# Best Fundraising Software - Page 17 *By [Emma Stein](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/emma-stein)* Fundraising software is used by nonprofit organizations to manage funding processes. Its main goal is to attract and retain donors, and to ensure their loyalty and continuous financing. Fundraising campaigns can be performed online through social media and email campaigns, or during live events. The users of this type of software need to track the efficiency of any fundraising initiative and to develop long-term relationships with donors. The [best fundraising software](https://learn.g2.com/free-fundraising-software) often integrates with [accounting](https://www.g2.com/categories/accounting) or payment solutions for financial transactions processing. Also, it may require integration with [nonprofit CRM](https://www.g2.com/categories/nonprofit-crm) or [donor management](https://www.g2.com/categories/donor-management) solutions, when these features are not included in the fundraising software. To qualify for inclusion in the Fundraising category, a product must: - Provide features to create multiple options for donations and gifts - Manage donor information and communications - for both existing or potential donors - Allow users to create, manage, and monitor campaigns to attract new donors - Include online options for one-time or recurring donations and gifts - Deliver reporting and analytics to evaluate fundraising initiatives or donors' contributions ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 337 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 14,700+ Authentic Reviews - 337+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Best Fundraising Software At A Glance - **Leader:** [Givebutter](https://www.g2.com/products/givebutter/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Give Lively](https://www.g2.com/products/give-lively/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Zeffy](https://www.g2.com/products/zeffy/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Givebutter](https://www.g2.com/products/givebutter/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Givebutter](https://www.g2.com/products/givebutter/reviews) ## Parent Category [Nonprofit Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/nonprofit) ## Related Categories - [Nonprofit CRM Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/nonprofit-crm) - [Donor Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/donor-management) - [Volunteer Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/volunteer-management) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About Fundraising Software ### What is Fundraising Software? Fundraising software is vital to nonprofit organizations, as it constitutes a significant percentage of nonprofit revenue. Fundraising software gives nonprofits a single source for relevant fundraising data, allowing them to focus and streamline their efforts. Solutions in this category also promote and manage various methods of fundraising, allowing organizations to launch multi-pronged campaigns. Multi-method fundraising is key to ensuring all possible demographics and methods of communication have been leveraged. Fundraising software is the central operational base for any and all fundraising strategies carried out by a specific organization. ### Who Uses Fundraising Software? Nonprofit organizations use fundraising software to raise money for their specific cause. The money is funneled toward whatever the organization needs help with, be it overhead, event costs, or something else. Within the organization, the employees tasked with fundraising utilize the software most often, though higher-level employees will use the data gathered by the software to formulate strategy and maintain an overview of fundraising operations. ### What are the Different Kinds of Fundraising Software? There are a few major types of fundraising. They differ greatly in the audiences they try to capture and the feature sets they contain. [**Peer-to-peer fundraising software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/peer-to-peer) **—** Peer-to-peer solutions are the newest craze within the nonprofit space, and there is ample evidence to support the notion that it provides more opportunity for fundraising greater amounts of money. Peer-to-peer is typically included as a feature within a larger fundraising solution, but there are specific peer-to-peer platforms as well. The basic notion of peer-to-peer fundraising software is that it extends the reach of the organization. Instead of the onus being entirely on your organization to produce fundraising results, it turns your donors into advocates. These advocates will then reach out to their network in order to raise money for your organization. Peer-to-peer fundraising platforms often focus on donation events and team-based donation. This configuration allows your advocates to become team leaders and spearhead the charge to organize and get people involved in a given cause. Team members will get their own donation pages, easily created and distributed by team leaders, to promote their own fundraising efforts. The entire goal of peer-to-peer is to extend the network of actively engaged donors, thereby increasing the amount of donations your organization receives. An example in recent years was the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which leveraged the power of peer-to-peer fundraising to drive over $100 million in donations in a short period of time. [**Text-to-give**](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/text-to-give) **—** This type of fundraising software has taken off in the past couple of years. The benefit of these solutions lies in their ease of use and the ease with which donors can give to an organization. Text-to-give solutions leverage phone service providers to facilitate an easy transaction. Nonprofits can implement text-to-give software and utilize it at events to make donation gathering easier on both sides. **Auction —** Auction fundraising software is a group of fundraising solutions that facilitate the planning and management of fundraising auctions. Auctions are a great channel through which nonprofits generate large amounts of revenue, and auction-specific fundraising software allows nonprofit organizations an easy way to put on auctions more easily. [**Crowdfunding**](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/crowdfunding) **–** Crowdfunding fundraising software refers to applications that allow users to leverage the power of their networks to raise money. These applications provide sharing functions so campaigns can easily be shared among your network and their connections, with the hope that the campaign will pick up enough steam to go viral. [**Matching gift**](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/matching-gift) **–** Matching gift fundraising software refers to applications that facilitate employer matching of the charitable contributions of employees. These programs are popular ways for companies to engage in philanthropy, support their employees’ out-of-work interests, and check some boxes off on the corporate social responsibility checklist. As a nonprofit, matching gift programs are a fantastic way to leverage corporate desire for philanthropy and to double the donation amount. ### Fundraising Software Features Fundraising software often contains, but is not limited to, the following features: **Email marketing –** A key part of nonprofit fundraising over the past decade, fundraising software offers email marketing functionality to help users connect with potential donors. **Direct mail —** While response rates for direct mail have slowed, fundraising software still often contains direct mail capabilities so users can track and monitor direct mail campaigns and the data that is created as a result of those campaigns. **Event planning —** Event fundraising is a massive industry, and fundraising software typically provides users with features that enable them to plan fundraising events directly within the application. Fundraising events may include auctions or events like bike races, for which the entire goal is to raise money for the organization. Event planning features allow for the seamless transition from event planning to event management and donation collection. **Donor profiles –** Fundraising software builds and maintains donor profiles so nonprofit organizations can have a comprehensive overview of everyone contributing to a given cause. These donor profiles include donor history, all interactions that occurred between the organization and the donor, and donor information. Your organization can use these profiles to build out donor personas, which are analogous to the buyer personas often used in marketing strategy. These personas will help your organization shape their fundraising strategy and change it up depending on the specific persona they are going after. **Campaign management –** Fundraising software often contains fundraising campaign management features. These features allow users to actively manage and oversee their organization’s fundraising campaigns. **Donation portal –** A donation portal gives you the ability to accept donation payments directly in the application you’re using. **Mobile-friendly –** Fundraising is taking place more on mobile devices than ever before, so fundraising software vendors are offering more mobile-friendly solutions than ever before. **Interaction tracking —** Fundraising software often contains interaction tracking features, which provide your organization with an overview of all interactions between a given donor and your organization. This includes donation history, so you’re able to touch base with the donor at the correct times in order to turn them into a recurring donor. **Reporting –** Most fundraising software offers users fairly detailed and customizable reporting features, which employees can use to track the successes and failures of various fundraising strategies. **Recurring donations –** This feature gives organizations the ability to set up consistent donations for a given donor, ensuring a constant stream of income. Recurring donations also take the onus off of the organization to reach out again and again to the donor, removing the steps necessary for a donor to consistently contribute to a cause they deem of interest. **Automation —** Fundraising automation functionality allows your organization to automatically schedule email blasts and send receipts to donors. The more the system is automated, the more time your employees have to focus on value-adding tasks, like crafting strategy or planning the next viral fundraising campaign. Other features of fundraising software: [Capital Campaign Capabilities](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/capital-campaign), [Planning Giving Capabilities](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/planned-giving). Many fundraising software tools will also offer the following features: - [Fundraising software with capital campaign capabilities](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/capital-campaign) - [Fundraising software with planned giving capabilities](https://www.g2.com/categories/fundraising/f/planned-giving) ### Trends Related to Fundraising Software The fundraising world constantly experiences change, particularly with the massive influx of technology and fundraising-specific applications that have popped up in the marketplace. There are a few trends to keep an eye on moving forward that will impact both the focus of your fundraising efforts as well as the structure and emphasis of fundraising technology. **Mobile Payments —** Online payments have become a major channel for nonprofit revenue streams in the past couple of years. More than 7% of all donations were made online in 2016, with an increasing percentage being made via mobile devices. The way to stay on top of this trend is to ensure that all of your donor touchpoints are optimized for mobile devices. You should also ensure that your fundraising and donor management solutions contain built-in payment gateways or at least integrate easily with a piece of nonprofit payment gateway software. As an increasing percentage of your donor base moves to online giving and eventually mobile giving, you need to ensure that your organization is set up to succeed. **Donor Base Shift —** This is a slower-moving trend but ties in to the shifting landscape within the nonprofit world. As the bulk of donations shift from older generations to younger generations, your organization needs to be cognizant of the change in mindset and increase in tech savviness. Younger generations, if not digital natives, are using technology in every aspect of their lives. They are accustomed to the convenience that the digital transformation enveloping nearly every sector has created. This familiarity with technology should drive you to meet these donors where they are comfortable and set things up so that donations become an integrated part of their lives. Set up recurring donations, ensure there is always an option for online giving, and make every campaign shareable. ### Software and Services Related to Fundraising Software Fundraising software that falls within the nonprofit software ecosystem is heavily coupled with other categories of solutions. Software in this category integrates with [nonprofit CRM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/nonprofit-crm) and [donor management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/donor-management). These applications also either integrate with [nonprofit accounting software](https://www.g2.com/categories/nonprofit-accounting) and [nonprofit payment gateway software](https://www.g2.com/categories/nonprofit-payment-gateway) or provide the functionality of both categories built into the solution. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How can I assess the user experience of fundraising tools? To assess the user experience of fundraising tools, consider user ratings and reviews focusing on ease of use, customer support, and feature satisfaction. For instance, tools like Donorbox and Classy are noted for their intuitive interfaces, with Donorbox receiving high marks for user-friendliness and customer service. Additionally, platforms such as Givebutter and Fundly highlight strong community engagement features, which enhance user experience. Analyzing these aspects through user feedback can provide a comprehensive view of each tool's effectiveness. ### How do fundraising platforms handle data security and compliance? Fundraising platforms prioritize data security and compliance by implementing various measures. For instance, platforms like Donorbox and Classy emphasize encryption protocols and secure payment processing to protect sensitive donor information. Many users highlight compliance with regulations such as GDPR and PCI DSS, ensuring that their data handling practices meet legal standards. Additionally, platforms like Givebutter and Fundly offer features like user access controls and audit trails, which enhance accountability and transparency in data management. ### How do fundraising platforms support donor engagement and retention strategies? Fundraising platforms enhance donor engagement and retention through features like personalized communication, donor segmentation, and automated follow-ups. For instance, platforms such as Donorbox and Classy are noted for their robust donor management tools that allow organizations to tailor messages based on donor behavior and preferences. Additionally, platforms like Givebutter and Fundly offer integrated social sharing options, which help in expanding reach and maintaining donor interest. User reviews highlight the effectiveness of these features in fostering long-term relationships with donors. ### How do pricing models vary across different fundraising platforms? Pricing models for fundraising platforms vary significantly. For instance, Donorbox offers a subscription model with a 1.5% platform fee, while GoFundMe operates on a free-to-use model, charging only transaction fees. Classy employs a tiered pricing structure based on features, starting with a basic plan at $299 per month. In contrast, Fundly uses a percentage-based fee model, taking 4.9% of funds raised. These variations reflect different approaches to monetization, catering to diverse user needs and fundraising strategies. ### How do user reviews reflect the effectiveness of fundraising tools? User reviews indicate that fundraising tools are effective in streamlining donation processes, enhancing donor engagement, and providing robust analytics. For instance, top-rated tools like Donorbox and Classy receive high marks for user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive reporting features, with average ratings of 4.7 and 4.6 respectively. Users frequently highlight the importance of integrations with CRM systems and social media, which are crucial for maximizing outreach and donor retention. Overall, positive feedback correlates with increased fundraising success and improved user satisfaction. ### How scalable are the top fundraising solutions for growing organizations? The top fundraising solutions, including Donorbox, Bloomerang, and Classy, demonstrate strong scalability for growing organizations. Donorbox is praised for its ease of use and ability to handle increasing donor volumes, while Bloomerang offers robust donor management features that adapt as organizations expand. Classy is noted for its customizable fundraising pages and integrations, which support scaling efforts effectively. User reviews highlight that these platforms can accommodate growth without significant performance issues, making them suitable for organizations looking to expand their fundraising capabilities. ### What are common use cases for fundraising software in nonprofits? Common use cases for fundraising software in nonprofits include managing donor relationships, tracking donations, organizing fundraising events, and automating communication with supporters. Users frequently highlight features such as donor management, reporting and analytics, and integration with payment processors as essential for optimizing fundraising efforts. Additionally, software solutions often facilitate peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and provide tools for social media integration, enhancing outreach and engagement with potential donors. ### What are the common challenges organizations face when implementing fundraising software? Organizations commonly face challenges such as user adoption, with 34% of users reporting difficulties in getting staff to embrace new software. Integration issues are also prevalent, as 29% mention problems connecting fundraising software with existing systems. Data management concerns arise, with 27% highlighting difficulties in maintaining accurate donor information. Additionally, 25% of users express frustration with the complexity of features, which can hinder effective use. Lastly, budget constraints are a significant barrier, as 22% of organizations struggle to allocate sufficient funds for implementation. ### What are the key features to look for in fundraising software? Key features to look for in fundraising software include donor management, which helps track and manage donor information effectively, and campaign management tools that facilitate the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns. Integration capabilities with other platforms, such as CRM systems, are crucial for seamless data flow. Additionally, reporting and analytics features are essential for measuring campaign success and donor engagement. User-friendly interfaces and mobile accessibility enhance usability, while security features ensure the protection of sensitive donor information. ### What integrations should I consider for my fundraising software? When selecting fundraising software, consider integrations with payment processors like PayPal and Stripe, which are frequently mentioned for their ease of use and reliability. CRM integrations, particularly with Salesforce and HubSpot, are also popular for managing donor relationships effectively. Additionally, email marketing tools like Mailchimp and social media platforms such as Facebook are commonly integrated to enhance outreach efforts. These integrations are highlighted by users for improving overall fundraising efficiency and donor engagement. ### What kind of customer support is typically offered by fundraising software vendors? Fundraising software vendors typically offer a range of customer support options, including live chat, email support, and phone support. For instance, products like Donorbox and Classy are noted for their responsive customer service, with users highlighting the availability of knowledgeable support staff. Additionally, many vendors provide extensive online resources such as FAQs, knowledge bases, and community forums to assist users. Some platforms also offer dedicated account managers for personalized support, enhancing the overall user experience. ### What reporting and analytics features should I expect from fundraising software? When evaluating fundraising software, expect robust reporting and analytics features such as customizable dashboards, real-time data tracking, and detailed donor insights. Key products like Donorbox, Bloomerang, and Kindful offer features like campaign performance metrics, donor retention analytics, and visual reporting tools. Additionally, software like Classy and Givebutter provide advanced segmentation and trend analysis capabilities, enabling organizations to tailor their fundraising strategies effectively. Overall, these features are essential for optimizing fundraising efforts and enhancing donor engagement.