Nonprofit organizations typically rely on various software programs to organize fundraisers, manage donors and volunteers, and spread awareness via social media. But CRM software can centralize all of those functions — and in many cases, it can automate those tasks, too. Whether your organization is long-established or just getting started, check out our list of the six best CRM software for nonprofits and see which one is the right fit for your cause.
These are the top six nonprofit CRM software options in 2021:
- Zoho CRM (Overall Winner): Best for increasing donor engagement (free starting price)
- Kindful: Best CRM for teams that need robust fundraising features ($100 starting price)
- Neon CRM: Best for nonprofits with a large volunteer base ($99 starting price)
- Apptivo: Best for grassroots organizations needing a basic CRM (free starting price)
- DonorPerfect: Ideal for teams seeking a CRM with premium add-ons ($99 starting price)
- Salsa CRM: Best CRM for nonprofits running multi-channel campaigns (call for quote)
How We Evaluated the Best Nonprofit CRM Software
In evaluating nearly two dozen nonprofit CRM options, we placed the most emphasis on core CRM software features, monthly costs, and ease of use. We find that the best nonprofit CRMs are simple to implement and offer a solid range of general and industry-specific CRM features at a reasonable price. Other criteria we took into consideration include customization options, third-party app integration, and access to user support.
Evaluation Criteria
We divided our scoring criteria into six categories. Then, we used a list of key subcriteria to assign every CRM a score out of five in each category and used that information to determine an overall score for all options on our list.
Cost Overview
This entails monthly costs, free options, and any applicable payment processing fees for incoming donations.
Criteria Winner: Zoho CRM, Apptivo
Core Features Overview
We scored each CRM on the availability of general features (like contact management and basic reporting) plus nonprofit-specific functions (such as volunteer tracking and event management).
Criteria Winner: Neon CRM, DonorPerfect
Ease of Use Overview
We developed this score by trying each CRM ourselves and researching user reviews with regard to company-wide implementations.
Criteria Winner: Zoho CRM
Integrations Overview
We looked at the range of productivity, marketing, and fundraising app integrations for each CRM.
Criteria Winner: Kindful, NeonCRM
Customization Overview
We graded each CRM on customization of reports, dashboards, and donor stages — as well as availability of custom web forms.
Criteria Winner: Zoho CRM, Salsa CRM, Neon CRM
Customer Support Overview
Reliable support is a must should things go awry. We evaluated the quality of each nonprofit CRM’s support channels and knowledge base.
Criteria Winner: Apptivo
Note: All per-user prices are with a one-year commitment unless noted.
While each category had at least one clear winner, we found the best nonprofit CRM overall is Zoho CRM with a cumulative score of 4.1 stars. Head below to see how our top nonprofit CRM options scored across all six categories, including a summary of features, pricing, and more.
Bottom Line: Best Nonprofit CRM Software
Our list of the top CRM software for nonprofits includes a mix of options spanning various use cases. Whether your organization needs to improve its fundraising goals, increase awareness, or find a better way to engage with volunteers, we’re confident that you can find those tools (and then some) among our featured nonprofit CRMs.