16 Jun What Is a Donor Database, and How Should You Choose One?

The right donor database can make it much easier for donors to donate to your nonprofit. The last thing you want is to make it difficult or confusing for your supporters to donate. A donation tool like GiveNow makes it easier for donors to donate, as they can donate simply by sending a text. Because of this added convenience, giving via text is on the rise.

But the right solution can also work as a database, as is the case with GiveNow, which stores information on donations. This includes names, addresses, authenticated cell phone numbers, email address, and purpose for the gift in addition to the amount. Knowing this information opens the door for other campaigns, such as sending out updates by mail or a weekly newsletter if they choose to sign-up. It also helps you understand where your donors live, which can help with marketing and awareness initiatives.

Here are some other benefits of using a good donor database tool.

Stay Transparent with Donors

A donor database can keep track of funds you’re taking in each month. Not only is this information valuable internally, but you can also share donation insights with your supporters. For example, if your nonprofit reached a new record for donations in a month or year, share that information with your supporters. They’ll love to hear it!

Store All Your Data in One Location

Many donor databases have integration capabilities. With these integrations, a donor database can plug into other software tools your nonprofit uses to engage with your donors. For example, you can link all your marketing, finances, and donation tools for seamless functionality. At mobileAxept, we understand this. That’s why all three of our donor solutions—GiveNow, ConnectNow, and ReachNow—integrate together to create a holistic experience for the user.

Save Time Through Automations

A donor database will often include automation functionality. This can help you save valuable time by automating tasks that are currently being done manually, such as recording donor information and donation amounts. This is really important for nonprofits, as the less time you spend on smaller, tedious tasks, the more time and resources you can use to focus on carrying out your organization’s mission.

Manage Growth

Even the smallest of nonprofits should plan on potentially expanding someday. For this reason, finding a donor database that has scalability is important. Even if you only have a hundred or so members or donors to keep track of, there is no reason that number can’t grow to a thousand or more over time. For this reason, choose a donor database that can scale up, so you don’t have to switch solutions if you reach capacity.

Finally, when you’re looking at donor database tools, don’t forget to consider ease of use. If the provider offers a free trial, take advantage of that. Since different people within your organization will likely be using the tool, get feedback from them. If your colleagues don’t find it easy enough to use, you may end up losing instead of gaining productivity. Also consider the donor experience. Donor-facing elements such as platform registration and text giving interfaces must be simple, friendly, and fast.

We invite you to contact us for more information today.