Network for Good Review

Network for Good is a leading company that offers fundraising software, mainly for smaller and medium-sized nonprofit groups. They started with the aim of helping these organizations raise money and maintain good relationships with their donors. The platform offers various tools to make online fundraising easier and better. Over time, Network for Good has become an important resource in the nonprofit sector, helping organizations manage donors, run fundraising campaigns, and achieve their objectives more effectively. Let’s delve deeper into the Network for Good Review.

In 2001, Network for Good was established through a partnership among three leading technology companies: AOL, Cisco, and Yahoo!. This effort was a component of a larger trend to utilize the internet’s potential for positive social impact by creating a central online platform for donations. At first, Network for Good functioned as a nonprofit organization with a focus on making online fundraising accessible to organizations of any size in order to democratize it. In 2013, the company transformed into a profit-driven Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business, enabling it to broaden its range of products and reach a wider audience.

Network for Good’s mission is to enable all nonprofits, regardless of their size or resources, to engage supporters and raise funds effectively using innovative digital tools. The company envisions a world where technology bridges the gap between donors and nonprofits, making philanthropy more accessible and impactful. By providing affordable and user-friendly software solutions, Network for Good aims to level the playing field for small and mid-sized nonprofits, empowering them to thrive in a digital-first world.

Since it started, Network for Good has been very important in changing how charities work in the digital world. This service has assisted more than 250,000 charities in the U.S. to collect over $2.5 billion in donations, greatly improving their ability to gather funds. The company keeps growing and making new things, becoming a key part of the technology used by charities. By concentrating on helping their customers and regularly improving their products, Network for Good has become a reliable ally for charities looking to increase their influence through smart fundraising methods.

Key Features and Functionality | Network for Good Review

Network for Good is designed to offer comprehensive tools that empower nonprofits to manage and enhance their fundraising efforts. Below is an overview of its key features and functionality that make it a versatile platform for nonprofit organizations.

Fundraising Tools

Network for Good provides several robust fundraising tools that cater to the diverse needs of nonprofits:

Donation Pages: The system lets groups make easy-to-use, mobile-friendly pages for collecting donations. These pages are simple to create and are designed to encourage people to give. They can also be customized to fit the nonprofit’s style, which helps gain donors’ trust.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Network for Good supports peer-to-peer fundraising, enabling supporters to create their fundraising pages and campaigns. This feature amplifies the organization’s reach by leveraging the networks of individual donors.

Event Ticketing: The platform provides tools to help nonprofits easily manage ticket sales for their fundraising events. This makes it simple for them to plan, promote, and sell tickets.

Donor Management

Network for Good excels in donor management, providing tools to help nonprofits maintain and grow their donor base:

CRM Integration: The platform integrates seamlessly with various CRM systems, allowing nonprofits to manage their donor data efficiently.

Donor Data Tracking and Reporting: Nonprofit organizations can use specific reporting tools to monitor interactions with donors and the donations they make. This helps them better understand how donors behave and improve their methods for connecting with them.

Automated Communication and Donor Engagement: Automated emails and personalized messages can be set up to engage donors consistently, whether it’s sending thank-you notes or updates on how their contributions are making an impact.

Marketing and Communication

Effective marketing is crucial for nonprofit success, and Network for Good provides the tools to enhance outreach:

Email Marketing Tools: The platform includes built-in email marketing tools, enabling nonprofits to design, schedule, and send campaigns directly from the software.

Social Media Integration: Nonprofit organizations can connect their fundraising efforts with social media, which helps them reach more people and motivates donors to share the campaigns with others.

Customizable Templates: The platform offers a range of customizable templates for emails, donation pages, and fundraising campaigns, helping nonprofits maintain a consistent brand presence.

Reporting and Analytics

Network for Good provides robust reporting and analytics to help nonprofits make data-driven decisions:

Real-Time Donation Tracking: Companies can keep an eye on contributions as they arrive, using live tracking tools that give immediate information about how well a fundraising effort is doing.

Donor Behavior Insights: The platform offers detailed analytics on donor behavior, allowing nonprofits to tailor their engagement strategies based on the insights gathered.

Financial Reports and Dashboards: Effective financial tracking tools assist nonprofits in monitoring their fundraising activities, offering a straightforward view of revenue, costs, and the general financial condition.

Mobile Accessibility

In today’s mobile-centric world, Network for Good ensures that all its tools are accessible on various devices:

Mobile-Friendly Donation Pages: All donation pages are optimized for mobile, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience for donors accessing the site from their smartphones or tablets.

App Compatibility and User Experience on Mobile Devices: The platform offers a seamless mobile experience, with apps and mobile-optimized tools that allow nonprofits to manage their fundraising efforts on the go.

These features collectively make Network for Good a powerful and versatile tool for nonprofits, enabling them to manage fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing efforts with ease.

User Experience

Network for Good is built to be simple and user-friendly, so it’s easy for any nonprofit, big or small, to use. The system is designed so that groups can handle their fundraising well without needing a lot of technical know-how.

Ease of Use

Network for Good is known for how simple it is to use. The website has a user-friendly design that makes it easy to move around and find the tools you need quickly. The main page is neatly arranged, showing important information and activities in a way that makes it easy for charities to monitor their fundraising and how people are interacting with them. When new users join, they are guided through a simple setup process with clear instructions, so organizations can start quickly without any trouble. This setup includes easy-to-follow lessons and useful advice, making it simple for people who aren’t very tech-savvy to start and run their fundraising efforts.

Customization Options

Network for Good offers a high degree of customization, which is essential for nonprofits that want to maintain consistent branding across all their communications. The platform provides flexibility in design, allowing users to tailor donation pages, emails, and other materials to match their organization’s brand. This includes customizable templates and the ability to adjust colors, logos, and messaging to align with the nonprofit’s identity. Moreover, the platform’s personalization features for donor communication are robust, enabling nonprofits to create personalized messages and outreach that resonate more effectively with their audience. This level of customization helps build stronger connections with donors and enhances the overall fundraising experience.

Customer Support

Network for Good is known for its reliable customer support, which is a critical aspect of the user experience. The company offers comprehensive support options, including phone, email, and live chat assistance. Users frequently commend the quality of customer service, noting that support agents are knowledgeable, responsive, and eager to help resolve any issues. Furthermore, Network for Good offers a variety of resources and training materials specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. These tools consist of online seminars, instructional manuals, and informative articles, with the goal of aiding organizations in optimizing their utilization of the platform and enhancing their fundraising results. This support system guarantees that users can confidently explore the platform and utilize its features to the maximum extent.

Pricing and Plans

Network for Good offers a range of pricing tiers designed to accommodate the varying needs and budgets of nonprofit organizations. The platform’s pricing structure is built to provide flexibility, allowing nonprofits to select a plan that aligns with their specific fundraising goals and the level of support they require.

Overview of Different Pricing Tiers

Network for Good generally offers three main pricing tiers: Basic, Standard, and Enterprise. Each plan comes with a different set of features, allowing nonprofits to choose the level of service that best fits their needs. The Basic plan is suitable for smaller organizations or those just getting started with online fundraising. It includes essential tools like customizable donation pages and basic donor management. The Standard plan, which is the most popular, adds more advanced features such as peer-to-peer fundraising, event ticketing, and enhanced donor communication tools. The Enterprise plan is designed for larger nonprofits with more complex needs, offering comprehensive support, advanced analytics, and personalized coaching services.

Features Included in Each Plan

Basic Plan: Includes fundamental features like donation page customization, basic reporting, and standard donor management tools.

Standard Plan: It provides extra features like fundraising between individuals, selling event tickets, better management of donors, and more in-depth analysis.

Enterprise Plan: Provides the most comprehensive features, including advanced analytics, personalized coaching, and a higher level of customer support, tailored to larger organizations with more sophisticated needs.

Transparency in Pricing and Any Hidden Fees

Network for Good provides clear information on its pricing, with detailed details accessible on its website. Nevertheless, similar to other SaaS companies, there might be extra charges involved, especially for payment processing or for choosing certain add-ons. Nonprofit organizations are advised to examine all terms closely to prevent unexpected surprises, as these fees are usually connected to transaction expenses.

Comparison with Competitors’ Pricing

Compared to competitors, Network for Good’s pricing is competitive, especially when considering the range of features included at each tier. While some platforms may offer lower upfront costs, Network for Good provides a more comprehensive suite of tools, particularly in the areas of donor management and customer support. Nonprofits may find that the additional features and support justify the cost, especially when compared to similar platforms like Classy or DonorPerfect, which may have lower entry points but charge extra for essential features.

Security and Compliance

Network for Good places a strong emphasis on security and compliance to ensure that nonprofit organizations can confidently manage their fundraising efforts without worrying about data breaches or regulatory issues. The platform incorporates several robust measures to protect donor data and adhere to industry standards.

Data Protection and Privacy Measures

Network for Good is dedicated to protecting the personal and financial details of donors and nonprofits. The system utilizes sophisticated encryption methods to safeguard data when sending and storing it, guaranteeing that confidential details like credit card numbers and donor information are safe from unauthorized entry. Furthermore, Network for Good abides by the best practices in data privacy by enforcing stringent access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access crucial information. This method reduces the likelihood of data breaches and boosts the platform’s security.

Compliance with Industry Standards (e.g., PCI-DSS)

Compliance with industry standards is a critical component of Network for Good’s security framework. The platform is PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliant, which is essential for any organization handling credit card transactions. PCI-DSS compliance ensures that Network for Good adheres to rigorous security standards, including the encryption of payment information, regular security assessments, and the implementation of secure payment gateways. This compliance provides an additional layer of assurance for nonprofits and their donors, confirming that the platform meets the highest standards of payment security.

Measures to Ensure Donor Data Security

Beyond compliance, Network for Good implements a range of measures to protect donor data. The platform regularly conducts security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks. Additionally, Network for Good provides training and resources to nonprofits to help them understand and follow best practices in data security. The platform’s security infrastructure includes multi-factor authentication (MFA) and automatic logout features, which add extra layers of protection against unauthorized access.

Integration with Other Platforms

Network for Good is made to work smoothly with many different platforms, helping nonprofits make their work more efficient and improve their fundraising. One of the platform’s strong points is its ability to connect with important tools and services that support the goals of the organizations.

CRM and Accounting Software Integrations

One of the key integration features of Network for Good is its compatibility with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Nonprofits can easily sync their donor data with popular CRM platforms, such as Salesforce, to maintain a comprehensive view of donor interactions and history. This integration enables organizations to manage their relationships more effectively, track engagement, and personalize communication. Additionally, Network for Good can integrate with accounting software, allowing nonprofits to automate financial reporting and ensure accurate tracking of donations and expenses. This connection simplifies the administrative burden on nonprofits, freeing up more time for mission-focused activities.

Compatibility with Social Media Platforms

Network for Good also provides strong integration with social media platforms, a necessary component for contemporary fundraising initiatives. Nonprofit organizations have the ability to connect their fundraising efforts with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, allowing them to expand their reach and promote social sharing. This connection simplifies the process for advocates to promote campaigns, leading to a higher volume of visitors on donation pages and a boost in interaction. Nonprofits can enhance their impact by integrating social media efforts with fundraising activities, tapping into the power of social networks.

Third-Party Application Integrations (e.g., Payment Processors)

In addition to CRM and social media integration, Network for Good supports integration with various third-party applications, including payment processors. The platform works with secure payment gateways to process donations efficiently, ensuring that transactions are safe and reliable. This flexibility allows nonprofits to choose the payment processors that best meet their needs, whether it’s PayPal, Stripe, or other popular options. Moreover, Network for Good’s API allows for custom integrations with other applications, giving organizations the ability to tailor the platform to their specific requirements.

Advantages of Using Network for Good

Network for Good stands out as a top choice for nonprofits due to its robust feature set, strong support system, and adaptability to organizations of various sizes. These advantages make it a comprehensive solution for nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts.

Comprehensive Feature Set for Nonprofits

One of the primary benefits of Network for Good is its comprehensive platform that offers a variety of tools tailored for nonprofit organizations. The platform includes everything needed for fundraising, such as customized donation pages, peer-to-peer fundraising, and event ticketing. Furthermore, the donor management features, such as CRM integration, automated communications, and thorough reporting, help nonprofits establish and uphold strong connections with their donors. This extensive range of features guarantees that nonprofits have all the necessary tools to effectively conduct fundraising campaigns without requiring various software solutions.

Strong Customer Support and Training Resources

Another significant advantage of Network for Good is its strong emphasis on customer support and training. Nonprofits can access various support options, including phone, email, and live chat, ensuring that help is always available when needed. The platform also offers extensive training resources, such as webinars, guides, and best practice articles, which are particularly beneficial for smaller nonprofits or those new to online fundraising. This commitment to support and education helps organizations maximize the effectiveness of their fundraising efforts and navigate the platform with confidence.

Flexibility and Scalability for Organizations of Different Sizes

Network for Good is designed to be flexible and scalable, making it suitable for nonprofits of all sizes. Whether a small organization just starting with online fundraising or a large nonprofit managing multiple campaigns, the platform can adapt to meet their needs. Its tiered pricing plans allow organizations to choose the level of service that best fits their requirements and budget, with the ability to upgrade as they grow. This scalability ensures that Network for Good remains a valuable tool as an organization’s fundraising needs evolve.

High Level of Security and Compliance

Safety is very important for any platform that collects donations, and Network for Good does a great job in this area. The platform follows strict rules to make sure that when people give money, their personal information is kept safe. They use special codes and strong protections to keep all important information secure, which helps charities and the people who donate to them feel confident and safe. This strong focus on safety and following rules is very important for keeping everyone’s trust and making sure fundraising can continue to be successful over time.

Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement

While Network for Good offers many valuable features for nonprofits, there are a few areas where the platform could improve. Understanding these drawbacks is important for nonprofits considering this platform to ensure it aligns with their specific needs and budget.

Pricing Concerns for Small Non-Profits

One of the most commonly cited drawbacks of Network for Good is its pricing structure, which can be a challenge for smaller nonprofits with limited budgets. While the platform offers a range of features, the costs associated with these services can add up, particularly when considering transaction fees and additional charges for certain features. For small nonprofits or those just starting, the monthly fees might be prohibitive, especially when compared to other platforms that offer more affordable or tiered pricing models with lower entry points. This pricing issue can limit accessibility for organizations that could benefit from the platform’s robust tools but cannot justify the expense.

Potential Limitations in Customization

One area where Network for Good might not meet all expectations is in the personalization features it offers to users. Although the platform allows for some changes in branding and design, there are claims that some personalization features are restricted. For example, some users have mentioned that the templates for donation pages and emails, although they work, don’t provide as much personalization as they’d like to perfectly align with their organization’s branding or specific campaign requirements. This restriction might be a disadvantage for nonprofits aiming to produce very customized and visually unique fundraising materials.

Feedback from Users on Specific Challenges or Areas Needing Enhancement

Feedback from users frequently points out particular obstacles or aspects in which Network for Good could improve its services. Some users have mentioned struggles with the platform’s reporting tools, stating that while basic reporting features are adequate, advanced or customized reporting choices could use enhancement. Furthermore, some concerns have been raised about occasional technical issues or difficulties in understanding specific functions, especially for companies lacking dedicated IT assistance. These concerns, although not major problems, indicate that Network for Good could improve its user experience and enhance its features to better serve the varied requirements of its nonprofit customers.

Conclusion

To sum up, Network for Good provides a comprehensive package of tools designed for nonprofit organizations. These tools come with excellent customer support, adaptability, and top-notch security measures. Although it performs well in several aspects, those interested in using it should evaluate its cost and the extent of customization it offers to see if it fits their particular requirements and financial plan.

FAQ

Is Network for Good suitable for small non-profits?

Yes, Network for Good can be beneficial for small nonprofits, offering essential tools like customizable donation pages and donor management. However, the pricing may be a consideration, as it might be on the higher side for organizations with limited budgets. Despite this, the platform’s features can help small nonprofits enhance their fundraising efforts.

Can Network for Good integrate with my existing CRM?

Yes, Network for Good integrates seamlessly with popular CRM systems such as Salesforce. This integration allows nonprofits to sync donor data efficiently, manage relationships, and streamline their fundraising processes.

What kind of customer support does Network for Good offer?

Network for Good offers strong customer service, with choices like phone calls, emails, and live chats. People usually praise how quickly and well they get help, with easy access to fix problems and get advice. This full range of support is really helpful for charities that need help using the service.