Comparing the Top Nonprofit Fundraising Software Solutions

Effective fundraising is the backbone of many nonprofits, and choosing the right software can make all the difference. And there are no shortage of options out there today.

To make the right decision for your organization, you need to weigh factors such as pricing, features, ease of use, and donor engagement tools. This article compares some of the leading nonprofit fundraising software solutions, including Givebutter, Funraise, Zeffy, MonkeyPod, and several other top contenders.

1. MonkeyPod

Best for: Nonprofits seeking a comprehensive nonprofit management tool. 

MonkeyPod is designed to streamline fundraising, donor engagement, and financial tracking in one platform. It places a strong emphasis on automating administrative tasks so nonprofits can focus more on donor relationships. 

With MonkeyPod, you can build fundraising pages and forms to collect donations. As donations come in, receipts and thank you notes are sent automatically, and the donors are added to your constituent database so you can engage them again in the future. MonkeyPod also includes built-in email marketing, so you can automatically add new donors to a mailing list so they receive your next newsletter. 

MonkeyPod’s all-in-one system also includes nonprofit accounting, so in addition to the automations above, the transactions can also be recorded on your books and your budgets can be updated automatically. 

Of course, we’re a little biased, but if you’re looking for one platform to manage all your nonprofit’s needs, we think MonkeyPod is a great option. 

Pros:

• Comprehensive CRM and engagement tools
• Automated workflows to reduce manual data entry
• Strong financial tracking capabilities 
• Built-in nonprofit accounting and grant management
• User-friendly dashboard and reliable support team
• Subscription includes unlimited relationship records, email sends, and users

Cons:

• Provides more features than some organizations need 
• Features are built-in rather than integrated, so users may need to change systems 

2. Funraise

Best for: Growing nonprofits that are interested in employing a wide fundraising strategy

Funraise is a powerful fundraising platform that blends sleek design with automation tools to optimize donor engagement. With a focus on data analytics, automation, and seamless integrations, Funraise helps nonprofits create customized donor experiences.

Funraise offers more options for fundraisers than some other platforms, including fundraising websites (in addition to the traditional pages and forms), event fundraising tools, and peer-to-peer fundraising. 

Pros:

• Advanced automation and AI-powered fundraising tools
• Robust CRM and integration capabilities
• Customizable donation pages, forms, and websites 
• Peer-to-peer and event fundraising tools
• Mobile-friendly and highly secure
• Learn to fundraise more effectively with Funraise University

Cons:

• Higher price point for premium features
• Learning curve may be steep for new fundraisers

3. Givebutter

Best for: Small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking an affordable platform.

Givebutter offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including donation forms, peer-to-peer fundraising, events, and auctions. It stands out for its modern, user-friendly interface and robust engagement features like text messaging and live stream fundraising. 

Notably, Givebutter operates on a free model, with optional donor tips covering platform costs instead of charging nonprofits directly. For small nonprofits with serious budget constraints, Givebutter can be a good option, even if they provide fewer features. 

However, it should be noted that like most fundraising tools, Givebutter still applies a payment processing fee on each donation, and if tips are disabled, a platform fee is applied. 

Pros:

• No platform fees (optional donor tips)
• Peer-to-peer and event fundraising tools
• Integrations with CRM and payment processors
• Custom branding options

Cons:

• Limited customization on lower-tier plans
• CRM is specifically designed for donors, not volunteers, program participants, etc. 
• Some advanced features require third-party integrations

4. Zeffy

Best for: Budget-conscious nonprofits looking to eliminate transaction fees.

Similar to Givebutter, Zeffy stands out for offering a free fundraising platform. It absorbs all transaction fees, ensuring that nonprofits receive 100% of donations. It offers a range of tools including event ticketing, peer-to-peer campaigns, and donor management. Instead of charging nonprofits, Zeffy relies on optional donor contributions.

Zeffy users won’t have as many customization options as some of the higher priced fundraising platforms, but if budget is the primary concern for your nonprofit, Zeffy can be a good choice. 

Pros:

• Zero transaction fees on donations
• Easy-to-use interface
• Built-in donor management tools
• Free event ticketing and peer-to-peer campaigns

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Fewer integrations compared to premium platforms

5. Classy

Best for: Large nonprofits and enterprise-level fundraising campaigns.

Classy is one of the most well-known fundraising platforms, particularly for large-scale nonprofits running multiple campaigns. It offers a variety of high-end tools, including crowdfunding, event fundraising, and extensive analytics.

Classy specializes in peer-to-peer fundraising, so if your organization relies heavily on those types of campaigns, then Classy may be a good choice for you. 

Pros:

• Enterprise-level scalability
• Customizable campaign pages with high-end design options
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Integrations with major CRMs like Salesforce

Cons:

• High subscription costs
• Complex setup and onboarding process

6. Donorbox

Best for: Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing simple, recurring donation tools.

Donorbox is known for its simplicity and effectiveness, particularly in enabling recurring donations. It integrates easily with existing websites and provides embeddable donation forms that streamline giving.

While Donorbox does offer a free tier to their platform, their platform and processing fees are higher than some of the other fundraising platforms. In addition, their CRM is priced per contact, so the more donors a nonprofit has, the more their subscription costs. 

Pros:

• Quick and easy setup
• Strong recurring donation features
• Affordable pricing with a free option
• Integration with platforms like WordPress and Salesforce

Cons:

• Limited event and peer-to-peer fundraising tools
• Fewer engagement features compared to competitors

7. Bloomerang

Best for: Donor retention and relationship management.

Bloomerang combines fundraising with donor management, offering tools to help nonprofits build and maintain strong relationships with their supporters. It focuses heavily on retention strategies through donor insights and communication features.

The core of Bloomerang’s offering is a CRM, but additional tools like fundraising and volunteer management can be added on to your subscription. Bloomerang also integrates with a wide range of third-party platforms to run the other aspects of your nonprofit. 

Pros:

• Excellent donor retention and engagement tools
• Built-in email marketing and survey features
• User-friendly interface
• Strong CRM functionalities

Cons:

• Not as feature-rich for event fundraising
• Pricing can be steep for smaller nonprofits
• Volunteer and membership management require add-ons 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right nonprofit fundraising software depends on the size, goals, and budget of your organization. For those prioritizing cost savings, Zeffy and Givebutter offer free or tip-based models. If scalability and automation are key, Funraise and Classy provide advanced solutions for growing nonprofits. For nonprofits looking to bring all their operations into one place, MonkeyPod stands out.

By carefully evaluating features, integrations, and pricing, nonprofits can select the software that best supports their mission and maximizes their fundraising potential.

Want to see how MonkeyPod’s fundraising features stack up against the competition? Schedule a demo with our team today.