10 Best Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits: Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best donor management software for small nonprofits:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
For churches, having the right donor management software can make a big difference. It helps you track giving, manage relationships, and grow your donor base without added stress.
Keeping up with donations and staying engaged with your supporters can be a real challenge—especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities in ministry. Spreadsheets can get messy, donor details slip through the cracks, and meaningful connections sometimes get lost in the process.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing church management software since 2019. As church managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different church management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent and check out our software review methodology.
Best Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top donor management software for small nonprofits selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for donor retention | Free demo available | From $25/month | Website | |
2 | Best for small teams | 30-day free trial available | From $45/month | Website | |
3 | Best for large nonprofits | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for integrated giving | Free demo available | Pricing available upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for pledge tracking | Free trial available | From $69.99/month | Website | |
6 | Best for customizability | Free demo available | From $60/user/month | Website | |
7 | Best for user-friendly interface | 15-day free trial | From $59.25/month | Website | |
8 | Best for mobile giving | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for event management | Free plan available | From $12/month | Website | |
10 | Best for small church groups | Free trial available | From $69.99/month | Website |
Best Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofit Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best donor management software for small nonprofits 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 is a donor management software aimed at nonprofits focused on building lasting donor relationships. It helps organizations enhance donor engagement, track contributions, and manage fundraising efforts.
Why I picked Bloomerang: It's tailored for donor retention, featuring tools like donor engagement scoring and retention insights. You can track interactions and identify key donors, which helps in creating targeted communication strategies. The software also provides customizable dashboards to monitor fundraising performance. It's particularly beneficial for organizations that prioritize maintaining and growing their donor base.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include donor engagement scoring, customizable dashboards, and retention insights. The platform also offers email marketing tools and comprehensive reporting to keep your team informed.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Zapier, Eventbrite, Fundraise Up, Qgiv, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, Classy, and PayPal.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive email marketing tools
- Useful for targeted communication
- Detailed donor engagement tracking
- Customizable reporting options
- Strong focus on donor retention
Cons:
- Not ideal for very small organizations
- Some features can be overwhelming
- May need additional training
- Requires time to learn features
- Limited customization for small nonprofits
Little Green Light is a donor management software tailored for small nonprofits, focusing on simplifying donor tracking and fundraising activities. It helps teams manage donor relationships, track donations, and organize events.
Why I picked Little Green Light: It's ideal for small teams with features like comprehensive donor profiles and easy-to-use reporting tools. You can efficiently manage your fundraising campaigns and donor communications. The software offers event management tools that aid in organizing and tracking participation. It's particularly effective for teams looking for a straightforward, all-in-one solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable forms for donations and event registrations, built-in email marketing tools, and reporting capabilities that provide insights into donor activities. The platform also supports task management to help your team stay organized.
Integrations include Mailchimp, QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Zapier, Constant Contact, DonorSearch, Eventbrite, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective event tracking capabilities
- Built-in task management features
- Customizable reporting tools
- Simple setup and onboarding process
- Ideal for small team collaboration
Cons:
- Some features can be slow to update
- No offline access available
- May require additional training
- Basic customization options
- Limited advanced features for large organizations
Blackbaud is a donor management software designed for large nonprofits, offering solutions to manage donor engagement, fundraising, and stewardship. It provides tools for tracking donations, organizing fundraising campaigns, and analyzing donor data.
Why I picked Blackbaud: It caters to large nonprofits with features like advanced analytics and comprehensive reporting. You can manage complex campaigns and large donor databases efficiently. The software includes tools for grant and volunteer management, which are essential for large organizations. Blackbaud's scalability makes it suitable for handling extensive operations and diverse needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include grant management tools, volunteer coordination capabilities, and in-depth analytics for fundraising performance. The platform also supports online giving with customizable donation forms.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Classy, Double the Donation, WealthEngine, Constant Contact, and Google Analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Volunteer coordination capabilities
- Scalable for growing organizations
- Comprehensive grant management features
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools
- Suitable for managing large donor databases
Cons:
- May need dedicated IT support
- Higher cost for additional features
- Limited customization for small teams
- Requires significant setup time
- Steeper learning curve for new users
ACS Technologies is a donor management software designed for churches and faith-based organizations, focusing on managing donations and member engagement. It provides tools for online giving, tracking contributions, and managing church operations.
Why I picked ACS Technologies: It excels in integrated giving, offering features like online donation processing and contribution tracking. You can manage pledges and donations seamlessly, which is essential for maintaining accurate financial records. The software also supports event management and member communication. It's particularly useful for organizations looking to integrate their giving and operational processes in one platform.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include online giving platforms, event management tools, and member communication capabilities. The software also provides detailed reporting and analytics to help you understand your congregation's giving patterns.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, PayPal, Stripe, Zoom, Eventbrite, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrated financial management capabilities
- Supports event management and planning
- Detailed contribution tracking
- Effective member communication tools
- Comprehensive online giving solutions
Cons:
- Some features may be overwhelming for beginners
- Requires internet for most functionalities
- Limited advanced features for large organizations
- May require technical support for customization
- Initial setup can be complex May require technical support for customization
Servant Keeper is a church management software aimed at helping churches and faith-based organizations manage member information and donations. It provides tools for tracking pledges, managing contributions, and organizing member data.
Why I picked Servant Keeper: It specializes in pledge tracking, offering features that help you manage and monitor pledges efficiently. You can generate reports on pledge fulfillment and track contributions over time. The software also supports detailed member profiles, making it easier to engage with your congregation. It's particularly beneficial for organizations that rely on pledge campaigns for fundraising.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable member profiles, contribution tracking, and detailed reporting tools. The platform also supports event management and provides tools for managing volunteer activities.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Vanco, Pushpay, PayPal, Stripe, Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Excel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective event management tools
- Useful for managing volunteer activities
- Supports detailed contribution reports
- Customizable member profiles
- Excellent for tracking pledge fulfillment
Cons:
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- Needs internet for full functionality
- Some features may be complex
- Requires training for new users
- Limited advanced features for large organizations
Salesforce for Nonprofits is a donor management software tailored for nonprofit organizations, focusing on enhancing fundraising, donor engagement, and data management. It provides tools to manage donor relationships, track donations, and conduct fundraising campaigns efficiently.
Why I picked Salesforce for Nonprofits: It offers unmatched customizability, allowing you to tailor the platform to fit your specific needs. You can create custom reports and dashboards to monitor your fundraising efforts. The software supports a wide range of fundraising activities with its flexible tools. It's an excellent choice for nonprofits that need a versatile solution adaptable to various requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include comprehensive donor relationship management, customizable dashboards, and detailed reporting tools. The platform also supports automated workflows to help streamline your team's processes and increase productivity.
Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Eventbrite, Classy, DocuSign, Slack, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates workflows for increased efficiency
- Comprehensive donor relationship management
- Offers detailed reporting capabilities
- Supports a wide range of activities
- Highly customizable to fit specific needs
Cons:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Higher cost for advanced features
- May need dedicated IT support
- Requires technical knowledge for customization
- Steeper learning curve for new users
Aplos is a donor management software designed for small to mid-sized nonprofits, focusing on simplifying donor tracking and financial management. It streamlines tasks like donation management, accounting, and reporting.
Why I picked Aplos: Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for teams with limited tech experience. You can easily manage donations and track financials with its intuitive tools. The software provides built-in accounting features, which reduces the need for additional financial tools. Aplos is particularly beneficial for organizations looking for an all-in-one solution that’s easy to navigate.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include built-in accounting tools, customizable donation forms, and detailed financial reporting. The platform allows you to track event registrations and manage donor communications effectively.
Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Mailchimp, FundraisingBox, Zapier, Bloomerang, Constant Contact, DonorSearch, and Eventbrite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Useful for tracking event registrations
- Effective donor communication management
- Customizable donation forms available
- Comprehensive built-in accounting tools
- Simple navigation for new users
Cons:
- May need additional training for complex tasks
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- Requires internet for full access
- Some features may be too basic
- Limited advanced features for large nonprofits
Pushpay is a donor management software designed primarily for churches and faith-based organizations, focusing on enhancing mobile giving and donor engagement. It offers tools for donation processing, engagement tracking, and communication with congregations.
Why I picked Pushpay: It's tailored for mobile giving, featuring a user-friendly mobile app that simplifies the donation process for your congregation. You can set up recurring giving options and track donor engagement through detailed analytics. The software also includes communication tools to keep your community informed and connected. It's particularly suited for organizations that prioritize mobile and online giving.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a customizable mobile app for donations, detailed reporting and analytics for tracking donor engagement, and communication tools to facilitate interaction with your congregation. The platform also supports recurring giving options to encourage consistent donations.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Planning Center, Rock RMS, Church Community Builder, Mailchimp, Elvanto, FellowshipOne, MinistryPlatform, and Breeze.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong communication tools for congregations
- Customizable mobile donation app
- Recurring giving options available
- Detailed donor engagement analytics
- Excellent for increasing mobile donations
Cons:
- Limited offline capabilities
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- May need training for advanced features
- Requires internet for full functionality
- Higher starting price point
ChMeetings is a church management software designed for churches of all sizes, focusing on event management and congregation engagement. It helps users manage events, track attendance, and communicate effectively with their community.
Why I picked ChMeetings: It excels in event management with features like event registration, attendee tracking, and automated reminders. You can easily create and manage multiple events, making it ideal for churches with a busy calendar. The software's communication tools ensure that your congregation stays informed and engaged. It’s particularly useful for organizing large events and ensuring smooth coordination.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include member directory management, event calendar synchronization, and automated communication tools. The platform also offers detailed reporting and analytics to help you understand your congregation better.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Mailchimp, Stripe, PayPal, Zoom, Twilio, Slack, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible event management options
- Suitable for large congregations
- Detailed analytics and reporting
- Automated communication features
- Easy event registration setup
Cons:
- Some features may be complex
- Requires consistent internet connection
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- No offline access
- Limited customization options
SteepleMate is a church management software tailored for small church groups, focusing on enhancing engagement and managing operations efficiently. It supports community building, sermon planning, financial tasks, and educational activities.
Why I picked SteepleMate: It's designed specifically for small church groups, offering tools that help in sermon preparation and ministry scheduling. You'll find features for managing websites and mobile apps, crucial for reaching your congregation. The software also integrates with QuickBooks, ensuring your financial management is in sync. What sets it apart is its focus on small groups, offering an all-in-one platform that addresses your specific needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tools for sermon preparation and scheduling, website and mobile app management, and financial reporting with QuickBooks integration. The software also supports managing church-based education programs, providing a holistic approach to church management.
Integrations include QuickBooks for financial management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free plan for basic needs
- Dedicated account manager support
- Regular updates and new features
- Positive user feedback on ease of use
- Comprehensive management tools in one platform
Cons:
- No mobile app for offline use
- Requires internet for full functionality
- Some features may be complex for beginners
- Limited third-party integrations
- Pro plan pricing may be high
Other Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
Here are some additional donor management software for small nonprofits options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- ChurchTrac
For budget-friendly options
- Subsplash
For mobile-friendly donations
- Bonterra
For integrated volunteer management
- DonorPerfect
For customizable reports
- Donor Tools
For small donation tracking
Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofit Selection Criteria
When selecting the best donor management software for small nonprofits to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like limited budget and ease of use. 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 donor information
- Track donations and pledges
- Generate financial reports
- Facilitate communication with donors
- Support online giving
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integration with social media platforms
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
- Advanced data analytics and insights
- Customizable donor engagement tools
- Automated donation reminders
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation and menu structure
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design for mobile devices
- Clear and concise user instructions
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos and tutorials
- Access to interactive product tours
- Presence of chatbots for immediate assistance
- Offering of live webinars for in-depth guidance
- Availability of templates for quick setup
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Access to a dedicated account manager
- Response time for support inquiries
- Availability of a comprehensive help center
- Options for live chat and phone support
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing compared to features offered
- Availability of tiered pricing plans
- Flexibility of contract terms
- Inclusion of essential features in base plans
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on core functionality
- Comments on ease of use
- Reports on customer support experiences
- Insights into onboarding experiences
- Overall satisfaction with value for money
How to Choose Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Choose software that grows with your organization. Consider whether it can handle increased donor data and support more users as your team expands. |
Integrations | Ensure the software integrates seamlessly with tools you already use, like QuickBooks or Mailchimp, to streamline operations and avoid data silos. |
Customizability | Look for customizable options to tailor reports, forms, and dashboards to fit your unique processes and donor engagement strategies. |
Ease of Use | Select a user-friendly interface that your team can navigate easily without extensive training, reducing time spent on onboarding and increasing productivity. |
Budget | Stay within your budget by evaluating the cost against the features offered. Look for flexible pricing plans that fit your financial constraints. |
Security Safeguards | Prioritize software with strong security measures to protect sensitive donor information, including data encryption and regular security updates. |
Support | Consider the level of customer support available, such as 24/7 access, dedicated account managers, and quick response times to resolve issues efficiently. |
Feature Set | Evaluate the core features needed for your nonprofit, like donor tracking, reporting, and communication tools, ensuring they align with your organizational goals. |
Trends in Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different donor management software for small nonprofits vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-driven insights: More tools are using AI to offer predictive analytics and donor insights, helping nonprofits identify potential major donors and optimize fundraising strategies. Vendors like Bloomerang are incorporating AI features to enhance donor engagement.
- Donor engagement gamification: Some software now includes gamification elements to boost donor involvement and loyalty. This approach uses rewards and challenges to make the giving experience more interactive and engaging.
- Enhanced donor segmentation: Advanced segmentation tools are gaining popularity, allowing nonprofits to create highly targeted campaigns based on donor behavior and preferences. This trend helps organizations personalize communication effectively.
- Virtual event integration: As virtual events become more common, donor management software is integrating features to support online fundraising events. This includes tools for managing registrations, donations, and live streaming within the platform.
- Sustainability tracking: Some platforms are introducing features that track and report on the environmental and social impact of donations. This trend caters to donors interested in the broader impact of their contributions, aligning with values-driven giving.
What Is Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits?
Donor management software for small nonprofits is a tool that helps organizations track donations, manage donor information, and enhance fundraising efforts. Typically used by nonprofit professionals like development directors and fundraising managers, these tools provide value by organizing donor data and facilitating communication.
Features like donor tracking, reporting, and engagement tools help with managing relationships and optimizing fundraising strategies. Overall, these tools enable nonprofits to efficiently manage their donor interactions and boost their fundraising outcomes.
Features of Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
When selecting donor management software for small nonprofits, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Donor tracking: Keeps detailed records of donor information, helping you manage relationships and personalize communication.
- Reporting tools: Provides insights into fundraising performance, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.
- Online giving: Facilitates donations through online platforms, making it easy for donors to contribute from anywhere.
- Engagement tools: Enhances interaction with donors through targeted campaigns and personalized messages.
- Pledge tracking: Monitors pledges to ensure timely follow-ups and fulfillment, boosting donor trust and commitment.
- Event management: Organizes fundraising events, handling registrations and attendee tracking efficiently.
- Customizable dashboards: Lets you tailor your view to focus on the metrics most relevant to your goals.
- Automated workflows: Streamlines repetitive tasks, freeing up time for your team to focus on strategic activities.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive donor data with encryption and regular security updates.
- Mobile access: Allows you to manage donor interactions and access data on the go, increasing flexibility.
Benefits of Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
Implementing donor management software for small nonprofits provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved donor relationships: By tracking donor interactions and preferences, you can personalize communication and strengthen connections.
- Increased fundraising efficiency: Automated workflows and reporting tools help you focus on strategies that yield better results.
- Enhanced data security: With security safeguards in place, you can ensure donor information is protected and maintain trust.
- Streamlined event planning: Event management features make organizing fundraisers and tracking attendance simpler and more efficient.
- Better financial oversight: Reporting tools provide clear insights into donation patterns and financial health, aiding in strategic planning.
- Flexibility with mobile access: Manage donor data and interactions on the go, allowing your team to work more flexibly.
- Time savings: Automated processes and customizable dashboards reduce manual tasks, giving you more time to engage with donors.
Costs and Pricing of Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
Selecting donor management software for small nonprofits requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in donor management software for small nonprofits solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | $0 | Basic donor tracking, limited reporting, and simple communication tools. |
Free Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Enhanced donor profiles, basic analytics, and email marketing integration. |
Business Plan | $40-$70/user/month | Advanced reporting, event management, and custom dashboards. |
Enterprise Plan | $80-$150/user/month | Comprehensive analytics, full customization options, advanced security features, and dedicated support |
Related Reviews
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:
Donor Management Software for Small Nonprofits FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about donor management software for small nonprofits:
How can donor management software improve my fundraising efforts?
Donor management software helps you track donor interactions and preferences, allowing you to tailor your communication and engagement strategies. It provides insights into donation patterns, helping you identify opportunities for targeted campaigns. By automating tasks like sending thank-you notes and reminders, it frees up time for you to focus on building relationships.
What should I consider when choosing donor management software?
Consider factors like scalability, integrations, and ease of use. Ensure the software aligns with your budget and security requirements. Look for features that support your fundraising goals, such as donation tracking, reporting, and engagement tools. Evaluate customer support options to ensure you can get help when needed.
Can donor management software integrate with other tools I use?
Yes, many donor management solutions offer integrations with popular tools like QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Google Workspace. These integrations help you streamline operations by syncing data across platforms. Before choosing a solution, check for compatibility with the tools your team already uses.
How secure is donor management software?
Most donor management software solutions prioritize data security with features like encryption and regular updates. You should verify that the software complies with relevant data protection regulations. Ask potential vendors about their security measures to ensure your donor information stays safe.
Is it difficult to switch to a new donor management system?
Switching systems can be challenging, but many vendors offer onboarding support to ease the transition. Look for software that provides training materials, data migration assistance, and customer support. Planning the switch carefully and involving your team can help make the process smoother.
How do I measure the success of my donor management software?
Measure success by tracking key metrics like donor retention rates, donation growth, and engagement levels. Use the software’s reporting features to analyze these metrics over time. Regularly review your goals and adjust your strategies to ensure you’re getting the most value from the software.
What's Next?
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest resources, best practices, and insights on managing churches from expert pastors and church leaders.