Nonprofit CRM Software: Explore 20+ Solutions for 2025

What is a nonprofit CRM?

A nonprofit CRM (also referred to as a donor management system) 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.

What are the benefits of nonprofit CRMs?

The 2024 Nonprofit Technology Trends Survey found that the top internal challenge for nonprofits in 2024 is a lack of automation and organizational efficiency. Manual, time-consuming reporting, lack of visibility around metrics, and disparate systems were also noted as top challenges.

Nonprofit CRM helps organizations face these roadblocks effectively with an all-in-one platform for donor management, reporting, finances, and automation.

Specifically, here are three ways nonprofit CRM software can benefit your organization:

• Save time through automation. A robust CRM platform can automate processes such as transferring donor data from your donation page to your donor database, sending thank-you emails and donation receipts, and generating reports based on important metrics.
• Stay organized and keep your team on the same page. With a nonprofit CRM, you can review all information relevant to your constituent engagement in one place. Whether you need to review donor, volunteer, or member information, any staff member can access supporter data through your CRM.
• Improve donor cultivation. Your CRM solution can help identify mid-tier and major donor prospects. You can create a communications cadence to reach out to these supporters, help them build stronger connections to your mission, and ultimately send them a personalized donation request based on their giving capacity and past donation amounts.
• Foster more genuine donor stewardship. Your CRM software can level up your donor appreciation strategy, helping you track donors’ preferred communication platforms and ways they like to be recognized for their support.
• Increase donor retention. Some nonprofit CRM solutions (like Bloomerang!) are specifically designed to help nonprofits retain more donors. Bloomerang gives users access to a dashboard that actively tracks your retention rate to keep it top of mind for your entire team. Plus, donor engagement scores and supporter timelines help you identify your most engaged supporters who are good candidates for maintaining or increasing their giving.

Once you understand the benefits of this software, you can start distinguishing between different nonprofit CRMs and choose the one that’s the most appropriate for your organization’s needs.

Top nonprofit CRM solutions available

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

1. Bloomerang

Bloomerang 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.

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 Qgiv, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, TrueGivers, DonorSearch, and Fundraise Up

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 powered by DonorSearch 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-profit 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 your organization.

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

Organizations considering Salesforce should know that hiring an outside consultant is often necessary to configure their system, and it can be expensive. 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

Head to the Salesforce website to learn about pricing. 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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pricing starts at $399 per month for the starter plan.

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

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. Classy

Classy is a supporter and donation management platform for nonprofits, healthcare organizations, food banks, and other charitable groups. Classy’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

Classy’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

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

Potential Drawbacks

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

Pricing

Contact Classy for custom pricing.

In Summary: Nonprofits looking for primarily donor-focused tools should know that Classy 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

Customer support is a drawback of this platform—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 great for new or small nonprofits looking to move away from Excel into their first CRM.

Potential Drawbacks

This platform doesn’t work well for larger or more established nonprofits looking for 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

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

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

Learn about Microsoft’s nonprofit offers on their website.

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 growing out of 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

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

Pricing

DonorDock’s pricing starts at $100 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

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

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 sales CRM

monday sales 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

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 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.

Essential nonprofit CRM features

Different software solutions prioritize different features to help you assess donor data in different ways. However, most nonprofit CRMs share a few standard features to help nonprofits evaluate and act on donor data.

Ensure any CRM you invest in offers features such as:

Donor profiles

Nonprofit CRMs automatically create donor profiles for supporters who contribute or interact with your nonprofit. These profiles include relevant information based on your goals, such as contact information, interests, engagement history, and more.

Use the data in your donor profiles to create donor segments, which are groups of donors who share similar characteristics. For example, you can create segments for new donors, long-time donors, major donors, corporate donors, and so on. Use your CRM to send personalized marketing content to each segment that’s relevant to their interests to encourage further engagement.

Marketing tools

Your nonprofit CRM should include several marketing solutions (or integrations with top marketing platforms).

Be sure your nonprofit CRM can create both:

• Letters and mailings. Design and save direct mail communication documents like solicitations and acknowledgments. Saving these in your CRM makes it easy to send them quickly when necessary.
• Engaging emails. Similar to direct mailings, make sure you can create and save templates for your nonprofit’s emails. This can help save time when drafting donor outreach campaigns.

As you create these outreach materials, it can also be useful to run them through communication audit features. For instance, the Ahern Audit runs the “you test” and grade-level tests. These assessments ensure you center donors in your messaging and write between a 6th- and 8th-grade reading level to make your messages easier to skim.

Custom dashboard

A custom nonprofit dashboard will track key performance indicators and present findings front and center for your team. For example, Bloomerang’s dashboard data updates daily with donor retention information.

Your dashboard should provide a high-level overview of your progress toward achieving your goals, specifically the goals related to your fundraising strategy. Be sure you can customize the views on this dashboard so that you can keep track of the metrics most important to your organization.

Integrations

Manually entering data can take a lot of time and is subject to human error. Integrations save time and reduce data transmission issues. Search for a nonprofit CRM that offers additional software integrations to simplify your nonprofit’s ongoing tasks.

Look for CRM software that integrates with other commonly used solutions such as:

• Fundraising software to capture your nonprofit’s donations and event registrations.
• Event software like Qgiv to easily plan, manage, and report on your nonprofit’s fundraising events.
• Marketing software like Mailchimp to streamline your email and direct mail strategies.
• Prospect research software like DonorSearch to access additional donor insights.
• Accounting software like QuickBooks to record and track all financial transactions.

Intentionally connecting your software through smart integrations helps you manage the transfer and storage of your organization’s data so you can leverage it in campaigns.

Online donation pages

Create a donation page for your nonprofit’s website to capture gifts and contributor information. Your donation pages should offer suggested giving options, recurring donations, and customizable fields to collect donor information.

Your donation pages should also be mobile-friendly. 52% of nonprofit website traffic in 2023 came from users on mobile devices, meaning it’s crucial that your donation pages can be easily viewed and completed using a mobile device.

When your donation form integrates with your nonprofit CRM, you can transfer the data you collect directly into the most relevant donor profiles.

Supporter timelines

Timelines give a visual representation of specific donors’ engagement. You can easily see when donors have given, volunteered, attended an event, or interacted in any other way with your organization chronologically without searching through cluttered lists. The feature provides further context into each donor engagement.

Plus, the best timeline features will also provide highlights of key interactions so that the most important information is easily accessible. These highlights may include the lifetime value of the supporter, the number of years they’ve supported your mission, and the rate at which they’re increasing their donations.

Customized reports

Reports provide an in-depth view of your nonprofit’s progress toward your goals. Customized reporting features make it easy to create reports based on your specific goals. Plus, you can even save report templates so you can pull the same type of information from quarter to quarter. Then, compare data over time, allowing you to constantly find optimization opportunities for your various strategies.

The best nonprofit CRM software will provide you with pre-built reporting templates that you can use in addition to custom reporting features.

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. Make sure you 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, sometimes implementation consulting is absolutely worth it and can make all the difference in your use of the nonprofit CRM.

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. Give access to training materials that team members can use at any point if they need a refresher.