Top Blackbaud Competitors and Alternatives in 2025

Blackbaud has established itself as a leader in nonprofit CRM software, specializing in donor management systems and fundraising tools. With nearly $31 billion tracked across over 7,000 organizations in U.S.-based charitable giving, Blackbaud remains a prevalent choice among nonprofits. However, as organizations face challenges such as high costs and security concerns, particularly following a recent data breach, many are starting to explore Blackbaud competitors. This article will explore the top alternatives in 2024, detailing their offerings and how they stack up against Blackbaud’s established solutions.

Key Takeaways

  • Blackbaud specializes in nonprofit CRM software, managing significant contributions but facing challenges related to costs and security.
  • Donately stands out as a viable alternative, managing over $2 million in donations monthly for various nonprofits.
  • Copper CRM offers flexible pricing starting at $19 per month, making it accessible for small organizations looking for integrated solutions.
  • DonorSnap users report an impressive average increase of 40.9% in donations during their first year on the platform.
  • NeonCRM offers comprehensive features starting at $49 per month, suitable for nonprofits seeking diverse fundraising capabilities.
  • Kindful has gained a reputation with over 10,000 nonprofit customers, boasting a 98% satisfaction rate.

Understanding Blackbaud and Its Offerings

Blackbaud is a key player in the nonprofit software solutions market, boasting a comprehensive portfolio designed specifically for organizations in need of effective fundraising tools. The company has tracked nearly $31 billion in donations from over 7,000 U.S.-based charitable entities, showcasing the significant impact of its offerings. Core products include DonorCentrics and Raiser’s Edge NXT, with DonorCentrics providing advanced donor analytics that allow nonprofits to understand donor behaviors and trends.

Raiser’s Edge NXT operates as a cloud-based solution that streamlines donor management processes, making it easier for organizations to track interactions and manage fundraising activities. Financial Edge NXT, part of the Blackbaud offerings, tackles the unique financial management challenges faced by nonprofits, ensuring accurate accounting and budgeting.

Blackbaud CRM is tailored for larger organizations that require scalable solutions, integrating various functionalities to enhance overall operations. This includes customizable fundraising campaigns and robust marketing and engagement tools that strengthen donor relationships. Overall, these nonprofit software solutions collectively aim to optimize fundraising efforts and improve operational efficiency for diverse nonprofit needs.

Why Consider Blackbaud Competitors?

Selecting alternatives to Blackbaud is crucial for nonprofits aiming to manage their budgets effectively while ensuring quality software solutions. Numerous organizations encounter challenges, such as the high pricing models associated with Blackbaud and issues surrounding data security. By evaluating nonprofit CRM alternatives, organizations can discover options that offer similar or enhanced capabilities at more competitive prices. This shift not only preserves financial resources but also enables nonprofits to dedicate more funds to their core missions.

Competitors in the nonprofit software landscape often present affordable fundraising solutions that are flexible and secure. For instance, platforms like Donately successfully handle over $2 million in donations each month, showcasing their efficiency and reliability. Providers like Knack are recognized for their customization features, allowing organizations to create tailored applications that suit their specific operational needs.

As nonprofit organizations continuously pursue innovative technology, investigating the offerings of Blackbaud competitors could lead to more effective donor engagement strategies and improved fundraising efforts. With options like NeonCRM starting at $49 per month, nonprofits can leverage powerful features without straining their budgets. Evaluating these alternatives often results in a more sustainable approach to nonprofit management.

Donately: The Leading Blackbaud Alternative

Donately stands out as a top alternative to Blackbaud, offering valuable resources for nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts. This fundraising platform has been active since 2013 and currently manages over $2 million in donations each month. With its emphasis on improving the donor experience, Donately provides innovative features such as customizable donation forms that allow organizations to tailor their campaigns to meet unique needs.

Key Features of Donately

Organizations leveraging Donately benefit from a variety of donor management tools designed to streamline fundraising activities. Key features include:

  • Customizable Donation Forms: Tailor your donation pages to reflect your mission and branding.
  • Donor Integration: Seamlessly integrate with various platforms to manage donor information effectively.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Gain insights into donor behavior and campaign performance to make informed decisions.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Enhance the donor experience through an intuitive platform that simplifies giving.
  • Flexible Tools: Enable nonprofits to manage and grow their donor lists efficiently.

Pricing Plans

Donately offers several pricing plans to accommodate a wide range of nonprofit needs. Each plan allows organizations to choose options that align with their budget and fundraising goals:

Plan Monthly Fee Platform Fee Annual Fundraising Limit
Free Plan $0 4% None
Starter Plan $19 3.5% None
Team Plan $49 2% Up to $250,000
Custom Plans Varies Negotiable Over $250,000

With Donately, nonprofits find an affordable fundraising platform that prioritizes user experience while offering robust donor management tools. This comprehensive system empowers organizations to achieve greater fundraising success.

Top Blackbaud Competitors for Small Organizations

Small organizations benefit significantly from utilizing effective tools for donor management and communication. Several Blackbaud competitors offer unique features and affordable solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of smaller nonprofits. Below are some noteworthy options that stand out in the nonprofit CRM landscape.

Copper: Integrating Seamlessly with G Suite

Copper is an optimal choice for small nonprofits seeking an affordable CRM. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with G Suite simplifies operations by reducing tedious data entry. This small nonprofit CRM solution enhances donor relationships through automated lead tracking, allowing organizations to focus on what truly matters—engaging with their supporters effectively.

Insightly: A Comprehensive CRM Solution

Insightly offers a comprehensive CRM tailored for nonprofit needs. This platform accelerates donations while strengthening supporter connections. Key features include relationship linking, workflow automation, and email marketing tools. These functions streamline donor management for small organizations, maximizing efficiency and enabling effective donor engagement.

DonorSnap: Tailored for Nonprofits

DonorSnap provides a nonprofit-focused solution designed for managing communications, donations, and volunteer support. Its comprehensive tools ensure efficient donor management, aimed at improving retention and satisfaction. With pricing starting at $39 per month for up to 1,000 contacts, DonorSnap emerges as a cost-effective choice for small organizations looking to enhance their donor relations and management efforts.

Blackbaud Alternatives for Mid-Sized Nonprofits

Mid-sized nonprofits often require tailored solutions to meet their unique fundraising management needs. Diverse options exist that not only streamline operations but also enhance donor engagement. Here are some top alternatives to consider:

NeonCRM: A Relationship-Focused Fundraising System

NeonCRM capabilities provide an integrated and user-friendly platform ideal for mid-sized nonprofit tools. This robust fundraising system excels in automating donation processing and managing member data. Through its comprehensive features, organizations can improve fundraising management and adapt to changes in donor behavior.

DonorPerfect: Comprehensive Donor Management

DonorPerfect features a powerful donor management system that simplifies the process of tracking donations and volunteer activities. Designed with usability in mind, it allows nonprofits to engage effectively with their supporters. This software enhances fundraising efficiency through integrated event management and reporting tools, making it a solid choice for mid-sized organizations.

Bloomerang: Focused on Donor Retention

Bloomerang specializes in building donor retention through data-driven insights. Its intuitive nonprofit CRM helps organizations analyze donor engagement and tailor outreach strategies accordingly. This system supports fundraising efforts by providing the tools necessary to capture and retain donor interest, ensuring sustained contributions over time.

Software Starting Price Key Features
NeonCRM $99/month Unlimited users, donation automation, membership management
DonorPerfect $99/month Donor tracking, event management, customizable reports
Bloomerang $125/month for 1,000 contacts Donor retention analysis, engagement tracking, easy-to-use interface

Best Blackbaud Competitors for Large Organizations

Large organizations often require robust software solutions that cater to their unique challenges in managing donor relations and fundraising activities. The following competitors to Blackbaud present effective large nonprofit solutions and scalable CRM options tailored for extensive operations and diverse requirements.

Blackbaud CRM: A Scalable Solution

Blackbaud CRM is specifically designed for large nonprofits, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for fundraising and donor management. Its scalable nonprofit software is ideal for organizations needing customizable options that grow with their evolving needs. This platform enables effective tracking and engagement with donors, making it a reliable choice for large organizations looking for comprehensive donor management.

Oracle NetSuite: Advanced Financial Management

Oracle NetSuite stands out as an advanced cloud-based financial management solution. This platform integrates various functionalities such as analytics, reporting, and customizable dashboards, making it a formidable resource for large organizations. Its comprehensive features support efficient financial tracking and reporting, which is crucial for managing large volumes of transactions typical in large nonprofit operations.

Salesforce: Customizable Nonprofit Solutions

Salesforce offers powerful CRM solutions tailored for nonprofits, emphasizing customizable experiences for donor relations. Its versatile tools facilitate the management of fundraising effectively. Nonprofits can modify their CRM to align with specific fundraising strategies, ensuring meaningful engagements with stakeholders. The platform especially shines with its ability to support large organizations in crafting unique donor experiences and maintaining ongoing relationships.

Solution Key Features Starting Price
Blackbaud CRM Scalable donor management, fundraising tools, extensive reporting $5,000 for a single user
Oracle NetSuite Advanced financial management, customizable dashboards, cloud solutions Contact for pricing
Salesforce CRM solutions, customizable donor experiences, strong integration capabilities Free trial available

Unique Features of Blackbaud Competitors

Many Blackbaud competitors offer unique software features that set them apart in the nonprofit software market. These platforms focus on innovative nonprofit tools designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and donor engagement.

A key aspect of these alternatives is their comprehensive integration capabilities. For example, Salesforce provides a free trial of its Nonprofit Success Pack, showcasing its commitment to helping nonprofits leverage data for improved fundraising efforts. This fosters a user-friendly experience while offering robust reporting functionalities tailored to donor management.

In terms of pricing, various competitors cater to different budget ranges. For instance, DonorPerfect starts at $99 per month, while Bloomerang begins at $125 per month for 1,000 contacts. This pricing diversity allows nonprofits to find solutions that align with their financial constraints.

When examining innovative nonprofit tools, systems like Donately stand out with a free plan that includes a 4% platform fee. Those seeking affordability may find Jotform appealing, with pricing beginning at $39 per month and a 50% discount available for nonprofits. Each of these tools includes unique selling points, such as the ability to create unlimited donation and crowdfunding pages, as seen with Kindful, starting at $125 per month for 1,000 contacts and unlimited users.

A fundraising features comparison highlights variations, such as NeonCRM, which offers a plan that allows an unlimited number of users for just $99 per month. Each platform provides specific functionalities aimed at improving donor engagement and retention, whether through automated communications or tailored dashboards that present key metrics at a glance.

Software Starting Price Unique Features
DonorPerfect $99/month Comprehensive donor management
Bloomerang $125/month for 1,000 contacts Focus on donor retention
Donately Free (4% platform fee) Flexible pricing plans
Kindful $125/month for 1,000 contacts Unlimited donation pages
NeonCRM $99/month Unlimited users
Jotform $39/month 50% nonprofit discount

This landscape of unique options across various price points illustrates the capabilities of Blackbaud competitors, each bringing forward essential innovative nonprofit tools crafted to enhance fundraising outcomes and operational success.

Pricing Comparisons of Top Alternatives

The landscape of nonprofit software pricing varies significantly among various competitors. Nonprofits often face challenges in selecting an appropriate system, especially when confronted with substantial costs associated with platforms like Blackbaud. The recent scrutiny due to data breaches has prompted many organizations to explore secure and affordable fundraising software alternatives.

Notably, Donately has emerged as a popular choice, with pricing options designed to accommodate diverse needs. Its Free plan includes a platform fee of 4%, while its Team plan offers enhanced features starting at $49 per month with a reduced 2% fee on donations. Organizations looking for friendly pricing should consider this model.

Other alternatives include:

  • Copper: Offers a standard CRM plan starting at $19 per month, with the most popular plan priced at $49.
  • Insightly: Begins at $29 per month, providing essential CRM functionalities.
  • DonorSnap: Plans start at $39 for up to 1,000 contacts, expanding to $199 for managing 30,000 contacts.
  • Kindful: Available from $100 per month for nonprofits managing a base of 1,000 contacts.
  • NeonCRM: Pricing starts at $49, making it an appealing option for small and mid-sized nonprofits.
  • DonorPerfect: While specific pricing is available upon request, it offers robust payment processing features tailored for various fundraising needs.

When conducting a competitor pricing analysis, it’s essential to evaluate the features that each platform offers in relation to their respective pricing structures. This ensures that nonprofits can find a suitable solution that balances budgetary constraints with essential functionalities for success in their fundraising initiatives. The table below provides a clearer comparison of the pricing and key offerings of these platforms.

Software Starting Price Platform Fee Target Audience
Donately Free/$49/month 4%/2% Small to Large Nonprofits
Copper $19/$49/month N/A Small to Mid-sized
Insightly $29/month N/A Small to Mid-sized
DonorSnap $39/month N/A Small to Large Nonprofits
Kindful $100/month N/A Small to Large Nonprofits
NeonCRM $49/month N/A Small to Mid-sized Nonprofits
DonorPerfect Upon Request N/A Mid-sized to Large Nonprofits

Common Considerations When Choosing a Nonprofit CRM

Choosing the right nonprofit CRM requires careful thought regarding several vital CRM considerations. Organizations should prioritize their specific needs and evaluate how different systems align with their goals. As part of the decision-making for nonprofit software, key factors include pricing, ease of use, and available customer support.

Organizations must analyze their current infrastructure and any future growth plans, ensuring the selected CRM is scalable. A thorough cost analysis is essential, encompassing implementation expenses, operational costs, and any hidden fees, to ascertain the total cost of ownership. Such financial evaluation assists in making informed choices when selecting a nonprofit CRM.

Integrating business intelligence tools can provide organizations with actionable insights derived from donor behavior and market dynamics. This data-driven approach enhances operational efficiency and supports strategic planning. Nonprofits should also assess the ease of integration with existing software solutions, as seamless connectivity can simplify numerous processes.

Features are another critical aspect to contemplate. Nonprofit organizations should look for systems that offer personalization options, automation capabilities, mobile accessibility, and user-friendly interfaces. Selecting a system that provides these features facilitates better donor relationships and increases efficiency. Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge are typical examples of CRM systems tailored for nonprofits, but several alternatives merit consideration.

CRM Software Pricing Notable Features
Bloomerang $79 – $699/month Engagement meter based on donor interactions
Classy Estimated $299/month Fundraising tools
eTapestry by Blackbaud $119 – $399/month Fundraising management
Neon CRM $99 – $399/month Comprehensive donor management
Salsa CRM Starting around $349/month Data-driven insights
Virtuous Starting from $400/month Customized donor experience
Salesforce with NPSP Free for 5 users, then from $23.80/user/month Highly customizable

In summary, selecting a nonprofit CRM involves multifaceted considerations with a focus on aligning technology with organizational objectives. By thoroughly assessing each aspect, nonprofits can ensure they choose the right tool to drive effective engagement and maximize their fundraising capabilities.

Conclusion

In summary, the landscape of nonprofit software in 2024 offers a diverse array of Blackbaud competitors and alternatives tailored to serve organizations of various sizes. With nearly 100,000 customers and robust revenue figures, Blackbaud remains a significant player; however, its competitors have showcased innovative features and competitive pricing structures that cater to the unique demands of the nonprofit sector. As organizations begin to explore their options, understanding the latest nonprofit software trends will be crucial in making an informed decision.

By analyzing the best fundraising solutions available, nonprofits can evaluate the capabilities of various competitors critically. Whether opting for specialized platforms like Donately or comprehensive solutions like Salesforce, selecting the right software can optimize fundraising potential and enhance donor management significantly. This evaluation aids organizations in not only addressing their immediate needs but also preparing for future growth in a competitive environment.

Ultimately, a thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses of Blackbaud and its competitors will yield insights that empower nonprofits to choose the most beneficial systems for their operational needs. This will pave the way for improved fundraising effectiveness and a stronger connection to their donor base.

FAQ

What are the main features offered by Blackbaud?

Blackbaud offers a comprehensive portfolio for nonprofit organizations, including advanced analytics for donor behavior through DonorCentrics, a cloud-based donor management system with Raiser’s Edge NXT, and tailored financial management solutions in Financial Edge NXT.

Why should nonprofits consider alternatives to Blackbaud?

Many nonprofits explore alternatives to Blackbaud due to high costs and concerns surrounding data security. Competitors often provide similar or enhanced features at more affordable pricing, which can free up resources for mission-centric activities.

What is Donately and how does it serve nonprofits?

Donately is a leading fundraising platform for nonprofits, known for customizable donation forms, robust reporting capabilities, and easy integration with various platforms. It helps organizations effectively manage and grow their donor lists, enhancing overall donor engagement.

What alternatives are available for small nonprofits?

Alternatives such as Copper, Insightly, and DonorSnap provide effective CRM solutions for small nonprofits. These platforms focus on affordability and ease of use, with features tailored to enhance donor management and engagement.

How does NeonCRM assist mid-sized nonprofits?

NeonCRM focuses on enhancing fundraising and membership management for mid-sized nonprofits. It offers automation features and integration options to streamline campaign processing, ultimately boosting staff efficiency and donor engagement.

What is the focus of Bloomerang in donor management?

Bloomerang specializes in donor retention through a data-driven approach, allowing organizations to gain insights into donor behavior and customize their outreach strategies to effectively engage supporters.

How does Oracle NetSuite support large organizations?

Oracle NetSuite offers comprehensive financial management capabilities for large nonprofits, including advanced analytics, customizable dashboards, and robust reporting tools, making it an all-in-one management solution.

What are some unique features found in Blackbaud competitors?

Blackbaud competitors frequently offer unique features such as extensive integration capabilities, automation of fundraising processes, and tailored reporting tools designed to enhance donor engagement and retention.

How do pricing structures differ among nonprofit software solutions?

Pricing for nonprofit software varies widely, reflecting the different functionalities and features offered by each platform. Many competitors have tiered pricing based on organizational size and specific needs, allowing nonprofits to choose a fitting solution for their budget.

What should nonprofits consider when selecting a CRM?

Key considerations when selecting a nonprofit CRM include pricing, ease of use, customer support, features that meet the organization’s needs, and integration capabilities with existing systems. It’s essential for nonprofits to evaluate their future needs and training requirements as well.
About the author

Nina Sheridan is a seasoned author at Latterly.org, a blog renowned for its insightful exploration of the increasingly interconnected worlds of business, technology, and lifestyle. With a keen eye for the dynamic interplay between these sectors, Nina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her writing. Her expertise lies in dissecting complex topics and presenting them in an accessible, engaging manner that resonates with a diverse audience.