Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce – which is more suitable for charities?

Why is it important to choose a suitable charity relationship manager software?

Implementing a suitable nonprofit CRM can enhance key areas of your organisation. As the central system for all your donor and supporter data, your CRM can make or break the relationships you have with your donors as well as the engagement you receive relating to key activities including fundraising and event uptake.

As a charity, you should identify niche requirements that this software will be able to develop for the benefit of everyone affiliated with your organisation; including members of staff, donors, and service users. These can include:

1. Improved user engagement and relationship management: Track your user interactions, preferences, and history to encourage better engagement and stronger relationships with users.
2. Smarter automation: Increase efficiency and productivity by automating the manual tasks that would free up staff time and allow them to focus on your organisation’s priority tasks.
3. More focused insights: Gain access to centralised data including your donor, volunteer and event information and make informed decisions to improve your processes.
4. Improved fundraising: Engage with your donors by targeting your fundraising campaigns more effectively based on your insights and increase your overall donation amount.
5. Streamlined communication and collaboration: Coordinate your efforts and communicate more effectively with cross-departmental staff, volunteers, donors, and service users.
6. Enhanced donor journey: Personalise your donor journey by creating content that your insights suggest will interest them, leading to increased loyalty and generosity.

Charity relationship manager software has arguably become more prominent as 67% of nonprofits have implemented a CRM system to track donations and manage communications with supporters and donors [1].

While this is an encouraging statistic, it is imperative that you avoid an inadequate nonprofit CRM to ensure that your key requirements are successfully met. Settling for anything less than this can lead to wasted time, resources and money, and therefore a poor return on investment (ROI).

Find out more about the benefits of a nonprofit CRM

Access Charity CRM: The pros

When considering Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce factors, the former (an upgraded version of Access thankQ CRM) is a fundraising platform that has been built specifically for the charity sector. Since 1992, the software has been developed with key themes that have supporter engagement at its core; involving donor relationships, event management, and volunteer management for organisations of all sizes.

Provides transparent pricing packages

We understand that the cost of a nonprofit CRM will be a major factor for any potential new customer. For this reason, Access offers three pricing packages for you to choose from which consist of ‘starter’, ‘standard’, and ‘premium’ options. These respective plans clearly outline:

• Monthly fee
• Features
• Permitted number of users

This is made clearer by including a table that compares which features are available for each package, while highlighting the features that require any additional fees. As the additional costs of certain features are outlined from the outset, you can make an informed decision as to whether these requirements fit in-line with your budget.

With this information, you’re able to decide which of our CRM packages are most suitable without the fear of being charged any hidden costs.

View our pricing packages

Created specifically for charities

During the concept stage, Access Charity CRM was developed specifically for the Not For Profit sector in mind. In fact, it was initially inspired by working with several charities.

Since this time, we have worked with hundreds of charities who have engaged with the CRM and the modules that it offers. 

Another contributing factor to this success is that many of the CRM team have either previously worked for charities, are trustees of charities and/or actively fundraise to give back to the sector. Our CRM is therefore managed by charity experts, with charities at the forefront of what they achieve.

Watch how Access improved St Francis Hospice’s donor relationships

Regular feature updates

As Access Charity CRM is a platform focused on meeting the unique requirements of the Not For Profit sector, we are always looking at new and innovative ways of enhancing our product.

Customers of Access can expect new updates and features to potentially enhance any current features or fill any performance gaps the CRM may currently experience.

For example, a recent new feature has been the introduction of the ‘Calling Application’ module that enables charities to contact their supporters for either one-off or regular donations, while keeping them informed of their organisation’s latest information and updates. In addition, there is also a future integration option surrounding volunteer management in the pipeline, which is detailed further in the next point.

Wider suite of solution modules

Access Charity CRM is not only made up of unique modules, but will eventually provide the opportunity to integrate with specialist volunteer management software.

The modules consist of:

• Fundraising management – Create personalised and targeted multi-channel communications.
• Donor management – Track all supporter interactions from a central location.
• Marketing automation – Trigger personalised journeys based on interaction with MailChimp integration.
• Charity event management – Control event planning, delivery, and reporting.
• Direct debit payment processing – Ensure continued income flow with direct debit payments.
• Reporting & analytics – Make swift, informed decisions with access to key insights.
• Income & Gift Aid management – Manage all income streams such as grant funding and legacies.
• Calling app – Manage telephone calling campaigns.

In addition to these modules, Access has also acquired Assemble, who have developed volunteer management software that provides Volunteer Managers with deeper insights into each step of the volunteer journey to assist them with recruiting, managing and retaining their volunteers.

We will provide more details regarding Assemble integration in due course!

Find out more about each of our modules

Provides scalability

A key Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce factor is scalability.

Access Charity CRM was developed with small to mid-sized charities in mind and is a scalable solution that can adapt with your requirements as your charity grows.

For example, a small local charity may choose to implement the ‘Standard Package’ option as they only need the core functionality to successfully manage their day-to-day customer relationship tasks. However, this charity may grow in size a year later and require more advanced features such as marketing automation. While this isn’t available with this package, it can be implemented for an additional fee that is clearly outlined in the pricing plan. Not only is this flexible, but it also highlights that you don’t pay for the features that are redundant to your organisation.

Regardless of whether you are an established organisation or one that has development plans, our CRM is able to adapt to your requirements.

Access Charity CRM: Areas for consideration

Although Access Charity CRM has been created – and continues to be developed – to enhance a charity’s customer relationship management, there are some areas for consideration depending on the requirements you seek.

Most functionality is ‘off the shelf’

While Access Charity CRM's functionality is tailored towards the needs of charity organisations, these features are what are known as ‘off the shelf’. In other words, the features are standard rather than bespoke for your organisation. As one charity can be unique from the next, this can be a potential drawback as depending on their requirements, the software may not be a suitable solution.

However, due to the robust feature list and clear pricing plan Access offers, the features associated with each package are visible from the outset.

With this information, you can make an informed decision as to whether the software is suitable for your charity, rather than regret your decision post implementation. In addition, we are happy to consult with you when evaluating your bespoke requirements ahead of implementation to advise whether they can actually be met within our standard functionality, or if your requirements will soon become available within our development roadmap.

Offers limited bespoke features

Due to the features of our Access Charity CRM predominantly being ‘off the shelf’, the selection of bespoke features are limited. With this in mind, it means that where bespoke features are concerned, this software may not be as flexible as some of its counterparts such as Salesforce. The reason for limiting bespoke features is so that you will continuously be on the most up-to-date version of our software, with all the new features that we continually release. By heavily bespoking software it can take you out of the update cycle and you may miss out on fantastic new features available to other customers.

However, as outlined in the ‘pros’ section, this software is constantly updating to provide its customers with new features. Although you may not receive an immediate bespoke solution, we are eager to hear from our customers and use this feedback to develop the product by potentially creating these desired features in the future.

Not always identified by consultants

If you are looking to implement a CRM with the assistance of a consultant, the chances are they will overlook our Access Charity CRM. Instead, they are more likely to recommend a platform CRM solution due to the higher level of consultancy required post sale, meaning they can be involved in bringing the project to completion. At Access, we have our own highly experienced onboarding team who will lead you through that implementation journey as part of your package.

Before you seek the assistance of a consultant, it is worth considering that there may be potentially suitable providers such as Access who won’t be considered. It may therefore be worthwhile to conduct your own research before contacting a consultant to ensure that you are fully aware of your options.

Offers limited free live training

During the implementation stage, Access provides modular learning, followed by an assessment to verify that you understand the key elements. The duration of this modular learning is dependent on the package that you opt for, which is outlined by the following:

Starter package – Approx. 2hrs 45mins

Standard package – Approx. 3hrs 15mins

Premium package – Approx. 7hrs

Once this has been completed, you will also have free access to our comprehensive self-service training in the form of e-learning resources such as our ‘Help Centre’, which we believe allows for a more flexible learning environment as you can educate yourself in your own timeframe and return to the content whenever you need a refresher.

If you require additional support, further training and consultancy are available for an additional fee, which can be purchased on request. This is clearly outlined in the pricing guide outlined earlier in the article.

Salesforce: The pros

Salesforce is an all-encompassing CRM that can essentially be applied to organisations of all sizes within any sector. Founded in 1999, the provider offers customer relationship management software and applications specialised to sales, customer service, marketing automation, analytics, and application development. In addition, Salesforce markets itself as ‘The World’s #1 CRM’ and arguably for good reason, given its popularity.

A popular CRM platform brand

Trustworthiness can be a key element when weighing up the pros and cons of Access Charity CRM vs. Salesforce. On this score, Salesforce has undoubtedly established itself as a popular CRM platform which has led to it being widely used across all sectors. In the Not For Profit sector alone, it has been reported that over 32,000 organisations use Salesforce [2].

Due to charity organisations generally having a smaller budget than those in business sectors, there can be little room for error when investing in a piece of software. As Salesforce is a recognised (and trusted) brand, it can potentially prove to be a safe option with organisations across all industries being able to vouch for their product and services.

With this crucial trust signal in place, it provides charities with the confidence of purchasing Salesforce without any fears regarding their credibility.

Niche requirement customisation

Customisation is a crucial element when considering Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce. Despite Salesforce not being a specialist nonprofit CRM, it has the ability to be customised to meet your niche requirements. This can include customisations such as:

• Custom fields – tracking donor information that is unique to your operations such as event attendance and volunteer interests
• Automating workflows – Saving time and reducing errors by automating functionality such as contact record creation and ‘thank you’ emails
• Custom reports – Tracking KPIs and provide insights into fundraising and other areas of interest
• Donation forms – Simplifying the donation process for donors
• Integration with other systems – Ensuring data is synced across platforms and reduces data entry

Connects easily with other systems

Salesforce has the ability to connect with other systems that helps enhance the overall user experience. While it has the capacity for large-scale projects such as website integration, it can also make other, simpler connections via their app store and APIs.

Regarding their app store, this allows you to connect with other third parties to provide increased insight. Popular apps can include:

• Social media integration
• Code building capability
• Email marketing automation
• Project management tools
• CMS platforms

Although many of these apps are free, you should be wary that others cost additional fees, and depending on the app, can be rather expensive!

Offers up to 10 free licenses

Salesforce offers eligible charity and educational institutions access of up to 10 donated subscriptions, along with discounts on additional subscriptions, products, and/or services via their ‘Power of Us’ programme.

This is subject to a successful application process to establish whether you meet the requirements. In order to apply, you must complete the following 4 steps:

Step 1 – Complete the ‘Power of Us’ survey – To ensure that the programme is right for you, and if so, what is required for your application to be successful.

Step 2 – Sign up for a free trial – Prior to your application, you will require an active Salesforce trial. If the application is accepted, this trial will become your permanent Salesforce ‘ORG’.

Step 3 – Submit your documents – Once your account has been created and your trial has begun, you can then begin the application process. During this stage, you will need to submit:

• Tax ID number
• Legal Documentation: 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) letter

Step 4 – Submit your application – Remember to submit your application within 30 days of sending off your documents.

Offers member support

One of Salesforce’s customer support methods is via their ‘Trailblazer Community’, where account holders can chat, ask questions and network with other members. While this may seem like a great networking opportunity, it also functions as a central hub to find support and development opportunities by:

• Engaging with others who use the same Salesforce product
• Ask questions and learn from your colleague’s experiences
• Share your knowledge
• Listen to inspiring trailblazer stories

Due to the Trailblazer Community having millions of members across countless countries, the chances are you will be able to find the answer to a question you are looking for, develop your skills, or just connect with some interesting people!

Salesforce: Areas for consideration

Although Salesforce is a powerful CRM platform that is both highly recognised and used, it isn’t specified to any one sector, including charities and Not For Profits. For this reason, it can be argued that it has drawbacks regarding specialised charity requirements, especially when price is bought into the equation.

Not specialised for charities

It’s true that Salesforce boasts a broad range of features to offer organisations across a broad range of sectors, however, many of these consist of generic, off-the-shelf functionality. Salesforce was therefore not developed specifically for charity organisations and isn’t a specialist nonprofit CRM.

While you can rectify this by implementing additional bespoke functionality, it can become very expensive, very quickly. Given the modest budgets of many charities, this may not be a wise investment and could therefore be better suited to find an alternative solution.

As a charity organisation, it is crucial that you understand from the outset whether a prospective supplier’s CRM meets your requirements, and if not, the cost of the additional fees to make it more bespoke.

Find out more about what factors that contribute towards the price of a nonprofit CRM

The 10 free licences offer minimal functionality

After you have been granted 10 free licences via the ‘Power of Us’ programme, you may find that these provide you with minimal functionality. This is a further issue if you are a larger organisation that requires more licences.

Obviously, the more licences that require bespoke features, the more that this will be reflected in the cost – which is an expense you will likely want to avoid!

These additional costs are significant, as they don’t appear to be as transparent as the pricing plan provided by Access. Without being aware of additional costs from the outset, this could build up expenses that you didn’t initially factor into your budget.

Often requires a specialist for onboarding

Many charities may not be as experienced with software solutions such as a CRM and may opt for the services of a CRM consultant.

A CRM consultant is used to provide advice and assistance regarding the software and strategy surrounding a CRM, along with which platform they believe would be most suitable for you. In addition, a consultant can provide training and support where required to help you grasp a better understanding of the system.

If you have no previous experience with Salesforce, it may seem a complex system that will likely require a specialist to provide the onboarding criteria outlined above. Again, this is another factor that can cause additional expense.

Can require a lot of training

Due to the popularity of Salesforce, many people may have experience using the software at some point in their career, meaning that they have prior knowledge of the platform and can use it to a reasonable standard. However, individuals in the charity sector may never have used Salesforce – or any other CRM – which can be intimidating when they are initially faced with this software.

Although Salesforce undoubtedly has its benefits, it is a sizeable CRM that can potentially be complex to someone who is new to the platform. For this reason, they may require additional training that can be costly in terms of both time and price.

Potential long implementation timescale

When making the definitive choice between Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce, the time spent on implementation is a key consideration. Depending on your requirements, Salesforce can potentially be a large and complex system that can take a considerable amount of time to implement. On average, Salesforce should take three to four weeks to implement. However, if you require more bespoke features, depending on the amount and complexity of these, the implementation process can take months.

We advise that prior to making a final decision on a CRM provider that you:

• Fully understand what features their respective package(s) offer
• If bespoke features can be added to these
• How these will influence the implementation timescale

As a charity organisation, a smaller system may be more suitable in meeting your requirements and can be implemented in a shorter timeframe.

Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce: which should you choose?

As a charity, you are likely looking to adopt a CRM solution that meets your unique requirements at a reasonable cost. Therefore, the three key takeaways to think about before you approach these suppliers are arguably ‘scalability’, ‘functionality’, and ‘price’.

Access Charity CRM offers three packages with the features and pricing of these clearly outlined in their pricing plan. Although these predominantly consist of ‘off the shelf’ functionality, they should cover the core requirements of your charity as the CRM is made up of eight modules that are specialised towards charity organisations.

While additional bespoke features aren’t offered per se, we do listen to our clients' feedback and potentially develop new bespoke features when updating our software.

As with Access Charity CRM, Salesforce is also an ‘off the shelf’ CRM. However, while you can be granted 10 free licenses, the functionality of these are not charity focused and can lead to significant expense if additional features are required. If this isn’t an issue for your budget, a key benefit of Salesforce is its app platform where you can easily connect new functionality with the click of a mouse or the tap of a screen.

Before deciding on a system, we strongly recommend that you contact both suppliers to make an informed decision for yourself. However, if you are a small to medium-sized charity who requires a CRM that is built specifically for your sector and can grow with your organisation, Access Charity CRM would be a suitable investment.

Read our guide on how to choose the right CRM for your charity

Speak to our experts

Investing in the right charity relationship manager software is crucial for assisting your charity to operate and grow to its full potential. Understanding the pros and cons of various CRM providers is therefore a fundamental step in ensuring that you make the right choice for your organisation.

At Access, we encourage you to explore your options beyond the ‘Access Charity CRM vs Salesforce’ comparison to extract as much information as possible before making your purchase. However, why not start by getting in touch with us?