Nonprofit organizations rely on fundraising software to manage donor relationships and fundraising efforts. Two popular options are Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge. Both offer nonprofit CRM functionality, but they differ in features, integrations, and pricing.
This article provides a detailed feature comparison between Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge to help nonprofits select the best solution for their needs.
| Blackbaud CRM | Raiser’s Edge |
| Cloud-based CRM | On-premise CRM |
| Intuitive interface | Steep learning curve |
| Robust analytics and reporting | Basic reporting |
| Native integrations and APIs | Limited integrations |
| Affordable monthly pricing | Lower upfront costs |
| Advanced campaign management | Basic campaign tools |
| Customizable platform | Less configurable |
Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge are leading CRM solutions designed for nonprofits.
Blackbaud CRM is a cloud-based platform that provides nonprofit CRM, marketing automation, peer-to-peer fundraising, and analytics. It aims to help nonprofits build better donor relationships.
Raiser’s Edge is an on-premise CRM solution created by Blackbaud. It provides core donor database management and fundraising capabilities. Raiser’s Edge must be installed locally in your infrastructure.
While Blackbaud now owns both solutions, Raiser’s Edge offers more basic CRM functionality compared to Blackbaud CRM’s expanded features and SaaS model.
As nonprofit CRM platforms, both Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge offer contact management, with robust donor profiles and activity tracking.
Key CRM capabilities include:
However, Blackbaud CRM provides more advanced features and flexibility for managing constituent data, such as custom field creation and household management rules.
Raiser’s Edge offers strong core CRM capabilities, but Blackbaud CRM extends beyond the basics.
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Managing fundraising campaigns is essential for nonprofit CRMs.
Blackbaud CRM provides sophisticated tools for planning, executing, and monitoring campaigns. Users can define campaign hierarchies, set revenue goals, assign activities like asks or events, and track performance. The system automates campaign processes and workflows.
Raiser’s Edge also enables campaign setup and tracking. But capabilities are not as robust compared to Blackbaud CRM. There is less flexibility in configuring campaigns and activity management.
For complex fundraising initiatives, Blackbaud CRM provides superior campaign management tools. Raiser’s Edge meets basic needs but lacks advanced functionality.
Processing and tracking donations is another key requirement for nonprofit CRMs.
Blackbaud CRM enables users to record gifts, link to campaigns, generate receipts and acknowledgements, and manage pledges. Users can also view lifetime giving amounts and other donation reports.
The system integrates with Blackbaud Merchant Services for accepting online payments. Users can build custom donation forms using the Blackbaud Internet Solutions module.
Raiser’s Edge also allows nonprofits to manage monetary and in-kind donations. It is integrated with Blackbaud Merchant Services and Blackbaud Internet Solutions for online giving.
Both platforms provide solid donation processing capabilities. Blackbaud CRM adds more flexibility in how donations can be configured and analyzed.
Nonprofit personnel need access to donor data through reporting and dashboards.
Blackbaud CRM provides extensive out-of-the-box reports on constituents, gifts, campaigns, activities, and overall performance. Users can also build custom reports and set up scheduled report delivery.
The interactive dashboard gives quick access to key metrics and includes customizable widgets. Users can build multiple dashboards for different audiences.
Raiser’s Edge also contains standard reports for donor management and fundraising insights. Users can export report data to Excel. However, custom report building and dashboard features are lacking compared to Blackbaud CRM.
For fundraising teams that rely on data-driven decision making, Blackbaud CRM provides more reporting functionality. Raiser’s Edge offers basic reporting that may require manual manipulation in Excel.
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Nonprofits commonly need to connect their CRM system with external applications like email, accounting, and website software.
Blackbaud CRM integrates with an extensive range of third-party systems through APIs and out-of-the-box connectors. This allows users to unify data across tools without manual entry.
Raiser’s Edge also provides some integrations to Blackbaud solutions like Financial Edge accounting. But its connectivity beyond the Blackbaud product suite is more limited compared to Blackbaud CRM.
With more open API capabilities, Blackbaud CRM enables greater workflow automation when integrated with complementary systems.
Pricing is an important factor when selecting a nonprofit CRM platform. Organizations have different budget constraints.
Blackbaud CRM is available as a SaaS solution at the following price points:
Raiser’s Edge is an on-premise system with upfront licensing costs:
For nonprofits with limited budgets, Raiser’s Edge provides an affordable entry point despite ongoing fees. Blackbaud CRM offers more scalable pricing but requires a larger upfront investment.
Nonprofit staff across departments will interact with the CRM platform. Usability is important for driving adoption.
Blackbaud CRM provides an intuitive, modern interface. Admins can customize the system by user role. The software also offers free training resources and how-to guides.
Raiser’s Edge has a dated interface that relies on extensive menus and forms. The system has a steeper learning curve for user adoption. But its deep feature set also provides more control for power users.
Blackbaud CRM prioritizes user-friendly design suitable for casual to power users. Raiser’s Edge offers robust functionality but requires more training.
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Blackbaud CRM is a cloud-based nonprofit CRM focused on constituent engagement, analytics, and automation. Raiser’s Edge is an on-premise CRM solution for core donor management and fundraising tools.
Yes, Raiser’s Edge provides core CRM capabilities like managing a donor database, tracking interactions, email marketing, and donations. But it offers less flexibility than modern nonprofit CRMs.
Yes, Blackbaud offers two CRM solutions: Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge. Blackbaud CRM is their modern cloud-based platform with expanded capabilities beyond basic CRM.
Yes, Blackbaud CRM is a cloud-based solution delivered through SaaS. Users access the system via the web rather than installing on local servers.
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Blackbaud CRM and Raiser’s Edge both provide nonprofit CRM capabilities. But Blackbaud CRM offers a modern SaaS platform with more advanced features, ease of use, and flexibility. Raiser’s Edge serves basic constituent management needs at a lower price point.
The ideal solution depends on an organization’s budget, user requirements, and existing infrastructure. Nonprofits should evaluate their needs, resources, and goals to determine if the expanded functionality of Blackbaud CRM is worth the higher cost compared to the simpler Raiser’s Edge.
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