Is It Time To Make The Switch?
Blackbaud is a leading provider of fundraising software for nonprofits. Its products are used by organizations of all sizes to manage their donor relationships, track donations, and plan fundraising campaigns. However, some nonprofit leaders may choose to switch from Blackbaud fundraising software to Blackbaud alternatives for a variety of reasons, such as cost, features, or usability.
If you are considering switching from Blackbaud, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to decide which Blackbaud alternative is right for your organization. There are many different fundraising software options available, so it is important to compare the features and pricing of each product before making a decision. Think about what you need the software to do for you. Your organization is special and unique and you may not need a standard out-of-the-box solution.
Second, you need to consider the cost of switching software. Switching costs can include software costs, data migration costs, and training costs. It is important to budget for these costs before you make the switch. There’s a lot to switching costs but there’s also a lot to consider when you don’t make the switch.
Third, you need to factor in the time it will take to switch software and train your team. Switching software can be a complex process, and it is important to give yourself enough time to complete the switch smoothly.
Finally, you need to be aware of the benefits of switching software. Some of the benefits of switching include better fundraising data, fundraising automation, and increased team productivity.
Switching CRMs is a big decision. One way we help nonprofit leaders make this decision is by providing our Free Fundraising Quiz. Once you take this short 2-minute quiz, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision on how to improve your fundraising capabilities.
Blackbaud Alternatives and Competitors
There are many different Blackbaud alternatives and competitors available. Some of the most popular options include:
When choosing a Blackbaud alternative, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Features: What features are important to your organization? Make a list of the features you need and compare the features of different software products.
- Pricing: How much can you afford to spend on fundraising software? Be sure to factor in the cost of the software, data migration costs, and training costs.
- Usability: How easy is the software to use? Choose a software product that is user-friendly for your team.
- Support: Does the software vendor offer good support? Make sure the vendor offers the type of support you need, such as online tutorials, phone support, and email support.
How to Make the Decision to Switch
Once you have considered the Blackbaud alternatives and competitors, you need to make a decision about whether or not to switch. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- What are your organization’s fundraising needs? Make a list of your needs and compare the features of different software products.
- What is your budget? Be sure to factor in the cost of the software, data migration costs, and training costs.
- How much time do you have to switch software? Switching software can be a complex process, so it is important to give yourself enough time to complete the switch smoothly.
- What are the benefits of switching software? Consider the benefits of switching, such as better fundraising data, fundraising automation, and increased team productivity.
Price
The price of Blackbaud fundraising software varies depending on the product and the size of your organization. However, Blackbaud fundraising software can be expensive.
Blackbaud alternatives and competitors also vary in price. Some software products are free to use, while others charge a monthly or annual subscription fee.
In addition to the cost of the software, you also need to factor in the cost of data migration and training costs. Data migration costs can be significant, especially if you have a lot of data to migrate. Training costs can also be significant, especially if you have a large team to train.
Contract End Date
If you are considering switching from Blackbaud fundraising software, it is important to check your contract end date. Be smart and realistic regarding timing. You don’t want to be left without a donor CRM. Pro tip: If you tell your new software vendor your contract end date, they will likely prioritize your training and onboarding so you can get started using their product on your ideal timeline.
Also, review your contract to see if there are any early termination fees.
Switch Time and Training
The amount of time it takes to switch to new fundraising software and train your team on the new software varies depending on the software product and the size of your organization. However, it is important to give yourself enough time to complete the switch smoothly.
In general, it takes at least a few weeks to switch to new fundraising software and train your team. However, it may take longer to switch software if you have a lot of data to migrate or if you have a large team to train.
There are a few things you can do to speed up the switch to new fundraising software:
- Start planning early. The earlier you start planning, the more time you will have to complete the switch smoothly.
- Create a project plan. A project plan will help you track your progress and identify any potential roadblocks.
- Assign tasks to your team members. Assigning tasks will help you delegate work and ensure that everything gets done on time.
- Communicate with your team. Keep your team informed of the progress of the switch and answer any questions they may have.
- Use training resources. Many software vendors offer training resources, such as online tutorials and phone support. Take advantage of these resources to train your team on the new software.
Switching Costs
The real costs of switching fundraising software include:
- Software costs: The cost of the new software
- Data migration costs: The cost of migrating your data from your old software to your new software
- Training costs: The cost of training your team on the new software
You can minimize switching costs by:
- Negotiating with software vendors. Many software vendors are willing to negotiate on price.
- Prioritize this project. The more efficient you are in changing CRMs, the less the cost of switching will affect you.
- Asking for help from volunteers. You may be able to find volunteers to help you with data migration and training.
Benefits of Switching
There are many benefits to switching to Blackbaud alternatives, including:
- Better fundraising data: New fundraising software products often have more advanced features for managing fundraising data. This can help you better understand your donors and their giving habits.
- Fundraising automation: New fundraising software products often have features that can automate tasks such as sending email newsletters and processing donations. This can free up your team to focus on more important tasks.
- Your team getting more out of the new software: New fundraising software products are often more user-friendly than Blackbaud fundraising software. This means that your team will be able to get more out of the new software.
- Time saved: New fundraising software products can help you save time on tasks such as data entry and reporting. This can free up your team to focus on more important tasks.
- Money raised: New fundraising software products can help you raise more money by making it easier for donors to donate and by providing you with better insights into your donors and their giving habits.
Conclusion
Switching from Blackbaud fundraising software can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember the benefits of switching. New fundraising software products can help you better understand your donors, automate tasks, and raise more money.
If you are considering switching from Blackbaud fundraising software, be sure to do your research and compare the different software products available. It is also important to create a project plan and budget for the switch.
With careful planning and execution, you can switch to new fundraising software and start reaping the benefits.
If you want to learn more about Social Impact Solutions and other Blackbaud competitors, read The Top Blackbaud Alternatives: The Best Nonprofit CRM and Donor Management Systems for 2024. Also, be sure to take our popular Fundraising Quiz to see how your organization compares to other nonprofits. We have a free course that accompanies the quiz that we know you’ll love.