Donation Software Comparison: Top 20 Picks for 2025

The world of digital philanthropy is undergoing a remarkable transformation in 2025. Organizations of all sizes are discovering that the right donation software doesn't just streamline operations—it fundamentally changes how supporters connect with causes they care about.

‍

As the digital donation software market experiences explosive growth, nonprofits face both unprecedented opportunities and complex choices. 

‍

With 63% of donors now preferring digital giving platforms over traditional methods, having the right technological infrastructure has become essential, not optional. (Source: Double the Donation)

‍

This comprehensive guide examines the latest developments in donation software, from AI-powered donor insights to cryptocurrency integrations.

‍

Whether you're evaluating your first platform or looking to upgrade existing systems, you'll discover actionable strategies and detailed comparisons of the 20 leading solutions transforming nonprofit fundraising in 2025.

‍

1. 2025 Donation Software Trends Shaping Nonprofit Success

‍

The donation software landscape is evolving rapidly, with several key trends driving innovation and adoption. Understanding these trends will help your organization make informed decisions about which technologies to implement.

‍

AI-Driven Donor Engagement

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond simple automation to become a sophisticated tool for donor analysis and personalization. Platforms that leverage AI provide nonprofits with unprecedented insights into donor behavior and preferences.

• Predictive Analytics: Tools like DonorSearch AI now achieve 81% accuracy in identifying potential repeat donors by analyzing over 800 data points, increasing average gift sizes by 5-10 times. This predictive capability allows nonprofits to tailor their outreach efforts with remarkable precision.
• Chatbot Efficiency: AI-powered chatbots are increasingly being adopted by nonprofits to streamline donor interactions and reduce administrative tasks.  These virtual assistants can answer FAQs, guide donors through the giving process, and collect valuable information 24/7.
• Personalized Giving Experiences: AI algorithms analyze donor history to craft personalized communications, aiming to enhance engagement and response rates. This level of personalization helps nonprofits build deeper connections with their supporters.

‍

Mobile-First Fundraising

Mobile devices continue to dominate how supporters interact with nonprofits, though significant challenges remain in optimizing the mobile giving experience.

• Conversion Disparity: While 57% of nonprofit website traffic comes from mobile devices, only 8% of donations are completed on smartphones. This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity for organizations to improve their mobile giving experience.
• Text-to-Donate Surge: SMS-based donation campaigns are experiencing substantial growth, reflecting donors' preference for quick and convenient giving options. Platforms offering seamless text-to-give functionality are seeing higher engagement rates and lower abandonment.
• Payment Evolution: Contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming standard features in leading donation platforms, reducing friction in the giving process. Mobile donations now average $79 per gift, compared to $118 on desktop—indicating room for continued optimization.

‍

Cryptocurrency Integration

Digital currencies are rapidly moving from niche to mainstream in philanthropic giving, opening new avenues for donation.

• Market Growth: Cryptocurrency donations exceeded $1 billion in 2024, with platforms like The Giving Block reporting that crypto gifts average 30-50 times larger than traditional online donations. This surge reflects both the increasing value of crypto assets and donors' interest in tax-advantaged giving methods.
• Simplified Processing: Leading platforms now support 60+ digital currencies, making it easier for nonprofits to accept these alternative payment methods without technical expertise. Integration with popular exchanges and wallets has streamlined the donation process.
• Transparency Benefits: Blockchain technology provides donors with unprecedented visibility into how funds are used, addressing a key concern about nonprofit accountability.

‍

Recurring Giving Models

Monthly giving programs have become crucial revenue sources for sustainable nonprofit operations.

• Revenue Shift: 31% of online donation revenue now comes from recurring gifts, with monthly donation programs growing by 6% annually. This predictable income stream helps organizations plan and scale their programs more effectively.
• Donor Preferences: 94% of recurring donors prefer monthly giving schedules (versus weekly, quarterly, or annual options), with the average monthly gift amounting to $24—creating an annual value of $288 per recurring donor.
• Retention Technology: New tools like expired card updaters and automated engagement features help nonprofits retain donors by ensuring recurring gifts continue without interruption. 

‍

2. The 2025 Donation Software Landscape

‍

With hundreds of options available, finding the right donation platform requires careful consideration of your specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities. The following comparison highlights key features and considerations across leading solutions.

‍

Key Features at a Glance: Comparison Table

‍

‍

In-Depth Software Analysis

‍

1. Join It

Key Features:

• Smooth integration with tools like QuickBooks, Slack, WordPress, and Zoom
• Custom digital membership cards and database management for up to 25,000 members
• Automated workflows for recurring donations and membership renewals
• Seamless donation functionality built into your Member Portal
• Donations automatically recorded in the member database for easy tracking

Donation Tools:

🚀 Easy Activation: Enable donations with just a few clicks. Control visibility and placement directly in your Member Portal.

🔗 Direct Donation Link: Share a dedicated donation URL for quick, hassle-free contributions.

💌 Flexible Donating: Accept donations from both members and non-members, no account required.

📬 Automatic Receipts: Donors receive instant confirmation emails and downloadable receipts.

🌟 Donor Convenience: Simple donation forms, with an option for donors to cover the ~5% transaction fee — meaning more funds go directly to your cause.

2025 Pricing: Starts at $29/month (500 members) or $49/month (1,500 members), with a 10% nonprofit discount available.

🎁 10% Nonprofit Discount: Registered nonprofits and charitable organizations receive 10% off all paid plans. It’s our way of supporting the missions that matter most.

Mobile Compatibility: Fully responsive design with optimized mobile donation pages.

User Feedback: Organizations praise Join It's intuitive interface and responsive customer support — especially for simplifying membership management in one place.

Compliance: Strong data security through SSL encryption and routine security audits.

Best For: Membership-based nonprofits seeking an all-in-one solution for donation processing, member engagement, and administrative automation.

‍

2. DonorPerfect

Key Features:

• Customizable dashboards with real-time fundraising metrics
• Integrated wealth screening and prospect research
• Comprehensive donor management with automated workflows

2025 Pricing: Starts at $99/month with tiered options based on database size
Mobile Compatibility: Native mobile app for both iOS and Android, enabling on-the-go management
User Feedback: Users highlight the platform's robust reporting capabilities and exceptional customer support, with 90% of reviews mentioning ease of use
Compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 certified with SOC 2 compliance
Best For: Mid-sized nonprofits needing sophisticated donor analysis and relationship management tools

‍

3. Bloomerang

Key Features:

• AI-powered donor retention tools and engagement scoring
• Built-in email marketing and communication templates
• Intuitive donor timelines showing complete interaction history

2025 Pricing: Starts at $119/month, with pricing tiers based on constituent records
Mobile Compatibility: Mobile-responsive forms with simplified checkout process
User Feedback: Organizations report an average 10% improvement in donor retention after implementing Bloomerang's engagement tools
Compliance: GDPR compliant with secure data storage and regular security updates
Best For: Organizations focused on improving donor retention and building stronger supporter relationships

‍

4. Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT

Key Features:

• All-in-one CRM and fundraising solution
• AI-powered wealth analytics and prospect research
• Comprehensive reporting and dashboards

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Dedicated mobile app for gift processing and donor management
User Feedback: Large nonprofits praise the comprehensive nature of the platform, though some mention a steep learning curve
Compliance: Industry-leading security with PCI DSS and SOC 1, 2, and 3 compliance
Best For: Larger nonprofits and educational institutions with complex fundraising operations

‍

5. Givebutter

Key Features:

• Zero platform fee with optional donor-covered fees
• Integrated social fundraising and peer-to-peer campaigns
• Real-time supporter feeds and donation tracking

2025 Pricing: Starting at $33.80/m with 2.9%+$0.30 payment processing (optional donor coverage)
Mobile Compatibility: Industry-leading 47% mobile conversion rate
User Feedback: Small nonprofits consistently highlight the intuitive interface and affordable pricing structure
Compliance: PCI compliant with robust fraud protection
Best For: Budget-conscious organizations and startups seeking professional tools without upfront costs

‍

6. Bonterra (formerly Network for Good)

Key Features:

• All-in-one CRM and fundraising automation
• Donor management with built-in communication tools
• Comprehensive event management capabilities

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Responsive design with mobile-optimized donation forms
User Feedback: Users appreciate the unified platform approach, eliminating the need for multiple tools
Compliance: GDPR and PCI DSS compliant with data encryption
Best For: Growing nonprofits needing scalability and consolidated operations

‍

7. Donorbox

Key Features:

• Cryptocurrency donation acceptance
• AI-driven donation forms with smart suggested amounts
• Multi-language support for global fundraising

2025 Pricing: Starts at $0/month, with a 2.9% payment fee (optional donor coverage).
Mobile Compatibility: Fully responsive with Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
User Feedback: Organizations highlight the ease of embedding donation forms on existing websites
Compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 and GDPR compliant
Best For: Tech-forward organizations targeting global donors

‍

8. Qgiv

Key Features:

• Peer-to-peer and text-to-give fundraising tools
• Event registration with ticket sales
• Auction management with mobile bidding

2025 Pricing: Start plan at $25/month, with extra packages available.
Mobile Compatibility: Native mobile app with SMS giving capabilities
User Feedback: Event-focused organizations praise the all-in-one auction and fundraising capabilities
Compliance: PCI compliant with regular security audits
Best For: Campaign-driven fundraising and event-based fundraising initiatives

‍

9. Neon CRM

Key Features:

• Pre-built reports and membership tracking
• Event management with ticketing
• Grant tracking and management

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Responsive design with mobile-friendly donation forms
User Feedback: Arts and cultural organizations appreciate the membership management features
Compliance: PCI DSS and SOC 2 compliant
Best For: Arts/cultural organizations, schools, and membership-based nonprofits

‍

10. Zeffy

Key Features:

• 100% free platform with zero transaction fees
• Donor-covered fees option
• Streamlined donation forms and event pages

2025 Pricing: Completely free with no platform or transaction fees for nonprofits
Mobile Compatibility: Mobile-optimized pages with 50% higher conversion rates than the industry average
User Feedback: Small nonprofits praise the transparent pricing and customer support
Compliance: PCI compliant with data encryption
Best For: New nonprofits testing donation software or budget-conscious organizations

‍

11. Double the Donation

Key Features:

• Automated corporate gift matching
• Database of 23,000+ matching gift companies
• Seamless integration with existing donation forms

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Mobile-responsive matching gift forms
User Feedback: Organizations report 43% increase in matched gifts after implementation
Compliance: SOC 2 certified with secure data handling
Best For: Nonprofits leveraging employer philanthropy programs and corporate matching

‍

12. Kindful

Key Features:

• Salesforce integration and impact dashboards
• Automated donor correspondence
• Comprehensive data visualization tools

2025 Pricing: Starts at $125/month, based on contact volume
Mobile Compatibility: Responsive design with mobile-optimized forms
User Feedback: Data-driven organizations value the robust reporting and analytics
Compliance: PCI DSS and GDPR compliant
Best For: Data-driven nonprofits needing powerful analytics and visualization tools

‍

13. Fundraise Up

Key Features:

• AI-optimized donation conversion tools
• Intelligent donation forms with personalization
• Embedded checkout on existing websites

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Industry-leading mobile conversion optimization
User Feedback: Organizations report 2-3x increase in online donation revenue after switching
Compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 and GDPR compliant
Best For: Maximizing one-time gift conversions and optimizing donor experience

‍

14. DonorSearch

Key Features:

• Prospect research and wealth screening
• AI-powered donor insights with 81% prediction accuracy
• Database of 800+ data points per donor

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size
Mobile Compatibility: Web-based platform with mobile access
User Feedback: Fundraising teams report 5-10x larger average gifts using predictive analytics
Compliance: SOC 2 Type II with data protection protocols
Best For: Identifying major donor potential and prospect research

‍

15. OneCause

Key Features:

• Mobile bidding for charity auctions
• Text-to-give capabilities
• Peer-to-peer fundraising tools

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Purpose-built mobile apps for auctions and events
User Feedback: Event-based nonprofits highlight the seamless auction experience
Compliance: PCI compliant with SSL encryption
Best For: Event-heavy fundraising strategies and gala events

‍

16. Mightycause

Key Features:

• Built-in CRM and grant management
• Peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities
• Comprehensive reporting suite

2025 Pricing: Starts at $59/month for the Standard plan
Mobile Compatibility: Responsive design with mobile-optimized pages
User Feedback: Small to mid-sized nonprofits appreciate the all-in-one functionality
Compliance: GDPR and PCI compliant with data encryption
Best For: Nonprofits pursuing grants and managing diverse funding sources

‍

17. Handbid

Key Features:

• Real-time auction analytics
• Mobile bidding platform
• Virtual and hybrid auction capabilities

2025 Pricing: Starts at $1,396 per event and multi-event packages available.
Mobile Compatibility: Native apps designed specifically for mobile bidding
User Feedback: Fundraising events report 30-40% higher proceeds after implementation
Compliance: PCI compliant with secure payment processing
Best For: Galas and live events with auction components

‍

18. Regpack

Key Features:

• Customizable donor management workflows
• Integrated registration and payment processing
• Automated communications system

2025 Pricing: Starts at $40/month for the Basic plan
Mobile Compatibility: Responsive forms optimized for mobile completion
User Feedback: Educational organizations value the flexible registration capabilities
Compliance: PCI DSS and GDPR compliant
Best For: Educational institutions and membership groups with registration needs

‍

19. Virtuous

Key Features:

• Responsive fundraising automation
• Personalized supporter journeys
• Multi-channel campaign management

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs
Mobile Compatibility: Mobile-optimized supporter interface
User Feedback: Users praise the relationship-focused approach to donor management
Compliance: SOC 2 certified with GDPR compliance
Best For: Mid-sized nonprofits with diverse revenue streams seeking personalization

‍

20. Classy

Key Features:

• Recurring donation optimization
• Peer-to-peer and crowdfunding tools
• Event management with registration

2025 Pricing: Custom pricing based on your organization’s revenue.
Mobile Compatibility: Responsive design with mobile-first approach
User Feedback: Organizations report significant improvements in recurring donor retention
Compliance: PCI DSS Level 1 and GDPR compliant
Best For: Subscription-style giving models and recurring donation campaigns

‍

3. Implementation Roadmap

‍

Successfully deploying donation software requires careful planning and execution. The following roadmap outlines essential steps to ensure a smooth transition and maximize your return on investment.

3.1 Pre-Launch Checklist

‍

Audit Your Current Donor Data

• Clean your existing database by removing duplicates and updating contact information
• Standardize naming conventions and categorization for consistent reporting
• Document current workflows to identify what needs to be replicated or improved

Define Clear Success Metrics

• Establish baseline metrics for donation volume, average gift size, and donor retention
• Set specific, measurable goals for improvements (e.g., "increase recurring donations by 15%")
• Create a timeline for evaluation points (30, 60, 90 days post-launch)

Test Forms on Multiple Devices

• Verify mobile responsiveness across various screen sizes and devices
• Measure completion times and abandonment rates during testing
• Optimize form length—each additional field reduces conversion rates by approximately 4%

Negotiate Fee Structures

• Compare transaction fees across payment processors (typically 2.2-3.5%)
• Explore options for donor-covered fees, which 60-70% of donors typically accept
• Consider volume discounts for organizations with high transaction counts

Train Your Team

• Develop role-specific training materials for staff and volunteers
• Create standard operating procedures for common tasks
• Establish internal experts who can support others during the transition

‍

3.2 Post-Launch Optimization

Monitor Key Performance Indicators

• Track conversion rates across different channels and devices
• Measure average completion time for donations
• Analyze abandonment points to identify friction in the process

Implement A/B Testing

• Test different donation amounts and suggested giving levels
• Experiment with form designs and page layouts
• Compare appeal messaging to identify what resonates with donors

Launch Recurring Giving Campaigns

• Develop dedicated messaging highlighting the impact of monthly gifts
• Create special recognition programs for recurring donors
• Implement automated upgrade paths for one-time donors

Gather User Feedback

• Survey donors about their giving experience
• Conduct usability testing with volunteers and staff
• Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement

Analyze Retention Metrics

• Monitor first-year donor retention (industry average: 23%)
• Track multi-year donor retention rates (industry average: 61%)
• Implement targeted stewardship based on giving patterns and preferences

As you implement your chosen solution, remember that optimizing for recurring donations should be a primary focus—these sustainable revenue streams create predictable income and stronger donor relationships.

‍

4. Overcoming Top 3 Challenges (2025 Data)

‍

Even with the best technology, nonprofits face significant challenges in maximizing the effectiveness of their donation software. Here's how to address the most common obstacles.

‍

4.1 Data Fragmentation Solutions

‍‍

The Challenge:
Many nonprofits face challenges with fragmented donor data across multiple systems, resulting in inefficient outreach and incomplete donor profiles.​

Strategic Solutions:

• Unified Database Architecture: Implement platforms with comprehensive CRM integration that serve as a single source of truth for donor information.
• API-First Platforms: Choose software with robust APIs that can seamlessly connect with your existing tech stack—integration capabilities should be a primary selection criterion.
• Scheduled Data Synchronization: Establish automated data syncing protocols between systems to maintain consistency, particularly for organizations that must maintain multiple platforms.
• Data Hygiene Protocols: Develop standardized procedures for data entry and maintenance, including regular audits to identify and resolve inconsistencies.

Implementation Example:

A mid-sized environmental nonprofit reduced data management time by 60% after implementing a unified CRM/fundraising platform with automated synchronization between their accounting and email marketing systems.

‍

4.2 Security Compliance

‍

The Challenge:

With increasing regulations around donor data protection, 55% of nonprofits lack dedicated staff to navigate evolving GDPR and CCPA requirements. Security breaches can severely undermine donor trust, making robust data protection measures essential for nonprofits to maintain and build confidence among their supporters.​

Strategic Solutions:

• Certification Verification: Prioritize platforms with PCI DSS, SOC 2, and GDPR certifications that demonstrate commitment to data security standards.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Implement MFA for all administrative access to donor data and payment systems.
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct quarterly vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Staff Security Training: Develop comprehensive cybersecurity training programs with regular updates on emerging threats.

Security Best Practices:

1. Encrypt sensitive donor information both in transit and at rest
2. Implement role-based access controls for donor data
3. Maintain detailed audit logs of all system access
4. Establish incident response protocols for potential breaches

‍

4.3 Donor Retention Tactics

‍

The Challenge:

The average first-year donor retention rate is just 23%, while multi-year donor retention improves to 61%. Low retention creates a constant need for acquisition, which is typically 5-7 times more expensive than retention.

Strategic Solutions:

• Personalized Stewardship Workflows: Develop automated but personalized communication sequences based on giving history, interests, and engagement patterns.
• Impact Reporting: Implement regular updates showing donors exactly how their contributions are making a difference—nearly 1 in 4 donors have stopped giving due to a lack of transparency about how their donations are used.
• Loyalty Programs: Create tiered recognition systems that acknowledge donor commitment beyond giving amount, incorporating factors like consistency and advocacy.
• Segmented Communication: Segmented Communication: Tailor messages based on donor demographics, giving history, and preferred communication channels—72% of first-time donors do not return to give a second time, highlighting the need for personalized engagement strategies.

Implementation Example:

A healthcare foundation increased second-year retention from 26% to 41% by implementing automated impact reports showing specific equipment purchased with donor funds, combined with personalized video acknowledgments from staff and patients.

‍

5. FAQs From Real Nonprofits

‍

Based on analysis of nonprofit forums, social media discussions, and customer support interactions, these are the most common questions organizations ask when selecting donation software.

‍

Q: What's the most affordable option for nonprofits just getting started?

Join It offers a flexible pricing structure that includes a $29/month option (30-day free trial) — ideal for budget-conscious nonprofits. You can also choose to let donors cover the processing fees, making it even easier to get started with zero upfront cost. Plus, verified nonprofits receive a 10% discount on select plans.

‍

Q: How do we handle cryptocurrency donations?

At this time, Join It does not support direct cryptocurrency donations. However, you can still accept crypto through a separate platform and manually record those donations in Join It for tracking purposes. We're continuously evaluating demand for crypto support — stay tuned! 

‍

Q: What's the best solution for church tithes and offerings?

Join It works well for churches and other faith-based organizations thanks to features like:

• Recurring donations
• Member management
• Custom donation forms
  Integration with email tools for outreach

While we’re not a church-specific platform, many small to mid-sized congregations use Join It for tithes, special campaigns, and event-based giving.

‍

Q: What integrations should we prioritize?

A: The most valuable integrations connect your donation software with:

1. Accounting systems (QuickBooks, Xero)
2. Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
3. CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot)
4. Website content management systems (WordPress, Squarespace)
5. Event management tools (Eventbrite, Zoom)

Prioritize integrations based on your existing tech stack and administrative bottlenecks. For organizations managing both donations and memberships, platforms like Join It offer extensive integration capabilities that create a cohesive ecosystem.

‍

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Fundraising

As we look toward the future of nonprofit technology, several clear trends emerge that will shape donation software development and implementation:

1. Mobile optimization is now essential. As of early 2025, mobile devices account for over 60% of global web traffic, underscoring the need for organizations to prioritize platforms that deliver exceptional mobile experiences.​ (Source: SOAX Research)
2. AI-driven personalization will deepen donor relationships. The ability to leverage donor data for personalized outreach will increasingly separate high-performing nonprofits from the rest.
3. Cryptocurrency and alternative payment methods will continue expanding. Organizations that embrace these new giving channels will tap into younger, tech-savvy donor demographics.
4. Security and compliance will require ongoing attention. As regulations evolve and cyber threats increase, robust security measures will protect both donor trust and organizational reputation.
5. Recurring giving programs will become the foundation of sustainable funding. Platforms that excel at converting and retaining monthly donors will deliver the highest long-term value.

When selecting donation software in 2025, the most important consideration isn't just features or price—it's alignment with donor preferences and behaviors. With 63% of donors now preferring to give online with credit or debit cards, meeting supporters where they are becomes essential for fundraising success. (Source: Double the Donation)

‍

Final Checklist:

• ✓ Prioritize mobile-first platforms with responsive design
• ✓ Verify appropriate security compliance certifications
• ✓ Ensure seamless integration with your existing technology
• ✓ Select tools with robust recurring donation capabilities
• ✓ Consider cryptocurrency donation options, even if as a future expansion
• ✓ Choose platforms that allow for personalization and segmentation

‍

By leveraging the right donation software—one that aligns with both your operational needs and donor preferences—your organization can create more meaningful connections with supporters while maximizing the impact of every contribution.