Choosing a fundraising software can be a difficult task for any nonprofit regardless of its size. It’s much more challenging when you consider the multitude of options available for you to choose from, each with its own special features that makes it a good choice.
Still, each nonprofit has its own needs, depending on its fundraising strategy and how it carries out its operations.
How to Pick the Right Fundraising Software
Features
You should look at what features the software provides. Is it one that you have to download onto your system, or can you use it online as well? If you are constantly traveling, you may want a cloud-based software that you can access at any time on any device. You should also consider if it requires registration as individuals or teams, and what tracking and reporting tools are available.
Users
Consider how many users will be included in the package. There will be many people involved in using your software, including administrators and participants. Smaller organizations have a smaller donor base than larger ones, so you should find software that meets your nonprofit’s needs.
User-Friendly
Is your software easy to use and convenient? If you are spending too much time figuring out how to use your software, it may not be worth your money. Software is meant to be a solution to help you save time that’s flexible to use, and it should not be challenging.
Pricing
Most software come with upfront pricing, but others have variable pricing depending on what features you want and to what extent. When choosing software for your nonprofit, you should look or one that works well and isn’t too costly.
Resources and Support
It is only natural that you would need some assistance with using the software. Make sure that there are resources available to help you out, such as an FAQ and chat support from the software team itself. You also want to keep an eye out for hidden fees!
What Software Is Right for You?
Now that you know how to pick your software, you’d want to look at this fundraising software comparison chart to help you decide which option is best for you.
Fundraising Software | Online Fundraising | Peer-to-Peer Fundraising | Personalized Page/Donation Forms | Social Media Sharing | Analytics and Reporting | Other Features |
DonorSearch | ✔ | ✔ | Analysis of causes supported by donors | |||
Double the Donation | ✔ | Matching Gifts | ||||
DonorPerfect | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Targeted emails, mobile apps, event registrations | ||
Bloomerang | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Quickbooks integration | |
Givingloop | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Reminders to churned donors, help with developing growth strategies |
Salsa | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Automated acknowledgments, training | ||
Qgiv | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Optimized for Mobile View |
Fundly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Blog-like updates |
Donorsnap | ✔ | ✔ | Mobile app, automated acknowledgments | |||
Donorbox | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Goal meter, donor management | |
Raiser’s Edge | ✔ | ✔ | E-marketing, donor management |