Websites using Convio

Okay, let s break down Convio, covering its overview, revenue (though precise figures are tricky), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Convio Overview

Convio was a leading provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for nonprofit organizations. It focused primarily on helping nonprofits manage their online fundraising, advocacy, and communications efforts.

Here s a closer look at its features and what it offered:

• Core Functionality:
  • Fundraising: Online donation forms, peer-to-peer fundraising, event registration, pledge management.
  • Advocacy: Action alerts, email campaigns to target lawmakers, petition management.
  • Constituent Relationship Management (CRM): Basic database management for donors, volunteers, and advocates.
  • Email Marketing: Tools for creating and sending targeted email communications.
  • Website Integration: Tools to connect Convio s tools with a nonprofit s website.
• Target Audience: Primarily mid-sized to large nonprofit organizations.
• Key Value Proposition: Convio aimed to help nonprofits grow their online presence, engage supporters, and raise more funds.
• History: Convio was acquired by Blackbaud in 2012, and its products and services were eventually integrated into the Blackbaud ecosystem. The Convio brand as a standalone entity no longer exists. While the original technologies are foundational in some Blackbaud offerings, it s important to understand that the current solution is part of a broader platform.

Revenue

• Difficult to Determine Standalone Revenue: Since Convio is no longer a separate company and is integrated into Blackbaud, it s impossible to get precise, separate revenue figures for Convio itself.
• Blackbaud s Revenue: Blackbaud, as a whole, is a significant player in the nonprofit technology sector with substantial revenue (usually reported in its quarterly and annual filings). Blackbaud s revenue encompasses all their products and services, and specific contributions from the original Convio platform are not publicly available.
• Historical Context: Before the acquisition, Convio was a successful public company, so we can assume it had a strong revenue stream as a major SaaS vendor.

Alternatives to (the Original) Convio / Current Blackbaud Options

Because the standalone Convio no longer exists, we need to consider alternatives to the type of functionality Convio provided, or consider Blackbaud solutions. Here s a breakdown:

• For Blackbaud Alternatives (Beyond the Original Convio Elements):

  • Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud: A comprehensive CRM platform for nonprofits, with robust fundraising, program management, and marketing features. A highly customizable option.
  • Classy: A fundraising platform specializing in modern online donation pages, peer-to-peer events, and campaign management.
  • Givebutter: A free to use fundraising platform, easy-to-use interface, and integrated functionality.
  • Kindful (Now Bloomerang): Known for its user-friendly interface and focus on donor engagement.
  • Donorbox: A donation platform, known for its ease of use and focus on recurring giving.
  • Network for Good: A platform designed to help smaller nonprofits with fundraising and online engagement.
  • Luminate Online: Blackbaud s solution that is most closely related to the original Convio platform.

• For Alternatives Specifically to the Functionality (not necessarily the original platform) :

  • For Email Marketing: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Klaviyo (often used for sophisticated email strategies)
  • For Advocacy: Action Network, Salsa Engage (may include a CRM)
  • For Fundraising: See the list above and platforms like GoFundMe Charity.
  • For Event Management: Eventbrite, Cvent (for larger events).

Pricing

• Original Convio Pricing: Convio utilized a tiered subscription model that varied depending on organization size, features selected, and the number of users. Typically, these were annual contracts.
• Blackbaud Pricing: Blackbaud is generally known for a more complex pricing model based on the modules, customizations, and level of support. It tends to be more enterprise-level pricing than some of the alternatives listed above.
• Alternative Pricing:
  • Tiered subscription models: Common, often based on the number of contacts, transactions, features, etc.
  • Transaction fees: Some platforms charge a percentage per transaction (e.g. a donation), especially with basic free plans.
  • Custom Pricing: Larger or more complicated implementations (e.g. Salesforce or full Blackbaud solutions) will have negotiated pricing.
  • Free plans or lower cost options: Many smaller platforms (e.g. Givebutter) are more affordable, and often have free plans.

Customer Care Details

• Original Convio: Before the acquisition, Convio was known for providing training and support for its platform.
• Blackbaud Support: Blackbaud has a complex support system with different tiers and options available.
  • Support Channels: Phone, email, chat, knowledge base articles, community forums, training.
  • Support Level: The level of support received may depend on contract tier and specific solutions utilized.
• Alternative Support: Customer support varies greatly depending on the provider:
  • Smaller vendors: May have more responsive, direct support with email and/or chat.
  • Large vendors: Can provide comprehensive support but sometimes have more complex ticketing/escalation processes.
  • Community forums: Many software companies have user communities where users can help one another.

Key Takeaways

• Convio as a Standalone Product No Longer Exists: It s a key part of the history of Blackbaud and its technologies, but no longer a separate entity.
• Blackbaud is a Major Player: Blackbaud is a dominant force in the nonprofit technology space, offering solutions with roots in Convio s platform.
• Alternatives Exist: Many options are available, depending on your organization s size, needs, and budget, so research is crucial.
• Pricing Varies Widely: Consider your organization s long-term costs carefully, including implementation, support, and transaction fees.
• Support is Important: Make sure a vendor s support capabilities align with your team s needs.

Recommendations

1. Define your needs: Before researching vendors, create a detailed list of your organization s specific requirements.
2. Consider your budget: Be realistic about your financial resources when considering different platforms.
3. Request demos: See demos from multiple platforms to understand the usability and functionality.
4. Check user reviews: Look for user reviews to assess customer experiences and support.
5. Compare pricing structures: Thoroughly review all pricing details, including fees and contract terms.
6. Contact vendors directly: Ask questions specific to your organization s situation.

By carefully researching your options, you can select the best technology to help your nonprofit succeed. Remember, selecting a platform requires balancing functionality, cost, and the support available to your team.