Donor Management Archives | Bloomerang

The 5 Silent “Revenue Killers” Stalling Your Mission—And How to Fix Them

Megan Allison — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:25:46 +0000

A lack of passion isn’t what holds most nonprofits back. Nonprofits are working harder than ever—yet revenue growth remains inconsistent.

The issue isn’t effort. It’s hidden friction inside fundraising systems that quietly limit growth.

Many nonprofits face the same patterns: low first-time donor retention, stagnant gift sizes, underperforming recurring programs, and technology that slows teams down instead of accelerating results.

These aren’t isolated issues—they’re signals your fundraising system isn’t working as one.

The good news? These stalls are identifiable and fixable. In this guide, we’ll explore five common fundraising growth barriers, how to recognize them, and what steps can help your organization move forward.

The 5 revenue stalls for fundraising

1. The first-time donor “retention gap”

According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, first-time donor retention averages at just 14%.

This means that for every ten new donors your organization acquires, nearly nine of them will never give again. Without strong follow-up engagement, donor acquisition becomes a cycle that consumes time and resources without creating long-term growth. This doesn’t just impact retention—it also limits gift growth and recurring conversion. This not only harms donor retention but also restricts gift growth and the conversion of one-time gifts into recurring donations.

The hidden revenue gap

Ultimately, you’re missing out on a lot of money, and long term, those losses compound into a greater financial loss. For example, organizations using Bloomerang have reported first-time donor retention rates as high as 52%,¹ meaning you’re missing out on hundreds or even thousands of donors and potentially tens of thousands of dollars over 5 years.

Want to see how much you’re losing out on? Plug in your numbers with our ROI calculator!

2. The “median gift” stagnation trap

The 2025 M+R Benchmarks report found the average one-time gift to be $126.

If your median gift size isn’t growing, your donation experience could be limiting generosity. Unoptimized donation forms, lengthy checkout flows, or static ask amounts can unintentionally cap giving potential.

The hidden revenue gap

If your standard gift size is plateauing, you’re losing out on potential income. Bloomerang customers see an average one-time gift of $166—and up to $191 for larger organizations,² and those dollars you’re missing add up to some major revenue loss for your mission.

3. The recurring giving “value leak”

According to the 2025 M+R Benchmarks report, the average monthly donation is $24.

Recurring donors are a source of sustainable support you can cultivate. However, many platforms unintentionally limit monthly gift size through default donation levels or unclear giving options.

The hidden revenue gap

Having recurring donors is great—but missing out on revenue can prevent your nonprofit from growing. For instance, Bloomerang customers report an average of $38 per monthly gift.³ What could you do with 58% more each month from your recurring donors?

4. The “legacy tech” growth tax

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project report found that mid-sized nonprofits ($250K–$1M revenue) experienced −0.5% median revenue growth.

Your software can be a big contributor to stunting your growth. Outdated fundraising systems often create hidden costs—requiring your staff to spend more time managing data, exporting reports, and fixing workflow issues instead of building donor relationships.

The hidden revenue gap

Spending more on software can cost your mission hundreds and thousands of funds every year. Similar nonprofits using the Bloomerang Giving Platform 9.5% annual growth⁴—highlighting a lot of revenue left on the table for other organizations.

5. The “fragmented platform” growth gap

Many nonprofits rely on a patchwork of tools: one system for CRM, another for donations, another for volunteer management. These disconnected systems prevent organizations from seeing the full donor journey—from volunteer activity to event participation to giving history.

Without that context, engagement strategies become fragmented and less effective as opportunities get lost between systems and data silos, resulting in a measurable decline in year-over-year revenue.

The hidden revenue gap

How much are data silos and unconnected tools costing your nonprofit? The answer may surprise you. For example, organizations leveraging the full Bloomerang platform see an grow around 1.5x the rate⁵ compared to customers using only two products of the platform. That’s thousands of dollars in potential income loss.

The answer isn’t five strategies—it’s one unified system

Each of these “revenue killers” may look like separate problems—but they all stem from the same root issue: disconnected systems and manual processes.

When donor data, giving experiences, and engagement workflows operate in silos:

New donors aren’t followed up with consistently
Gift amounts stay static
Recurring programs underperform
Staff spend time managing tools instead of building relationships

Fixing each issue individually can create incremental improvements—but it doesn’t eliminate the underlying friction. Sustainable growth requires a system that works as one.

A unified system doesn’t just fix individual problems—it systematically removes the friction causing them. The result: every part of the fundraising system reinforces the others—turning isolated improvements into compounding growth.

What is the long term impact?

Over five years, this difference compounds significantly. Nonprofits using the full Bloomerang platform experience roughly 70% cumulative revenue growth, demonstrating how unified systems can accelerate fundraising momentum.

1. Transform your retention gap with lifecycle automation

With a unified platform like Bloomerang, every new donor triggers an automated journey:

Immediate, personalized acknowledgment
Timely impact follow-up
Targeted second-gift ask

This ensures consistent stewardship without relying on manual intervention—directly improving retention rates.

2. From gift stagnation to dynamic giving optimization

Giving experiences adapt in real time when you use a unified giving platform:

Suggested amounts adjust based on donor behavior
Forms are simplified to reduce friction
Express donation options reduce drop-off

This removes barriers to generosity and increases average gift size.

3. Transform your value leak into structured upgrade paths

Recurring giving is built into the system—not treated as an afterthought:

Monthly giving is promoted as a primary option
Annual impact is clearly communicated
Donors are prompted to upgrade over time

This increases both participation and long-term donor value.

4. Move from legacy tech to workflow automation

With a unified system, manual processes are replaced with automation:

Data flows seamlessly across tools
Reporting is generated automatically
Staff time shifts from administration to donor engagement

This reduces operational drag and improves team efficiency.

5. Replace fragmentation with a 360-degree donor view

One unified giving platform means all your engagement data lives in one place, including:

Giving history
Event participation
Volunteer activity

This creates a complete picture of each donor, enabling more relevant and effective outreach.

Final thoughts

Fundraising growth rarely stalls for a single reason. It’s often the result of multiple small inefficiencies: low retention, flat gift sizes, underperforming recurring programs, and disconnected systems.

Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome through a combination of effective strategy, strong stewardship, and appropriate technology. Genuine, sustainable growth isn’t about fixing individual issues in isolation—it comes from eliminating the disconnects and friction points between your fundraising efforts. When your fundraising functions as a unified system, every positive change amplifies the others, transforming modest improvements into sustained, long-term revenue momentum.

Additional resources

A Complete Guide to Streamlining Your Systems. Explore how to cut the clutter in your tech stack and do more without adding more systems.
How to Upgrade Nonprofit Donors Using Suggested Donations. Learn more about how suggested donations impact online fundraising.
Donor Stewardship: Key Tips to Build Relationships. Discover effective strategies that ensure your donors feel seen and appreciated.

Data Validation

¹Organizations using Bloomerang have reported first-time donor retention rates as high as 52% for nonprofits under $100K in revenue, and around 45% for organizations in the $1M–$10M range, demonstrating the impact of strong donor relationship management.

²Bloomerang customers report an average one-time gift of $166. For larger organizations ($1M–$10M in revenue), average gifts rise to $191, significantly exceeding industry averages.

³Bloomerang data shows nonprofit customers between $100K and $10M in revenue averaging $38 per monthly gift, approximately 58% higher than the industry average.

⁴Organizations in the same mid-sized revenue segment using the Bloomerang Giving Platform report 9.5% annual growth, outperforming the industry. Nonprofits switching from other platforms see even greater growth with Blackbaud eTapestry users switching to Bloomerang have reported average revenue growth of 98% in their first year.

⁵Nonprofits using the full Bloomerang Giving Platform experience an average yearly revenue increase of 11.14% compared to those using only a single product. This means organizations using the complete platform grow 1.5× faster than those using only two products.

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The Decades-Long Thank You

Vicki Stabile — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:16:12 +0000

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How Let’s Save the Strays uses video to thank donors better

Marissa Johnson — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:48:09 +0000

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Bloomerang’s Vision for 2026: Living the Promise of One Platform

Dennis Fois — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:08:00 +0000

There are moments when ambition is easy to talk about—and moments when it’s time to deliver on it.

This blog is about the latter.

At Bloomerang, we’ve spent years building toward a simple but demanding promise: one platform that allows nonprofit staff to focus on what truly matters. Serving their causes. Sharing their stories. Building real relationships with the people who believe in their mission.

The promise of the Giving Platform is not more features or more time spent in software. It’s the opposite. It’s about giving nonprofit teams clarity faster, helping them uncover insights they never had access to before, and enabling them to act with confidence—while spending the least possible time inside the system to do it.

That promise has guided every hard decision we’ve made along the way. In 2026, our focus is clear: delivering fully on that promise—not in theory, but in the daily lived experience of nonprofit teams.

If there has ever been a time to be excited about making complex problems work simply, this is it.

The hard work we did first

For nonprofits, fundraising has never lacked heart. It has lacked infrastructure that respects time, context, and continuity.

Most nonprofits move from one fundraising moment to the next—events, appeals, campaigns—without the benefit of momentum compounding behind the scenes. Each effort generates insight, engagement, and signals from supporters, but too often those signals are trapped in disconnected tools so teams feel like they’re from scratch with each new initiative.

That feeling is understandable—but it’s also deeply misleading. Opportunity never resets. The system and tools you trust just fail to carry that opportunity forward.

That’s the problem we set out to solve first.

In 2025, we made a deliberate choice to do the hard work of unifying the core of nonprofit operations. Not slapping logos on acquired tools. Not loosely integrating data. Not bolting separate systems together and calling it a day. But building a single Giving Platform where donor activity, fundraising performance, volunteer engagement, and payments live together and reinforce one another.

That foundation is now real—and it’s already delivering measurable impact.

Nonprofits using the complete Bloomerang Giving Platform grow 1.5x faster than those relying on disconnected tools. They see an average 22% increase in the number of monthly recurring donations, and those recurring gifts are 58% larger than the industry average. Organizations using the full platform also achieve meaningfully higher donor retention year over year.

These results don’t come from working harder or adding complexity. They come from clarity. When systems are unified, insight compounds. Decisions improve. And teams stop losing ground between fundraising moments.

That was the work that had to come first.

Deepening the Giving Platform—so the work feels seamless

With that foundation in place, the question for 2026 is not whether the Giving Platform works. It does.

The question is how far we can take it.

Nonprofits using the full platform can already see how donors, volunteers, and prospective supporters behave across moments that used to live in isolation. Engagement is no longer fragmented. Patterns are visible. Momentum carries forward instead of resetting after every campaign.

In 2026, our focus is on deepening that experience—making the platform feel seamless in daily work, not just conceptually unified. This is the year we remove even more friction so insight surfaces faster, actions feel more confident, and nonprofit teams spend less time navigating systems and more time advancing their mission.

That focus centers on three deliberate areas:

First, deepening the platform itself.
We are strengthening the connective tissue across fundraising activity, constituent data, volunteer engagement, and payments so every interaction contributes to a single, continuous story. The goal is to eliminate the sense of “starting over” and allow learning, relationships, and results to compound naturally over time.

Second, delivering AI that works for fundraisers.
This is not AI layered onto disconnected data providing generic answers. Let’s be honest, you could just use Chat GPT for that. Bloomerang’s AI fundraising partner, Penny, is grounded in your data stored securely within the Giving Platform and informed by real nonprofit best practice–over 2,000 consulting wins to be exact. Its role is to surface what matters, explain why it matters, and help teams know where to focus next—without replacing judgment or human connection. AI should remove analytical friction, not add cognitive load.

Third, continuing fundraising innovation where performance matters most.
From checkout optimization to continuously improving conversion, we are taking responsibility for the mechanics of giving. Nonprofit teams shouldn’t have to become experts in optimization just to raise more. High performance should be built in, not bolted on. In 2026 all our customers will benefit from a dedicated team that will continually optimize the giving performance for free!

The promise we’re ready to deliver

Across all three areas, the principle is the same. Technology should expand human capacity, not compete with it. It should make insight easier to reach, decisions easier to trust, and action easier to take—while demanding as little time as possible in return.

That is how we deliver on the promise of the Giving Platform.

Less time managing systems.
More time serving causes.
More space to share stories that inspire generosity.

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How Friendship Bridge achieved 49% retention with Bloomerang

Marissa Johnson — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:51:26 +0000

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The major gifts playbook: turn potential into power

Lacey Jackson — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 22:18:56 +0000

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The new donor playbook: fuel your fundraising funnel

Diana Otero — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:53:12 +0000

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Seven Essential Questions Nonprofits Should Ask Any Software Provider

Evan DaSilva — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:23:43 +0000

When news breaks about a fundraising platform withholding donations or mishandling nonprofit funds, it shakes the entire sector. It shouldn’t be this way—but it happens more often than many realize.

The recent cease-and-desist order issued in California has raised an uncomfortable but necessary question: Are nonprofits equipped with the right information—and the right questions—to evaluate whether a technology provider is truly ethical, transparent, and safe?

Nonprofits deserve more than shiny features and low (or “free”) price tags. They deserve clear answers, transparent operating models, and partners who protect donor trust as fiercely as they do. Before signing a contract or moving fundraising online, here are the most important questions every nonprofit should ask.

1. “How do you handle donor dollars once they’re given?”

This is the most critical question—and the one many nonprofits understandably assume has a simple, clean answer.

But providers differ dramatically in how they move money:

Some pass funds directly to nonprofits within a few days.
Others hold donations in their own bank accounts—sometimes for weeks or months.
Some even use the revenue generated from donations to run their own operations.

When a platform holds charitable funds, it introduces risk, delays, and compliance exposure. In some cases, it can look alarmingly similar to acting as a bank—but without the safeguards, regulations, or legality required of financial institutions.

Ask:

How long do you hold donor funds?
Are nonprofit funds ever co-mingled with operating cash or used as working capital?
Is my organization’s money kept in a segregated account?
Do you guarantee a payout timeline?

If the answer is vague, complicated, or evasive—that’s your answer.

2. “Are you properly registered and compliant as a charitable fundraising platform?”

In many states, fundraising platforms are legally required to register and meet specific compliance standards. These regulations exist to protect nonprofits and donors—and reputable providers take them seriously.

Ask:

Are you registered as a fundraising platform in every state where we will fundraise?
Can you provide documentation of your registration?
How do you stay in compliance with state and federal rules?

Nonprofits shouldn’t have to become compliance experts to stay safe—but they should expect their technology partners to be.

3. “What is your business model as a software provider—and how do you make money?”

This is where things get interesting.

Some platforms charge predictable subscription fees. Some rely on transaction fees. Some rely on donor tipping and “optional” add-ons. Some use complex credit systems. And some subsidize “free” offerings by monetizing or withholding donor activity.

A lack of transparency in the business model is often the first red flag.

Ask:

What is the primary revenue source for your company?
If your platform is “free,” how do you pay for your operations?
Are there any costs passed to donors without our knowledge?
Do you incentivize donor tipping or default donors into optional fees?

If you cannot explain a company’s business model in one sentence, it’s too complicated.

4. “How fast do payouts occur, and what happens if something goes wrong?”

Delayed payouts aren’t just inconvenient—they can stall programs, affect payroll, and damage donor trust.

Technology partners should give nonprofits full visibility into:

How funds move from donor to bank
Expected timelines (“not estimates”)
Escalation paths if something is delayed
Who is responsible if there is a transfer failure

Ask:

What are your average payout times?
What is your guaranteed maximum payout window?
Do you have dedicated human support if something goes wrong?
What is your escalation process?

Timely access to donor dollars is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

5. “What messages or fees will donors see during the giving process?”

Platforms increasingly insert messages within the giving process for donors to cover processing costs. If these messages are not worded carefully and transparently they can introduce friction to the donation flow—often without nonprofits realizing it.

Examples include:

Suggested “tips” to the platform
Hidden fees
Unclear language that confuses donors
Automatic opt-ins

These practices can create mistrust and reduce conversion, even if the nonprofit never intended it.

Ask:

Can we fully preview and customize the donor experience?
Are there any fees or tips shown to donors by default?
Can donors give without being upsold?

Donor experience is sacred—and nonprofits deserve full clarity into any prompts or messages that shape that experience.

6. “What data do you collect, and how do you use it?”

Donor data is mission-critical. Nonprofits should know:

Who owns the donor information
Whether the provider shares data with third parties
Whether donor behavior is used to fuel the platform’s own marketing
What happens if the nonprofit switches providers

Ask:

Who owns our donor data?
Do you share or sell donor insights outside our organization?
What is the process for exporting our data and migrating our recurring gifts if we leave?

Trust isn’t only financial—it’s digital.

7. “Can you explain everything you do in plain language?”

This might be the most telling question of all.

If a provider can’t explain their:

Money movement
Business model
Compliance standards
Data policies
Donor experience

…in a clear, simple way, they may not be operating simply. Transparency shouldn’t need translation.

Nonprofits deserve ethical, transparent partners

Nonprofits shouldn’t have to decipher hidden business models, wonder where their donor dollars are being held, or question whether a platform’s incentives align with their mission. Yet that’s exactly what happens when technology companies introduce friction, hide fees in fine print, or design experiences that benefit the platform more than the nonprofit.

Any model that injects confusion, locked prompts, or unnecessary steps chips away at trust.

At Bloomerang, we believe trust is built through clarity and integrity at every step of the giving journey. Donor dollars should move quickly and cleanly to the nonprofit. The donor experience should remain free of tricks, upsells, or manufactured friction.

A better future starts with each of us

Trust isn’t a feature; it’s the foundation of fundraising. Nonprofits deserve partners who honor that foundation with every decision, every payout, and every product choice—and who understand that technology’s role is not to insert friction, but to strengthen the connection between mission and generosity.

Choosing the right technology partner shouldn’t be a gamble—and nonprofits shouldn’t have to decode hidden models or wait months for donor funds.

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21 Best Nonprofit CRM Solutions to Manage Supporters in 2026

Diana Otero — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:00:45 +0000

When it comes to donor data, there’s a lot to keep track of. Giving histories, gift amounts, and frequencies can reveal a lot about future willingness to give. Plus, understanding motivations, interests, and passions can help you connect with supporters on a deeper level. A nonprofit CRM helps you keep all this information organized and easily accessible.

According to our Mission Retainable Report, 94% of fundraisers already use CRMs, but 42% of organizations are very open to adopting new technologies—CRMs included. In this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about nonprofit CRM solutions and the best platforms to consider. Here’s what to expect:

What is a nonprofit CRM?
What are the benefits of nonprofit CRMs?
What are the essential nonprofit CRM features?
Top 21 nonprofit CRM solutions
6 steps to find and implement the right nonprofit CRM for your needs

Every nonprofit needs something different in a CRM solution. That’s why we’re committed to helping your organization find the best platform for your unique needs.

What is a nonprofit CRM?

A nonprofit constituent relationship management system (CRM) is a software platform that allows nonprofits to store, update, and report on supporter data. From tracking conversations and donations to event registrations, you can note every interaction you have with a supporter in your nonprofit CRM.

Once you have information about your supporters’ interests, engagement histories, and past interactions with your organization, you can reach out to them with personalized messages that speak to their motivations. This type of stewardship helps boost donor retention.

Top 21 nonprofit CRM solutions

Start compiling potential CRM solutions by reviewing the following top options for nonprofits.

Nonprofit CRM software provider	What we like about this nonprofit CRM	Potential drawbacks	Pricing
Bloomerang	Unified giving platform with the friendliest user experience and tools in the industry	None!	Starts at $125 per month
Salesforce	Extensive customizability, scalability, and flexibility	May need to hire an outside consultant to configure their system; steep learning curve to get up and running	Starts at $60 per user per month
Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT	Robust system that offers integrations with many third-party applications	Requires some technical experience; potential yearly price increases	Contact Blackbaud for pricing
Neon CRM	Ease of use and intuitive interface	Complicated reporting process; additional costs	Starts at $99 per month
DonorPerfect	Custom video thank-you messages	Outdated and complex user; complex report generation process	Contact DonorPerfect for pricing
Keela	Real-time donor insights and predictions	Limited email functionality and flexibility; lacks advanced donor loyalty and engagement features	Starts at $134 per month
CharityEngine	Well-positioned to support international nonprofit operations	Lack of communication about updated features and bug fixes; unhelpful help center resources; minimal product use training	Contact CharityEngine for pricing
Giveffect	Broad range of nonprofit tools in one platform	More expensive than similar CRMs; poor email functionality	Contact Giveffect for pricing
NationBuilder	Highly community-focused	More geared towards growing your audience than managing and engaging with current members; lack of personalization options; restrictive back-end editing process.	Starts at $34 per month
GoFundMe Pro	Extensive integration library	Feature limitations based on pricing tier	Contact GoFundMe Pro for pricing
Virtuous	Based on a Responsive Fundraising framework	Slow response times and difficulty contacting the support team	Contact Virtuous for pricing
Little Green Light	Great for new or small nonprofits	Doesn’t work well for larger or more established nonprofits	Starts at $486 per year
Bonterra Fundraising + Engagement	Connects nonprofits to corporate partners looking to expand their CSR initiatives	Features and platforms change frequently, leaving users confused	Contact Bonterra for pricing
Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits	Makes it easy to leverage multiple Microsoft solutions in one unified platform	Steep learning curve; possibility of paying for features your nonprofit doesn’t need	Starts at $9 per user per month
DonorDock	User-friendly interface and transparent pricing	Limited built-in integrations; basic communication features	Starts at $300 per month
Springboard	Allows nonprofits to leverage Salesforce-powered insights	Complex implementation and configuration process	Contact Jackson River for pricing
GiveWP	Great for organizations that are very comfortable using WordPress	Basic fundraising features only available as add-ons	Free plan with paid plans starting at $149 per year
monday CRM	Flexibility, versatility, and efficiency	Pricing calculated based on the number of seats or users needed	Starts at $12 per seat per month
HubSpot CRM	Nonprofit discount and many integrations	Better tailored to businesses rather than nonprofits; higher learning curve	Free plan with paid plans start at $15 per seat per month
Funraise	Friendly and proactive customer service team	Doesn’t offer membership management features	Free plan with paid plans starting at $99 per month
CiviCRM	Highly customizable and expandable	Takes a lot of work to set up; requires someone with technical expertise to keep the platform running	Free

1. Bloomerang CRM

Bloomerang CRM is dedicated to helping nonprofits build relationships with their supporters, raise funds, and ultimately retain more support year after year. This solution was designed by industry experts and consultants who are familiar with nonprofit challenges and how technology can address those roadblocks.

Check out how real nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii use Bloomerang to raise more by watching the video below:

Nonprofit CRM features

This nonprofit CRM is dedicated to tracking and enhancing engagement to boost retention, decrease attrition, and increase revenue. Bloomerang’s unique donor management features include:

Robust donor profiles customized and built to meet your organization’s exact needs
Social listening, a handy tool that enables you to monitor your organization’s social media presence
Smart reports that are configurable to highlight the most relevant information for you and your stakeholders
An engagement and generosity score to help identify your most engaged donors with a high giving capacity
Peer-to-peer fundraising and crowdfunding functionality to expand your digital fundraising efforts
Integrations with top solutions like QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Amilia, and Verified First

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Bloomerang offers a unified giving platform and the friendliest user experience and tools in the industry. Our platform is highly rated on third-party software review sites, with 4.7/5 stars on G2 and Capterra. Plus, we offer wealth insights for free.

Pricing

Bloomerang’s pricing starts at $125 per month and scales up in small increments, ensuring affordability for all nonprofits.

In summary: Bloomerang is the best all-encompassing CRM solution for increasing donor retention, growing fundraising year-over-year, and accelerating your nonprofit's mission.

2. Salesforce

Salesforce is used by both for-profits and nonprofits alike. Nonprofits can configure the software for donations rather than sales by downloading the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP). Then, they can further configure the software with various apps and integrations to serve the strategic needs of their organizations.

Nonprofit CRM features

Features native to the Salesforce CRM software include:

Customizable donor profiles
Program management features to use the CRM for more than just fundraising
Out-of-the-box reports and personalized dashboards to choose from

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Extensive customizability allows nonprofits to tailor the platform to their unique needs and goals. Additionally, scalability and flexibility make it easy to expand your use of the tool as your organization grows. A widespread developer community is available to support your organization because of the popularity of this platform.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Organizations considering Salesforce should be aware that hiring an outside consultant is often necessary to configure their system, and this can be an expensive undertaking. Plus, the learning curve to get up and running is more challenging, which you should keep in mind if you need to launch your new CRM system sooner rather than later and if you’re looking for a more user-friendly tool.

Pricing

Salesforce pricing starts at $60 per user per month. Keep in mind that migrating to, implementing, and customizing the Salesforce platform may require asking a nonprofit tech specialist for assistance. This can quickly run up the cost, unlike alternatives that come with all the donor management features you need already built into the system.

In Summary: Salesforce was built for Fortune 500 companies and offers a nonprofit version of its product. However, it may not be the best fit for organizations looking for a user-friendly, off-the-shelf tool like Bloomerang's Giving Platform .

3. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT

Blackbaud offers two different CRM solutions depending on the size of your organization. Blackbaud CRM is an enterprise-level solution built to manage data for large-scale organizations. Raiser’s Edge NXT is designed to meet the needs of mid-sized and growing organizations.

Nonprofit CRM features

Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT solution includes features like:

Cultivation tools to discover hidden talent and potential in your donor database
Built-in analytics to identify new opportunities and draw insights from your data
Data enrichment services to learn more about your donors and prospects
Built-in dynamic email campaign capabilities

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Raiser’s Edge NXT is a robust system and offers integrations with many third-party applications.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Raiser’s Edge NXT requires some technical experience. Creating and managing queries can be complex, especially for users unfamiliar with database querying languages. Additionally, look out for escalating contracts that include yearly price increases. Some users note that unclear or hidden fees can arise.

Pricing

Similar to Salesforce, many organizations find that they may need some expert help migrating data to and from Blackbaud and configuring the solution to meet their exact needs and expectations. Reach out to Blackbaud to learn more about pricing for different solutions.

In Summary, Blackbaud CRM is a robust data-driven solution, but some of its complex functionality may intimidate users. Alternatives like Bloomerang are built to simplify fundraising and provide a comprehensive solution for busy nonprofit professionals.

4. Neon CRM

Neon CRM is designed to help nonprofits grow, inspire their audience, and increase supporter engagement. This CRM is accompanied by fundraising, advocacy, and marketing solutions.

Nonprofit CRM features

Some of the core features of this CRM solution include:

Donor and volunteer profiles and relationship-tracking tools
Supporter segmentation and email marketing
Customized online stores to sell nonprofit merchandise
Grant management and tracking options

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Customers note ease of use and an intuitive interface as positives of this platform.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Neon CRM’s reporting process is complicated, requiring users to build and view report outputs on separate screens. Keep an eye on additional costs, too—wealth insights powered by DonorSearch come with an extra fee (while the same data comes free with Bloomerang), and live chat and phone support options require a monthly expense.

Pricing

NeonCRM’s pricing packages start at $99 and scale up for additional features.

In Summary, Neon CRM offers a multifunctional interface for organizations seeking a donor management platform. However, inefficient reporting, limited features, and a lack of support lead many customers to consider alternatives.

5. DonorPerfect

DonorPerfect allows nonprofits unlimited user access to their comprehensive nonprofit CRM software. You can store data in detailed profiles, build relationships, boost fundraising efforts, and automate various activities for your organization.

Nonprofit CRM features

Features included in DonorPerfect’s CRM software include:

Internal DonorPerfect payment processing, allowing you to collect your funds faster
Customizable donation forms that capture supporters’ attention and encourage them to give
Time-saving automation tools such as seamless marketing personalization

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

DonorPerfect allows organizations to thank donors with custom video messages sent via email.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

DonorPerfect’s user interface is more outdated and complex than modern solutions like Bloomerang. Customers also say the report generation process isn’t very intuitive.

Pricing

Learn about pricing and get a quote on the DonorPerfect website.

In summary, DonorPerfect is an effective fundraising tool, but it doesn’t offer all the robust functionality nonprofits need, such as membership, volunteer, and donor management, in one place.

6. Keela

Keela’s nonprofit CRM platform prioritizes improved donor management, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and efficient fundraising.

Nonprofit CRM features

Notable features of this platform include:

Data analytics tools to predict donors’ next actions
Powerful segmentation tools that further personalize donor communications
Automated welcome series for new donors to provide a positive first impression

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Real-time donor insights and predictions help determine the right gift request amounts for each donor.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

This platform's downsides include limited email functionality and flexibility. Additionally, Keela’s solution is great for fundraising but lacks advanced donor loyalty and engagement features that facilitate increased retention.

Pricing

Keela’s monthly pricing starts at $125 per month.

In Summary, Keela’s CRM is a good choice for nonprofits that want to prioritize fundraising functionality in their CRMs. However, it doesn’t offer additional tools for membership or volunteer management.

7. CharityEngine

CharityEngine offers all-in-one nonprofit software. In addition to comprehensive donor profiles and data-tracking technology, they offer other built-in solutions that help organizations with marketing, advocacy, fundraising, and more.

Nonprofit CRM features

Some of the most notable features of this platform include:

Customized donation pages, built for mobile responsiveness and engagement
PCI-certified payment processing solutions for secure payments
A user center, allowing nonprofit supporters and donors to control their engagement experience
Direct mail and email marketing campaigns that make it easy to reach your ideal supporters

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

CharityEngine is well-positioned to support international nonprofit operations, with international security measures and multi-currency support.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Be aware of drawbacks such as a lack of communication about updated features and bug fixes, unhelpful help center resources, and minimal product use training.

Pricing

Head to the CharityEngine website to learn about pricing.

In Summary, CharityEngine’s platform has much to be excited about regarding wide-ranging functionality. Nevertheless, the lack of support and training can make this a more challenging CRM to get started with.

8. Giveffect

Giveffect calls its platform a “10-in-1 nonprofit software.” The solution offers tools for everything from volunteer management to marketing and communications and online giving.

Nonprofit CRM features

Features of this nonprofit CRM include:

360-degree constituent views, with information about donors’ giving histories, event attendance, wealth, and more
Automation features that allow you to send personalized thank-you notes and invitations
Custom donor groupings to make records easier to locate

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Giveffect offers a very broad range of nonprofit tools in one platform—this includes relationship tracking, advanced reporting, volunteering, membership management, and more.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Giveffect is more expensive than similar CRMs, making it a costlier investment for small nonprofits. Additionally, limitations like poor email functionality can hamper your marketing efforts.

Pricing

Contact Giveffect for pricing.

In Summary: Giveffect’s wide-ranging tools make it an excellent choice for nonprofits looking to consolidate their systems. However, look out for clunky features and a lack of functionality at its lower pricing tiers.

9. NationBuilder

NationBuilder offers “human-centric technology” for nonprofits to better understand their supporter audiences. The software includes a CRM, along with additional tools like a website builder, communication platform, and a fundraising solution.

Nonprofit CRM Features

Notable aspects of NationBuilder’s nonprofit CRM include:

Tags you can add to supporter profiles to track engagements, such as event RSVPs or donations
Filters to browse your database more efficiently and find the right audiences to target with specific campaigns
Customized supporter journeys that nurture each supporter to build their connection and facilitate additional donations

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

NationBuilder is highly community-focused, making it a useful tool for nonprofits looking to build community-powered campaigns surrounding their cause.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

NationBuilder is more geared towards growing your audience than managing and engaging with current members. Plus, NationBuilder customers note a lack of personalization options and a more restrictive back-end editing process.

Pricing

NationBuilder’s pricing starts at $34 per month.

In Summary, NationBuilder is useful for organizations seeking campaign and advocacy support, but may not be as helpful for ongoing audience management.

10. GoFundMe Pro

GoFundMe Pro is a supporter and donation management platform for nonprofits, healthcare organizations, food banks, and other charitable groups. GoFundMe Pro’s platform is built to help nonprofits design memorable supporter experiences, whether fundraising events, peer-to-peer campaigns, or other charitable activities.

Nonprofit CRM features

GoFundMe Pro’s CRM offers features such as:

The ability for donors to manage their recurring giving
Magic Links for a streamlined, hassle-free login experience for donors
The ability to send year-end giving statements to donors summarizing their charitable involvement

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

GoFundMe Pro has a very extensive integration library. The Salesforce integration is particularly powerful for organizing data across fundraising and CRM platforms.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Be aware of feature limitations based on pricing tier. For example, GoFundMe Pro’s Zapier integration is unavailable for the lowest-tier plan, and assisted onboarding is only available at the highest pricing tier.

Pricing

Contact GoFundMe Pro for custom pricing.

In Summary: Nonprofits looking for primarily donor-focused tools should know that GoFundMe Pro is mainly a fundraising tool with minimal donor management functionality.

11. Virtuous

Virtuous brings together nonprofit CRM, fundraising, volunteer, and marketing tools into one platform. Their solution is designed to boost donor retention, increase average gift sizes, and save administrative time.

Nonprofit CRM features

This CRM equips nonprofits with features like:

Flexible dashboards for 360-degree donor views
Integrated wealth insights and social and demographic data to identify top prospects
Project and campaign reporting, goal tracking, and grant management

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Virtuous is based on a Responsive Fundraising framework that places donor-centricity and personalized communications at the forefront of donor engagement. In practice, this includes tools for social listening, marketing automation, responsive gift arrays, and more.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Customer support is a drawback of this platform, as users note issues like slow response times and difficulty contacting the support team.

Pricing

Contact Virtuous for custom pricing.

In Summary: Virtuous is a flexible, responsive option for increasing efficiency, but slow support responses can cause roadblocks.

12. Little Green Light

Little Green Light’s nonprofit CRM is tailored to small and mid-sized organizations looking for all-in-one donor management software. Organizations turn to this solution for robust integrations, data centralization, and flexibility.

Nonprofit CRM features

Stand-out features of this platform include:

Prospect identification with the help of custom reports
Online donation forms embedded into your website
Comprehensive constituent profiles with giving history, relationships, and more

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Little Green Light’s pricing and functionality are ideal for new or small nonprofits looking to transition from Excel to their first CRM.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

This platform may not be well-suited for larger or more established nonprofits seeking comprehensive features, support, and reporting capabilities. Organizations looking for responsive support and robust functionality should consider alternative options.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $486 per year.

In Summary: Little Green Light can be helpful for organizations moving away from spreadsheets, but it does not offer the comprehensive functionality established nonprofits require.

13. Bonterra Fundraising + Engagement

Bonterra provides software to power social good. The Bonterra Fundraising + Engagement platform is a donor engagement platform that manages everything from grant management to predictive analytics.

Nonprofit CRM features

Effective features of this platform include:

Moves management tools for tailored major gift outreach
Simple segmentation tools for personalized outreach
Integrated, secure payment processor

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Bonterra’s FrontDoor solution connects nonprofits to corporate partners looking to expand their CSR initiatives, fostering mutually beneficial connections across sectors.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

It’s no secret that Bonterra has recently been in the public eye because its offerings are undergoing constant transformations. As a result, you may not know exactly what you’re getting, as features and platforms can change. The Essentials Plan is also somewhat limited, with basic features like grant and membership management only available at higher prices.

Pricing

Contact Bonterra for pricing information.

In Summary: Bonterra’s vast feature library appeals to nonprofits, but their internal shifts may cause users some upheaval. Alternative options like Bloomerang offer excellent reliability and stability to help you achieve your goals.

14. Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits

Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits combines CRM, AI, marketing, and cloud computing technologies into one platform.

Nonprofit CRM features

This modern, time-saving solution offers the following features to help nonprofits attract and retain donors:

Personalized constituent marketing journeys
Constituent research powered by LinkedIn
AI-driven propensity modeling

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Microsoft Cloud makes it easy to leverage multiple Microsoft solutions, such as Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Azure, and LinkedIn, in one unified platform.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits offers a wide range of features, which can come with a steep learning curve or the possibility of paying for features your nonprofit doesn’t need.

Pricing

Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits’ pricing starts at $9 per user per month.

In Summary: Microsoft Cloud offers higher-level cloud solutions best suited to tech-savvy nonprofits but not ideal for organizations looking for an intuitive, user-friendly platform.

15. DonorDock

DonorDock is a donor management system for small nonprofits. Unlimited contact records and free online giving make DonorDock an effective option for organizations that have outgrown spreadsheets.

Nonprofit CRM features

Nonprofits can use features such as:

List and segment creation for marketing, fundraising, or tracking purposes
Automations triggered based on events like first-time donations or giving anniversaries
Campaign, fund, and appeal management

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Users like the user-friendly interface of this platform. Their transparent pricing structures are also a plus.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Look out for drawbacks such as limited built-in integrations and basic communication features.

Pricing

DonorDock's pricing starts at $300 per month.

In Summary: DonorDock is a helpful platform for streamlining and simplifying nonprofit management, but it may not offer the robust communication features or integrations your team needs.

16. Springboard

Springboard by Jackson River is a fundraising and advocacy CRM powered by Salesforce. It’s an enterprise-grade solution built for and by experienced nonprofit professionals.

Nonprofit CRM features

Organizations turn to this platform for features like:

One-click sustainer upsell option
Code tracking and custom tags to measure donor behavior
Personalized marketing content that leverages supporters’ interests and giving histories

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Springboard allows nonprofits to leverage Salesforce-powered insights, perfect for organizations that already have Salesforce experience.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

The implementation and configuration process is more complex than other CRM platforms.

Pricing

Contact Jackson River for pricing information.

In Summary: Springboard is a useful solution for nonprofits seeking a CRM powered by Salesforce. However, it might not be the right option for nonprofits inexperienced with the Salesforce platform.

17. GiveWP

GiveWP is a free CRM platform that operates within WordPress. This system allows you to track top donors, search your donor database, build contact lists, and more.

Nonprofit CRM features

Additional features of this CRM software include:

Detailed donor profiles with contact information and giving histories
The ability for donors to view their donation histories
Integrations with other CRMs like Salesforce

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

GiveWP is great for organizations that are very comfortable using WordPress and want basic CRM features along with website functionality.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Basic fundraising features such as peer-to-peer fundraising and recurring donations are only available as add-ons.

Pricing

GiveWP offers a free plan with basic functionality. Paid plans start at $149 per year.

In Summary: GiveWP offers functionality for nonprofits deeply entrenched in the WordPress ecosystem. However, this may not be the right choice for a comprehensive donor database.

18. monday CRM

monday CRM provides a user-friendly, easy-to-set-up platform for managing conversions. Nonprofits can customize the platform to fit their unique donor journeys and supporter lifecycles using the flexible interface.

Nonprofit CRM features

Stand-out features of this CRM include:

AI tools that support automation, email composition, and content generation
An integrated email platform to centralize supporter communications
A streamlined mobile experience to use the platform while on the go

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Positives of this tool include flexibility, versatility, and efficiency. The strong focus on customization and streamlined workflows helps teams get tasks done faster.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

The most commonly noted drawback is the price of this platform. Pricing is calculated based on the number of seats or users you want. This structure might not work well if multiple users need to access your CRM or if your organization is on a tight budget. However, your nonprofit may be eligible for a discount, helping alleviate some budgeting concerns.

Pricing

The Basic CRM plan is $12 per seat per month. Learn more about pricing on their website.

In Summary: monday CRM works best for nonprofits seeking to enhance the donor funnel, but be wary of escalating costs based on usage.

19. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot offers free CRM tools to help manage contacts. Their platform helps track leads through dashboard and reporting software.

Nonprofit CRM features

Here are the features nonprofits can access through this CRM:

Custom dashboards to track the metrics that matter most to your organization
Deal pipeline to help manage and push forward with major giving prospects
Free meeting scheduler to keep internal meetings organized

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

HubSpot offers a 40% discount for nonprofits and a vast array of helpful integrations.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

HubSpot is better tailored to businesses rather than nonprofits. Plus, there can be a higher learning curve for this platform.

Pricing

You can create a free account on the HubSpot website. Paid plans start at $15 per seat per month.

In Summary: HubSpot CRM is an excellent choice for organizations looking to better manage donor pipelines through deal tracking, but may not be the most comprehensive nonprofit solution available.

20. Funraise

Funraise equips nonprofits with CRM software to track donor information and manage workflows. You can also integrate Funraise with Salesforce to maximize CRM functionality.

Nonprofit CRM features

Organizations turn to this CRM for features like:

Custom segmentation and filters
Household management to organize families or supporter groups
Interaction tracking to document supporter communications

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Users say that the customer service team is friendly and proactive, getting back quickly to answer questions and concerns.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Funraise doesn’t offer membership management features for nonprofits seeking to organize their monthly giving or major donor membership programs.

Pricing

Funraise has a free plan and paid plans starting at $99 per month.

In Summary: Funraise offers useful customization and organizational growth functionality but may not tick all of your boxes if you’re looking for membership functionality.

21. CiviCRM

CiviCRM offers open-source CRM software for nonprofits. You can use the platform by itself or integrate with Drupal, WordPress, Joomla, or Backdrop.

Nonprofit CRM features

Top features of this tool include:

Contact management with records for each contact as well as membership management functionality.
Accounting integration to easily track gifts.
Over 40 standard reports and the option to create custom reports.

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

The open-source nature of the software allows it to be highly customizable and expandable. You can configure the system to your unique needs and priorities.

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

The software takes a lot of work to set up and requires someone with technical expertise to keep the platform running.

Pricing

CiviCRM is free to use and download.

In Summary, CiviCRM is a good choice for organizations that feel comfortable with a high degree of custom configuration, but it is likely not the best option for nonprofits looking for a quick and easy setup.

6 steps to find and implement the right nonprofit CRM for your needs

With such a wide range of solutions to choose from, how can you find the right nonprofit CRM for your unique organization? Use the following steps to find the platform that best fits your requirements and implement it effectively:

1. Cast a wide net with your initial research.

Develop your list of top potential solutions by:

Thinking through your existing challenges – what do you want out of a CRM solution that you don’t have currently?
Reading referrals from trusted nonprofit resources and software reviewers like G2 or Capterra
Using search engines to find additional solutions and further expand your list

Create your list by choosing several top solutions that offer most or all of the features you’re looking for.

2. Assess your budget.

Note the costs associated with each solution, including any additional fees that may be required for startup or implementation. We recommend the following tips to make the most of your nonprofit CRM budget:

Invest in a scalable solution. Scalable solutions allow your nonprofit to choose a plan with the features you need at the moment for a lower price. Then, as you continue to grow, you can add additional features to better meet your needs.
Ensure the software pricing is clear. Unfortunately, many software providers try to hide fees related to implementation and training. Conduct ample research so your organization knows exactly what is included in the purchase before you make it. During demos, ask about implementation or migration costs to be absolutely sure you know what’s coming.
Ask about training resources for the solution. As your nonprofit grows and develops, you’ll need to continue training to ensure your software also reflects your needs. Look for a solution with training resources and customer support that will help you set up your software and maximize your return on investment.

It’s worth it to carefully consider your budget up front so you don’t end up having to ultimately switch to a different solution and spend more on data migration costs down the line.

3. Finalize your top options.

Once you have compiled a list of possible solutions, it’s time to narrow down candidates to find your nonprofit CRM. The following questions should help:

Research the features available from each nonprofit software solution. Do these features meet the immediate needs of your nonprofit?
Consider your nonprofit’s future goals and plans. Does the provider offer scalable features to meet those down-the-line needs?
Is the software within your nonprofit’s budget?
Will you be able to try the software out during a trial period before investing?
Will an implementation team help you set up the solution?
Does this implementation cost extra?
Do you have access to training materials to use the software to the best of your ability both now and in the future?

Be sure to request a demo for each of your top options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way. Here are some questions you may consider asking:

Is this software available offline?
Are there internal controls to ensure data security?
How often is the software updated?
Who are some of your other customers?
What is the real cost breakdown of this solution?

Taking notes during each demo will come in handy as you compare similar solutions to make your final decision.

4. Make a decision with the help of key stakeholders.

Make sure to run the nonprofit CRM software decision past your fundraising team, who will be working with the solution daily. You’ll need enough information to make a solid case to advocate for your software choice. Consider their input and feedback about the common pain points they face in your current system and the potential drawbacks they see for your top options.

Your entire team may not agree with your final decision, and that’s okay. Address any remaining reservations and ask team members to fully commit to your new solution once you’ve landed on it. This will help the transition go more smoothly.

5. Create an implementation plan.

Once you’ve made your choice, your job isn’t done! You’ll need to develop a nonprofit CRM implementation and training plan. The plan should look something like this:

Set a goal for when you want the system to be fully operational.
Work closely with the implementation team and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Ask for support when you need it. Take advantage of unlimited email and chat support from a provider. Or, call when you need to.
Consider implementation consulting. Even for a small fee, implementation consulting can be absolutely worth it and make all the difference in your nonprofit CRM's effectiveness.

Create a step-by-step plan with specific deadlines to reach full implementation of your nonprofit CRM. Do your best to adhere to these deadlines. That way, you can quickly get back to connecting with supporters and growing your audience.

6. Train your team on your new system.

Host several training sessions to get team members up to speed on the new platform. Provide team members with access to training materials that they can use at any point if they need a refresher.

Wrapping up

Nonprofit CRM software is the backbone of effective nonprofit strategies. It’s where you collect, organize, and store important information that will power your fundraising initiatives. Choosing the right software is, therefore, an incredibly important decision to make.

To dive deeper into the topic, check out these additional resources:

How to Buy Fundraising Software That Lasts: Essential Guide. Purchasing new nonprofit software is a decision that requires thoughtful planning. Use this buyer’s guide to help make your choice.
Donor database buyer’s guide: tips for nonprofit success. A robust donor database is a core component of your nonprofit CRM. Learn more about how to find a CRM with a powerful donor database in this guide.
Effective donor management: 7 best practices for nonprofits. The right nonprofit CRM will help improve your donor management approach. Explore more donor management tips with this resource.
The Fundraiser’s Guide to Buying Software. Online fundraising tools can make a world of difference when it comes to your nonprofit’s success, but how do you know which features you need to be successful? This guide will help make your journey easier!

Frequently asked questions

What is a nonprofit CRM?

The new donor playbook: fuel your fundraising funnel

Katie Gaston — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:44:12 +0000

The post The new donor playbook: fuel your fundraising funnel appeared first on Bloomerang.

Donor database buyer’s guide: tips for nonprofit success

Diana Otero — Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

A donor database is much more than a glorified phonebook for nonprofits. The right donor management tools are an incredible asset for optimizing fundraising, expanding donor stewardship, and forming long-lasting relationships.

In the 2024 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report, 74% of organizations reported job vacancies. At the same time, 71% of nonprofits saw increased demand for their programs and services. Donor database software helps improve your team’s capacity by automating processes and saving time, allowing you to keep your focus on mission-critical projects and initiatives.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about donor databases so you can choose the right solution for your nonprofit. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Donor database: FAQs
How to find the right donor database
Top donor database solutions to consider
How to budget for your donor database
Tips to make the most of your donor database

Carefully read through each step before making this significant investment decision for your nonprofit. Let’s get started.

Donor database: FAQs

What is a donor database?

A donor database is software that nonprofit professionals use to gain insights into their supporters’ engagement histories, track key fundraising metrics, and measure success.

Along with storing donors’ contact and demographic information, this technology helps build relationships with supporters by saving previous engagement data, such as past donations or attended events. This functionality allows nonprofits to build on past interactions and organically grow relationships.

What are the benefits of using a donor database?

Your nonprofit might already use a variety of tools to manage donor relationships. You may wonder, “What’s the advantage of investing in another software solution on top of our existing solutions?” A donor database offers the following benefits:

Data centralization. Think about the multitude of interactions you have with your donors. From emails to events to personal phone calls, your donors can engage with your organization in multiple ways to familiarize themselves with your mission. Donor database software provides a central location where nonprofit staff members can find information regarding these interactions, from event attendance to phone conversation topics.
The ability to personalize donor outreach. Using the information stored in your donor database, you can customize donor outreach materials with donors’ names, past interactions, and interests. For example, suppose you know that a supporter has previously attended many of your nonprofit’s events. In that case, you might send a personalized invitation to your next event. They’ll feel seen and acknowledged because you understand how much that particular supporter enjoys events.
Reporting capabilities. Your donor database stores and generates reports on essential donor trends and patterns. This allows your nonprofit’s staff to examine which strategies are most effective and which aspects of your fundraising or marketing efforts need improvement. You can use this information to boost your fundraising and marketing return on investment (ROI) by focusing your efforts on the most engaged supporters and reaching out to them with targeted messages.

A donor database takes your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level, ensuring you can sustainably manage and grow supporter relationships over time.

What features should you look for when researching donor databases?

Now that you know the advantages of a donor database, it’s time to choose the right solution for your nonprofit. There are three primary considerations when searching for a new donor database: basic, next-level, and tailored features unique to your organization.

Basic donor database features

Any effective donor database will contain a few essential features for helping your organization stay on target. To effectively keep donor data organized, manage reports, and enable data segmentation, you should look for a donor database with the following necessary features:

Robust supporter profiles. Use robust profiles to manage information about your supporters, including their donation histories, volunteer hours, sponsorships, grants, and more. Leverage information in these profiles to build stronger supporter relationships and encourage continued engagement.
Segmentation. According to research from Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. Segmenting supporters based on information in each donor profile helps provide a more customized experience. For example, an animal shelter might have a segment of supporters who prefer dogs and another for those who like cats. They might use different marketing messages and imagery to appeal to each group. Bloomerang’s segmentation eBook can provide insight into innovative ways to segment your database if you’re just starting.
Scalability. Your solution should have options to scale up or down depending on your nonprofit’s needs. This ensures you can continue using the same donor database as your nonprofit grows. You can easily request these upgrades to gain access to the additional records or functionality your nonprofit needs.

These are standard features that your organization will find in any quality donor database. If a donor database doesn’t have these features, steer clear. Chances are, you’ll grow out of the solution very quickly.

Next-level donor database features

In addition to these necessary features, your nonprofit should also keep an eye out for the unique features of each platform that help maintain long-lasting donor relationships. Here are a few additional features that will support your nonprofit’s goals:

Giving potential. When it comes to requesting a donation, your donor database should keep track of potential major gift opportunities. When your donor database harnesses the data from a trusted prospect research provider, you can effectively illustrate a prospective donor’s giving capacity and propensity to donate to causes like yours. For example, Bloomerang offers a generosity score feature that uses publicly available wealth data to identify potential major donors and donors who are likely to increase their giving amounts.
Engagement meter. An engagement meter provides a quick, at-a-glance view of each supporter’s engagement level. This shows how often they interact with your organization, allowing you to re-engage supporters at risk of lapsing. On the other hand, you can reach highly engaged supporters for additional or higher contributions.
Email marketing. Designing emails directly in your donor database makes it easy to use the segments you’ve created to their fullest extent. Draft and design your email based on targeted group interests, then send it directly to the desired list of constituents.
Goal progression. Look for a solution that offers the flexibility to set success metrics that are meaningful to your community and its goals. Be sure you can track your fiscal YTD progress, which is your nonprofit’s progress toward exceeding last year’s fundraising and engagement goals.

Platforms like Bloomerang offer these built-in special features, so you can easily leverage them to identify new fundraising opportunities and reach supporters with personalized messages. Bloomerang even allows you to track volunteer and member engagement using the same system, consolidating all need-to-know supporter information in one place.

Tailored donor database features

Because every nonprofit is different, there may be some tools that you’d benefit from, while other organizations won’t see the same positive results.

To determine the unique list of features that will benefit your specific organization, follow these steps:

Take inventory of your current software. Are you currently taking full advantage of your existing investments? What features of your current software solutions do you like the most?
Identify the functionality that is missing from your current software strategy. What are your pain points or gaps?
Decide what features will fill the holes in your current strategy. Write them down and ask about them during demos.

Identifying your nonprofit’s most essential features will help keep you organized and focused as you develop lists of potential solutions and narrow them down.

How to find the right donor database

There are many nonprofit donor databases out there, all claiming to be the best. How can you decide which is best for your organization? Research.

You’ll need to conduct a lot of research about your organization’s needs and the various systems available to decide which one is the right choice. Here are the research steps we suggest:

Divide potential features you’d like to see in your new donor database into “needs” and “wants” lists. Your needs should be the must-haves in a donor database. As you conduct research, if a potential solution doesn’t have some of the “needs” on your list, you can immediately eliminate it from the prospective solutions.
Start compiling a list of top options. You don’t need to be too specific about the solutions you list. It’s simply a starting point for your research. Search the web and check referral pages to get a sense of the tools on the market.
Eliminate any donor database that doesn’t have everything on your “needs” list of features. Parse through your major list of databases to develop a shorter list of potential solutions that include all of the features you need. Now, you’ll have many solutions that could work for your organization.
Compare these solutions with your nonprofit’s budget. Remove any solutions that are drastically over your budget. A solution you can’t afford (or won’t be able to afford in the future) will only decrease your overall ROI. We’ll dive into the budgeting process more deeply in the next section.
Compare software features for the remaining solutions with your organization’s “wants” list. Identify the solutions that meet your “needs” and most of your “wants.” After eliminating those without many of your “wants,” you’ll have a concise list of possible solutions.
Schedule demos for your shortlist options. Before joining these demos, create a list of questions to ask the team of software experts. Be sure to ask these questions in every demo and reach out after the demo if more questions arise.
Choose your solution! After you’ve had demos of each software (potentially more than one for your favorites), you should be ready to pick the software that is best for your nonprofit.

Choosing a donor database does take a lot of time and research. However, that time is well worth spending up front because the right solution will serve your nonprofit effectively for years.

How to budget for your donor database

Nonprofit budgeting is a necessary but sometimes complex step of the software buying process. Organizations often struggle to create a concrete budget because of the highly variable nature of donations, grants, and similar funding.

Let’s take a closer look at some budgeting considerations before you invest in your new platform.

Free donor database software

The challenges associated with budgeting can make it incredibly tempting to look into a “free” donor database. The temptation of free donor database solutions can be especially significant for nonprofits just getting started.

However, there are some pros and cons to consider before test-driving a solution that is advertised as free:

Pros: The significant advantage of a free donor database solution is that it provides a trial version for your organization to use the tools without the risk of losing money. You can start at the free level of a scalable solution to see how you like it. However, you probably won’t stay at this free level due to limited features and capabilities. Check out the next payment tier and work that into your budget, as you’ll likely need to scale up relatively quickly.
Cons: Donor database software that advertises itself as free frequently needs extensive customization, which can require outside help. Downgrading to Excel sheets or other “free” solutions may lack security, features, accessibility, and support.

When it comes to software, always think of free options as trials. You’ll still need to incorporate any costs associated with scaling up the solution into your final budget.

Steps to develop a donor database budget

The first thing your organization will need to do is determine its current financial situation. You can do this by analyzing its balance sheet. Ensure it’s financially stable before deciding to make a long-term investment like that for donor database software.

After determining your nonprofit’s current financial standing, you should find the actual cost of a new software solution. The true cost of the solution will include all of the following:

The monthly or annual fee for software access
Any implementation costs
Training costs for your staff members
Consultation costs
Installation costs for solutions hosted on-premise rather than cloud-based

Once you’ve determined your solution’s actual costs, you can work them into your nonprofit’s annual budget.

Tips to make the most of your donor database

After investing in a donor database system, you want to do everything possible to make the most of the system and achieve a high ROI. We’ve compiled a list of top tips to ensure you’re using your donor database software to the fullest extent possible:

1. Leverage integrations.

Before investing in a new donor database, consider how that solution will fit into your existing software strategy. It’s helpful to search for software that offers multiple integrations.

Integrations enable seamless data flows between different platforms, allowing you to share donor information across multiple systems. For instance, integrating your donor database with a peer-to-peer fundraising platform allows your organization to streamline the creation of new donor profiles in your database as new supporters give to the campaign.

Your database solution should work seamlessly with a variety of other tools, including:

Fundraising tools
Matching gift software
Email marketing platforms
Prospect research tools
Accounting software

These integrations allow you to minimize manual data input as much as possible to save time for what matters: your mission.

2. Use built-in automation tools.

Automation can help your organization save time. According to the Nonprofit Tech for Good report, 79% of nonprofits use automation technology in online fundraising.

Automating processes using the data stored in your donor database will help make informed choices, reduce your manual workload, and increase your fundraising ROI. For example, you can automatically send thank-you messages to your supporters after they give or save donor data directly to the right profiles when supporters give to your organization.

Keep in mind that the key to automation is clean data. Practice effective data hygiene to keep your data organized, accurate, and complete. Follow these steps to implement proper data hygiene regulations:

Regularly scan your database to identify and fix issues like duplicate, outdated, or incomplete donor data.
Leverage surveys, data appends, and prospect research to add missing information to donor profiles.
Run your system through the NCOA to discover address changes and deceased individuals within your network (many top-of-the-line donor databases, like Bloomerang, will do this automatically).
Create standardized processes for inputting data like email addresses, phone numbers, and home addresses.

Taking these steps will improve the accuracy of your data, helping you increase your ROI by ensuring that you’re reaching real people with your messages.

3. Track overall progress.

Individual profiles are one of the most valuable tools in your donor database for maintaining personal connections and relationships with your supporters. However, to make the most out of your solution, you should also track your organization’s overall progress toward your predetermined goals.

There are two primary ways you can leverage your donor database to analyze organizational progress:

Customized reports. After discussing your goals and metrics, you can create custom report templates to measure progress and report to your team.
Your dashboard. Customize your donor database’s dashboard so that you can check in on progress every time you open up the system. For example, you might include your donor retention rate, current fundraising campaign revenue, and other metrics most relevant to your goals.

When you track your metrics and goal progression using your donor database, all your data will be stored in a single place, making it easy to find at any point as you work through your strategic plan.

Wrapping up

This guide is just the beginning of your nonprofit’s donor database research. Finding the right platform for your nonprofit takes time and careful collaboration with the team members who will use the solution daily. To learn more about donor database software and donor management in general, check out these additional resources:

How to Buy Fundraising Software That Lasts: Essential Guide. The right software is an investment that will benefit your nonprofit for years to come. Be intentional about your choice with the help of this complete guide.
Nonprofit CRM Software: Explore 20+ Solutions for 2025. Explore more nonprofit CRM options to simplify donor database management.
Effective Donor Management: 7 Best Practices for Nonprofits. This resource reviews best practices for leveraging your donor database and managing your donors.
The Ultimate Fundraising Software Checklist. Kick off your search for the perfect fundraising software with this comprehensive checklist!

The post Donor database buyer’s guide: tips for nonprofit success appeared first on Bloomerang.

Unify your mission: streamline member & donor engagement

Dani Cluff — Fri, 09 May 2025 14:24:01 +0000

The post Unify your mission: streamline member & donor engagement appeared first on Bloomerang.

Donor Management Archives | Bloomerang

The 5 Silent “Revenue Killers” Stalling Your Mission—And How to Fix Them

The 5 revenue stalls for fundraising

1. The first-time donor “retention gap”

The hidden revenue gap

2. The “median gift” stagnation trap

The hidden revenue gap

3. The recurring giving “value leak”

The hidden revenue gap

4. The “legacy tech” growth tax

The hidden revenue gap

5. The “fragmented platform” growth gap

The hidden revenue gap

The answer isn’t five strategies—it’s one unified system

What is the long term impact?

1. Transform your retention gap with lifecycle automation

2. From gift stagnation to dynamic giving optimization

3. Transform your value leak into structured upgrade paths

4. Move from legacy tech to workflow automation

5. Replace fragmentation with a 360-degree donor view

Final thoughts

Additional resources

Data Validation

The Decades-Long Thank You

How Let’s Save the Strays uses video to thank donors better

Bloomerang’s Vision for 2026: Living the Promise of One Platform

The hard work we did first

Deepening the Giving Platform—so the work feels seamless

The promise we’re ready to deliver

How Friendship Bridge achieved 49% retention with Bloomerang

The major gifts playbook: turn potential into power

The new donor playbook: fuel your fundraising funnel

Seven Essential Questions Nonprofits Should Ask Any Software Provider

1. “How do you handle donor dollars once they’re given?”

Ask:

2. “Are you properly registered and compliant as a charitable fundraising platform?”

Ask:

3. “What is your business model as a software provider—and how do you make money?”

Ask:

4. “How fast do payouts occur, and what happens if something goes wrong?”

Ask:

5. “What messages or fees will donors see during the giving process?”

Ask:

6. “What data do you collect, and how do you use it?”

Ask:

7. “Can you explain everything you do in plain language?”

Nonprofits deserve ethical, transparent partners

A better future starts with each of us

21 Best Nonprofit CRM Solutions to Manage Supporters in 2026

What is a nonprofit CRM?

What are the benefits of nonprofit CRMs?

What are the essential nonprofit CRM features?

Donor profiles

Marketing tools

Custom dashboard

Integrations

Online donation pages

Supporter timelines

Customized reports

Nonprofit CRM Shopping Checklist

Organization & Donor Management

Fundraising & Donations

Communication & Engagement

Reporting & Analytics

Integrations & Automation

Usability & Support

Security & Compliance

Next Steps

Top 21 nonprofit CRM solutions

1. Bloomerang CRM

Nonprofit CRM features

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Pricing

2. Salesforce

Nonprofit CRM features

What we like about this nonprofit CRM

Potential drawbacks and what to look out for

Pricing

3. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT

Nonprofit CRM features