Running a nonprofit can feel like juggling chainsaws. You need to connect with donors, manage volunteers, and track programs. It can be difficult to choose the best nonprofit crm for your organization to solve some of these problems. A [best nonprofit](https://clickup.com/blog/nonprofit-crm/) can bring order to the chaos.
But which one do you pick? Don’t worry because you are in the right spot. Keep reading, and let’s find the best nonprofit crm for you.
Engage supporters, retain donors, and maximize your impact with automation. Start with GoHighLevel for nonprofits.
Why Your Nonprofit Needs a CRM
- Why Your Nonprofit Needs a CRM
- Top CRM Features To Consider
- Popular Nonprofit CRM Options
- Choosing The Right CRM
- Factors to Consider During Implementation
- FAQs about best nonprofit crm
- Conclusion
Why Your Nonprofit Needs a CRM
A nonprofit CRM, also known as [donor management software](https://kindful.com/nonprofit-glossary/donor-management-software/), helps understand and grow relationships with donors. According to the [Nonprofit Tech for Good report](https://www.nptechforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Nonprofit-Tech-for-Good-Report-Final2-2023.pdf), 67% of nonprofits use a CRM for this very reason. A robust CRM will act as your mission control for managing data and tracking relationships. It helps in maximizing your impact with tools designed for fundraising, outreach, and donor engagement.
Without it, you’re basically flying blind and hoping for the best.
Key Benefits of Using a CRM
A CRM will act as your mission control for managing data and tracking relationships.
It centralizes donor data, giving histories, volunteer information, and communication logs. This centralized view will let your team personalize interactions and nurture donor relationships.
Here are more benefits to think about:
- Better donor relations.
- Increased fundraising efficiency.
- Improved data management.
- Enhanced reporting.
- Streamlined communications.
Most donor management tools also offer [tracking and reporting features](#product/reporting-and-analytics/). Spotting trends is now quick, and action can be immediately taken to improve the health of your organization.
Top CRM Features To Consider
So, what should you look for in the [best nonprofit](https://clickup.com/blog/nonprofit-crm/)? It all comes down to the features that fit your nonprofit’s specific needs.
I would consider a scalable CRM that works for you now, and will still be relevant in the future. Having responsive fundraising through these platforms will help create a modern and efficient approach.
Donor Management
First up is donor management. A great CRM will let you easily create online [fundraising campaigns and pages](#blog/peer-to-peer-fundraising-platforms/). Look for features like contact profiles, giving history, and relationship tracking.
Then you will be able to connect personally with supporters.
Fundraising Tools
Fundraising capabilities are obviously important. This includes online donation processing, recurring donation management, and event registration.
Integration with payment processors like Stripe or PayPal are a big plus. This way, you won’t have to use several different systems to reach goals.
Volunteer Mobilization
If volunteers are the backbone of your nonprofit, make sure your CRM handles volunteer tracking. Store contact info, scheduling, and communication all in one place.
Giveffect calls its platform a “10-in-1 nonprofit software.” It will combine volunteer management, online giving, events, and relationship management into one platform.
Reporting and Analytics
Data is important. I believe it is even more important to grow with this sector becoming more technologically advanced.
The reporting and analytics tools you use should be valuable in understanding your donor’s giving habits. This in turn helps you track fundraising progress.
Popular Nonprofit CRM Options
With all these options in mind, there are definitely different CRM systems to pick from. Let’s highlight a few top platforms:
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Salesforce can integrate with third-party systems but needs separate subscriptions to operate. Clients can also use the Nonprofit Success Pack to tailor Salesforce for their needs. Keep in mind the [eligible](https://www.salesforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/p10-eligibility-guidelines-English-2023.pdf) nonprofit can receive ten free licenses for Nonprofit Cloud or Sales/Service Cloud through the [Power of Us Program].
The platform lets eligible nonprofits access community, nonprofit pricing, and industry-specific tech via the Power of Us program. To find peers using Salesforce, take part in one of the 70+ global [nonprofit-specific user groups](https://trailblazercommunitygroups.com/).
Bloomerang
Customers love its user-friendly interface. They love customer service that cares and reporting features. Because of all that, Bloomerang stands out.
Bloomerang’s pricing starts at $99 monthly. This will scale with the records or contacts you use in their system.
Bloomerang comes highly rated on software review sites. Reviewers at G2 and Capterra give it 4.7/5 stars.
DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect focuses on small to midsize nonprofits and starts at $99 per month. The company has various learning resources such as webinars and personalized training. There are also client services with system implementation. Customer service will help to fix any problems.
Here is a list of what DonorPerfect provides for customer success:
- Onboarding.
- Learning center.
- Professional services.
- Knowledgebase.
It also offers a rewards program where you earn cash for referring friends.
HubSpot CRM for Nonprofits
While originally built for for-profit companies, HubSpot also caters to nonprofits. They also offer a [40% discount for nonprofits]. There are also nonprofit-friendly onboarding and integrations.
Also it is important to be able to grow. According to 52% of nonprofit website traffic in 2023 came from mobile devices. Now this means its crucial to have donation pages that can be viewed easily using them.
Other Options to Consider
While the above options are popular, they’re definitely not the only players in the game. There are several other best nonprofit crm choices to consider. Each solution has its features.
- Virtuous is known for constantly evolving and supports nonprofits of any size.
- Neon offers an affordable, connected ecosystem with robust functionality.
- Classy (acquired by GoFundMe) is great for payment processing and donation forms.
- Bonterra is a newer option that merits some explaining.
- Blackbaud, the “grandpa” of CRMs, offers a comprehensive solution with Raiser’s Edge NXT.
- Keela is women-led with a diverse team that spans across 17+ countries.
Choosing The Right CRM
Choosing the best nonprofit crm for your needs can be complicated. These steps should lead to your success:
- Define your organization’s specific needs and goals.
- Determine your budget.
- Research various CRM solutions and compare features and pricing.
- Request demos from potential vendors to see the software in action.
- Consider the long-term scalability of the CRM system.
- Read referrals from trusted nonprofit resources and software reviewers like G2 and Capterra.
It might also be beneficial to think through your current marketing strategies. Finding new donors is another key reason why you might decide to use a great system to track those metrics and sources.
Factors to Consider During Implementation
Picking the right CRM system is just the first step. You must plan the implementation phase to get the most value. First migrate your data properly. To learn more about CRM system onboarding check with DonorPerfect, to learn about a new CRM with an expert.
This is to prevent corrupted files. A great place to get this type of consulting might be with Professional servicesHire our experts to boost the quality of your donor data.
Once done train the whole team on your chosen software and have clear documentation and processes. Last? You must check to make sure the system fits in with all others. The goal here is to pick software that “plays well in the sandbox.”
A great example of “plays well in the sandbox” might be a [40% discount for nonprofits]. There are also nonprofit-friendly onboarding and integrations if you chose to work with a team to build a system with integrations. Be sure you choose vendors who match your goals.
FAQs about best nonprofit crm
What is the best CRM for charities?
There isn’t a single “best” CRM for every charity. It depends on the organization’s specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities. Popular options include Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Bloomerang, and DonorPerfect.
Is Monday CRM free for nonprofits?
Monday.com does not have a plan that is free for nonprofits, but offers special discounts and is worth evaluating against other contenders for managing and keeping a track record of clients for nonprofit purposes.
Is Salesforce for nonprofits really free?
Salesforce offers 10 free licenses of its Nonprofit Cloud to eligible organizations through the Power of Us Program. Additional licenses and features may require a paid subscription.
How much does nonprofit CRM cost?
The cost of a nonprofit CRM can vary widely depending on the vendor, features, and number of users. Some CRMs offer free or low-cost plans for small nonprofits, while others may charge hundreds or thousands of dollars per month for enterprise-level solutions.
The price depends on the fundraising automation.
Conclusion
Choosing a CRM can seem complicated. Think through this guide while searching for what is the best nonprofit crm, weigh the costs and the benefits, and implement properly to succeed. Doing this will get you the CRM and fundraising metrics you need.
Grow donor retention, simplify communications, and automate outreach campaigns — empower your mission with smarter systems.