10 of the Best Nonprofit CRMs for 2024

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Nonprofit organizations often face challenges when it comes to safely managing sensitive donor information, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer coordination. To overcome these obstacles, the best nonprofit CRM software can provide streamlined solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, without having to break the bank.

Whether you are running a small nonprofit organization or a national NPO, I have rigorously tested numerous CRM products to highlight their key features and pricing. I have reviewed them based on user-friendliness, support, security features, and value for money.

Techopedia’s Top 10 CRM Systems for Nonprofits

Salesforce — Best nonprofit CRM software for comprehensive donor management

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HubSpot – Best CRM software for nonprofit organizations focused on marketing integration

Free forever plan
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monday CRM – Best CRM software for nonprofits requiring customized workflows

Free forever plan
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Pipedrive – Best CRM for small nonprofits needing simplicity

14-day free trial
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Zoho CRM – Best free nonprofit CRM software

Free forever plan
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Freshsales – Best nonprofit CRM software for teams needing VoIP capabilities

21-day free trial
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Less Annoying CRM – Best CRM for charities with small teams

15-day free trial
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Maximizer CRM – Best nonprofit CRM software for performance monitoring

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Act! – Best CRM software for nonprofits needing email marketing

14-day free trial
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Oracle NetSuite – Best CRM software for nonprofits managing large-scale operations

14-day free trial
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The Top 10 Nonprofit CRM Solutions

  1. Salesforce — Best nonprofit CRM software for comprehensive donor management
  2. HubSpot – Best CRM software for nonprofit organizations focused on marketing integration
  3. monday CRM – Best CRM software for nonprofits requiring customized workflows
  4. Pipedrive – Best CRM for small nonprofits needing simplicity
  5. Zoho CRM – Best free nonprofit CRM software
  6. Freshsales – Best nonprofit CRM software for teams needing VoIP capabilities
  7. Less Annoying CRM – Best CRM for charities with small teams
  8. Maximizer CRM – Best nonprofit CRM software for performance monitoring
  9. Act! – Best CRM software for nonprofits needing email marketing
  10. Oracle NetSuite – Best CRM software for nonprofits managing large-scale operations

The Best Nonprofit CRM Systems Reviewed

Below, I’ve covered each of the market’s best nonprofit CRM providers in more depth to help you choose one best suited to your needs and budget. By examining their features, pricing, and suitability, you can find the ideal CRM solution for your nonprofit organization.

You may also be interested in reading our guide to the best CRMs for small businesses, where you’ll find our top picks of affordable CRM software for smaller organizations.

1. Salesforce Best Nonprofit CRM Software for Comprehensive Donor Management

Salesforce Logo

Price $25/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period 30-day free trial
Key Features Advanced analytics, Customizable dashboards, 3,000+ integrations
Why We Picked It

I found Salesforce to be a powerhouse in the CRM industry, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that are perfect for managing donor relationships in large nonprofit organizations.

Its advanced analytics, customizable dashboards, and over 3,000 integrations make it an unmatched tool for comprehensive donor management.

During my testing, Salesforce stood out for its ability to handle large datasets and provide insightful analytics, which are crucial for nonprofits aiming to understand and enhance donor engagement.

Features

Advanced Analytics – Salesforce’s analytics tools provide deep insights into donor behavior and campaign performance, helping nonprofits make data-driven decisions.

Customizable Dashboards – Nonprofits can tailor dashboards to monitor key metrics and visualize data in ways that best suit their needs.

3,000+ Integrations – Salesforce integrates with a wide array of applications, ensuring that nonprofits can connect all their existing tools seamlessly into one platform.

Pricing

Salesforce provides multiple pricing plans designed to meet a wide range of needs and budgets, ensuring there’s an option for every organization size:

Plan Starter Suite Pro Suite Enterprise Unlimited Einstein 1 Sales
Annual $25/user/month $80/user/month $165/user/month $330/user/month $500/user/month
  • Starter SuiteIncludes basic features like opportunity management and custom reports
  • ProfessionalAdds features like forecast management and bulk emails
  • EnterpriseIncludes comprehensive lead management and workflow automation
  • UnlimitedOffers advanced AI tools and extensive customization options
  • Unlimited+ – Provides the complete suite of Salesforce features, including Slack integration and advanced reporting
Who it's Best For

Salesforce is ideal for large nonprofits that require a robust, all-in-one CRM solution capable of handling extensive data and providing detailed workforce analytics.

However, its higher cost and complexity might not be suitable for smaller nonprofits or those with limited budgets. For smaller organizations, options like monday CRM or Less Annoying CRM might be more appropriate.

Pros pros

  • Advanced analytics and reporting tools
  • Extensive customization options
  • Over 3,000 integrations

Cons cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • High cost
Salesforce

2. HubSpot — Best CRM Software for Nonprofit Organizations Focused on Marketing Integration

Price $15/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period Free forever
Key Features Email marketing tools, Social media integration, Customizable dashboards
Why We Picked It

HubSpot excels in integrating marketing tools with CRM functionalities, making it the best CRM software for nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing donor engagement.

Its comprehensive suite of sales, online marketing, and service tools, coupled with a user-friendly interface, makes it ideal for managing multi-channel donor interactions.

My evaluation revealed that HubSpot’s robust email marketing and social media tools excelled in streamlining communication efforts while also boosting engagement.

Features

Email Marketing Tools – HubSpot provides extensive email marketing capabilities, allowing nonprofits to design, send, and track email campaigns easily.

Social Media Integration – You’ll be able to seamlessly manage social media interactions and campaigns from within the CRM, ensuring consistent engagement across all your platforms.

Customizable Dashboards – Tailor dashboards to track key performance metrics and visualize data in a way that suits your NPO’s needs.

Pricing

HubSpot’s diverse range of pricing plans caters to various needs and budgets, allowing organizations to choose the best fit for their requirements:

Plan Free Starter Professional Enterprise
Monthly $0 $20/user/month $100/user/month* $150/user/month**
Annual $0 $15/user/month $90/user/month* $150/user/month**
  • Free ToolsIdeal for new nonprofit organizations or solo NPOs, includes basic sales, marketing, service, content, and operations tools.
  • Sales Hub StarterThis plan includes essential sales tools such as multiple currencies, e-signature, and simple automation.
  • Sales Hub ProfessionalIt offers advanced features like call transcription, ABM tools, and forecasting.
  • Sales Hub EnterpriseIncludes predictive lead scoring, advanced permissions, and custom objects.

*Cost shown does not include the required, one-time Professional Onboarding for a fee of $1,500.

**Cost shown does not include the required, one-time Enterprise Onboarding for a fee of $3,500.

Who it's Best For

HubSpot is perfect for nonprofits that need strong marketing integration to enhance donor engagement and streamline communication efforts.

However, it might not be the best fit for smaller nonprofits with tight budgets due to the higher cost of advanced plans. For more budget-friendly options, consider Less Annoying CRM or Zoho CRM.

Pros pros

  • Comprehensive marketing tools
  • User-friendly interface
  • Robust free plan

Cons cons

  • Scaling can be expensive
  • Occasional glitches
HubSpot CRM

3. monday CRM — Best CRM software for Nonprofits Requiring Customized Workflows

monday-CRM-logo (large)

Price $12/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period Free forever
Key Features Customizable workflows, Project management tools, Automation capabilities
Why We Picked It

monday CRM excels in providing highly customizable workflows, making it the best CRM software for nonprofits that need tailored solutions to fit their unique operational requirements.

Its robust project management tools, along with powerful automation features, ensure that nonprofits can manage their tasks efficiently and effectively, freeing up valuable time to focus on other projects.

During my review, I found that monday CRM’s flexibility and ease of customization shone through. This will allow nonprofits to create workflows that align perfectly with their specific needs.

Features

Customizable Workflows – Tailor workflows to suit your nonprofit’s specific processes, ensuring that all tasks and projects are managed efficiently.

Project Management Tools – Use various project management tools like Kanban boards and Gantt charts to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration.

Automation Capabilities – Set up automation for routine tasks to save time and reduce errors, enhancing overall productivity.

Pricing

monday CRM’s pricing plans are designed to accommodate different organizational needs and budgets, offering flexible solutions for various use cases:

Plan Free Basic Standard Pro Enterprise
Monthly $0 $15/user/month $20/user/month $33/user/month Custom
Annual $0 $12/user/month $17/user/month $28/user/month Custom
  • FreeIdeal for small teams or solo users, includes basic task management features and up to 2 users
  • BasicIncludes unlimited items, 5 GB storage, and prioritized customer support
  • StandardAdds features like timeline and Gantt views, calendar view, and integrations
  • ProIncludes time tracking, dependency columns, and 25,000 automations/month
  • EnterpriseCustom pricing with advanced features like multi-level permissions, advanced reporting, and tailored onboarding
Who it's Best For

monday CRM is ideal for nonprofits that require a highly customizable platform to manage their unique workflows and projects. Its robust feature set makes it suitable for organizations that run multiple projects at once and need detailed project management and automation capabilities.

Its free plan is a great way to test out the platform within your NPO before you sign up. However, I did find that its feature set might be too much for smaller nonprofits with simpler needs. In such cases, Pipedrive could be a more suitable alternative.

Pros pros

  • Highly customizable workflows
  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • Comprehensive project management tools

Cons cons

  • Time tracking available only on higher-tier plans
  • Some features limited in the mobile app
Monday CRM

4. Pipedrive — Top CRM Email Marketing Tools for Small Business

Pipedrive Logo

Price $14/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period 14-day free trial
Key Features Easy customization, AI sales assistant, Affordable plans
Why We Picked It

Pipedrive stands out for its intuitive user interface and budget-friendly pricing, making it the best CRM for small nonprofits needing a straightforward, easy-to-use solution.

I found that its simplicity and affordability make it accessible for organizations with limited resources. During my assessment of this software, I found that Pipedrive’s intuitive customization options and automation features would be particularly valuable for small teams.

Features

Easy Customization – Pipedrive’s drag-and-drop interface allows users to easily customize sales pipelines and manage tasks.

AI Sales Assistant – The AI Sales Assistant provides insights and recommendations to help improve donor support processes and help increase donations. I found that this is a great option for NPOs that also sell goods to raise funds.

Affordable Plans – Pipedrive offers competitively priced plans, making it a cost-effective option for small nonprofits.

Pricing

Pipedrive features a selection of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, making it easy for organizations to find the right plan:

Plan Essential Advanced Professional Power Enterprise
Monthly $14/user/month $44/user/month $64/user/month $79/user/month $129/user/month
Annual $14/user/month $34/user/month $49/user/month $64/user/month $99/user/month
  • EssentialThis plan includes basic lead and deal management features, visual dashboards, and email integration.
  • AdvancedAdds email tracking, templates, and advanced automation.
  • ProfessionalIncludes custom reporting, phone support, and enhanced automation with AI.
  • PowerOffers advanced team collaboration and higher usage limits.
  • Enterprise – The packed plan comes with unlimited open deals, custom fields, reports, advanced security rules, and alerts.
Who it's Best For

Pipedrive is ideal for small nonprofits needing a simple, budget-friendly CRM solution. Its ease of use and affordable plans make it suitable for organizations with limited technical expertise and resources.

However, it may not be the best fit for larger nonprofits requiring more advanced features and integrations. For those, Salesforce or HubSpot might be more appropriate.

Pros pros

  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • Effective automation features

Cons cons

  • No free plan available
  • Limited advanced features compared to competitors

5. Zoho CRM — Best Budget CRM for Small Businesses

Price $14/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period Free forever
Key Features Sales force automation, Advanced analytics, Customizable dashboards
Why We Picked It

Zoho CRM excels in offering robust automation features even with its free plan, making it the best free nonprofit CRM software for automation. Its comprehensive automation tools can help streamline routine tasks and workflows, significantly enhancing the efficiency of your staff.

During testing, I found that Zoho CRM’s powerful automation capabilities and advanced analytics stood out, providing nonprofits with the tools needed to optimize their operations and facilitate data-driven decision making.

Features

Sales Force Automation – Automate routine sales tasks and workflows, enhancing efficiency and productivity and saving valuable time.

Advanced Analytics – Gain valuable insights through detailed reports and analytics, enabling data-driven decision-making. This is a great addition for NPOs that are wanting to attract large funders.

Customizable Dashboards – Tailor dashboards to visualize key metrics and data in a way that best suits your organization’s needs.

Pricing

Zoho CRM offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to meet the diverse needs and budgets of different organizations, ensuring flexibility and scalability:

Plan Free Standard Professional Enterprise Ultimate
Monthly $0 $20/user/month $35/user/month $50/user/month $65/user/month
Annual $0 $14/user/month $23/user/month $40/user/month $52/user/month
  • FreeSuitable for up to 3 users, includes basic sales, client, and product management features.
  • StandardAdds standard lead management, mass email, sales forecasting, and basic automation.
  • ProfessionalIncludes advanced automation, unlimited custom reports, and inventory management.
  • EnterpriseOffers advanced AI tools, multiple lead-scoring rules, and priority support.
  • UltimateIncludes enhanced AI capabilities, higher limits on mass emails, and comprehensive analytics.
Who it's Best For

Zoho CRM is a great option for nonprofits needing a highly customizable and scalable CRM solution. Its wide range of features and flexible pricing make it suitable for organizations of all sizes, especially those with specific and varied requirements.

However, its complexity and learning curve might not be suitable for smaller nonprofits with limited technical expertise. In such cases, monday CRM or Pipedrive are better alternatives.

Pros pros

  • Extensive customization options
  • Affordable pricing plans
  • Powerful automation and analytics tools

Cons cons

  • Steep knowledge curve
  • Mixed customer support reviews

6. Freshsales — Best Entry-Level CRM for New Small Businesses

Price $9/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period 21-day free trial
Key Features Sales force automation, Advanced analytics, Customizable dashboards
Why We Picked It

Freshsales is a top choice for nonprofits because it seamlessly integrates VoIP capabilities, which is essential for organizations that rely heavily on phone communication for fundraising and outreach efforts.

During testing, I found that this feature, combined with AI-driven automation and extensive third-party integrations, makes Freshsales particularly valuable for nonprofits aiming to streamline their operations and enhance donor engagement.

Features

Built-in VoIP – Includes advanced calling features like call recording, parallel calling, and call masking, which are invaluable for nonprofits that need to maintain detailed communication records with donors and volunteers.

AI-Powered Automation – Freddy AI assists with deal insights, duplicate entry removal, and follow-up scheduling, helping nonprofits automate repetitive tasks and focus more on their mission.

Robust Integrations – Supports over 1,000 integrations with popular tools such as Google Calendar, MailChimp, QuickBooks, and more, enabling nonprofits to connect their CRM with existing tools seamlessly.

Pricing

Freshsales presents several pricing plans aimed at accommodating a wide range of needs and budgets, providing options for organizations of all sizes:

Plan Growth Pro Enterprise
Monthly $11/user/month $47/user/month $71/user/month
Annual $9/user/month $39/user/month $59/user/month
  • Free: Ideal for small nonprofits with up to 3 users, providing basic contact and activity management, deal pipelines, and built-in phone features.
  • Growth: Includes a sales dashboard, 20 workflows, Slack integration, and advanced calling functions.
  • Pro: Offers time-based workflows, auto-assignment for deals, conferencing calls, and more.
  • Enterprise: Provides the full suite of Freshsales capabilities, including 100 workflows, advanced AI features, and extensive storage.
Who it's Best For

Freshsales is best suited for nonprofits that heavily rely on phone communication to engage with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders. Its robust VoIP phone capabilities make it an excellent choice for organizations needing integrated communication tools within their CRM.

However, it may not be ideal for nonprofits with very limited budgets or those requiring extensive pipeline management, as Freshsales has a cap on the number of sales pipelines. For simpler needs or more extensive free features, platforms like Zoho CRM is a better choice.

Pros pros

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Feature-rich free plan
  • Advanced VoIP capabilities

Cons cons

  • Limited number of sales pipelines
  • Mixed customer support reviews
Freshsales

7. Less Annoying CRM — Best CRM for charities with small team

Price $15/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period Free forever
Key Features Sales force automation, Advanced analytics, Customizable dashboards
Why We Picked It

Less Annoying CRM is the best CRM software for small nonprofits due to its simplicity and affordability. It provides unlimited contacts and pipelines, making it ideal for organizations needing to manage relationships without the complexity of larger CRM systems.

During my evaluation, Less Annoying CRM’s ease of use and minimal learning curve stood out, which is perfect for smaller teams with limited technical expertise.

Features

Unlimited Contacts and Pipelines – Manage as many contacts and pipelines as needed, ideal for growing nonprofits that require extensive record-keeping without additional costs.

Easy Customization – Customize fields, pipelines, and workflows to fit the unique needs of your nonprofit organization.

Team Collaboration – Built-in calendar and task management facilitate seamless collaboration among team members, ensuring everyone stays on track with donor engagement and outreach efforts.

Pricing

Less Annoying CRM offers a single pricing plan that includes all features, making it straightforward for budgeting and planning.

Plan Less Annoying CRM
Monthly $15/user/month
  • Standard Plan: You get unlimited contacts, custom fields, pipelines, a built-in calendar, and task management capabilities. This plan is straightforward and includes everything Less Annoying CRM has to offer.
Who it's Best For

Less Annoying CRM is best suited for small nonprofits that need a simple, cost-effective CRM solution. Its intuitive interface and lack of complex features make it perfect for teams without extensive technical expertise.

However, it may not be suitable for larger nonprofits or those requiring advanced automation and extensive integrations. For more feature-rich options, platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce might be better suited.

Pros pros

  • Unlimited contacts and pipelines
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Affordable with no hidden costs

Cons cons

  • Lacks advanced automation features
  • Limited integrations
Less Annoying CRM
8.5
Review

8. Maximizer — Best Nonprofit CRM Software for Performance Monitoring

Price $65/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period Free demo
Key Features Real-time sales agent performance monitoring, Sales coaching, Customer health analytics
Why We Picked It

Maximizer CRM is ideal for nonprofits focused on performance monitoring and staff coaching. Its advanced analytics provide detailed insights into your team’s performance, enabling tailored coaching to ensure best practices are followed.

During my evaluation, I liked the platform’s robust suite of productivity tools, including phone scripts, email templates, and sales process documents, which can enhance your marketing team’s efficiency.

Features

Real-time Sales Agent Performance Monitoring – Track the performance of your team in real-time to identify areas for improvement and provide immediate feedback and coaching.

Sales Coaching – Utilize the platform’s tools to create and share sales enablement documents, including phone scripts and email templates, to ensure best practices are followed when doing cold calls to prospective donors.

Customer Health Analytics – Monitor the health of donor relationships and proactively reach out to at-risk accounts to improve customer retention and maximize recurring donations.

Pricing

Maximizer CRM offers two main pricing plans, billed annually with minimum user requirements:

Plan Base Edition Sales Leader Edition
Annual $65/user/month* $79/user/month**
  • Based Edition: Advanced contact management, lead & opportunity handling, task management, Outlook integration, 100% in-house support
  • Sales Leader Edition: Plus sales intelligence reports, advanced sales pipeline management, activity tracking, revenue & activity targets

*Billed annually with a 3-user minimum

**Billed annually with a 5-user minimum

Who it's Best For

Maximizer CRM is best suited for medium to large nonprofits that need robust performance monitoring and coaching tools. Its advanced analytics and activity tracking make it perfect for organizations focused on optimizing team performance and ensuring donor engagement strategies are effective.

However, it may not be ideal for small nonprofits with limited budgets or those requiring a more intuitive interface. For smaller organizations, Less Annoying CRM or HubSpot might be better alternatives due to their simplicity and more affordable plans.

Pros pros

  • Real-time performance monitoring
  • Facilitates staff coaching
  • Customer health analytics

Cons cons

  • Clunky, dated interface
  • No free trial and no refunds

9. Act! — Best CRM software for nonprofits needing email marketing

Act Logo

Price $30/user/month
Free Version
Trial Period 14-day free trial
Key Features Email marketing capabilities, Cloud and on-premise options, Solid customer support
Why We Picked It

Act! CRM stands out for its robust email marketing capabilities, making it the best choice for nonprofits focused on donor engagement and communication. The platform provides both cloud and on-premise solutions, offering flexibility and added security for organizations that need more control over their CRM implementation.

I also liked its user-friendly interface and comprehensive contact management features. These ensure that nonprofits can effectively manage relationships with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Features

Email Marketing Capabilities – Act! CRM offers advanced email marketing features, including personalized email campaigns, tracking, and reporting, helping nonprofits engage with donors effectively.

Cloud and On-Premise Options – Provides the flexibility of cloud-based access for remote working teams and the security of on-premise solutions for organizations needing more control over their data.

Solid Customer Support – Offers reliable customer support via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring that users have access to help when they need it.

Pricing

Maximizer CRM offers two main pricing plans, billed annually with minimum user requirements:

Plan Premium Cloud Premium Desktop
Annual $30/user/month $37.50/user/month
  • Premium Cloud: Customer management, relationship timelines, sales process management, personalized emailing
  • Premium Desktop: Plus greater control over updates, enhanced data security, offline access
Who it's Best For

Act! CRM is best suited for small to medium-sized nonprofits that require advanced email marketing capabilities and need the flexibility of both cloud and on-premise solutions. Its comprehensive contact management and marketing automation tools make it ideal for organizations focused on donor engagement and retention.

However, it may not be the best choice for large nonprofits or those looking for extensive AI automation features. For such needs, platforms like Salesforce or Zoho CRM are suitable alternatives.

Pros pros

  • Fantastic email marketing capabilities
  • Cloud and on-premise options
  • Solid customer support

Cons cons

  • Offers fewer features and integrations compared to rivals
  • Can be expensive for some organizations

10. Oracle NetSuite — Best CRM Software for Nonprofits Managing Large-Scale Operations

Oracle NetSuite Logo

Price Custom
Free Version
Trial Period 14-day free trial
Key Features Email marketing capabilities, Cloud and on-premise options, Solid customer support
Why We Picked It

Oracle NetSuite is a top choice for large and national nonprofits requiring a robust, all-in-one CRM solution that offers extensive functionality beyond simple donor management.

We found during our testing that this CRM excels in providing integrated sales processes, marketing automation, and advanced reporting and analytics. This makes it ideal for organizations that need a comprehensive platform to manage various aspects of their operations, from donor engagement to financial management.

Features

Sales Force Automation – Provides nonprofits with integrated sales processes, from opportunity management to order fulfillment, offering full visibility into donor relationships and campaign effectiveness.

Marketing Automation – Simplifies lead donor qualification and conversion marketing, allowing nonprofits to target, build, execute, and measure the success of their marketing campaigns efficiently.

Reporting and Analytics – Offers built-in reporting, real-time analytics, and role-based dashboards that enable nonprofits to continuously monitor performance across various projects and operations.

Pricing

Oracle NetSuite doesn’t publicly publish the pricing of its CRM platform. This is due to the fact that it offers fully customized solutions to companies of all sizes. You’ll have to contact its sales department for a custom quote for your agency.

    Who it's Best For

    Oracle NetSuite is best suited for large nonprofits that need a comprehensive CRM solution to manage extensive operations, including donor management, marketing campaigns, and financial processes. Its high level of customization and scalability makes it ideal for well-established organizations with complex needs.

    However, it may not be suitable for small nonprofits due to its high cost and steep learning curve. For smaller organizations, more affordable and user-friendly options like HubSpot or Zoho CRM are better alternatives.

    Pros pros

    • Comprehensive management of various nonprofit operations
    • Advanced reporting and analytics
    • High level of customization and scalability

    Cons cons

    • Expensive and includes a high setup fee
    • Steep learning curve
    Oracle NetSuite

    The 10 Best CRM for Nonprofits Compared

    Choosing the right CRM for your nonprofit can significantly impact your ability to manage donors, run fundraising campaigns, and integrate various tools to streamline your operations.

    Here’s a comparison of the best CRM solutions tailored for nonprofits, highlighting key features such as donor management, integrations, and fundraising tools.

    CRM for nonprofits Salesforce HubSpot  monday CRM  Pipedrive Zoho CRM Freshsales Less Annoying CRM Maximizer CRM Act!  Oracle NetSuite
    Best  for Comprehensive donor management Marketing integration Customized workflows Simplicity Automation VoIP capabilities Small teams Performance monitoring Email marketing Managing large-scale operations
    Free Version
    Starting Price $25/user/month $15/user/month $12/user/month $14/user/month $14/user/month $11/user/month $15/user/month $65/user/month $30/user/month $99/user/month*
    Donor Management
    Fundraising tools Email marketing, event management, donation tracking, campaign management, donor analytics Email campaigns, landing pages, event marketing, donation forms, CRM integration Email marketing, event tracking, donation forms, campaign planning, project management Email campaigns, contact management, deal tracking, reporting, workflow automation Email marketing, event management, donation tracking, campaign management, analytics Email campaigns, contact management, deal tracking, event management, analytics Email templates, contact management, task management, simple analytics, event tracking Email campaigns, event management, contact management, campaign tracking, reporting Email marketing, event tracking, campaign management, contact management, task management Email marketing, event management, donation tracking, campaign analytics, contact management
    Methodology

    How We Review And Test CRM Software

    We base our recommendations on first-hand testing. All the CRM Software products we feature, have been tested based on the following criteria:

    • Ease of Use: We assess the CRM service’s overall UX across platforms. Some CRM services we’ve used have a learning curve, so we also factor in their online documentation.
    • Functionality: We consider the depth of features on offer, including contact, lead, and pipeline management, marketing capabilities, and the depth of reporting on offer.
    • Integrations: We assess the CRM platform’s ability to integrate with essential everyday tools like email marketing services, accounting software, and ERPs, for example.
    • Security and Compliance: We look for features like data encryption, role-based access controls, GDPR compliance, and industry-specific regulations like HIPAA.
    • Customization: We check for features like custom fields, workflows, and automation rules, to assess whether the platform can be tailored to specific needs and industries.
    • Value for Money: We weigh the feature-to-price value on offer and consider whether the provider offers affordable scalability.
    • Mobile Accessibility: To ensure sales reps and managers can use the CRM on the go, we test the mobile apps available and evaluate their functionality.
    • Reputation: We don’t waste our time with tools that don’t have a good reputation. We note what other users have to say to ensure we offer full insight into the tools we feature.

    What Is CRM for Nonprofits?

    A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for nonprofits is a specialized tool designed to help organizations manage their relationships with donors, volunteers, and other supporters. Unlike traditional CRMs used in business settings, nonprofit CRMs focus on storing and reporting supporter and client data, ensuring it is secure and easily accessible.

    These systems enable nonprofits to track interactions with donors, manage fundraising campaigns, and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for growth. For example, nonprofits can monitor donation histories, engagement levels, and volunteer participation, allowing for a more personalized and strategic approach to donor and volunteer management.

    Moving from basic spreadsheets to a robust CRM system allows nonprofits to leverage their data more effectively. This transition improves engagement by providing a comprehensive view of each supporter’s interactions and preferences, facilitating tailored communication and targeted fundraising efforts. Additionally, the enhanced data security and reporting capabilities of a CRM ensure that nonprofits can maintain accurate records and make informed decisions, ultimately driving their mission forward.

    How Does a CRM for Nonprofits Help With Fundraising?

    Nonprofit organizations should consider CRMs as an essential ingredient in their fundraising efforts. The most successful fundraisers have long outgrown using basic spreadsheets to track donations and now work with more powerful software solutions. A dedicated nonprofit CRM helps you to analyze donation patterns, predict future donations, and identify high-potential donors.

    CRM solutions such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and monday.com allow nonprofits to establish connections between donors, providing insights into networks that could help with peer-to-peer fundraising. This enables organizations to explore more innovative fundraising methods beyond cold calling, ultimately helping them reach their fundraising targets quickly.

    CRM Trends That Nonprofits Should Be Aware of in 2024

    In 2024, I’ve noticed that the top nonprofit CRMs are embracing technology and innovation, reflecting a shift towards more data-driven, personalized, and accessible tools within the nonprofit sector. Below, I’ll discuss some of the top trends in the industry right now:

    • AI Data Analytics: AI-driven analytics in CRMs can provide deeper insights into donor behavior, optimize fundraising strategies, and personalize communications to enhance donor engagement. Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho are all CRM platforms that are embracing AI adoption.
    • Focus on Donor Experience: Nonprofit CRMs are evolving to prioritize the overall donor journey. They offer features that help nonprofits personalize interactions, automate thank-you notes, and track donor preferences, which boosts retention and loyalty.
    • Mobile Accessibility: With the rise of remote work and mobile use, nonprofit CRMs are becoming more mobile-friendly. This allows teams to access donor information, manage campaigns, and track progress on the go. All of the providers shortlisted in our article offer mobile compatibility, so this is evidently an essential trend for nonprofit CRMs.

    The Benefits of CRM for Nonprofits

    Implementing a CRM system offers numerous benefits to nonprofits, enhancing various aspects of their operations. From fundraising campaign management and event coordination to marketing tools, reporting, and analytics, a CRM system provides comprehensive solutions for supporter management and task automation. Here are some key benefits:

    Enhanced Fundraising Campaign ManagementImproved Supporter ManagementEfficient Data Reporting and AnalyticsTask Automation

    CRM systems streamline the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns. They allow nonprofits to track donations, manage donor communications, and analyze campaign performance, ensuring more effective fundraising efforts.

    With a CRM, nonprofits can maintain detailed records of supporter interactions, preferences, and history. This enables personalized engagement and strengthens relationships with donors, volunteers, and members

    Nonprofits can leverage CRM systems to generate insightful reports and analytics. This helps assess the impact of their activities, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve their strategies.

    Automating routine tasks such as email marketing, event reminders, and data entry saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors. This allows nonprofit staff to focus on more strategic activities that drive growth and impact.

    Key Nonprofit CRM Features

    CRMs are used by an extremely wide range of businesses, so what makes a CRM specifically suitable for use by a nonprofit organization? In this section, I’ll run through some of the key features of a nonprofit CRM.

    Payment IntegrationMajor Donor ManagementReporting and AnalyticsMarketing AutomationLanding Pages and Webforms

    When a large majority of your activity is taken up by receiving payments, it’s beneficial to have a CRM that integrates with your payment processing software. This way, you can securely process payments, record the donor’s information, and avoid costly third-party fees.

    Many nonprofit organizations rely on ‘major gifts’, larger donations that can make up the majority of their funding. These rarely come from anonymous donors, so they require special management, outreach efforts, and cultivation to maintain. CRM can help you identify potential donors, communicate with them with a human touch, and track their donations if all goes well.

    Making use of a CRM that records data can help provide you with valuable insights into the success of your nonprofit organization. You can track metrics such as the growth of your member base, the number of canceled memberships, and the sources of incoming members.

    By choosing a CRM that offers marketing automation, you can send out better-targeted campaigns that are fine-tuned to your audience’s preferences. You can also use contact segmentation to send multiple campaigns that vary based on differentiating criteria.

    When you begin driving traffic to your website, it’s a good idea to create landing pages and web forms to persuade potential donors to take action. By using CRMs that provide optimized landing pages and web forms, you can showcase how simple it is to donate and hopefully witness a positive impact on your fundraising efforts.

    How to Choose the Best CRM for Nonprofits

    Selecting the best CRM for your nonprofit involves considering several key factors to ensure the tool aligns with your organization’s unique needs and budget. Here are some essential aspects to consider:

    Budget ConsiderationsUser-Friendliness and SupportCore FeaturesIntegration CapabilitiesReporting and AnalyticsSecurity and Compliance

    Nonprofits must often operate within tight budgets. It’s crucial to choose a CRM that offers good value for money. Look for solutions that provide nonprofit discounts, flexible pricing plans, or free versions to accommodate your financial constraints.

    A CRM should be easy to use and intuitive, reducing the learning curve for your team and volunteers. Additionally, consider the level of customer support available. Opt for CRMs that offer comprehensive support, including tutorials, training resources, and responsive customer service.

    Different nonprofits have varying needs, so it’s important to identify which features are essential for your operations. Common requirements might include donor management, volunteer tracking, event planning, and automated communication tools. Ensure the CRM you choose meets these needs effectively.

    A good CRM should integrate seamlessly with your existing tools and platforms, such as email marketing software, financial systems, and social media. This integration ensures smooth workflows and helps maintain data consistency across your organization.

    Effective reporting and analytics are vital for assessing the performance of your campaigns and making data-driven decisions. Choose a CRM that offers robust reporting features, allowing you to generate detailed insights into your activities and outcomes.

    Protecting donor and volunteer data is paramount. Make sure the CRM has strong security measures, such as encryption and regular backups, and complies with relevant data protection regulations. This will help safeguard sensitive information and maintain trust with your supporters.

    What Do I Need To Know Before Choosing the Best CRM Software for My Nonprofit?

    Since there is such a range of nonprofit CRMs available, it’s wise to reflect on your organization’s needs before beginning your search. This will help narrow down your options and make your ultimate decision much more straightforward.

    Clarify Your Goals

    Think back to your 2024 mission statement and identify your top priorities for this year so that you know exactly what projects you’ll need support with. Are you, for example, thinking about generating more leads, building your online presence, or cutting costs?

    Assess Your Organization's Scale

    Take stock of your existing contact list and figure out, on average, how many emails you’re sending, what’s your annual revenue, and the scope of your upcoming projects. This will guide you in selecting a CRM that can handle your current operations and grow with you.

    Identify Upcoming Initiatives

    Think about your upcoming projects. Do you need email automation, peer-to-peer fundraising tools, or advocacy software? Knowing your future needs will help you choose a CRM that supports these initiatives.

    Evaluate Data Migration Complexity

    Determine how many data sources will need to be integrated when you migrate to your new CRM. The more fragmented your data, the more complex and costly the migration may be, so this is good to prepare for ahead of time.

      FAQs

      What is CRM software for nonprofits?

      What is the best CRM for small nonprofits?

      Can a nonprofit CRM safely store all of my supporter data?

      What CRM do charities use?

      Can a nonprofit CRM help with my organization’s marketing?

      Aidan Weeks
      Technology Expert
      Aidan Weeks
      Technology Expert

      Aidan Weeks, a Master's graduate in Mechanical Engineering, has thrived as a freelance writer for over three years. Specializing in tech, engineering, and B2B sectors, Aidan adeptly crafts web copy, blog posts, manuals, product pages, and more, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. His transition from academia to full-time writing reflects his passion for bridging technical expertise with clear, informative content.