Best Non-Profit CRMs (Complete Guide)

As a nonprofit, your focus is on your mission, not wrestling with spreadsheets or struggling to keep track of donor details. You pour your heart and soul into making a difference, and you need tools that support your passion. A powerful CRM (Customer Relationship Management) can be your centralized command center for building genuine connections, streamlining fundraising, and maximizing your organization’s reach. Think of it as your partner in making a difference, freeing you from administrative burdens so you can focus on what truly matters.

We’ll guide you through the top platforms, essential features, and strategic insights to help you choose the perfect solution for your unique nonprofit needs – when your organization thrives, so does the impact you create.

Key Takeaways

• A nonprofit CRM is used for managing relationships with donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders, plus accurately tracking interactions, donations, and program outcomes, all in one place.
• Discover how CRMs help nonprofits create deeper donor relationships, streamline fundraising efforts, work as an efficient team, and measure their impact more effectively.
• Learn how to factor in your budget, specific needs, technical expertise, desired scalability, and the level of vendor support when selecting a CRM.

What is a Nonprofit CRM?

While for-profit businesses focus on sales and customer acquisition, nonprofit CRMs provide specific solutions for mission-driven organizations, making it easier to:

• Build detailed profiles: Go beyond basic contact information. Track donation history, communication preferences, volunteer interests, and more to gain a deeper understanding of your supporters.  
• Segment your audience: Group individuals based on shared characteristics (e.g., donation level, volunteer interests, event attendance) to create targeted campaigns and personalized communications.  
• Track donations and pledges: Efficiently record and manage all types of contributions, generate tax receipts, and analyze fundraising trends.  
• Manage events and campaigns: Plan events, track registrations, process payments, and analyze campaign performance.  
• Coordinate volunteers: Recruit, onboard, schedule, and communicate with volunteers, tracking their contributions and preferences.  
• Measure your impact: Track program participation, analyze outcomes, and generate reports to demonstrate the impact of your work to funders and stakeholders.
    

Key 5 Benefits of Nonprofit CRM Systems

A nonprofit CRM is more than just software; it’s a strategic way for organizations to deepen relationships, optimize operations, and drive greater impact. Here are five key benefits:

1. Improved Donor Relationships

A CRM helps you move beyond generic email blasts and cultivate truly personalized connections with your donors. By tracking every interaction – from donations and event attendance to email opens and website visits – you gain a 360-degree view of each supporter. The best way to use this database management system to:

• Segment your audience: Group donors based on shared characteristics (e.g., donation level, interests, engagement history) to tailor communications and cultivate deeper relationships.
• Personalize your outreach: Craft targeted messages that resonate with individual donors, acknowledging their contributions and demonstrating the impact of their support.
• Automate acknowledgments and follow-ups: Ensure timely and personalized thank-you messages, cultivate relationships with automated email sequences, and never miss an opportunity to express gratitude.

2. Enhanced Fundraising Efforts

By providing tools to manage donations, track pledges, and analyze donor behavior, the nonprofit CRM helps you:

• Identify potential major donors: Analyze giving patterns and engagement history to identify donors who may be interested in larger gifts or planned giving opportunities.
• Target the right supporters: Create targeted fundraising campaigns that resonate with specific donor groups through segmentation.
• Track campaign performance: Monitor the success of your fundraising initiatives in real-time, analyze results, and make data-driven adjustments to optimize your strategies.

3. Better Data Analysis

Say goodbye to scattered nonprofit spreadsheets and hello to centralized data management. A CRM provides a single source for all your nonprofit’s data, allowing you to:

• Analyze trends and patterns: Identify giving trends, volunteer engagement patterns, and program participation data to gain valuable insights.
• Measure campaign effectiveness: Track the performance of your fundraising campaigns, email marketing efforts, and outreach initiatives to understand what resonates with your audience.
• Make data-driven decisions: Use data to inform strategic planning, optimize programs, and allocate resources effectively.

4. Streamlined Operations

A CRM automates routine tasks, freeing up your valuable time and resources. This includes:

• Generating donation receipts and acknowledgments: Automatically send personalized thank-you messages and tax receipts to donors.
• Managing event registrations: Streamline event registration processes, track attendance, and manage communication with attendees.
• Coordinating volunteers: Schedule volunteer shifts, track hours, and automate communication with your volunteer base.

5. Scalability and Adaptability

A good CRM grows with your organization. Whether you’re a small grassroots non-profit or a large-scale organization, a CRM can adapt to your evolving needs:

• Start small and scale up: As your organization grows, your CRM can accommodate increasing data volumes, user needs, and operational complexities.
• Adapt to changing requirements: A flexible CRM can adapt to your changing needs, whether you’re launching new programs, expanding your fundraising efforts, or evolving your volunteer management strategies.

Nonprofit CRM Use Cases

Let’s explore how real nonprofits, big and small, have harnessed the power of CRMs to transform their operations and achieve remarkable results.

• The Small Animal Shelter That Boosted Adoption Rates: A local animal shelter struggled to manage their growing database of adoptable pets, potential adopters, and volunteers. By implementing a CRM, they streamlined their adoption process, automated email communications, and personalized interactions with potential adopters. The result? A significant increase in successful adoptions and a more efficient volunteer coordination system.
• The Environmental Non-Profit That Amplified Its Advocacy: An environmental organization needed to mobilize its supporters for a critical advocacy campaign. Using their CRM, they segmented their audience based on location and interests, personalized email appeals, and tracked engagement levels. 
• The University Foundation That Personalized Donor Engagement: A university foundation sought to deepen its relationships with alumni donors. They leveraged their CRM to track donation history, analyze giving patterns, and personalize communications based on individual interests. Taking on more personalization led to stronger connections with donors, leading to increased major gifts and long-term support.
• The International Aid Organization That Streamlined Disaster Relief: In the wake of a natural disaster, an international aid organization needed to coordinate volunteers, track donations, and manage relief efforts across multiple locations. Their CRM provided a centralized platform for managing all aspects of the response, enabling efficient resource allocation, transparent communication, and accurate reporting to donors.
• The Community Arts Center That Cultivated a Thriving Membership Program: A community arts center used its CRM to manage its growing membership program. They automated membership renewals, tracked class registrations, and personalized communications to members based on their interests and participation history. A data-driven angle like this fostered a thriving membership community and increased program enrollment.

11 Top Nonprofit CRM Platforms

Choosing the right CRM is a pivotal decision for any non-profit. It’s about more than just managing contacts; it’s about empowering your organization to thrive. Here’s a look at some of the leading platforms making a big difference:

1. Knack

Overview of the platform:

Knack stands out as the top pick for nonprofits seeking a truly customized, powerful, and user-friendly solution. With Knack, you’re not limited by pre-defined templates or rigid structures. Our no-code platform lets you build a CRM that perfectly mirrors your unique workflows and data needs without writing a single line of code.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Intuitive building blocks: Drag-and-drop tools, pre-built components, and a user-friendly interface make designing your CRM as simple as assembling building blocks. No coding headaches here!
• Uniquely yours: Create custom fields, connect various data types, and design unique workflows to manage donors, track donations, coordinate volunteers, and measure your impact – all within a system that reflects your organization’s individuality.
• Grow without limits: Knack scales alongside your non-profit, accommodating increasing data volumes and user needs. Start small and expand your CRM as you achieve new milestones.
• Connect and optimize: Integrate with your essential tools, from email marketing platforms to payment gateways, to create a seamless and efficient technology ecosystem.

Pricing structure:

Knack offers flexible pricing plans to suit nonprofits of all sizes, including a special Non-Profit package with discounted rates. Need something truly unique? We also offer custom packages tailored to your specific requirements.

Ideal use cases:

• A truly customized CRM: Break free from the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions and build a system that perfectly aligns with your unique processes and data needs.
• Ease of use without sacrificing power: Empower your team to manage data and automate workflows without needing technical expertise.
• A scalable and affordable solution: Grow your nonprofit with a CRM that can adapt to your evolving needs and budget.

2. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

Overview of the platform:

For larger non-profits with complex needs and ambitious goals, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud stands as a comprehensive and powerful solution. Built on the world’s leading CRM platform, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage every aspect of your organization, from fundraising and grant management to program delivery and impact measurement.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• A unified platform: Nonprofit Cloud seamlessly integrates with Salesforce’s broader ecosystem, giving you access to a wealth of tools for marketing automation, analytics, and community building.
• Fundraising support: Manage major gifts, recurring donations, online campaigns, and events with sophisticated tools that streamline processes and maximize your fundraising potential.
• Grant management made easy: Track grant applications, manage reporting requirements, and cultivate funder relationships with specialized tools that simplify grant administration.
• Data-driven insights: Leverage powerful reporting and analytics tools to gain a deeper understanding of your donors, track program outcomes, and measure your impact effectively.

Pricing structure:

Salesforce offers a tiered pricing model with various plans designed for non-profits of different sizes. The Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) provides a discounted package with core CRM functionalities, while higher-tier plans offer more advanced features and customization options.

Ideal use cases:

• Larger non-profits: Organizations with complex operational needs, large donor databases, and sophisticated fundraising programs.
• Integrated solutions: Nonprofits seeking a unified platform to manage all aspects of their organization, from fundraising and marketing to program delivery and impact measurement.
• Scalability and customization: Organizations that require a highly customizable and scalable solution to accommodate future growth and evolving needs.

3. Bloomerang

Overview of the platform:

Bloomerang understands that the heart of any non-profit lies in its ability to connect with and retain donors. This CRM is specifically designed to help small and mid-sized organizations build lasting relationships with their supporters, turning one-time donors into lifelong advocates.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Donor-centric focus: Bloomerang prioritizes donor retention and engagement, providing tools to track interactions, segment your audience, and personalize communications for maximum impact.  
• Engagement meter: Visualize donor engagement at a glance with Bloomerang’s unique engagement meter, helping you identify your most passionate supporters and tailor your outreach accordingly.  
• Effortless email marketing: Create and send targeted email campaigns, track open rates and click-throughs, and automate communications to nurture donor relationships and drive action.  
• User-friendly interface: Bloomerang’s intuitive design makes it easy for your team to navigate the platform, access data, and manage donor interactions without a steep learning curve.

Pricing structure:

Bloomerang offers a tiered pricing model based on the number of records (donors and contacts) in your database. This makes it an affordable option for smaller nonprofits, with the flexibility to scale up as your organization grows.

Ideal use cases:

• Small to mid-sized nonprofits: Organizations with a focus on building strong relationships with their donor base.  
• Donor-centric organizations: Nonprofits that prioritize donor retention, engagement, and personalized communication.
• Ease of use and affordability: Organizations seeking a user-friendly and budget-friendly CRM solution with powerful donor management capabilities.

4. DonorPerfect

Overview of the platform:

DonorPerfect lives up to its name by providing a comprehensive suite of tools to help non-profits of all sizes perfect their fundraising strategies and cultivate lasting relationships with their supporters. This well-rounded CRM offers a user-friendly platform to manage every aspect of your fundraising lifecycle, from donor cultivation and event planning to donation tracking and reporting.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Comprehensive donor management: Capture detailed donor profiles, track donation history, segment your audience, and personalize communications to cultivate deeper relationships and encourage repeat giving.
• Effortless event planning: Plan and manage successful fundraising events with tools to track registrations, process payments, manage attendees, and analyze event performance.
• Streamlined fundraising: Process online donations seamlessly, manage recurring giving programs, track pledges, and generate insightful reports to optimize your fundraising strategies.
• Integrated online giving: Connect DonorPerfect with popular online giving platforms to streamline donation processing and provide a seamless experience for your donors.

Pricing structure:

DonorPerfect offers flexible pricing plans that scale with the size of your organization and your donor database. 

Ideal use cases:

Mention that DonorPerfect is suitable for non-profits of all sizes, particularly those focused on fundraising and event management – you only pay for the features and capacity you need, making it a cost-effective solution for non-profits of all sizes.

5. NeonCRM

Overview of the platform:

NeonCRM is a popular choice for small to medium-sized nonprofits seeking a comprehensive and affordable CRM solution. It offers a user-friendly platform to manage all your key relationships and streamline your operations, without breaking the bank.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• All-in-one functionality: NeonCRM provides a complete suite of tools for managing donors, tracking donations, coordinating volunteers, planning events, and generating insightful reports.
• Donor & volunteer management: Cultivate strong relationships with your supporters by tracking interactions, segmenting your audience, and personalizing communications. Efficiently manage your volunteer workforce with tools for recruitment, scheduling, and communication.
• Simplified event planning: Plan and execute successful fundraising events with tools to manage registrations, track attendance, process payments, and analyze event performance.
• Intuitive interface: NeonCRM’s user-friendly design makes it easy for your team to navigate the platform and access information, even with limited technical expertise.

Pricing structure:

NeonCRM offers tiered pricing based on the number of records in your database and the features you need so you get the right solution at a price that fits your budget.

Ideal use cases:

• Small to medium-sized non-profits: Organizations seeking a comprehensive and affordable CRM solution.
• Growing organizations: Nonprofits that need a scalable platform to accommodate their evolving needs and expanding database.
• User-friendly solutions: Organizations seeking an intuitive CRM with a minimal learning curve.

6. Kindful

Overview of the platform:

Kindful believes your time is best spent pursuing your mission, not navigating complicated software. This donor-focused CRM simplifies fundraising and relationship management, allowing you to cultivate deeper connections with your supporters and maximize your impact.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Effortless donation tracking: Record and categorize donations with ease, generate tax receipts, manage recurring giving programs, and gain a clear picture of your fundraising progress.
• Automated donor communications: Nurture relationships and keep donors informed with automated thank-you messages, personalized email campaigns, and targeted appeals.
• Seamless accounting integration: Sync Kindful with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online to automate financial reconciliation and eliminate manual data entry.
• Intuitive reporting & analytics: Track key metrics, analyze fundraising trends, and gain valuable insights into donor behavior with user-friendly reporting tools.

Pricing structure:

Kindful offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of contacts in your database, which makes it scalable for nonprofits of any size.

Ideal use cases:

• Nonprofits focused on efficiency: Organizations seeking to simplify their donor management and fundraising processes.
• Data-driven organizations: Nonprofits that value insightful reporting and analytics to inform their strategies.
• Integrated solutions: Organizations that need seamless integration with their accounting software and other essential tools.

7. Network for Good

Overview of the platform:

For small nonprofits with limited resources, getting started with a CRM can be overwhelming. Network for Good simplifies the process with an all-in-one, easy-to-use platform specifically designed for organizations like yours. It provides the essential tools you need to manage donors, raise funds, and grow your impact, without the complexity or cost of larger systems.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Straightforward donor management: Easily track donor information, donation history, and communication preferences. Segment your audience and personalize your outreach to cultivate stronger relationships.
• Effortless online fundraising: Create donation pages, manage online campaigns, and process donations securely with integrated fundraising tools.
• Targeted email marketing: Keep your supporters informed and engaged with targeted email campaigns, newsletters, and automated communications.
• Simplified reporting: Track your fundraising progress, measure campaign effectiveness, and gain insights into donor behavior with easy-to-understand reports.

Pricing structure:

Network for Good offers custom pricing based on your specific organization, so you get a solution that fits your budget and provides the features you need to succeed.

Ideal use cases:

• Small non-profits: Organizations with limited staff and resources seeking a simple and affordable CRM solution.
• Fundraising beginners: Nonprofits just starting their fundraising journey and needing an easy-to-use platform to manage donations and communicate with donors.
• Organizations seeking an all-in-one solution: Nonprofits that want a single platform to manage donors, online fundraising, and email marketing.

8. CharityEngine

Overview of the platform:

CharityEngine is a sophisticated CRM platform built to empower mid-sized to large non-profits with advanced tools for donor management, fundraising, and advocacy. It’s more than just a database; it’s a comprehensive solution designed to streamline your operations, amplify your reach, and drive meaningful change.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Ignite peer-to-peer fundraising: Empower your supporters to become fundraisers with CharityEngine’s robust peer-to-peer fundraising tools. Easily create and manage campaigns, track progress, and foster a community of passionate advocates.
• Automate your marketing: Nurture relationships and drive engagement with automated email campaigns, personalized communications, and targeted outreach based on donor behavior and preferences.
• Integrated advocacy: Mobilize your supporters and amplify your impact with integrated advocacy tools. Easily create online petitions, manage advocacy campaigns, and track legislative progress.
• Comprehensive donor management: Gain a 360-degree view of your donors with detailed profiles, donation history tracking, and segmentation tools to personalize your interactions and cultivate lasting relationships.

Pricing structure:

CharityEngine offers custom pricing based on the size of your organization and the specific features you need. 

Ideal use cases:

• Larger non-profits: Organizations with complex donor management and fundraising needs.
• Advocacy-focused organizations: Nonprofits that actively engage in advocacy campaigns and need tools to mobilize their supporters.
• Organizations seeking advanced automation: Nonprofits that want to automate marketing, communication, and fundraising processes to improve efficiency and engagement.

9. Little Green Light

Overview of the platform:

Little Green Light offers a refreshingly straightforward and budget-friendly CRM solution for small nonprofits. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform to manage your donors, track donations, and organize events without the complexity (or cost) of larger systems, Little Green Light might be the perfect fit.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• Easy-to-use donor management: Manage your donor database with ease, track donation history, segment your audience, and generate personalized communications to cultivate stronger relationships.
• Effortless event planning: Organize fundraising events, manage registrations, track attendance, and process payments with simple and intuitive tools.
• Simplified reporting: Gain insights into your fundraising performance, donor engagement, and event success with easy-to-understand reports.
• User-friendly interface: Little Green Light’s intuitive design makes it easy for anyone on your team to navigate the platform and manage data effectively.

Pricing structure:

Little Green Light offers a low-cost pricing model that scales based on the number of contacts in your database (an accessible option for small nonprofits with limited budgets).

Ideal use cases:

• Small non-profits: Organizations with limited staff and resources seeking a simple and affordable CRM solution.
• Donor-focused organizations: Nonprofits that prioritize building relationships with their donors and tracking their interactions.
• Organizations new to CRMs: Nonprofits looking for an easy-to-use platform with a minimal learning curve.

10. Salsa CRM (Now Bonterra)

Overview of the platform:

Salsa CRM (now Bonterra) is a comprehensive platform designed to help mid-sized nonprofits amplify their impact by fostering deeper connections with their supporters. It goes beyond basic contact management, providing a rich suite of tools for fundraising, advocacy, and donor communication, all within a single, integrated system.

Key features and standout capabilities:

• All-in-one fundraising: From online donation pages and peer-to-peer campaigns to event management and recurring giving programs, Salsa CRM provides the tools you need to maximize your fundraising potential.
• Targeted donor communication: Cultivate lasting relationships with personalized email campaigns, automated communications, and targeted outreach based on donor interests and engagement history.
• Empower advocacy: Mobilize your supporters and amplify your voice with integrated advocacy tools. Create online petitions, manage advocacy campaigns, and track legislative progress to drive meaningful change.
• Streamlined operations: Automate tasks, manage volunteers, track program outcomes, and generate insightful reports to optimize your operations and free up your team to focus on your mission.

Pricing structure:

Salsa CRM also offers custom pricing based on your organization’s size and the specific features you need.

Ideal use cases:

• Mid-sized nonprofits: Organizations seeking a comprehensive platform to manage fundraising, advocacy, and donor engagement.
• Growing organizations: Nonprofits that need a scalable solution to accommodate their expanding needs and supporter base.
• Organizations seeking integrated tools: Nonprofits that want a single platform to manage all aspects of supporter engagement and fundraising.

H3 – 11. Blackbaud CRM

Overview of the platform:

If your organization requires a powerful and scalable solution to manage a vast network of donors, complex fundraising campaigns, and intricate reporting requirements, Blackbaud CRM is worth serious consideration. This comprehensive platform offers a robust suite of tools designed to streamline operations, maximize fundraising, and deepen relationships with your supporters.  

Key features and standout capabilities:

• 360-degree donor view: Capture a complete picture of your donors with detailed profiles, interaction tracking, and segmentation tools. Understand their giving history, communication preferences, and engagement levels to personalize your outreach and cultivate lasting relationships.
• Fundraising at scale: Manage major gifts, planned giving, online donations, events, and more with sophisticated fundraising tools designed to streamline processes and maximize your impact.
• Advanced reporting & analytics: Gain deep insights into your fundraising performance, donor behavior, and program outcomes with Blackbaud CRM’s extensive reporting and analytics capabilities. Make data-driven decisions and demonstrate your impact with compelling visualizations and custom reports.
• Seamless integrations: Connect Blackbaud CRM with other Blackbaud products, such as Raiser’s Edge NXT and Financial Edge NXT, to create a fully integrated solution for managing all aspects of your non-profit.

Pricing structure:

Blackbaud CRM offers custom pricing based on your organization’s size, specific needs, and the modules you choose.

Best use cases:

• Large non-profits: Organizations with complex fundraising and donor management needs, large databases, and sophisticated reporting requirements.
• Integrated solutions: Nonprofits seeking a unified platform to manage all aspects of their organization, from fundraising and finance to program delivery and marketing.
• Organizations with Blackbaud expertise: Nonprofits with existing experience using Blackbaud products who can leverage their knowledge to maximize the platform’s capabilities.

Build vs. Buy: Choosing the Right CRM Solution for Your Nonprofit

When selecting a CRM for your nonprofit, a key decision is whether to build a custom solution tailored to your unique needs or to purchase an out-of-the-box CRM designed for nonprofits. Each option has its strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on your organization’s goals, resources, and technical requirements.

Building a Custom CRM: Tailored Control and Flexibility

Building a custom CRM allows nonprofits to create a solution that precisely matches their workflows, data needs, and organizational goals. Here are the primary benefits and considerations:

Benefits

• Full Customization: Develop a CRM that directly supports your processes, integrations, and reporting needs without being limited by pre-set structures.
• Enhanced Control: Gain complete ownership over the software, including data management, customization, and user access.
• Seamless Integration: Connect with your existing tools and technologies more easily, ensuring a cohesive ecosystem that aligns with your mission.
• Scalability and Adaptability: As your nonprofit evolves, a custom CRM can be adjusted to support new initiatives, expand data capacities, and incorporate additional features.

Considerations

• Cost and Time: Custom solutions require a significant upfront investment, both financially and in development time, to build and maintain.
• Technical Expertise: Building and managing a custom CRM demands technical resources, either internally or through external developers.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Continuous updates and maintenance are needed to ensure functionality and security, adding to long-term costs.

Buying an Out-of-the-Box CRM: Fast Deployment and Specialized Features

Out-of-the-box CRMs designed specifically for nonprofits are built with pre-defined nonprofit workflows and features, making them appealing for organizations looking for quick setup and nonprofit-specific tools.

Benefits

• Quick Implementation: Out-of-the-box CRMs come with built-in templates and configurations that are often ready to use with minimal setup, getting your organization up and running quickly.
• Proven Nonprofit Features: These CRMs are tailored to nonprofit needs, offering tools for donor management, event coordination, volunteer tracking, and reporting without extensive customization.
• Vendor Support: Many providers offer dedicated support teams, training, and documentation, reducing the need for internal technical expertise.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Out-of-the-box solutions often come with tiered pricing options or discounts for nonprofits, making it easier to find a solution that fits your budget.

Considerations

• Limited Customization: While some CRMs offer customization options, out-of-the-box solutions may not fully accommodate unique workflows or require paid upgrades for added features.
• Dependence on Vendor: Organizations may face dependency on the vendor for major updates, system compatibility, and support.
• Scaling Constraints: Some solutions may not easily scale or adapt to growing needs, particularly if they’re built with small to mid-sized nonprofits in mind.

How to Choose the Best CRM for Your Nonprofit?

The best CRM for your nonprofit needs to fit your needs, support your activities, and be comfortable for your team to use every day. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Make sure to look at your chosen solution from all sides, including:

Key Features

Start by identifying your “must-haves.” What are the essential functionalities your nonprofit needs in a CRM? You need a system that can store detailed information about your donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. To efficiently record and track all types of donations, including one-time gifts, recurring donations, pledges, and in-kind contributions, look for features like automated tax receipts and donation acknowledgment letters.

Cost and Pricing Overview

Consider your budget and prioritize the features that are most essential for your non-profit. Here’s a general overview:

• Free and Open-Source CRMs: Options like CiviCRM offer basic functionality at no cost but may require technical expertise to set up and maintain.
• Low-Cost CRMs: Platforms like Little Green Light and NeonCRM offer affordable solutions with tiered pricing based on the number of contacts or features.
• Mid-Range CRMs: Bloomerang and Kindful fall into this category, offering more advanced features and integrations at a moderate cost.
• Premium CRMs: Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud and Blackbaud CRM are solutions with comprehensive features and custom pricing for larger organizations.

Data Security and Privacy Concerns

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a CRM that not only meets your functional needs but also prioritizes the security and privacy of your valuable data. Implement role-based access controls to limit who can view and edit sensitive information. If you process online donations, verify that the CRM is PCI compliant to protect sensitive payment information. Make sure the CRM complies with relevant data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, to protect the personal information of your supporters. The CRM should also encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to protect against unauthorized access.

FAQs about Non-profit CRM Solutions

Common questions and answers about non-profit CRM solutions:

Do charities use CRM?

Yes, charities as well as non-profits of all sizes, use CRMs to manage donor relationships, track donations, organize fundraising campaigns, and streamline their operations. A CRM is essential for building strong relationships with supporters and maximizing impact.

How much does a nonprofit CRM cost?

The cost depends on the features offered, the number of contacts in your database, and the vendor’s pricing model. Some CRMs offer free plans with basic functionality, while others have tiered pricing or custom pricing based on your needs.

How does a nonprofit CRM differ from a fundraising platform?

While both tools support fundraising, they serve different purposes. A fundraising platform focuses primarily on processing online donations and managing campaigns. A nonprofit CRM, on the other hand, offers a broader range of functionalities, including donor management, communication tools, event management, volunteer coordination, and reporting.

Is Knack a good CRM for small nonprofits?

Yes, Knack is an excellent CRM solution for small nonprofits. It’s easy to use, affordable, and highly customizable, allowing you to build a CRM that perfectly fits your needs. Knack’s no-code platform empowers you to create a powerful CRM without needing any coding experience.

Build Your Custom Nonprofit CRM with Knack Today

Knack makes it easy to build a non-profit CRM that perfectly aligns with your needs, without writing a single line of code. Here’s how to get started:

1. Sign up for a free trial:

To create your free Knack account, go to the dashboard. 

• Click the “Start Free Trial” button.
• Enter your email address and choose a password, then click “Sign Up Free.”
• You’ll be prompted to provide some information about your organization. Fill in the details and click “Continue.”

Note: You’ll get 14 days to explore the platform, experiment with features, and start building your CRM.

2. Choose a template (or start from scratch):

On the “Create a New App” screen, you’ll see a variety of templates.

• Scroll down to the “Nonprofit” section and click on the “Contact Directory” or “Donations Tracking” template.
• If you prefer to build your CRM from scratch, click the “Start with a Blank App” button.
• Click “Choose” to select your template or start with a blank app.

3. Customize your app:

Now that you’re in the Knack app builder, go to:

• The left sidebar where you’ll see the “Pages” tab. Click on it to see the different pages in your app (e.g., “Donors,” “Donations,” “Campaigns”).
• To customize a page, click on its name. You’ll see the page’s fields and layout.
• To add a new field: Click the “Add Field” button, choose a field type (e.g., text, number, date), and give it a label.
• To connect data: Click the “Relationships” tab in the left sidebar. Click “Add Relationship” to connect different objects (e.g., connect donors to their donations).
• To design your interface: Click the “Live App” button in the top right corner to preview your CRM. Use the drag-and-drop tools to rearrange elements, add new pages, and customize the look and feel of your app.

4. Connect your tools:

To integrate your Knack CRM with other essential tools, such as email marketing platforms, payment gateways, or accounting software make sure to:

• Click the “API & Code” tab in the left sidebar.
• Click “Connections” to see the available integrations.
• Choose the tool you want to connect (e.g., Mailchimp, Stripe).
• Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the connection and configure the integration.

5. Launch your CRM and start making an impact

Once you’re happy with your CRM, it’s time to launch it and start putting it to work.

• Click the “Publish” button in the top right corner.
• Choose a subdomain for your app (e.g., [invalid URL removed]).
• Click “Publish” to make your CRM live.

Remember to invite your team members to access the CRM and start managing your data, tracking donations, and engaging your supporters.

The Best Way to Coordinate Volunteers with Knack

This template provides a solid foundation for managing relationships with your constituents, including donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Here’s how you can leverage it to create a customized CRM:

1. Access the template:

• Go to the Knack template directory
• Scroll down to the “Nonprofit” section and click on the “Volunteer Management & Database” template.
• Click the “Install this App” button.
• You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Knack account or create a new one.

2. Explore functionality:

• Once you’ve installed the template, you’ll be taken to the Knack app builder.
• Familiarize yourself with the pre-built objects: “Constituents,” “Donations,” “Interactions,” “Events,” and “Volunteer Opportunities.”
• Click on each object to see the fields and data it contains.
• Preview the “Live App” to see how the template functions from a user’s perspective.

3. Customize app:

• Add custom fields: Tailor the template to your specific needs by adding fields to capture relevant information about your constituents. For example, you might add fields to track communication preferences, volunteer interests, or donation sources.
• Modify relationships: Adjust the relationships between objects to reflect your data structure. For instance, you might connect “Constituents” to “Events” to track event attendance or link “Donations” to specific fundraising campaigns.
• Design your interface: Customize the look and feel of your CRM by adding your logo, changing colors, and rearranging elements on pages and forms.
• Configure workflows: Set up automated emails to acknowledge donations, welcome new volunteers, or promote upcoming events.

4. Connect your tools:

• Integrate your Knack CRM with other essential tools to streamline your workflows. For example, connect to Mailchimp to manage email marketing campaigns or integrate with Stripe to process online donations securely.

5. Launch and iterate:

• Publish your customized CRM and start using it to manage your constituent relationships.
• Continuously gather feedback from your team and iterate on your CRM to improve its functionality and effectiveness.