The Best Donor Management Software of 2025 (According to a Pastor)
10 The Best Donor Management Software List
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
The best donor management software helps us as church leaders develop stronger relationships, increase recurring gifts, and prevent folks from falling through the cracks.
I've been involved in church leadership for over 20 years - and at one church I served, the finance team started using donor management software to track new givers and automate follow-up. Very quickly, they uncovered a surprising pattern—dozens of one-time givers had never received a thank-you or next-step communication. Once we implemented donor segmentation and scheduled touchpoints, the team re-engaged several high-capacity donors and saw a measurable bump in recurring giving.
Since those days, I’ve reviewed dozens of donor management tools—and in the right context, they’re indispensable. See, many churches are still working off spreadsheets, generic thank-you emails, and memory. That system might work when you're small—but it’s not scalable, and it’s not personal.
Donor management software changes the game. It helps you care for the people God’s already entrusted to your church. This list is here to help you find a tool that makes donor relationships sustainable, effective, and pastoral.
The Best Donor Management Software Reviews
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.
Donorbox is a church fundraising platform built to help you manage donations, engage donors, and grow your fundraising through flexible giving options. You can create branded, customizable donation forms, accept one-time and recurring gifts online, through mobile, via text-to-give, or in person using the Donorbox Live Kiosk. Each contribution links to donor profiles for easy tracking, helping you manage relationships and giving history over time. Additional tools like donor portals, event ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising help diversify your fundraising efforts, making it easier to boost engagement and maintain steady support for your church’s mission.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ability to accept in-person payments via mobile devices
- Supports multiple fundraising methods, including ticketing and auctions
- Customizable donation forms to suit various needs
Cons:
- Lack of advanced reporting features
- Transaction fees can add up for smaller organizations
Gracely is an all-in-one platform built to help you manage members, track donations, and run events for your church or organization. One of the main reasons I chose Gracely is its secure online giving and contributions tracking. You can create multiple funds (like building, missions, or campaigns), accept one-time and recurring donations both online and in person, and embed giving widgets on your site. It links each gift to individual donor profiles so you and your team can stay on top of who's giving and when. You can also archive old funds and categorize donations as tax-deductible or not—great for clean reporting and transparency.
New Product Updates from Gracely
Gracely's Update: New Customization Tools and Improvements
Gracely's weupdate introduces new customization tools, including integrated website building, custom fields, advanced filters, donation batches, and role creation, along with improved dashboard layouts and bug fixes. More details at Gracely Release Notes.
ChMeetings is a cloud-based Church Management Software (ChMS) that helps churches in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and South Africa simplify administration and donor management. Used by over 7,000 churches across these regions, it offers member and group management, attendance tracking, and secure online donations, making it easy to organize congregational records and track contributions. With built-in financial tools for budgeting and reporting, plus a multilingual interface supporting 22 languages, ChMeetings ensures smoother church operations. It also provides a standard mobile app for convenient access, with an option to upgrade to a branded version. A free plan for up to 50 members makes it an accessible choice for smaller congregations.
New Product Updates from ChMeetings
Event Sign-Ups with ChMeetings' Simple Registration
ChMeetings has introduced Simple Registration to ease event sign-ups by collecting only the primary registrant's details and the number of attendees, enhancing privacy and reducing data-entry workload. More details at ChMeetings Product Updates.
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
ChurchTrac is a cloud-based software designed to simplify church management, offering tools like donation tracking, fund accounting, and attendance monitoring. It stands out as a donor management software with features like comprehensive contribution tracking, online giving options, and detailed reporting for transparent communication with donors. Its fund accounting capabilities make it easy to manage designated donations and track multiple funds for better financial oversight. Additional features include child check-in for secure events, worship planning tools for organizing services, and a free member portal with online giving options.
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
Tithe.ly is an all-in-one platform designed to help churches manage donations, engage members, and organize events. Its digital giving tools support online, mobile, text, and in-person contributions, with options for recurring donations and campaign-specific giving pages. Each donation links to individual donor profiles for accurate tracking and reporting, while communication tools help churches keep donors informed and engaged. Additional features include peer-to-peer fundraising, event management, eCommerce capabilities, and integrations with platforms like QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Planning Center, making Tithe.ly a strong choice for churches looking to streamline giving and donor management in one place.
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.
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
Other Donor Management Software Options
- Salesforce for Nonprofits
For large scale non-profits
- Servant Keeper
For systems and processes
- Salsa Labs
Software for advocacy and event management
- DonorPerfect
For donor segmentation and communication
- Donor Tools
Volunteer and donor management software
- Church Community Builder
For building supporter community
- Aplos
Software for church accounting
- SteepleMate
For diverse donation methods
- MinistryPlatform
For large churches
- Subsplash
For setting up recurring gifts from donors
Selection Criteria for Donor Management Software
Most software looks shiny on the surface... lots of features. Big promises.
But we don’t need more tech for it's own sake. The most valuable ones to ME are the tools actually works, that solve real problems (without creating new ones).
My goal is simple: identify the donor management tools that help you lead your church without burying you in admin work.
I’ve spent a lot of time testing these tools myself. I’ve read the marketing claims. I’ve clicked through the demos. I’ve hit the walls you’ll probably hit too. So when I recommend something, it’s because I’ve run it through one filter:
Does this actually make ministry easier for pastors like you?
Here’s how I decide what’s worth your time:
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 for any nonprofit software. 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.
How to Choose Donor Management Software
This is a big decision.
After all, the right donor management software will save your team time and headaches.
The wrong one? It’ll collect dust while you go back to spreadsheets.
So before you sign up for anything, here’s what you actually need to think through:
1. Will Your Team Actually Use It?
If the software feels like flying a 747, your team will bail. So look for something simple. It should feel natural to use - no tech degree required.
2. Does It Play Nice With the Tools You Already Use?
You shouldn’t have to copy and paste data between systems like it’s 1998.
Good software integrates with your accounting, email, and other platforms.
If it doesn’t? Skip it. You’ll just create more work for yourself.
3. Can It Grow With You?
You’re not planning to shrink your ministry, right? So, make sure your donor management software can scale as you grow. You don’t want to outgrow your system in a year and start this whole process over again.
4. Will the Software Tell You What You Actually Need to Know?
You don’t need complicated spreadsheets. You need clear reports—the kind that actually help you spot trends, track engagement, and answer questions from your board without sweating.
5. Will You Get Real Support When You Need It?
Even simple tools come with a learning curve. To that end, make sure the company offers real support—not just a chatbot or a generic FAQ page. You’ll want live help and training when (not if) you hit a wall.
The Bottom Line?
Pick a tool that works today and grows with you tomorrow. One that makes life easier—not harder. One your whole team can actually use.
You’ve got people to lead. Don't get stuck managing tech that doesn’t pull its weight.
Trends in Donor Management Software
In 2025, donor management software is moving fast. The pressure to do more with fewer hands isn’t going away, and the latest tools are rising to meet that reality.
Here are the top trends shaping where things are headed:
1. Automation and AI Integration
Automated Donor Engagement
More platforms now offer workflows that trigger personalized emails or follow-up tasks based on donor behavior. A first-time gift triggers a thank-you. A six-month gap triggers a reminder to reconnect. These automations strengthen relationships without adding to your workload.
AI-Powered Analytics
Artificial intelligence is now scanning giving patterns and surfacing recommendations. Best time to reach out. Best method to use. No digging through reports—just smarter decisions, faster.
2. Mobile-First Design
Enhanced Mobile Access
Dashboards are now built for phones, not just desktops. You can check donations, update records, or message a donor from the parking lot or the pulpit. This shift makes sense for leaders who live on the move.
3. Data Security and Compliance
Stronger Data Protection
Security isn’t optional. Today’s platforms are encrypting donor data, offering secure login features, and following regulations like GDPR. That protects your people and your church.
4. Customization and Flexibility
Tailored Reporting Tools
Churches don’t all run the same. More tools now offer customizable reports so you can track what matters to your leadership team, not just what’s standard.
This isn’t just about keeping up with tech—it’s about using the right tools to lead more effectively in a digital world.
What Is Donor Management Software?
Donor management software helps churches and nonprofits track donations and build relationships. It’s your digital assistant—keeping names, contact info, and giving history organized in one secure place.
You can:
- See giving history at a glance
- Send personalized thank-you emails
- Run reports for leadership or tax statements
No more spreadsheets. No more paper files. Just a clear, streamlined system that frees you up for actual ministry.
Features of Donor Management Software
The right tool doesn’t just organize information—it reduces your load. These are the features that make that happen:
1. Automated Donor Profiles
Donor info stays up to date without manual entry. That means fewer mistakes, less busywork, and more trust in your data.
2. Customizable Reporting
Build reports that highlight what your leaders need to see. No exporting. No formatting. Just the info that matters—fast.
3. Recurring Donation Management
Make giving consistent and easy. Recurring gifts bring stability and save time following up.
4. Email Automation
Automate thank-yous, updates, and campaign messages. Donors feel valued—and you get time back.
5. Mobile Access
Access your dashboard from anywhere. Whether you’re at a hospital visit or a coffee shop, you’re not cut off from your data.
6. Accounting Integrations
Sync with your accounting software so your numbers stay clean and consistent. No double entry. Fewer errors.
7. Donor Segmentation
Group donors by giving habits or engagement. Makes follow-up smarter and communication more effective.
8. Customizable Dashboards
See what’s happening at a glance. Visualize giving trends and donor activity without running a dozen reports.
9. Event Management
Handle registrations, track gifts, and link donations to specific fundraisers—all in one place.
10. Strong Customer Support
If something breaks, you need help now. Good support means fewer delays and less frustration.
Each of these features exists to help you lead well, keep things organized, and protect your time for what matters most.
Benefits of Donor Management Software
When the right system is in place, everything gets simpler. Here’s what it makes possible:
1. Automated Donor Tracking
No more manual updates or spreadsheet errors. The system keeps everything accurate so you can focus on real conversations—not record-keeping.
2. Centralized Data
All your donor info—gifts, communication, involvement—lives in one place. Nothing scattered, nothing lost.
3. Better Reporting
Spot giving trends. Track engagement. Share clear updates with your board without a two-hour spreadsheet session.
4. Streamlined Communication
Send thank-yous and updates in minutes. Engage supporters consistently without reinventing the wheel each time.
5. Recurring Donation Management
Keep giving steady without constant reminders. Less chasing. More stability.
When systems run smoothly, ministry gets more margin. That’s what this is about.
Costs & Pricing for Donor Management Software
Donor management software comes with different pricing options to fit various church budgets and needs. If you’re new to this, know that each plan includes different levels of features—the more advanced the tools, the higher the cost. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common plan types, what they cost, and the features you can expect at each level.
| 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, think about your church’s size, budget, and the tools you need to manage donor relationships well. If you're just starting out, a free or basic plan can help you get set up. As your needs grow, you can upgrade to access more advanced features.
Donor Management Software Frequently Asked Questions
How can donor management software help me stay compliant with tax regulations for church donations?
Good donor management software takes the headache out of tax compliance. It automatically generates tax-compliant donation receipts and year-end giving statements, ensuring your records are accurate and meet legal requirements. No more manual calculations or scrambling to get things in order—just clear, organized reports ready when you need them.
Can This Software Handle Donations from Multiple Campuses or Church Locations?
Yes. Many donor management systems support multi-campus churches, letting you track donations from multiple locations under a single account. This keeps donor records organized, accessible, and easy to manage, 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 make data migration simple. They offer tools to import spreadsheets or integrate with your current system, ensuring all donor information moves over securely. Some even provide hands-on support to make sure nothing gets lost in the process.
Can this software help me track volunteer involvement alongside donations?
Yes, some systems go beyond financial giving and track volunteer engagement as well. This lets you see a full picture of how your congregation contributes—not just through donations but also through their time and service. It’s a great way to recognize and appreciate your most engaged members.
How can I use this software to better engage major donors and increase larger gifts?
Most donor management tools include donor segmentation, allowing you to focus on major givers. You can track giving history, create targeted campaigns, and automate personalized follow-ups. Stronger relationships mean more meaningful contributions, and this software helps you stay intentional in engaging your biggest supporters.
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