Nonprofit Cloud vs. NPSP: Choosing the Right CRM for Your Cause
Salesforce offers two powerful solutions designed to empower nonprofits: Nonprofit Cloud and the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP). But with some key differences between them, deciding which one is right for your organization can be tricky. Let's break down the essentials to help you pick the perfect fit.
Introducing the Contenders
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud: Launched in 2023, this is a fully integrated CRM built specifically for nonprofits. It streamlines core functionalities like fundraising, grantmaking, program management, and case management into a single platform.
Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP): A free app suite that has been a mainstay for nonprofits using Salesforce for years. NPSP customizes the standard Salesforce platform to better suit your needs, adding features like household management and reporting specific to the nonprofit world.
The Feature Face-Off
Functionality: Nonprofit Cloud offers a more comprehensive set of features out-of-the-box, including advanced campaign management and a focus on constituent engagement. NPSP, however, boasts functionalities like volunteer management through integrations with tools like Volunteers for Salesforce (V4S).
Data Model: Nonprofit Cloud introduces a more flexible data model with "Person Accounts," allowing for a wider range of relationship tracking. NPSP uses the traditional "Household Account" model, which may be simpler for some organizations.
Deployment and Customization: Nonprofit Cloud offers a faster setup process, while NPSP requires more configuration. However, NPSP offers a higher degree of customization for users comfortable with building on the Salesforce platform.
Cost Considerations
Nonprofit Cloud: Pricing varies depending on features and user volume.
NPSP: Free to install, but ongoing maintenance and customization costs can add up.
Making the Choice
New to Salesforce? Opt for Nonprofit Cloud. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it ideal for organizations starting their Salesforce journey.
Already using Salesforce with NPSP? Consider the upgrade path. Nonprofit Cloud offers a more powerful feature set, but a transition requires careful planning. Evaluate if the new functionalities outweigh the migration effort.
Value volunteer management? Stick with NPSP (for now). While volunteer management isn't currently available in Nonprofit Cloud, NPSP integrates seamlessly with V4S.
The Final Word
Both Nonprofit Cloud and NPSP are valuable tools for nonprofits. The best choice depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget. Carefully weigh the pros and cons to ensure you pick the CRM that empowers your organization to achieve its mission more effectively.
