Exploring Donor Management Software and How to Choose the Right Software for Your Organization

Each month, the Wyoming Nonprofit Network highlights a specific topic impacting the nonprofit sector in its What We Are Learning email series. In April 2026, WNN is learning about donor management software and the process of selecting software based on an organization's needs. 

Start Thinking About Donor Management Software

Also referred to as constituent relationship management platforms (CRM), donor management software is technology that tracks, manages, and analyzes interactions with supporters in a centralized database. Whether an organization is selecting donor management software for the first time or in need of upgrading its existing system, the following questions should be considered:

1. Has the organization clearly defined what the software needs to do (i.e., donor management, volunteer tracking, event management, automation, segmentation, reporting, direct emailing, etc.)?

2. What is the organization’s monthly or annual budget for the software?

3. How many records does the organization anticipate managing through the software in the next five to ten years?

4. Is the organization intending for the software to replace several different platforms, or will it require integration with existing tools?

Comparing Donor Management Software 

With needs clarified, the organization can move forward by comparing donor management software options. Several resources can support an organization’s initial efforts to compare the capacity and pricing of select donor management platforms, including:  

•  “Top 10 Fundraising & Donor Management Software Report”, from Business-Software.com

• “Donor Management Systems Use and Satisfaction”, from Nonprofit Technology Network

In addition to using available comparison resources, nonprofit professionals are strongly encouraged to engage with their peers to learn about their experiences with donor management software, particularly those with similar staff sizes, operating budgets, or mission areas.

Resources

• Making the case why the organization should invest in donor management software? Read DonorPerfect’s “The 5 Biggest Benefits of Nonprofit CRM Integration” to understand its benefits.

• Before committing to software, organizations should know the difference between a donor management product and a partner. Use the questions included in DonorDock’s “Nonprofit CRM Buyer’s Guide: 12 Questions to Ask” during the organization's next live demonstration with companies offering donor management software.  

• To be successful, staff engagement is required to adopt new donor management software. Develop a technology change management strategy specific to your organization using the recommendations from DWF’s “How to handle the 'But, why?' Change management in tech adoption.”

Benefit for Wyoming Nonprofit Network Members

• If it is determined that Bloomerang is the software that best meets the organization’s needs, Wyoming Nonprofit Network members save 10% on all first-year database service fees. Bloomerang is committed to managing all aspects of donor relationships, including fundraising, loyalty, engagement, and retention, to create a simple 100% cloud-based donor database solution that helps nonprofits decrease donor attrition and increase revenue. Learn more about the Bloomerang platform online.

What You Want to Learn Matters

Email Director of Learning and Development Tess Mittelstadt at tmittelstadt@wynonprofit.org with your feedback on the What We Are Learning email and suggestions on future topics.

Wyoming Nonprofit Network
822 West 23rd St., Unit A, Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-772-9050
wynonprofit.org