Websites using Blackbaud CRM

Okay, let s break down Blackbaud CRM, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Overview of Blackbaud CRM

Blackbaud CRM is a constituent relationship management (CRM) platform specifically designed for large and complex nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare systems. It s a robust, enterprise-level solution aimed at managing fundraising, marketing, program management, and financial processes within these sectors. Key aspects of Blackbaud CRM include:

• Comprehensive Functionality: It offers a wide range of modules covering areas like donor management, gift processing, event management, volunteer management, marketing automation, and grant management.
• Scalability: Designed to handle large databases and complex organizational structures, making it suitable for organizations with significant operational scale.
• Industry-Specific Focus: Blackbaud CRM is tailored to the unique needs of the nonprofit, education, and healthcare sectors, understanding the terminology, regulations, and best practices specific to these areas.
• Customization and Integration: It allows for a high degree of customization and integration with other systems, including accounting software, online giving platforms, and marketing tools.
• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Provides extensive reporting and analytics capabilities to track performance, measure impact, and make data-driven decisions.

Blackbaud s Revenue

Blackbaud is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: BLKB). Their revenue is primarily derived from:

• Software Subscription and Support: This is the largest component, covering licensing fees and ongoing support for their various products, including Blackbaud CRM.
• Professional Services: Blackbaud provides implementation, consulting, and training services, generating revenue through these offerings.
• Payments Processing: Blackbaud also generates revenue through payment processing services for online donations and other transactions.

2023 Revenue: Blackbaud reported total revenue of $1.1 Billion for 2023

Alternatives to Blackbaud CRM

If you re considering options besides Blackbaud CRM, here are some notable alternatives, categorized by target audience and features:

For Large Nonprofits:

• Salesforce for Nonprofits: A very customizable platform built on the Salesforce ecosystem, offering a vast app marketplace for specific needs. Known for strong flexibility and integrations but can be complex to implement.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Nonprofits: Offers robust capabilities and integrates well with other Microsoft products. A strong choice for organizations already heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Ellucian CRM Recruit: Specifically designed for higher education institutions and focuses on student recruitment and engagement.
• ThankView: A platform focused on personalized video engagement for fundraising and stewardship, often integrating with other CRM systems.

For Mid-Sized Nonprofits:

• Bloomerang: Known for its intuitive interface and focus on donor retention. Strong for smaller to mid-sized nonprofits.
• Neon CRM: A solid option with a good balance of features and affordability, targeting the mid-market nonprofit sector.
• Kindful: A user-friendly platform with strong fundraising features and integrations.
• EveryAction: (Now Bonterra) A platform that includes marketing automation tools.
• HubSpot for Nonprofits: Not exclusively a CRM for nonprofits, but its CRM capabilities and marketing tools can be a strong fit for certain organizations.

For Smaller Nonprofits:

• Little Green Light: A simpler, more affordable CRM option targeted at smaller organizations.
• DonorPerfect: A popular option with a strong history in the nonprofit space, offering a good range of features.

Pricing of Blackbaud CRM

Blackbaud CRM pricing is complex and not publicly disclosed. It s based on a variety of factors:

• Organization Size: The number of constituents and complexity of data management are primary drivers of cost.
• Features and Modules: The specific functionality (modules) your organization requires impacts pricing.
• Customization and Integrations: Complex implementations and integrations increase costs.
• Subscription vs. Perpetual License: Blackbaud typically offers subscription-based models, but other licensing options may be available.
• Professional Services: Implementation and ongoing support are additional expenses to consider.

General Expectations:

• Significant Investment: Blackbaud CRM is typically considered a higher-end, enterprise-level solution. Be prepared for a substantial investment in software costs and implementation.
• Quote-Based Pricing: Pricing is usually determined through direct consultation with Blackbaud. You ll need to engage with their sales team to get a specific quote for your organization.
• Ongoing Costs: Remember to budget for subscription fees, ongoing support, and potentially customizations and new modules.

Customer Care Details

Blackbaud offers various levels of customer care:

• Support Options:
  • Online Help Center: Comprehensive documentation, articles, and tutorials are available.
  • Community Forums: Users can connect with peers, share insights, and get assistance from the broader community.
  • Phone and Email Support: Direct support from Blackbaud representatives is generally available during business hours.
  • Dedicated Account Managers: Larger clients often have access to dedicated account managers to assist with specific needs and issues.
• Training: Blackbaud offers various training programs, including online and in-person options.
• Professional Services: Implementation, customization, and consulting services are offered as part of their customer care offerings.
• Tiered Support: Higher-tier service levels are generally available with premium subscriptions, offering priority access and faster response times.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Complexity: Blackbaud CRM is a sophisticated system, so plan for implementation time and training.
• Customization: While highly customizable, custom work can be expensive.
• Review Process: Thoroughly review the contract, including renewal terms, before committing to Blackbaud CRM.
• Customer Service Quality: Historically, Blackbaud customer service has received mixed reviews. Be sure to inquire about current response times and support procedures.

Recommendation:

Before making a decision, it s best to:

1. Define your needs: Create a clear list of your organization s requirements and priorities.
2. Compare options: Evaluate multiple CRM solutions, not just Blackbaud CRM, to see which best suits your needs and budget.
3. Request demos: Ask for live product demonstrations from vendors to understand the functionalities and user experience.
4. Talk to users: Seek input from other organizations using these systems.
5. Request detailed quotes: Obtain accurate pricing information that includes all costs (software, implementation, training, support).

Let me know if you have any other questions or would like me to delve into any of these aspects in more detail!