The Best Donor Management Software of 2024 (According to a Pastor)
10 The Best Donor Management Software List
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 10 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Managing church donations can feel overwhelming, especially in a small or mid-size church where every resource is stretched thin. I’ve been there, juggling spreadsheets and sticky notes, trying to keep track of who gave what—and feeling like there’s never enough time for the real work of ministry. That’s why donor management software is a game-changer. It can help you:
- Track giving with ease: Say goodbye to the stress of manual tracking—this software does it automatically so you always know who’s giving and when.
- Organize donor information in one place: From names and contact info to giving history, everything is stored neatly for quick access.
- Simplify reporting for leadership: Generate detailed reports in minutes instead of hours, making it easy to share updates with your board or congregation.
- Engage donors better: Build stronger relationships by automating thank-yous and updates, all while saving valuable time.
- Free up time for ministry: Less admin means more energy for serving your people and sharing the Gospel.
In this article, we’ll walk through the best donor management software options, key features to look for, and how to find the perfect fit for your church. Let’s get started!
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
As pastors and church leaders ourselves, we get it—choosing the right donor management software can feel overwhelming. There are so many options out there, each with unique quirks, and the pressure to make the right choice for your church is real. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to help.
Since launching The Lead Pastor in 2019, we’ve been testing and reviewing church tools with one goal in mind: making your decisions easier. With over 2,000 tools tested and 1,000+ honest, no-fluff reviews written, we’re here to provide you with practical advice from people who’ve been in your shoes.
Our reviews are built on deep research and firsthand experience, always from a church leader’s perspective. We understand how critical this decision is for your ministry—and we’re here to guide you through it. (Learn how we stay transparent and our software review methodology.)
The 10 Best Donor Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| ChMeetings | From $12/month | Website |
| Bloomerang | From $99/month | Website |
| Kindful | From $100/month | Website |
| Little Green Light | From $39/month | Website |
| Servant Keeper | From $64.99/month | Website |
| Blackbaud | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Realm | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Salesforce for Nonprofits | No details | Website |
| Church Community Builder | Customized pricing according to individual needs | Website |
| DonorPerfect | From $99/month for up to 1,000 records | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Donor Management Software
Picking the right donor management software is a big decision that can make or break how smoothly your church handles donations. As you navigate your selection process, keep these key factors in mind:
Using the Software...
- Simplicity: The best tools are easy to learn and use. If the software is overly complex, your team won’t stick with it. Look for an intuitive system that saves time, reduces frustration, and makes tracking donations and managing donor info straightforward.
- Integration with Other Tools: Your software should work seamlessly with the tools you already use, like accounting systems or email platforms. Without solid integration, you’ll waste time manually transferring data.
Managing the Software...
- Scalability: As your church grows, your software should keep up. Choose a solution that can handle an expanding donor base without slowing down—or straining your budget.
- Reporting and Analytics: Clear, actionable reports on donor engagement and giving trends are essential for making informed decisions. Good software should give you the data you need at a glance.
- Support and Training: Even the simplest software can come with a learning curve. Make sure your vendor offers reliable customer support and training resources so you can tackle issues quickly and confidently.
By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be better equipped to choose a tool that serves your church well today—and as it grows.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Donor Management Software
Here’s a brief description of each of the donor management software on my list, showing what it does best, plus screenshots to showcase some of the features.
As a donor management software, ChMeetings offers comprehensive tools to track and manage donations. It provides seamless integration with financial records, enabling accurate and transparent reporting. The software also allows churches to categorize and analyze giving trends, enhancing strategic planning and engagement with donors. With robust communication features, ChMeetings also ensures timely acknowledgments and follow-ups, fostering stronger donor relationships.
Bloomerang focuses on retention and engagement solutions. It allows fund transactions and management to be carried out efficiently and on time.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- It is affordable for all sizes of startups and non-profits
- Great customer support
- Great user interface
Cons:
- QuickBooks integration isn't smooth
- Report customization is limited
- Difficult to use when tracking grants from foundations
Kindful
Best donor management software for donor relationship building
Kindful is donor management software that focuses on building relationships with donors. It offers fundraising, donor management, and communication tools. The software also comes with tracking and reporting tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports unlimited donation pages per account with numerous page designs and customization
- Scalable and focuses on helping non-profits grow
- Excellent and timely customer service
Cons:
- Report design options are limited and lack customization
- Pricey for small non-profits with inconsistent income
- Takes a while to learn and get around
Little Green Light describes itself as “your natural next step to simplify your donor management.” It promises, “With our intuitive fundraising platform, you can consolidate your spreadsheets, letting you see and analyze your data more clearly than ever before.”
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mail and online support
- Seamless integration with third-party software
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Advanced analytics are complicated
- Difficult to manage families
- Mobile support is lacking
Servant Keeper is a church management solution by Servant PC Resources. It caters to churches and other faith-based organizations by helping them manage and run their business operations, including tracking member attendance, skills, donations, and pledges.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integrations with a variety of third-party software
- Great customization of reports
- Great customer and technical support
Cons:
- Lots of learning material and resources to consume
- Setting up groups is a bit taxing
- Difficult to use
Built by Microsoft Azure, Blackbaud is designed to meet the marketing and fundraising needs of non-profits. It provides excellent insight via its data intelligence.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive in terms of features
- Great with records generation
- Mobile responsive
Cons:
- Expensive for small non-profits
- Poor customer support
- Takes a while to get accustomed to
Realm by ACS Technologies is a cloud-based church management software platform that offers integrated tools and services for ministries, administration, and pastoral care.
I chose Realm as the donor management software after evaluating its comprehensive features tailored for churches and religious organizations. It provides a suite of tools for communication, stewardship, and pastoral care, all accessible through a user-friendly interface and convenient mobile apps, which are essential for modern church management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Streamlines communication with members.
- Customizable forms and pages.
- Organizes member database efficiently.
Cons:
- Limited integration with other CRM systems.
- May require training to fully utilize all features.
Salesforce’s Non-Profit Cloud unites constituents and organizations. The software promises to help “build and maintain trusted and lasting relationships with supporters and beneficiaries by delivering the experiences they need in changing times.”
Salesforce for Non-Profit is designed mainly to cater to the needs of non-profits, educational institutions, and foundations that provide grants.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable reports that help filter out unwanted data
- Great customer service
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Poor integration with mobile platforms
- Report generation can take a while
- Too many functionalities make it challenging to get around in the beginning
Church Community Builder reinforces communications amongst church or faith-based organization members. There is a coach solution feature on the platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great customer support
- Seamless integration with various third-party software
- Feature-rich software
Cons:
- Recurring events are difficult to schedule
- The learning period takes a while
- Mobile responsiveness is still catching up
Donorperfect is a suitable fundraising solution for non-profits. It provides insight into the drivers of donations, donor segmentation, and communications via personalized emails. Event managers can use its auction management tools to manage silent, live, mobile, and online charity auctions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great for tracking donors
- Allows for customization
- Easy to use and intuitive
Cons:
- Too many upgrades
- Lackluster report generation
case study: How One church drastically reduced Its administrative load During a crisis
When Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover, Alabama, faced a major crisis, their ability to manage critical financial operations was brought to a halt. A sudden technological failure left the church unable to write checks or pay vendors, with a looming audit adding to the urgency.
Church Administrator Michal Langston shares how switching to Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT not only solved their immediate challenges but also transformed their efficiency for the better.
“Our previous vendor threatened to turn off our software even though we had an upcoming audit, which created an urgency to be live in six weeks. We partnered with Blackbaud (and several third-party tools) and were live on Financial Edge NXT in three weeks. The entire process was a drastically better experience compared to what we had with other software vendors.”
The new system didn’t just meet their needs—it far exceeded them.
- Streamlined Invoice Management: “Today, we have 40 to 50 people submitting invoice requests to our church. Our new processes make managing that volume easy,” says Langston.
- Time-Saving Reporting: Blackbaud’s view-only reporting capabilities have dramatically reduced the administrative burden. “The view-only reporting capabilities save me an entire day’s work each month. Users can securely access the reports directly, and because of how we have it set up, even nonfinancial staff can self-serve.”
This shift not only helped Hunter Street Baptist weather its crisis but also enabled it to operate more efficiently, empowering staff and saving valuable time for ministry work.
Selection Criteria for Donor Management Software
Choosing the right donor management software is all about finding a tool that solves real problems for pastors and ministry leaders. The goal? Supporting your ministry’s needs while reducing the time spent on admin tasks. After personally testing and researching countless tools, I’ve identified the best options tailored to the unique challenges pastors face. Here’s how I evaluate them:
Core Donor Management Functionality (25% of Total Score)
At its core, donor management software should handle the essentials. To qualify for this list, tools must support these key use cases:
- Tracking both one-time and recurring donations
- Storing and updating donor contact information
- Segmenting donors for targeted communications
- Generating detailed reports on donation trends
- Integrating with accounting systems seamlessly
Other features that enhance usability include mobile access, customizable dashboards, automation for email communication, event management, and real-time syncing with other tools.
Additional Standout Features (25% of Total Score)
Beyond the basics, standout features can make a huge difference in streamlining workflows:
- Automated donor tracking to minimize manual effort
- Real-time syncing with tools like email marketing platforms
- Mobile-friendly design for managing donations on the go
- Customizable dashboards to visualize data clearly
- Event management features that connect registration, donations, and communication
Usability (10% of Total Score)
A user-friendly interface is critical. I look for:
- Intuitive navigation with minimal learning curves
- Drag-and-drop functionality for managing reports or donor segments
- Responsive design for easy use across all devices
- Clear dashboards for quick insights
Onboarding (10% of Total Score)
Good onboarding makes all the difference when adopting a new tool. I prioritize software that offers:
- Quick-start guides, templates, or interactive tutorials
- Webinars and in-depth training options for team onboarding
- Tools to migrate donor data with minimal hassle
- Helpful customer service during setup
Customer Support (10% of Total Score)
Reliable support is essential when challenges arise. Top-rated tools provide:
- 24/7 chat support with quick response times
- Robust FAQs and knowledge bases for self-service help
- Accessible phone and email support for more complex issues
- In-app live chat for immediate assistance
Value for Money (10% of Total Score)
Budget matters, so I assess:
- Competitive pricing for churches of all sizes
- Scalable pricing tiers to ensure affordability as your church grows
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees
- Nonprofit and church discounts to maximize value
Customer Reviews (10% of Total Score)
What do other pastors and church leaders say? I look for:
- Strong satisfaction ratings in usability and reliability
- Consistent praise for ease of setup and everyday use
- Positive feedback on customer support and responsiveness
- Testimonials highlighting time saved through automation
By focusing on these criteria, I ensure the recommended tools help pastors and church leaders spend less time on admin tasks and more time doing what matters most: ministering to their people.
Trends in Donor Management Software for 2024
2024 has seen donor management software evolve to meet the growing demand for efficiency, automation, and user-friendly features.
Recent product updates and industry shifts highlight how these tools are adapting to help pastors and ministry leaders do more with less effort. Here are the top trends shaping the future of donor management software:
Automation and AI Integration
- Automated Donor Engagement: More tools now offer workflows that trigger personalized emails or tasks based on donor behavior, such as sending a thank-you after a first gift or prompting follow-ups for lapsed donors. This saves time and helps foster stronger donor relationships.
- AI-Powered Analytics: Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze giving patterns and recommend the best times or methods to engage donors. This empowers churches to make faster, smarter decisions without hours of manual effort.
Mobile-First Design
- Enhanced Mobile Access: With the need for flexibility growing, software providers are prioritizing mobile-friendly platforms. Leaders can now manage donations, update donor records, and send communications straight from their phones, meeting the demands of on-the-go ministry.
Data Security and Compliance
- Improved Data Protection: As privacy concerns rise, top tools are stepping up with features like encrypted donor data, secure login protocols, and compliance with GDPR and other regulations. This ensures sensitive information stays protected.
Customization and Flexibility
- Tailored Reporting Tools: Reporting capabilities are becoming more flexible, allowing pastors to generate customized reports that highlight the data most relevant to their church’s goals. These tailored insights make it easier to share updates with boards or congregations.
These trends highlight the push for tools that save time, enhance security, and provide actionable insights, all while being accessible on the go. The shift toward mobile-first, AI-driven solutions reflects the growing need for donor management software to adapt to the fast-paced, dynamic needs of modern church ministry.
What is Donor Management Software?
Donor management software is a tool designed to help churches and nonprofits track donations and manage relationships with their donors. Think of it as a digital assistant that keeps all your donor information—like names, addresses, and giving history—organized in one secure place.
With this software, you can:
- See who gave what at a glance
- Send personalized thank-you emails effortlessly
- Generate reports for leadership or year-end tax statements
It replaces the hassle of juggling spreadsheets or paper files, making it easier to stay on top of your giving records and free up time for ministry work.
Features of Donor Management Software
When you’re choosing donor management software, the right features can significantly reduce your administrative workload, letting you focus more on ministry. The best tools streamline tasks, automate processes, and keep everything organized so you can spend less time on operations and more time on what truly matters.
Here are the key features to look for:
- Automated Donor Profiles: Automatically track and update donor information, saving you time and ensuring records are always accurate without manual effort.
- Customizable Reporting: Quickly generate reports with just a few clicks, making it easy to share updates with leadership and free up time for other priorities.
- Recurring Donations Management: Simplify tracking ongoing donations and let donors give regularly without needing reminders, improving donor retention.
- Email Automation: Send personalized thank-you messages or campaign updates automatically, keeping donors engaged without adding to your workload.
- Mobile Access: Manage donor information from anywhere, so you’re not tied to the office and can handle tasks on the go.
- Integrations with Accounting Tools: Seamlessly connect with accounting software to keep financial records accurate, reducing manual entry and the risk of errors.
- Donor Segmentation: Group donors by giving levels, interests, or other criteria to target communication more effectively, saving time while building stronger relationships.
- Customizable Dashboards: Get a clear view of donor activity and trends at a glance, helping you make quick, informed decisions without digging through reports.
- Event Management: Plan and track fundraising events within the software, combining registration, communication, and donation tracking in one place.
- Strong Customer Support: Reliable support ensures you can resolve issues quickly, minimizing disruptions to your workflow.
Each of these features is designed to lighten your load, helping you stay organized and free up more time for ministry. By prioritizing the features that meet your church’s specific needs, you’ll be better equipped to serve your congregation and build stronger donor relationships.
Benefits of Donor Management Software
Investing in donor management software offers a range of benefits that make managing donor relationships and tracking donations easier for churches and nonprofits. These tools are designed to simplify processes, enhance communication, and help you operate more efficiently.
Here are five key benefits:
- Automated Donor Tracking: Automatically organize and update donor information, saving you hours of manual work and reducing the risk of errors. This frees you to focus on building meaningful relationships with supporters.
- Centralized Data: Keep all donor information—like donation records, communication history, and engagement data—in one place, so you don’t have to juggle multiple systems.
- Improved Reporting: Quickly generate detailed reports on donation trends and donor engagement, making it easier to make informed decisions and present clear updates to stakeholders or boards.
- Efficient Communication: Use built-in email and messaging features to send personalized thank-yous or updates, strengthening donor relationships while saving time on manual outreach.
- Recurring Donation Management: Automate recurring donations to ensure consistent giving without needing constant follow-up, improving retention and reducing administrative work.
By streamlining your processes, donor management software allows you to focus more on your church’s mission while improving donor relationships and operational efficiency. The result? A more organized, impactful ministry that’s better equipped to serve your congregation and community.
Costs & Pricing for Donor Management Software
Donor management software typically offers different pricing options to fit the needs and budgets of various organizations. For those with little experience, it’s important to understand that each plan generally includes different levels of features, with more advanced options costing more. Below is an overview of the most common plan types, pricing, and the features you can expect with each.
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features | Best For.. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0/month | Basic donor tracking, limited reporting, email support | Small organizations or startups |
| Basic Plan | $30/month | Donor profiles, automated emails, simple reporting | Growing churches, basic needs |
| Standard Plan | $70/month | Custom reports, event management, recurring donation tracking | Medium-sized churches, more advanced needs |
| Premium Plan | $150/month | Advanced integrations, detailed analytics, priority support | Large organizations, full features |
| Enterprise Plan | $300+/month | Fully customizable features, dedicated account manager, unlimited users | Large nonprofits or organizations with complex needs |
When choosing a plan, consider your organization’s size, budget, and the features you need to manage your donor relationships effectively. Start with a free or basic plan if you're just getting started, and upgrade as your needs grow.
Donor Management Software Frequently Asked Questions
How can donor management software help me stay compliant with tax regulations for church donations?
Most donor management software includes tools to create tax-compliant donation receipts and reports. These features ensure your records are accurate and meet legal requirements, especially for year-end giving statements. This eliminates the stress of manual calculations and helps you stay on top of tax regulations effortlessly.
Does this software allow me to manage donations from multiple campuses or church locations?
Yes, many systems offer multi-campus functionality, allowing you to track donations from multiple locations under a single account. This keeps donor records organized and accessible, no matter how many sites your church operates.
How do I transfer all my existing donor information into the software without losing any data?
Most platforms offer data migration tools or services to help transfer your current donor information into the new system. Many also support importing spreadsheets or integrating with your previous software, ensuring all data is carried over securely and intact.
Can this software help me track volunteer involvement alongside donations?
Yes, some donor management systems include features to track volunteer engagement. This allows you to maintain a full record of your congregation’s contributions—both financial and through their time—helping you better recognize and appreciate your volunteers.
How can I use this software to better engage major donors and increase larger gifts?
Many tools offer donor segmentation, which makes it easy to identify and focus on major donors. You can create targeted campaigns, track giving histories, and automate personalized follow-ups to build stronger relationships and encourage larger contributions.
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