Inexpensive New Option for Non-Profit Online Fundraising Tech

When it comes to online fund-raising, Convio should be the first option you consider for your non-profit organization (NPO) if your budget can accommodate it. Though competitors like Blackbaud (eTapestry, The Raiser's Edge) have extensive clients lists and obviously have something valuable they offer them, Convio probably has the highest rate of customer satisfaction within that price category, and I will be writing a separate review comparing these two companies at a later date.

A relative newcomer on the seen at a considerably lower price point is NPEngine. This newer venture offers integration with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter as well as integration with a wealth of Google products (Youtube, Docs, etc.) and Salesforce.com. From the NPEngine website, "Easily automate tasks such as sending 'thank you' emails to donors and volunteers, accept and log donations, synch with spreadsheets and much more. Just set it and forget it, no Admin or 'tech person' required." All for a $1,000 one-time fee with no recurring costs.

Unlike the other services mentioned above, NPEngine really focuses on building the online fund-raising offering from the website up, not just adding features to an existing website built in some other platform. For a new non-profit on a shoestring budget, it is an option worth considering. Time will tell if it can build on success with small NPOs to develop to meet the needs of larger and more established organizations.