As a nonprofit professional, you understand the importance of leveraging the right online fundraising tools to maximize your organization’s revenue. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which platforms are best suited for your nonprofit’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking to revamp your virtual fundraising strategy or simply seeking to streamline your online giving process, having the right tools in place is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 14 must-have fundraising tools for nonprofits, helping you make informed decisions and take your online fundraising efforts to the next level.

Understanding Online Fundraising Platforms

Before entering into our list of top online fundraising platforms, it’s vital to understand the basics of online fundraising tools and how they can benefit your nonprofit organization.

What are Fundraising Apps or Tools?

Fundraising tools, also known as online fundraising platforms, are software solutions that help nonprofits easily manage their fundraising campaigns. These solutions bring all fundraising activities under one roof, making the giving process more convenient for donors and staff alike.

What are the Benefits of Online Fundraising Tools?

You can expand your nonprofit’s potential donor pool with online fundraising platforms. They allow anyone in the world with an internet connection to engage with and donate to your organization. This can help you grow your donor base beyond just individuals in your local area.

What’s more, online fundraising tools help you easily track donor, fundraising, and accounting data. When your online fundraising platform integrates with your CRM, you’ll benefit from seamless donor data transfers between platforms. Your team can save time by automating data tracking processes, such as transferring donors’ names and contact information to your CRM.

What Costs are Involved with Online Fundraising Solutions?

Before exploring our top providers list, it’s important to know exactly what goes into the cost of online fundraising software. The platform fee is the price you will pay to use the online fundraising platform or tool. This is also sometimes called the monthly or yearly fee. The transaction or processing fee is the price you pay each time your donors use a credit card to submit a donation to you or one of your fundraisers.

Involved in the cost of online fundraising solutions are also the startup costs, such as having to hire a consultant to help set up the system. Further, the largest issue most nonprofits face with free fundraising software is that they quickly outgrow the systems and have to migrate to a paid platform.

Are there Free Online Fundraising Apps?

If you’re looking to reduce costs at your organization to direct most of your funding toward mission-vital projects and programs, you might consider free online fundraising apps. However, even seemingly free platforms can often come with unexpected startup costs.

Benefits of investing in a paid solution designed for nonprofits ensure that your organization has access to all of the fundraising features you need right away. Review Bloomerang’s guide to free fundraising software for more information about why it’s recommended to seek out a paid fundraising platform.

Types of Online Fundraising Platforms

Little do you know, there are various types of online fundraising platforms that cater to different nonprofit needs. Here are some of the most common examples:

• Donor Management and Fundraising Tools
• Flexible Giving and Payment Processing Tools
• Auction and Event Fundraising Tools
• eCommerce and Merchandise Fundraising Tools

Perceiving the differences between these types of platforms will help you choose the best fit for your nonprofit’s online fundraising strategy.

Donor Management and Fundraising Tools

Fundraising tools like Bloomerang offer a comprehensive donor management system, online giving tools, marketing and engagement tools, and integrations with other popular software platforms. These tools help you track donor data, identify prospective major donors, and personalize your outreach and engagement opportunities.

Flexible Giving and Payment Processing Tools

An online fundraising platform like Qgiv provides flexible giving options, including recurring donations, peer-to-peer fundraising, and text-to-give capabilities. These tools enable donors to give from anywhere, at any time, and allow you to easily track donor, fundraising, and accounting data.

Giving platforms like Qgiv also offer Giving Kiosks, which allow you to accept donations and registrations from your supporters wherever you are using a tablet. This is a great way to accept donations on the go or at your events.

Auction and Event Fundraising Tools

Even if you’re new to online fundraising, you can still host successful auctions and events with tools like Handbid. These platforms offer auction software and mobile bidding apps to manage in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.

Handbid’s platform provides both crowdfunding and auction features, making it an ideal solution for nonprofits that need a robust solution for auctions, events, and crowdfunding.

eCommerce and Merchandise Fundraising Tools

Event-based eCommerce platforms like Shopify enable nonprofits to sell merchandise, such as branded items or products created by beneficiaries. These platforms provide a user-friendly drag-and-drop store builder, allowing you to customize your online store and streamline your online sales.

Online fundraising tools like Bonfire help you design, promote, and sell custom-branded T-shirts. With Bonfire, you can create a customized profile page to share mission information and spotlight your active campaigns.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fundraising Platform

After selecting a few online fundraising platforms that align with your nonprofit’s goals and needs, it’s vital to evaluate each option carefully. Here are some key factors to consider:

When choosing a fundraising platform, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Features and functionality: Does the platform offer the features you need to achieve your fundraising goals?
• Cost and pricing models: What are the costs associated with using the platform, and are they aligned with your budget?
• Integration and compatibility: Will the platform integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and tools?
• Customer support and resources: What kind of support does the platform offer, and are there resources available to help you get the most out of the platform?

Features and Functionality

Clearly, the features and functionality of a fundraising platform are crucial to its success. Consider what features are must-haves for your nonprofit, such as customizable donation pages, recurring giving options, peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities, and event registration tools. Make sure the platform you choose offers the features you need to achieve your fundraising goals.

Cost and Pricing Models

Functionality is important, but so is cost. Consider the costs associated with using the platform, including monthly fees, transaction fees, and any additional costs for features or support. Be sure to understand the pricing model and calculate the total cost of ownership to ensure it fits within your budget.

Platform fees can add up quickly, so it’s vital to understand the pricing structure and how it will impact your nonprofit’s bottom line. Consider the costs of payment processing, donor management, and any additional features or support you may need.

Integration and Compatibility

Platform integration and compatibility are critical considerations when choosing a fundraising platform. Will the platform integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and tools, such as your CRM, website, and social media channels? Ensure that the platform you choose can integrate with your existing infrastructure to avoid data silos and ensure a smooth donor experience.

This is especially important if you’re already using other tools and systems to manage your nonprofit’s operations. You’ll want to ensure that the fundraising platform you choose can integrate with these systems to avoid data duplication and ensure a seamless donor experience.

Customer Support and Resources

Customer support and resources are vital to getting the most out of your fundraising platform. Consider the level of support offered by the platform, including online resources, phone and email support, and training and onboarding programs. Ensure that the platform you choose offers the support you need to succeed.

Compatibility is key when it comes to customer support and resources. You’ll want to ensure that the platform you choose offers support that aligns with your nonprofit’s needs and goals. Consider the level of support offered, as well as the availability of online resources and training programs.

Top 14 Online Fundraising Platforms for Nonprofits

To make the search for the perfect online fundraising platform easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 14 online fundraising platforms for nonprofits.

Online Fundraising Software Comparison

To help you compare the features and pricing of each platform, we’ve created a table below:

1. Bloomerang: Best All-in-One Donor Management and Fundraising Tool

Bloomerang is a donor management system equipped with online giving tools for nonprofits, a robust donor database, marketing and engagement tools, and integrations with other popular software platforms.

It offers a suite of online fundraising tools, including custom donation pages, recurring donations, and text-to-donate functionality. Bloomerang Payments, a best-in-class payment processing platform, keeps donor information secure with PCI compliance and industry-leading fraud detection.

2. Qgiv: Best Fundraising App for Flexible Giving

Now, you can take your fundraising to the next level with Qgiv’s flexible online fundraising platform.

Qgiv’s Giving Kiosks allow you to accept donations and registrations from your supporters wherever you are using a tablet. It’s a great way to accept donations on the go or at your events.

3. Fundraise Up: Best Fundraising Tool for Increasing Conversions

Assuming you want to optimize your online donation process, Fundraise Up is the way to go.

AllinOne, Fundraise Up’s state-of-the-art machine learning AI analyzes your website visitors and tailors the suggested giving amount for each person, helping you achieve your goals faster.

Let us know if you’d like us to continue with the rest of the platforms!

More Top Online Fundraising Platforms

All of the online fundraising platforms mentioned so far are designed to help nonprofits like yours succeed in the digital age. Here are a few more top online fundraising platforms that might be a good fit for your organization:

4. Classy: Best Fundraising Platform for Donation Websites

One of the most popular online fundraising platforms, Classy offers a range of tools to help nonprofits create donation websites, set up recurring giving programs, sell fundraising event tickets, and more. With Classy, you can create a seamless online giving experience for your supporters.

5. PayPal: Best Fundraising App for Simple Payment Processing

Clearly, PayPal is a household name when it comes to online payments. But did you know that PayPal also offers a fundraising platform for nonprofits? With PayPal, you can create a customized online giving experience with your own branding, theme, and links. Plus, you can accept multiple payment methods and process recurring donations.

Simple payment processing is just the beginning. PayPal’s online fundraising tools also allow you to suggest donation amounts, track donations, and send automatic receipts to donors. And with PayPal’s trusted brand, your supporters will feel confident donating online.

6. Handbid: Best Fundraising Tool for Auctions

PayPal may be great for simple payment processing, but Handbid takes online fundraising to the next level with its auction software and mobile bidding apps. With Handbid, you can manage in-person, hybrid, and virtual events with ease.

Handbid’s platform offers a range of features, including donation campaigns, text-to-give, and crowdfunding tools. Plus, its auction software is designed to help you maximize revenue and engagement at your events.

7. RaiseDonors: Best Fundraising App for Optimized Donation Pages

Pages like yours are critical to online fundraising success. That’s why RaiseDonors offers an affordable online fundraising platform that enables nonprofits to create and customize online donation pages, integrate with their CRM platform, and equip donors with an easy-to-use self-service portal.

Auctions may be exciting, but optimized donation pages are vital for converting supporters into donors. With RaiseDonors, you can identify online giving trends and optimize your donation pages to increase revenue with its giving dashboard.

Even More Top Online Fundraising Platforms

Now that we’ve covered some of the top online fundraising platforms, let’s dive deeper into a few more options that can help your nonprofit skyrocket revenue. According to Top Nonprofit Fundraising Statistics to Know: Updated 2024, online giving continues to grow, and having the right tools can make all the difference.

8. GivingFuel: Best Fundraising Tool for Customizable Campaigns

Even the most seasoned nonprofits struggle to create engaging donation pages. GivingFuel’s online giving software offers a user-friendly donation-page builder, text-to-give features, employer gift-matching capabilities, and even volunteer management. With GivingFuel, you can create customizable campaigns that resonate with your donors.

9. Shopify: Best Fundraising App for eCommerce Fundraising

Customizable and user-friendly, Shopify is an eCommerce platform that can help your nonprofit expand its merchandise fundraising efforts. With Shopify, you can create an online store that sells items created by your beneficiaries or branded merchandise to raise funds for your mission.

Tool Shopify offers a range of integrations with popular payment gateways, making it easy to set up and manage your online store.

10. DonorBox: Best Fundraising Solution for Website Integration

Best known for its seamless integration with popular content management systems, DonorBox provides nonprofits with streamlined donation forms, customizable donation buttons, and engaging crowdfunding campaigns. With DonorBox, you can integrate online fundraising tools into your website, making it easy for donors to give.

It’s easy to get started with DonorBox, and their UltraSwift checkout feature allows donors to complete donations in just a few clicks without having to input any personal information.

11. GoFundMe Charity: Best Fundraising Platform for Crowdfunding

Similar to Shopify, GoFundMe Charity is a well-known fundraising platform that can help your nonprofit launch crowdfunding campaigns and raise funding and awareness for your mission. With GoFundMe Charity, you can empower supporters to engage in grassroots fundraising initiatives for your nonprofit.

Best of all, GoFundMe Charity offers a free online fundraising platform with powerful solutions for events, peer-to-peer fundraising, online donations, and crowdfunding.

The Final Four Online Fundraising Platforms

Once again, we’re highlighting the top online fundraising platforms that can help your nonprofit skyrocket revenue. Here are the final four:

12. Bonfire: Best Fundraising Tool for Merchandise Fundraising

Four out of five nonprofits use merchandise fundraising to support their cause. With Bonfire, you can design, promote, and sell custom-branded T-shirts, creating a new revenue stream for your organization. User-friendly design tools make it simple to develop custom merch with your nonprofit’s logo, colors, and fonts.

13. OneCause: Best Fundraising Solution for Fundraising Events

For nonprofits that rely heavily on fundraising events, OneCause offers an all-in-one solution. From in-person and virtual events to peer-to-peer fundraising and text-to-give, OneCause provides the tools you need to manage and optimize your online fundraising efforts.

Fundraising events are a crucial part of many nonprofits’ strategies. With OneCause, you can create engaging events, track donations, and manage relationships with supporters. Plus, their resources and educational materials will help you execute campaigns strategically.

14. Mightycause: Best Fundraising App for Relationship-Building

Clearly, building strong relationships with donors is key to long-term fundraising success. Mightycause’s platform simplifies administrative duties while providing a positive donor experience that fosters retention. With its intuitive fundraising dashboard, you can customize, report, and manage campaigns easily.

With Mightycause, you can prioritize relationship-building and cost-effective fundraising investments. Their CRM software, data management features, and marketing tools will help you create a seamless donor experience and drive more revenue for your nonprofit.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Fundraising Platform

Unlike traditional fundraising methods, online fundraising platforms offer a wealth of opportunities to maximize your nonprofit’s revenue. To get the most out of your chosen platform, follow these crucial tips:

• Set clear goals and objectives for your fundraising campaigns.
• Customize your donation pages to reflect your nonprofit’s brand and mission.
• Use social media and email marketing to promote your campaigns and engage with supporters.
• Track and analyze your results to identify areas for improvement.
• Integrate your online fundraising platform with your CRM and other software tools.

The key to success lies in leveraging your platform’s features to create a seamless and engaging donor experience.

Setting Up a Successful Campaign

Successful online fundraising campaigns start with a solid foundation. Before launching your campaign, take the time to define your target audience, set realistic goals, and craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your supporters.

Creating Engaging Donation Pages

While a well-designed donation page may seem like a minor detail, it can make a significant difference in conversion rates. Ensure your page is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and features a clear call-to-action.

With customizable donation pages, you can tailor the giving experience to your nonprofit’s unique brand and mission. Use high-quality images, videos, and storytelling to bring your cause to life and inspire donors to take action.

Leveraging Social Media and Email Marketing

Engaging with your supporters through social media and email marketing is crucial for promoting your fundraising campaigns and driving donations. Share updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal stories to build a loyal community of advocates.

Your social media and email marketing strategies should be designed to nurture relationships, provide value, and encourage sharing and advocacy. By doing so, you’ll create a ripple effect that amplifies your fundraising efforts.

Tracking and Analyzing Results

Donation data is a treasure trove of insights waiting to be uncovered. To optimize your fundraising strategy, track key metrics such as conversion rates, average donation amounts, and donor retention rates.

To gain a deeper understanding of your supporters’ behavior, analyze your data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. This will enable you to refine your approach, increase engagement, and ultimately drive more revenue for your nonprofit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Fundraising Campaign

Your fundraising campaign’s success relies on careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch a successful fundraising campaign:

Defining Your Fundraising Goal and Strategy

Little details can make a big difference in your fundraising campaign’s success. Start by identifying your fundraising goal, target audience, and strategy to achieve your goal. Consider your organization’s mission, current funding needs, and potential donor segments.

Choosing the Right Fundraising Platform

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to online fundraising platforms. Research and compare different platforms to find the one that best aligns with your strategy and goals. Consider factors such as fees, customization options, and integrations with your existing tools.

Fundraising platforms can offer a range of features, including customizable donation pages, recurring giving options, peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities, and more. Look for a platform that provides the tools you need to execute your strategy effectively.

Setting Up Your Campaign and Donation Page

For a successful fundraising campaign, you need a compelling campaign page and donation form that engages donors. Use storytelling techniques to share your organization’s mission and the impact of donations. Make sure your donation form is easy to use and optimized for mobile devices.

Another key aspect is to ensure that your campaign page is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your organization’s work and the difference donations can make.

Promoting Your Campaign and Tracking Results

Assuming you’ve set up a compelling campaign page and donation form, it’s time to promote your campaign to your network. Share your campaign on social media, email, and other channels to reach potential donors.

To track your campaign’s progress, set up analytics tools to monitor donations, website traffic, and social media engagement. Use this data to adjust your strategy and optimize your campaign for better results.

Pros and Cons of Different Fundraising Platforms

Many nonprofits struggle to find the perfect online fundraising platform that meets their unique needs. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of different fundraising platforms into the following table:

Donor Management and Fundraising Tools

Little do many nonprofits know that a robust donor management system can make all the difference in their online fundraising efforts. Look for platforms that offer donor profiling, engagement tracking, and automated communication tools to help you build stronger relationships with your supporters.

Flexible Giving and Payment Processing Tools

Tools like Qgiv and GivingFuel offer flexible giving options, allowing donors to contribute in various ways, such as one-time or recurring donations, peer-to-peer fundraising, and text-to-give. These platforms also provide seamless payment processing, making it easy for donors to give whenever and however they want.

Understanding the importance of flexible giving options, you should consider platforms that cater to different donor preferences and behaviors. This will help you increase online donations and improve the overall donor experience.

Auction and Event Fundraising Tools

Fundraising events and auctions can be a significant source of revenue for nonprofits. Look for platforms like Handbid and OneCause that offer specialized auction software, mobile bidding apps, and event registration tools to help you manage and execute successful events.

Flexible event and auction tools can help you create engaging experiences for your donors, increasing the chances of securing more bids and donations. Consider platforms that offer customizable event pages, real-time bidding, and automated email notifications to streamline your event planning process.

eCommerce and Merchandise Fundraising Tools

There’s no denying the power of merchandise fundraising in today’s digital age. Platforms like Shopify and Bonfire enable nonprofits to create online stores, design custom merchandise, and sell products to supporters. This can be a lucrative way to raise funds and promote your brand.

Management of your online store and merchandise sales is crucial to the success of your eCommerce fundraising efforts. Look for platforms that offer user-friendly store builders, inventory management tools, and shipping integrations to help you manage your online sales efficiently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Fundraising Platforms

Not utilizing fundraising platforms effectively can lead to missed opportunities and stagnant growth. To maximize your online fundraising efforts, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your success.

Not Defining a Clear Fundraising Goal

Fundraising without a clear goal in mind is like navigating a ship without a compass. You must define a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goal to focus your efforts and inspire your donors. Without a clear goal, you risk confusing your audience and failing to mobilize them to take action.

Not Choosing the Right Fundraising Platform

For every nonprofit, there’s a perfect fundraising platform that aligns with their unique needs and goals. However, selecting the wrong platform can lead to frustration, wasted resources, and poor donor experiences. Research and compare different platforms to find the one that best fits your organization’s requirements.

Using a fundraising platform that doesn’t integrate with your existing systems or doesn’t offer the features you need can lead to inefficiencies and lost opportunities. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully and choose a platform that will help you achieve your goals.

Not Creating an Engaging Donation Page

Even the most compelling fundraising campaign can fall flat if the donation page is poorly designed or lacks a clear call-to-action. Ensure your donation page is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and tells a story that resonates with your donors. A well-crafted donation page can significantly boost conversion rates and average gift sizes.

Platform limitations can also hinder the effectiveness of your donation page. Look for a platform that offers customization options, conditional logic, and A/B testing to optimize your donation page for maximum impact.

Not Promoting Your Campaign Effectively

Even the best fundraising campaign can fail if it’s not promoted effectively. Develop a multi-channel promotion strategy that includes social media, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and offline events to reach a wider audience. Utilize storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with your donors and encourage them to share your campaign with their networks.

Donation receipts, thank-you messages, and regular updates are crucial in keeping donors engaged and informed throughout the campaign. Leverage your fundraising platform’s automation features to streamline communication and build strong relationships with your supporters.

Advanced Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits

Keep pushing the boundaries of your online fundraising efforts with these advanced strategies to skyrocket your revenue.

1. Strategy	Description
   Using Data and Analytics	Informed decision-making is key to successful fundraising. Leverage data and analytics to understand your donors, track performance, and optimize your campaigns.
   Creating a Monthly Giving Program	Encourage loyal support with a monthly giving program, providing a steady stream of revenue and deepening donor relationships.
   Leveraging Corporate Sponsorships and Grants	Tap into the resources of corporate sponsors and grants to amplify your fundraising efforts and expand your reach.
   Using Social Media Influencers	Partner with social media influencers to amplify your message, reach new audiences, and drive donations.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these advanced fundraising strategies:

Using Data and Analytics to Inform Fundraising Decisions

Strategies backed by data lead to more effective fundraising campaigns. Analyze your donor data to identify trends, track performance, and make informed decisions about your fundraising strategy.

By leveraging data and analytics, you can:

* Identify and target high-value donors
* Optimize your online donation forms for better conversion rates
* Track the effectiveness of your fundraising campaigns
* Refine your donor segmentation and targeting

Creating a Monthly Giving Program

Programs like these provide a predictable revenue stream and foster deeper relationships with your donors. A well-designed monthly giving program can help you:

By creating a monthly giving program, you can:

* Increase donor loyalty and retention
* Reduce fundraising costs
* Provide a steady stream of revenue
* Encourage long-term commitment from your donors

Fundraising teams can create a monthly giving program by offering different tiers of support, providing exclusive updates and recognition, and making it easy for donors to manage their recurring donations.

Leveraging Corporate Sponsorships and Grants

Sponsorships and grants can be a game-changer for nonprofits, providing access to new resources and funding opportunities. By leveraging corporate sponsorships and grants, you can:

This can help you:

* Expand your reach and impact
* Diversify your funding streams
* Build partnerships with like-minded organizations
* Enhance your reputation and credibility

This involves researching and identifying potential sponsors and grantors, building relationships, and crafting compelling proposals that align with their goals and values.

Using Social Media Influencers to Amplify Your Campaign

Amplify your message and reach new audiences by partnering with social media influencers who share your values and mission. By leveraging social media influencers, you can:

This can help you:

* Increase brand awareness and reach
* Drive website traffic and donations
* Build credibility and trust with new audiences
* Create engaging content and storytelling opportunities

Plus, social media influencers can help you tap into their existing networks, creating a ripple effect that amplifies your fundraising efforts.

To wrap up

Conclusively, selecting the right online fundraising platforms for nonprofits is crucial to skyrocketing revenue. With the top 14 must-have fundraising tools outlined above, you can now make an informed decision to boost your virtual fundraising efforts. From all-in-one donor management systems to flexible giving apps, each platform offers unique features to cater to your organization’s specific needs. By investing in a paid solution designed for nonprofits, you’ll have access to all the necessary fundraising features to succeed. Start exploring these online fundraising platforms today and take your nonprofit’s fundraising to the next level!