Your supporters are spending their time on social media, but turning those followers into active donors is a major challenge. Traditional fundraising methods aren't as effective as they used to be, and simply posting on social media isn't enough to drive real revenue. The right software acts as the bridge, connecting your social community directly to your mission. It helps you move beyond broadcasting messages and start having meaningful conversations that lead to action. This guide will walk you through what to look for in the top nonprofit fundraising software to close that gap, engage your audience where they are, and build a sustainable fundraising program.
Key Takeaways
- Start with your needs, not the software: Before you look at demos, map out your fundraising goals and list your must-have features. A clear plan helps you find a tool that solves your specific challenges, rather than one that just has a flashy interface.
- Prioritize relationship-building tools: The best software does more than just process donations; it helps you build a community. Look for strong donor management, reporting, and communication features that allow you to connect with supporters personally and turn one-time givers into lifelong advocates.
- Do your homework before signing up: Always take advantage of free trials to see how the software actually works for your team. Make sure you understand the total cost, including any hidden fees, and check reviews to get a real sense of the platform's customer support.
What Makes Fundraising Software Great?
Choosing the right fundraising software can feel like a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be. When you know what to look for, you can cut through the noise and find a tool that truly supports your mission. The best software does more than just process donations; it helps you get new donors, manage your campaigns, and build lasting relationships with your supporters. It should bring all your essential tools together in one place, saving you time and making your fundraising efforts more effective. Think of it as your digital fundraising headquarters. Let’s break down the key ingredients that separate the good from the great, so you can make a choice that sets your nonprofit up for success.
Look for These Core Features
At its heart, fundraising software should make giving easy and managing campaigns simple. Look for platforms that offer a solid set of core features. This includes customizable online donation pages, simple donation buttons you can add to your website, and options for setting up recurring gifts. You’ll also want tools for peer-to-peer fundraising, where your supporters can raise money on your behalf. These features are the building blocks of a successful digital fundraising program. The goal is to remove friction from the donation process and provide a smooth, trustworthy experience for your supporters from the moment they decide to give.
Prioritize Security and Compliance
Nothing is more important than your donors’ trust. The software you choose will handle sensitive information, including names, contact details, and payment data. That’s why top-notch security is non-negotiable. Your fundraising platform must be compliant with payment card industry (PCI) standards to ensure every transaction is secure. This protects both your organization and your supporters from potential data breaches. When you can confidently tell your donors their information is safe, you’re building a stronger, more trusting relationship that encourages long-term support. Always confirm that a platform takes security and compliance seriously before you commit.
Check for Seamless Integrations
Your fundraising software doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It needs to play well with the other tools you already use, like your donor database (CRM), email marketing platform, or accounting software. Good integrations are key to creating a smooth workflow and avoiding the headache of manual data entry. When your systems can talk to each other, donor information automatically syncs, and you get a more complete picture of your supporters. This allows you to build 1:1 relationships at scale by ensuring all your communications are timely and relevant. Before choosing a platform, map out the tools you rely on and check if it offers the integrations you need.
The Top Fundraising Software for Nonprofits
Choosing the right fundraising software can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The best platform for your nonprofit depends entirely on your goals, your team’s capacity, and where your supporters are most active. Are you focused on building a community on social media? Do you need a robust system for managing long-term donor relationships? Or is your priority running standout virtual events?
To help you find the perfect fit, I’ve put together a list of some of the top fundraising software options out there. Each one has its own unique strengths, so you can find a tool that aligns with your mission.
GoodUnited
If your supporters are on social media, GoodUnited is built to meet them there. This platform helps you turn your social media followers into a dedicated community of donors by building real, one-to-one relationships through direct messaging. It’s designed to fundraise directly inside social media, removing friction from the giving process. GoodUnited focuses on peer-to-peer fundraising, making it simple for your supporters to create their own fundraising pages and share them with their networks. This approach is perfect for nonprofits looking to tap into existing online communities and activate their most passionate advocates to drive new donor acquisition and revenue.
Bloomerang
Bloomerang is a great choice for nonprofits that want to put donor relationships at the forefront of their strategy. It combines powerful fundraising tools with a comprehensive donor management system, giving you everything you need to build and maintain strong connections with your supporters. The platform helps you understand donor behavior, track engagement, and identify opportunities to deepen relationships over time. By focusing on retention, Bloomerang helps you create a sustainable fundraising model built on a foundation of loyal, recurring donors who feel genuinely connected to your cause.
Qgiv
In a world where everyone is on their phone, Qgiv makes it easy for your supporters to give anytime, anywhere. The platform is known for its beautiful, mobile-friendly donation forms that create a seamless giving experience on any device. Qgiv also offers strong peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities, making it a popular choice for nonprofits that want to engage donors across multiple platforms. Whether you're running a virtual 5K or an end-of-year giving campaign, Qgiv provides flexible tools that help you raise more by making the donation process simple, fast, and accessible for everyone.
Fundraise Up
Fundraise Up is a modern, user-friendly donation platform that’s quickly gaining traction among nonprofits looking for a nimble alternative to heavyweight tools. It uses AI to help increase donation amounts and is designed to make the checkout process incredibly smooth, which can significantly reduce donor drop-off. Its sleek interface and focus on the donor experience make it a strong contender for organizations that want a cutting-edge tool without a complicated setup. If you’re looking for a platform that feels fresh and is built for today’s online donor, Fundraise Up is worth a look.
DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect is a well-established and trusted name in the nonprofit world, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to manage your entire fundraising operation. It’s designed to help you manage donors, track gifts, and handle a wide variety of fundraising tasks all in one place. With features for online fundraising, donor communications, and detailed reporting, it serves as a central hub for your organization. DonorPerfect is ideal for nonprofits that need a robust, all-in-one system to keep their fundraising activities organized and efficient as they grow.
Network for Good
If you're looking for a platform that does a little bit of everything, Network for Good might be the right fit. It boasts an impressive list of features that covers many of the things a nonprofit typically looks for in a fundraising tool. From donation pages and email marketing to event management and peer-to-peer campaigns, it provides a versatile toolkit for organizations of all sizes. This makes it a solid choice for nonprofits that want a single platform to handle multiple aspects of their fundraising and communications strategy without having to piece together several different tools.
Classy
Classy is a comprehensive fundraising platform that excels at helping nonprofits create beautiful, branded donation pages and effectively manage fundraising events. It puts your organization's brand front and center, which helps build trust and recognition with your supporters. Classy is particularly strong for event-based fundraising, offering tools for ticketing, registration, and live-streaming virtual events. For nonprofits that want to create a polished and professional fundraising presence while running engaging campaigns and events, Classy provides a powerful and flexible solution that can adapt to a variety of needs.
Givebutter
Givebutter has made a name for itself with its fun, interactive fundraising pages and modern giving options. The platform makes it easy for donors to give through methods like Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay, which is a huge plus for engaging younger audiences. It’s a versatile choice for nonprofits, offering tools for donation forms, fundraising pages, and events—all with a reputation for being user-friendly and affordable. Givebutter’s focus on making giving easy and enjoyable makes it a fantastic option for organizations looking to create dynamic campaigns that resonate with today’s donors.
Key Features for Modern Fundraising
When you're comparing fundraising software, the sheer number of features can feel overwhelming. While every nonprofit has its own unique needs, there are a few core capabilities that are non-negotiable for any modern fundraising strategy. Think of these as the foundation for building stronger donor relationships and driving more revenue. The right platform won't just process donations; it will become a central part of your outreach, engagement, and growth. Let's look at the key features that separate the good from the great.
Simple Donation Processing
The single most important job of your fundraising software is to make giving easy. A complicated or slow donation process is a guaranteed way to lose supporters. Look for tools that offer clean, intuitive, and mobile-friendly donation pages. The best platforms integrate payment processing directly, so donors don't have to click away to a different site to complete their gift. Every step you can remove from the process increases the chances of a supporter following through. Your goal is to create a frictionless experience that makes generosity feel effortless.
Smart Donor Management
Your supporters are more than just entries in a spreadsheet. Great fundraising software includes robust donor management tools, often called a CRM, to help you build real relationships. This feature allows you to track giving history, manage contact information, and segment your audience for more personalized communication. Instead of sending the same message to everyone, you can tailor your outreach based on a supporter's past engagement. This is how you turn one-time donors into lifelong advocates for your cause and improve donor retention over time.
Easy Event Management
Whether you’re hosting a gala, a 5K run, or a virtual fundraiser, your software should help you manage the logistics from start to finish. Look for event management features that handle registration, ticketing, and communication all in one place. For online events, this is especially critical. The right tools can help you run things like Facebook Challenges, which empower your supporters to fundraise on your behalf within their own social networks. This streamlines your workflow and creates a seamless experience for your participants.
Clear Reporting and Analytics
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Modern fundraising software provides clear, accessible reporting and analytics to help you understand what’s working and what isn’t. Instead of guessing, you can see exactly how your campaigns are performing, track key metrics like donor acquisition and average gift size, and identify trends over time. These insights are invaluable for making data-driven decisions, refining your strategy, and demonstrating your impact to your board and key stakeholders. Look for customizable dashboards that put the most important information right at your fingertips.
Mobile and Social-Ready Tools
Your supporters are on their phones and on social media—and your fundraising strategy needs to be there, too. It’s essential to choose software with mobile-responsive donation forms and text-to-give capabilities. Even better are tools that integrate directly with social platforms, allowing you to connect with supporters where they’re already spending their time. By using social direct messaging, you can build one-on-one relationships, answer questions, and guide people to donate without ever asking them to leave their favorite app.
Flexible Customization Options
Your nonprofit has a unique brand and voice, and your fundraising tools should reflect that. Avoid rigid, one-size-fits-all platforms. Instead, look for software that offers flexible customization options. You should be able to brand your donation pages, fundraising campaigns, and email receipts with your own logos, colors, and messaging. This builds trust and ensures a consistent experience for your supporters across all your channels. The software should feel like a natural extension of your organization, not a generic third-party tool.
How to Understand Pricing
Navigating the world of fundraising software pricing can feel like a maze. With different models, hidden fees, and the constant "free vs. paid" debate, it’s tough to know if you're getting a good deal. But understanding the basics will help you compare your options clearly and choose a tool that fits your budget without any surprise bills down the line. The right software is an investment in your mission, so let's break down what you need to look for to make a smart financial decision for your organization.
Subscription vs. Transaction Fees
Most fundraising software is priced in one of two ways: a flat subscription fee or a per-transaction fee. A subscription model means you pay a set amount each month or year for access to the platform. This is great for budgeting because your costs are predictable, no matter how many donations you receive. It’s often a better value for organizations with a steady stream of revenue.
On the other hand, some platforms charge a small percentage of each donation processed. This model can be appealing if you're just starting out or have inconsistent fundraising periods, as you only pay when you raise money. However, as your donation volume grows, these small percentages can add up quickly, sometimes costing you more than a flat subscription would have.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
The price you see on a website isn't always the full story. It’s crucial to ask about any additional costs before you commit. A common one is payment processing fees, which are separate from the software’s transaction fees and are charged by services like Stripe or PayPal. Some platforms also charge extra for setup, data migration, or access to premium features and integrations.
Before signing a contract, get a clear, itemized list of all potential charges. Ask if there are limits on the number of contacts, users, or emails you can send. Understanding the total cost of ownership will protect your budget from unexpected expenses and ensure the software truly fits your financial plan.
Free vs. Paid: What's the Difference?
The word "free" is tempting, but free fundraising software almost always comes with trade-offs. These plans often have higher transaction fees that can eat into your donations over time. They might also lack essential features like advanced reporting, donor management tools, or customization options, which limits your ability to build meaningful relationships with supporters.
Paid plans are an investment that can deliver a significant return. They typically offer lower transaction fees, dedicated customer support, and a full suite of tools designed to help you grow. Think of it this way: a paid platform gives you the professional tools you need to run sophisticated campaigns that can ultimately raise more money for your cause, as many successful nonprofits have discovered.
Plan Your Budget for Growth
The software that fits your needs today might not be the right one a few years from now. When evaluating pricing, think about your organization's future. Does the pricing structure scale fairly as your donor base and revenue increase? Some platforms have tiered pricing that automatically moves you to a more expensive plan once you hit certain metrics, so be sure you understand those thresholds.
Choose a partner that can grow with you. Your fundraising software should support your strategic goals, not hold you back. Consider whether the platform is adding new features and adapting to changes in the fundraising landscape. A flexible, scalable solution will be a much better long-term investment than a cheap tool you’ll outgrow in a year.
Find the Right Software for Your Campaign
The best fundraising software for your nonprofit depends entirely on the kinds of campaigns you plan to run. A tool that’s perfect for a gala dinner might not be the right fit for a digital peer-to-peer challenge. Instead of looking for a single platform that does everything, think about your fundraising strategy first. What are your primary goals for the next year? Are you focused on acquiring new donors, hosting a big virtual event, or building a sustainable recurring giving program?
Answering these questions will help you identify the features that are non-negotiable. Your goal is to find software that streamlines your specific campaign types, making it easier for your team to manage and for your supporters to participate. Let’s break down some common campaign types and the software features that make them successful.
Social Media Campaigns
If your goal is to turn your social media followers into active donors, you need software built for engagement. Look for tools that integrate directly with platforms like Facebook and Instagram, allowing you to meet supporters where they already are. The key is to make giving feel like a natural part of their social experience. The right software helps you move beyond just broadcasting posts and into having meaningful, one-to-one conversations that build real relationships. This approach transforms anonymous followers into a community of named, engaged supporters who are invested in your mission.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Peer-to-peer campaigns empower your most passionate supporters to fundraise on your behalf. The right software makes this easy by letting them create and customize their own fundraising pages in just a few clicks. This is especially powerful for campaigns like Facebook Challenges, where community and social proof are huge drivers of success. Your software should provide participants with the tools they need to share their progress, thank their donors, and feel connected to the larger campaign. For your team, the platform should offer a central dashboard to track overall progress and communicate with fundraisers.
Virtual Events
Hosting a successful virtual event requires more than just a video streaming link. You need software that can manage the entire lifecycle of the event, from registration and ticketing to live engagement and post-event follow-up. Look for features that help you create a seamless and interactive experience for attendees, such as live chat, polls, and integrated donation buttons. The goal is to make your online event feel just as compelling as an in-person gathering. The right platform will also help you capture valuable data and see how successful virtual fundraisers can lead to long-term donor relationships.
Recurring Donations
A strong recurring donation program is the foundation of sustainable revenue. To make this happen, you need software that makes setting up a monthly gift incredibly simple for your donors. The process should be frictionless, requiring just a few clicks from a donation page or even directly within a messaging conversation. The best platforms also provide donors with a portal to manage their own recurring gifts, which reduces administrative work for your team. More importantly, these tools help you build lasting relationships by making it easy for supporters to provide consistent, predictable support for your mission.
Online Auctions
Running an online auction can be complex, but the right software simplifies everything. A good auction platform will help you manage item procurement, create an attractive online catalog, and facilitate a smooth bidding process for your supporters. Look for tools with features like mobile bidding, automated outbid notifications, and secure payment processing. These elements create a fun and competitive environment that encourages more bids and helps you raise more money. The software should also handle post-event tasks like sending receipts and coordinating item pickup, freeing up your team to focus on thanking your generous participants.
Don't Overlook the Technical Details
Choosing new fundraising software is exciting. It’s easy to get swept up in the flashy features and promises of streamlined campaigns. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s crucial to look under the hood at the technical details. I know, it’s not the most glamorous part of the process, but getting these things right from the start will save you from massive headaches down the road. A smooth technical setup is the foundation of a successful fundraising strategy.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t build a house without a solid blueprint and foundation, right? The same logic applies here. Taking the time to plan for data migration, evaluate the support system, map out your integrations, and ensure the platform can grow with you is what separates a good investment from a costly mistake. These details determine how easily the software will fit into your daily workflow and whether it will truly support your mission long-term. Let’s walk through what you need to consider to make sure you’re setting your team up for success.
Plan for Data Migration and Security
Moving your existing donor data into a new system can feel like a monumental task, but it doesn't have to be a painful one. When you’re vetting software, ask specific questions about the data migration process. Will they help you, or are you on your own? A good partner will have a clear, secure process for transferring your information accurately. After all, your donor data is one of your most valuable assets.
Even more important is how that data will be protected. Nonprofits handle sensitive donor information, and keeping it secure is non-negotiable. Ensure any platform you consider has robust security measures and is compliant with payment processing standards. Protecting your donors’ information is fundamental to building trust and maintaining your organization's reputation.
Evaluate Training and Support
The most powerful software in the world is useless if your team doesn’t know how to use it. That’s why customer support and training are just as important as the features themselves. When you invest in a new tool, you’re also starting a relationship with the company behind it. Look for a true partner who is invested in your success. Ask about their onboarding process. Do they offer live training webinars, one-on-one sessions, or just a library of articles?
Find out what ongoing support looks like. Is there a real person you can call or email when you run into an issue? Excellent customer service can make all the difference, especially when you’re in the middle of a critical campaign. Check out customer stories or reviews to see what other nonprofits say about their support experience.
Map Out Your Integration Needs
Your fundraising software doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It needs to play nicely with the other tools you use every day, from your email marketing platform to your accounting software. Before you start shopping, make a list of the essential programs in your current tech stack. Then, as you evaluate options, check for native integrations with those tools.
Seamless integrations are key to an efficient workflow. When your systems can communicate with each other, you eliminate the need for manual data entry, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors. This allows information to flow smoothly across your organization, giving everyone a more complete picture of your fundraising efforts. A well-integrated system helps your team work smarter, not harder, by automating routine tasks and keeping your data in sync.
Ensure the Software Can Scale with You
The software that fits your needs today might not be the right fit three years from now. As your nonprofit grows, your fundraising needs will evolve. You’ll likely be managing more donors, running larger campaigns, and adding more team members. The last thing you want is to be forced into another software search because you’ve outgrown your current platform.
Think about your organization's long-term goals. Does the software you’re considering have the capacity to support that growth? Look for a platform that offers different tiers or add-on features that you can adopt as you need them. Choosing a scalable solution like a Facebook Challenge platform ensures that your software can grow alongside your mission, providing a stable foundation for your fundraising for years to come.
How to Choose the Right Software
With so many options on the market, picking the right fundraising software can feel like a monumental task. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to approach it with a clear plan. Think of it less like shopping and more like matchmaking—you’re looking for the perfect partner to help you achieve your mission. By breaking the process down into a few manageable steps, you can confidently find a tool that fits your team, your budget, and your unique fundraising goals. This isn't just about buying software; it's about investing in a solution that will help you build stronger relationships with your supporters and grow your impact for years to come.
Assess Your Organization's Needs
Before you even start looking at software demos, take some time to look inward. What are you actually trying to accomplish? Your fundraising software should be a tool that supports your strategy, not the other way around. Start by reviewing your current fundraising plan and identify your biggest goals for the next year. Are you focused on acquiring new donors through social media? Increasing your recurring gift numbers? Running a big peer-to-peer event?
Make a list of your must-have features versus your nice-to-haves. Be honest about your team’s technical skills and the amount of time you can dedicate to learning a new system. This initial assessment will give you a clear checklist to measure every potential software against, helping you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters for your organization. For a deeper dive into strategy, our nonprofit playbooks can help you map out your goals.
Compare Feature Sets Side-by-Side
Once you have your list of needs, it’s time to start comparing your options. This is where you can really get into the details. Create a simple spreadsheet to track the different platforms you’re considering. List your must-have features—like social media messaging, donation processing, and reporting—and see how each software stacks up. Don't just look at what features a platform has; consider how they work. For example, if social fundraising is a priority, you'll want a tool that offers more than just a "share" button.
Carefully evaluating features, integrations, and pricing will help you find the software that best supports your mission. Pay close attention to how each platform integrates with the tools you already use, like your email marketing service or accounting software. A seamless workflow will save your team countless hours. You can see how it works with our platform to get an idea of what to look for.
Read Reviews from Other Nonprofits
You don’t have to make this decision in a vacuum. One of the best ways to get a feel for a software is to hear from other nonprofit professionals who are already using it. Look for reviews on independent sites like Capterra, which offers verified user feedback on everything from ease of use to customer support. These reviews can give you an unfiltered look at the pros and cons of each platform from a user’s perspective.
Beyond review sites, check the software provider’s website for case studies or testimonials. These stories can show you how organizations similar to yours have used the tool to solve specific challenges and achieve their goals. Reading these customer stories can help you visualize how the software could work for your own team and community, giving you the confidence that you’re making the right choice.
Use Free Trials to Test Your Options
Reading about features is one thing, but actually using the software is another. Almost every reputable provider will offer a free trial or a personalized demo, and you should absolutely take advantage of it. This is your chance to get a hands-on feel for the platform and see if it’s as intuitive as it claims to be. Don’t just click around aimlessly; go into the demo with a few specific scenarios you want to test.
Ask the representative to walk you through the exact steps you’d take to launch a campaign, pull a report, or send a message to a donor. Involve a few members of your team in the trial so you can get feedback from different perspectives. Attending product webinars is another great way to see the software in action and ask questions in a low-pressure environment. A test drive ensures there are no surprises after you sign on the dotted line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I'm part of a small nonprofit with a very limited budget. Is it better to start with a free tool? It’s tempting to go with a free option, but it's important to look at the total cost. Many "free" platforms charge higher per-transaction fees, which can eat into your donations as you grow. They also tend to lack the robust donor management and reporting features that help you build long-term relationships. Think of a paid plan as an investment. It often provides better support and more powerful tools that can help you raise significantly more money over time, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
My team is already stretched thin. How much time does it take to learn and manage new software? This is a huge consideration, and it varies between platforms. The best software is intuitive and designed to save you time, not create more work. During your free trial or demo, pay close attention to how easy it is to perform basic tasks. Also, ask pointed questions about the company's training and support. A good partner will offer a solid onboarding process and be available to help when you have questions, ensuring your team feels confident and can get up to speed quickly.
What's the difference between a donor management system (CRM) and fundraising software? That's a great question, as the lines are often blurry. A donor management system, or CRM, is primarily for storing information and tracking relationships with your supporters over time. Fundraising software is focused on the action of collecting money through donation pages, events, or peer-to-peer campaigns. Many modern platforms, like Bloomerang or DonorPerfect, combine both functions. Others, like GoodUnited, are specialized fundraising tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing CRM.
We have years of donor data in spreadsheets. How do we move it without creating a huge mess? The fear of a messy data migration is real, but it's a standard part of the process for any good software provider. Before you commit to a platform, ask about their migration process. A reputable company will have a dedicated team or a clear, step-by-step guide to help you clean up your data and import it correctly. This is a critical part of the setup, so choose a partner who will actively help you get it right from the start.
Our supporters are all on Facebook. Do we really need separate fundraising software for that? While you can use Facebook's built-in tools, specialized software helps you turn that audience into a true community of donors. A platform designed for social fundraising allows you to have one-on-one conversations, thank donors personally, and build lasting relationships directly in Messenger. This transforms anonymous followers into named supporters in your database and makes giving incredibly easy, as they never have to leave the app. It’s about moving from simply having followers to actively engaging them in your mission.
