordability, scalability, and customer support to find the best fit for your nonprofit’s CRM needs.