Network for Good Review: Is It Worth the Higher Price Tag?
Nonprofits often search for tools to make fundraising easy and effective. Network for Good is a popular online platform that promises to simplify donor management, online giving, and communications. But with its higher price tag, many small organizations wonder if it truly delivers more value than cheaper or free alternatives.
What Is Network For Good?
Network for Good is a software suite designed for small to mid-sized nonprofits. It combines donor management, fundraising tools, email marketing, and reporting in one place. The main goal is to help charities and organizations raise more money while spending less time on administration.
Some of its main features include:
- Donor database for tracking gifts and contacts
- Online donation pages that look professional and accept credit cards
- Email marketing to reach supporters
- Event ticketing and peer-to-peer fundraising tools
- Automated thank-you receipts and reporting
Network for Good claims these features will save time and help nonprofits build stronger donor relationships.
How Much Does It Cost?
Network for Good’s pricing is higher than many competitors. Most plans start at around $200 per month and can reach up to $400 or more, depending on the options you choose. There’s also an onboarding fee, which can be several hundred dollars. This is a big investment for organizations with limited budgets.
Here’s a simple comparison with popular alternatives:
| Platform | Starting Price/Month | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Network for Good | $200+ | All-in-one CRM, giving pages, email, events |
| Bloomerang | $119 | Donor CRM, reporting, email |
| Donorbox | Free* | Donation forms, recurring gifts |
| Givebutter | Free* | Fundraising pages, events |
*Free plans often charge transaction fees or limit advanced features.
What Do Users Like About It?
Many nonprofits choose Network for Good for its ease of use. The dashboard is simple, with clear steps for adding donors, sending emails, and creating campaigns. People with little tech experience can use the platform after a short training session.
Other benefits:
- Responsive customer support: Users often mention helpful onboarding and ongoing support.
- Integrated tools: Instead of using several platforms, everything is in one place.
- Customizable donation pages: These help organizations collect more gifts and look professional.
Where Does It Fall Short?
The main concern is price. Many small nonprofits find the cost hard to justify, especially when free or cheaper tools are available. Some users also report that advanced features, like custom reports, are less flexible than expected.
Another point: Network for Good does not offer volunteer management or grant tracking. If you need these, you may still have to use extra tools.
Here’s a quick look at strengths and weaknesses:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Easy to use, all-in-one, great support | High cost, limited advanced customization |
Is It Worth The Price?
Network for Good is best for nonprofits that want an all-in-one solution and are ready to invest in growth. If your team is small, or you don’t have dedicated tech staff, the convenience and support can save hours each week.
The higher price might pay off if you raise more money or save time on admin work.
However, if your budget is tight, or you only need basic fundraising tools, other platforms like Donorbox or Givebutter offer solid features for less. Sometimes, using two or three free tools together can give you what you need without the high monthly fee.
A non-obvious insight: Some organizations outgrow free tools as they scale, and migrating data can be stressful. Starting with a robust system like Network for Good can prevent this headache later. Another tip: Always ask for a free trial and demo to see if the features fit your real workflows.
If you want to see an example of a nonprofit using these tools, check out the Network for Good customer stories page.
For many, the decision comes down to balancing budget, staff time, and the need for growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Easy Is It To Switch To Network For Good From Another System?
Migrating data is usually straightforward, but it’s important to clean your data before switching. Network for Good offers onboarding support to make the process smoother.
Does Network For Good Charge Extra For Credit Card Processing?
Yes, there are processing fees for online donations. These are similar to other platforms and usually range from 2. 5% to 3. 5% per transaction.
Can I Use Network For Good For Event Management?
Yes, it has basic event ticketing and registration features. However, it does not offer full event management like detailed seating charts or volunteer coordination.
Is Network For Good Good For Very Small Nonprofits?
It can be, but the cost may be too high for organizations with small budgets or few donors. Free or lower-cost alternatives might be a better fit.
Does Network For Good Integrate With Other Software?
It offers some integrations, mostly with email and accounting tools, but not as many as platforms like Salesforce or Bloomerang.
Choosing the right fundraising software is a big decision. Take your time, compare options, and pick the platform that fits your needs now—and in the future.
