17 Best Blackbaud Alternatives Reviewed in 2025
10 Best Blackbaud Alternatives Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Blackbaud
Best for financial management
- Price : Pricing available upon request
- Trial : Free demo available
Managing a church comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to accounting and administration. You might be looking for alternatives to Blackbaud if you're facing issues like high costs, complex interfaces, or limited features that don't fit your church's unique needs.
In my experience, finding the right software can make a world of difference for your team. Church accounting software can simplify your operations and improve how you manage your community's resources.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for Blackbaud alternatives. I'll cover the features, pros and cons, and pricing of each option, so you can make an informed decision that best suits your church's needs.
What is Blackbaud?
Blackbaud is a church accounting software designed to help manage financial and administrative tasks. It's commonly used by church administrators, finance teams, and nonprofit organizations to handle donations, budgets, and community engagement. Features like donation tracking, financial reporting, and member management help with efficient resource management and community support. Overall, Blackbaud provides valuable tools for streamlining church operations.
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Best Blackbaud Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Blackbaud alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for donor engagement tools | Free demo available | From $40/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for integrated fundraising | Free demo available | From $100/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for affordability and ease | 30-day free trial | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for digital giving options | 30-day free trial | From $119/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for church-specific accounting | Free demo available | Pricing available upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for scalable solutions | 30-day free trial | From $14/month/up to 75 group members | Website | |
| 7 | Best for cost-effective management | 10-day free trial | From $40/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for church financial management | Free demo available | From $29 per month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for nonprofit engagement | Free demo available | From $349/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for simple recurring donation setup | Free plan available | From $0/month | Website |
Best Blackbaud Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Blackbaud alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Bloomerang
Best for donor engagement tools
Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising software designed for nonprofits to help them enhance donor retention and engagement. Fundraising teams mainly use it to manage donor relationships and optimize fundraising efforts.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Bloomerang focuses on strengthening donor engagement through its intuitive tools. It offers features like donor retention dashboards, email marketing, and comprehensive reporting, which are crucial for building lasting donor relationships.
These capabilities help you understand donor behavior and tailor your strategies to improve retention. Bloomerang's user-friendly interface ensures that your team can efficiently manage donor interactions and campaigns.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a constituent timeline that gives you a visual representation of donor interactions. You can analyze fundraising performance through detailed reports and metrics. The software also allows for easy creation and management of email campaigns to keep your supporters engaged.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zapier, Constant Contact, Eventbrite, DonorSearch, SurveyMonkey, PayPal, Stripe, and Facebook.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Visual donor interaction timeline
- Effective email marketing tools
- Strong focus on donor retention
Cons
- Not ideal for complex workflows
- Basic event management features
Kindful
Best for integrated fundraising
Kindful is a fundraising and donor management software designed to help nonprofits enhance their donor relationships and streamline fundraising activities. Development teams primarily use it to manage donor data and execute fundraising campaigns effectively.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Kindful offers integrated fundraising tools that simplify managing campaigns and donor information. It provides features like donor tracking, automated communication, and detailed analytics, which are key for efficient fundraising.
The platform's focus on integration allows you to connect various aspects of your fundraising efforts seamlessly. Kindful is ideal for organizations seeking a cohesive approach to managing their donor interactions and fundraising initiatives.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable donation pages that allow you to tailor the giving experience for your supporters. You can also automate thank-you emails and other communications to engage donors consistently. Additionally, Kindful offers reporting tools that provide insights into your fundraising performance and donor engagement.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Eventbrite, DonorSearch, Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, Facebook, and Classy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Customizable donation pages
- Automated communication features
- Integrated fundraising tools
Cons
- Limited offline functionality
- May require initial setup time
Little Green Light
Best for affordability and ease
Little Green Light is a donor management and fundraising software designed to help nonprofits manage their donor relationships and fundraising activities. It's primarily used by small to mid-sized nonprofits to streamline donor tracking and fundraising campaigns.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Little Green Light offers an affordable and easy-to-use solution for managing donor data and fundraising efforts. It features customizable reporting, event management, and task automation, making it easier for you to handle various aspects of donor management.
The platform's simplicity and affordability make it accessible for organizations with limited resources. Little Green Light is ideal for nonprofits seeking a straightforward and cost-effective tool for donor management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable reporting tools that allow you to generate insights tailored to your needs. You can also manage events efficiently with its event management features. The software supports task automation to help you stay organized and save time.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, Constant Contact, Double the Donation, Eventbrite, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Supports task automation
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable for small nonprofits
Cons
- Limited scalability for complex needs
- Basic customization options
Tithe.ly
Best for digital giving options
Tithe.ly is a digital giving platform designed to support churches in managing donations and enhancing financial stewardship. Church leaders and finance teams primarily use it to facilitate online giving and manage church finances efficiently.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Tithe.ly offers specialized digital giving features that make it easy for your congregation to contribute online. It provides options for recurring donations, text giving, and mobile app donations, allowing flexibility in how members can give.
These features ensure that your church can effectively manage and increase donations. Tithe.ly is ideal for churches seeking to modernize their giving processes and reach more donors digitally.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tools for creating custom donation forms that can be embedded on your church's website. You can also access detailed giving reports to track contributions and trends over time. Tithe.ly offers event registration features to help you manage attendance and payments for church events.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Planning Center, Church Community Builder, Elvanto, Breeze, Slack, Stripe, PayPal, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Detailed giving reports
- Strong mobile app support
- Flexible digital giving options
Cons
- Not ideal for small congregations
- May require tech support for setup
ACS
Best for church-specific accounting
ACS is an accounting software solution tailored for church management, primarily used by church administrators and finance teams. It helps with financial tracking, reporting, and managing donations.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: ACS focuses on church-specific accounting needs, offering features like specialized financial reporting, donation management, and budget tracking. These capabilities help you maintain accurate financial records and make informed decisions.
ACS is designed to cater specifically to church financial operations, setting it apart from Blackbaud's broader focus. Its targeted approach ensures that your church's financial management is efficient and effective.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tools for managing payroll, tracking pledges, and generating detailed financial reports. It also offers customizable accounting solutions to fit your church's specific needs. You can easily handle multiple funds and manage contributions effectively.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Vanco, Stripe, TextGiving, Pushpay, Realm, Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy fund management
- Detailed financial reporting
- Customizable accounting options
Cons
- May require training for setup
- Interface may feel outdated
Planning Center
Best for scalable solutions
Planning Center is a church management software designed to help churches of all sizes manage their operations efficiently. It's widely used by church staff and volunteers for scheduling, organizing services, and managing member information.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Planning Center excels in scalability, making it suitable for churches of various sizes. It offers features like service planning, volunteer scheduling, and member management, which are essential for growing churches.
Its modular approach allows you to add functionalities as your needs evolve. This flexibility ensures that your church can grow without outgrowing the software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tools for managing check-ins, which help you keep track of attendance and participation. The software also supports online giving, simplifying the donation process for your congregation. Additionally, Planning Center offers reporting tools to help you analyze church activities and growth.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Planning Center Services, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Stripe, ProPresenter, Slack, Zoom, and Twilio.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong service planning capabilities
- Effective volunteer scheduling
- Modular design for flexibility
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Some features may seem complex
Faith Teams
Best for cost-effective management
Faith Teams is a church management software designed for small to medium-sized churches, focusing on simplifying administrative tasks. It assists with managing events, communications, and donations.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Faith Teams offers a cost-effective solution for churches looking for essential management features without breaking the bank. It provides tools for event scheduling, communication with members, and easy donation tracking.
These features help you manage your church efficiently and cost-effectively. Faith Teams is ideal for those who prioritize affordability in their software choices.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include event management tools that help you schedule and organize church activities. You can also use its communication features to stay connected with your congregation. The software supports online giving, making it easier for your members to contribute.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Planning Center, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Twilio, Zoom, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Supports online giving
- Strong communication tools
- Easy event scheduling
Cons
- Not ideal for large churches
- Basic reporting capabilities
Realm
Best for church financial management
Realm is a comprehensive church management software designed to assist churches in managing their finances, communications, and member engagement. Church administrators and financial teams primarily use it to streamline financial operations and community interactions.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Realm offers specialized tools for church financial management, focusing on features like online giving, accounting, and detailed financial reporting. These features help you maintain transparency and efficiency in your church's financial operations.
The platform's focus on church-specific needs ensures that your financial management aligns with your community's goals. Realm is well-suited for churches looking for a dedicated solution to handle their financial activities effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include member management tools that help you keep track of community engagement and participation. You can also utilize its communication features to connect with your congregation effectively. Additionally, Realm provides tools for event planning and coordination, allowing you to organize church activities efficiently.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Vanco, Stripe, TextGiving, Pushpay, Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, Salesforce, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Effective member management
- Detailed financial reporting
- Strong online giving support
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Salsa Labs
Best for nonprofit engagement
Salsa Labs is a nonprofit management software aimed at helping organizations engage with their supporters and manage their campaigns. It's primarily used by nonprofit teams to handle fundraising, advocacy, and communication efforts.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: Salsa Labs focuses on enhancing nonprofit engagement through its specialized tools. It offers features like donor management, advocacy tools, and email marketing, which are crucial for effective nonprofit operations.
These tools help you build relationships with supporters and drive your mission forward. Salsa Labs is particularly suited for organizations that prioritize engagement and advocacy in their strategies.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include campaign management tools that streamline your fundraising efforts. You can also use its analytics features to gain insights into your donor base and campaign performance. Additionally, Salsa Labs provides advocacy tools to help you mobilize supporters and create change.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Double the Donation, Constant Contact, Eventbrite, DonorSearch, Google Analytics, Facebook, and Twitter.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Comprehensive email marketing
- Effective advocacy tools
- Strong donor management
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge
- Steep learning curve
Donorbox
Best for simple recurring donation setup
DonorBox is a fundraising software designed to help churches and nonprofits manage donations and engage with donors effectively. Fundraising teams mainly use it to enhance donor relationships and streamline giving processes.
Why it's a good Blackbaud alternative: DonorBox offers specialized tools for engaging donors, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. It provides features like customizable donation forms, recurring donation options, and donor management, which are essential for fostering long-term donor relationships.
The platform is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for your team to manage campaigns and donations. DonorBox is ideal for organizations seeking a straightforward approach to donor engagement.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to create donation pages that are easy to set up and customize. You can also track donor interactions and manage communication efficiently. The software supports multiple payment options, offering flexibility to your donors.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zapier, Stripe, PayPal, Google Analytics, Double the Donation, Slack, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Simple communication management
- Supports multiple payment options
Cons
- May require third-party tools
- Basic reporting capabilities
Other Blackbaud Alternatives
Here are some additional Blackbaud alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- ChurchTrac
For all-in-one church solutions
- ChMeetings
For user-friendly accounting
- Churchteams
For member engagement tools
- SteepleMate
For small church needs
- Gracely
For modern financial management
- Fellowship One
For integrated service planning
- MinistryPlatform
For customizable church solutions
Blackbaud Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Blackbaud alternatives to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points related to church accounting software products, like managing donor contributions and ensuring user-friendly financial reporting. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage donations and pledges
- Track expenses and budgets
- Generate financial reports
- Support online giving
- Maintain member records
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced analytics capabilities
- Customizable dashboards
- Mobile app availability
- Multi-campus support
- Integrated communication tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Clear instructions and guides
- Responsive design
- Minimal learning curve
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Presence of interactive product tours
- Access to ready-to-use templates
- Live webinars for training
- Chatbots for immediate assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Response time for inquiries
- Access to a knowledge base
- Availability of phone support
- 24/7 customer service
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent pricing structure
- Discounts for nonprofits
- No hidden fees
- Flexible subscription plans
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support quality
- User-reported benefits and drawbacks
- Recommendations from other churches
Why Look For A Blackbaud Alternative?
While Blackbaud is a good choice of church accounting software, there are several reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Blackbaud alternative because…
- You need a more affordable solution
- You want better customer support options
- You need software that's easier to use
- You're looking for more customization
- You require better integration capabilities
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several church accounting software options that are better suited for teams facing these challenges with Blackbaud and looking for alternative solutions.
Blackbaud Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Blackbaud, to help you contrast and compare what alternative solutions offer:
- Fundraising management: Helps you track and manage donations to boost fundraising efforts.
- Financial reporting: Offers robust reporting tools to keep your finances transparent.
- Donor engagement: Provides tools to enhance communication and relationship-building with donors.
- Enrollment management: Streamlines the process for educational institutions to manage student enrollment.
- AI-driven insights: Utilizes AI to provide data-driven insights for better decision-making.
- Comprehensive support: Offers extensive training and support resources through Blackbaud University.
- Grant management: Facilitates efficient management of grant applications and funding.
- Flexible ecosystem: Adapts to the growth and specific needs of your organization.
- Corporate social responsibility tools: Supports CSR initiatives to enhance social impact.
- Community engagement: Enhances collaboration and community building within your organization.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching church accounting software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.