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
HubSpot – Best CRM software for nonprofit organizations focused on marketing integration
monday CRM – Best CRM software for nonprofits requiring customized workflows
Freshsales – Best nonprofit CRM software for teams needing VoIP capabilities
Oracle NetSuite – Best CRM software for nonprofits managing large-scale operations
The Top 10 Nonprofit CRM Solutions
- Salesforce — Best nonprofit CRM software for comprehensive donor management
- HubSpot – Best CRM software for nonprofit organizations focused on marketing integration
- monday CRM – Best CRM software for nonprofits requiring customized workflows
- Pipedrive – Best CRM for small nonprofits needing simplicity
- Zoho CRM – Best free nonprofit CRM software
- Freshsales – Best nonprofit CRM software for teams needing VoIP capabilities
- Less Annoying CRM – Best CRM for charities with small teams
- Maximizer CRM – Best nonprofit CRM software for performance monitoring
- Act! – Best CRM software for nonprofits needing email marketing
- Oracle NetSuite – Best CRM software for nonprofits managing large-scale operations
- Show Full Guide
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
Price | $25/user/month |
---|---|
Free Version | ❌ |
Trial Period | 30-day free trial |
Key Features | Advanced analytics, Customizable dashboards, 3,000+ integrations |
Pros
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools
- Extensive customization options
- Over 3,000 integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- High cost
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 |
Pros
- Comprehensive marketing tools
- User-friendly interface
- Robust free plan
Cons
- Scaling can be expensive
- Occasional glitches
3. monday CRM — Best CRM software for Nonprofits Requiring Customized Workflows
Price | $12/user/month |
---|---|
Free Version | ✅ |
Trial Period | Free forever |
Key Features | Customizable workflows, Project management tools, Automation capabilities |
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Comprehensive project management tools
Cons
- Time tracking available only on higher-tier plans
- Some features limited in the mobile app
4. Pipedrive — Top CRM Email Marketing Tools for Small Business
Price | $14/user/month |
---|---|
Free Version | ❌ |
Trial Period | 14-day free trial |
Key Features | Easy customization, AI sales assistant, Affordable plans |
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Effective automation features
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 |
Pros
- Extensive customization options
- Affordable pricing plans
- Powerful automation and analytics tools
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 |
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Feature-rich free plan
- Advanced VoIP capabilities
Cons
- Limited number of sales pipelines
- Mixed customer support reviews
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 |
Pros
- Unlimited contacts and pipelines
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable with no hidden costs
Cons
- Lacks advanced automation features
- Limited integrations
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 |
Pros
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Facilitates staff coaching
- Customer health analytics
Cons
- Clunky, dated interface
- No free trial and no refunds
9. Act! — Best CRM software for nonprofits needing email marketing
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 |
Pros
- Fantastic email marketing capabilities
- Cloud and on-premise options
- Solid customer support
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
Price | Custom |
---|---|
Free Version | ❌ |
Trial Period | 14-day free trial |
Key Features | Email marketing capabilities, Cloud and on-premise options, Solid customer support |
Pros
- Comprehensive management of various nonprofit operations
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- High level of customization and scalability
Cons
- Expensive and includes a high setup fee
- Steep learning curve
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 |
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:
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.
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:
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.
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?
References
- Nonprofit Organization (NPO): Definition and Example (Investopedia)
- What is Contact Management? (AWS)
- What Is Sales Integration? Definition and Tips (Indeed)