Donation Management Software

How to Shop for Affordable Donor Management Software

A good Donor Management software solution can change the way you do ministry forever. Ministry leaders quickly discover Donor Management software will pay for itself by not only the burdens it removes from staff, but also by the increased giving from donors. Fifty-five percent of donors prefer to give online and may more regularly when the option is available. Still, finding the right system can be a challenge, especially if you want a robust and affordable CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solution for your ministry.

Simplify your search for affordable Donor Management software by asking these important questions as you look at demos, read websites and scour reviews:

Why Do You Need an Affordable Donor Management Software Solution?

In the end, your solution should solve your most pressing software problems. Ask:

  • What are the main tasks we need Donor Management software to do?
  • What does this particular software do best?
  • Does it contain all the solutions I need?
  • Does it allow room for growth?
  • If I need help, is there someone to call?
  • Are there online tutorials and a knowledge base to search?

Who’s Behind the Affordable Donor Management Software You’re Considering?

New software seems to pop up on a regular basis. Who is behind the software solution you’re looking at? Some solutions are built by engineers. Some are built by companies looking simply to enter a niche for a quick profit. Others are built by ministers who have been in the same shoes you’re wearing. When comparing solutions, make sure you’re choosing one where the company behind it understands not only how you’re running your ministry, but why.

What Other Ministries Use This Affordable Donor Management Software?

If a CRM is good, it’s likely to be used by many successful ministries. Ask for a list of other ministries using the software you’re considering and see if you recognize any of them. Especially compare ministries that are similar to yours in size and vision. And when you ask about the software, also ask about the reputation of the parent company that created it.

When It Comes to Affordable Donor Management Software, Who’s Running Whom?

Price should be a strong consideration for the software solution you settle on, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Ask if the CRM has browser-based protection. Ask if it’s customizable, flexible and if it’ll fit into your current ministry practices. You don’t want the software to run your ministry. You want your ministry to run the software.

Take a Firsthand Look at Each Affordable Donor Management Software Solution

Finally, after you’ve asked why you need Donor Management software, who’s behind it, what other ministries use it, and if it’s flexible, get a firsthand look for yourself. Before you buy, you should have plenty of opportunities to test the software and make sure it meets your needs.

DonorDirect’s StudioEssentials has become a favorite because it gives ministries everything they need—and nothing they don’t. Click here to schedule a no-obligation demo for yourself and see what all the buzz is about. We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect Donor Management software solution for your needs…because at DonorDirect, it’s all about advancing your ministry!