Blackbaud Fundraiser Performance Management vs. DonorSearch

I think there are better charitable relationship management platforms out there. BFPM serves a purpose, but it is an incomplete product for the hefty price tag it comes with. Certain aspects are billed as proprietary, like the MG EVI ratings, but they are inconsistent and often incorrect. BFPM has barely been updated in the decade I have been a user, which leads me to believe that the Blackbaud team is not innovating or devoting resources to enhancing/improving this product. It could stand a refresh to bring the entire product into the year 2022.

Incentivized

I would say DonorSearch is well suited as you set out to build donor profiles. I think there are excellent background information on spouses, addresses, real estate holdings, giving priorities, etc. I also like it for grant research - you can find funders who may be interested in your philanthropic priorities and occasionally what those timelines are. I would not suggest using this for absolute strangers to your organization - too much to work through.

• User-friendly interface
• Accessible from anywhere
• Multi-level search and query functions
• Streamlined prospect data pages

Incentivized

• Broad inclusion of information
• Prior giving records
• Address information

• "MG EVI" scores are a sham
• Doesn't seamlessly translate over to Banner in certain areas
• Clunky 'new tab' functionality quickly floods entire browser window.

Incentivized

• Too many names included even when the correct address has been provided for the initial query
• Not providing total clarity about DonorSearch specific definitions
• Providing too much info from low-quality profiles

Very clean interface and easy to navigate based on labeling. Also, the onboarding process is very easy to follow and understand! DonorSearch also does weekly webinars that help and are insightful when looking to learn new things about the system

Incentivized

BFPM has the advantage because it is designed to be user-facing and user-friendly. It is a simple website to learn to use and navigate, but that does not mean it is flawless. It helps me and my colleagues engage with the database in a more straightforward manner, without having to learn and remember various codes and queries.

Incentivized

DonorSearch was the first product we onboarded for our donor research and haven't left them because of the success we have had with them so far!

Incentivized

• MG EVI is not the end-all-be-all it was sold as
• Still requires use of Banner for certain info
• Helps streamline data entry by allowing gift officers to enter their own contacts.

Incentivized

• There has not been a negative impact
• We have been able to get a jumpstart on many leads
• We are able to see whose giving aligns with our organization