4 Great CRM Software Options for Non-Profits

Non-profit organizations are unique in that their ability to manage customer relationships is critically important to maintaining a loyal donor base.

Without loyal donors, non-profit organizations simply cannot afford to exist. Connecting regularly and effectively with donors determines the success of the organization as a whole.

Customer relationship management (CRM) is often viewed as being critical to the financial success of large businesses. These systems help managers, members of sales teams and customer service representatives. In short, CRM software helps business connect. When considering the use of CRM software for non-profit organizations, there are several aspects to consider. These may not come into play with other businesses as the needs of each organization can vary greatly. The following are some examples of the best CRM software platforms for non-profit organizations.

#1 Blackbaud is the Leading Provider of Non-profit Software and Services

Blackbaud’s software is best serving larger non-profit organizations with multiple branches or sites. It is an enterprise-level product offering strong visibility. The key feature that is beneficial to non-profit organizations is the way Blackbaud CRM helps users cultivate communication with donors and maintain lifelong relationships through multi-dimensional initiatives. These may include annual campaigns, capital campaigns and volunteer relationships and events.

Blackbaud has several choices of software: eTapestry is a cloud-based fundraising and CRM solution that is affordable and can have unlimited users. The Raiser’s Edge is a comprehensive system with features that strive to achieve donor retention while diversifying fundraising. It is worth noting that Blackbaud software will require the training of some staff members on intricate tools.

In Gartner’s yearly list of technologies nonprofits should be paying attention to they mention that: “The cloud provides more freedom for nonprofits to store their information and integrate better software into their daily operations, without worrying about long-term hardware costs.”

#2 Salesforce – Grow Sales Faster With The World’s #1 Sales App

Salesforce has an entirely web-based solution for nonprofits. Salesforce focuses on sales and support and has capabilities marketing automation, partner relationship management and customer service. There is also a social media application called Chatter that allows for social networking. It works well for organizations across all industries and of all sizes. Salesforce helps non-profit organizations enhance relationships with donors, volunteers and supporters. Salesforce for Outlook allows users to synchronize contacts, calendars, emails and tasks, so that they can work from anywhere.

#3 Wild Apricot – Build. Connect. Grow. Membership & More

Wild Apricot is an excellent option for non-profit organizations, because the platform offers exceptional customer support and a simple user interface. Users can perform key tasks without issue. Wild Apricot is particularly beneficial to smaller non-profit organizations due to its low cost and uncomplicated approach to implementing key tasks like managing memberships and keeping supporters in the know. The service also allows members to login, search for, and connect with fellow members, strengthening loyalty within the organization.

#4 DonorPerfect Online Fundraising Software 

DonorPerfect software offers a complete donor management solution, helping organizations to collect and streamline constituent data, target fundraising efforts and manage donations. DonorPerfect helps target fundraising to reach the appropriate people through its constituent database. Contact information is stored centrally and can be accessed by anyone at any time. All-inclusive data allows users to manage volunteers, create email campaigns and keep track of memberships. DonorPerfect integrates with Microsoft Office and provides customizable reports.

Once you have chosen your solution and implemented it. The next step is fulfilling the promise that these CRM solutions have given your organization. Gartner analysts have something to say about that as well: ”Analytics can help nonprofits discover what content is attracting an audience on their site, and how their audience is finding and connecting with the site or email. Understanding that a large part of your organization’s supporters are access the website via a smartphone or click a particular link in an annual appeal email is just one bit of quality information an organization can gleam from this data.”