In Use:
Snowball has many features that make it easy for a nonprofit to maximize donor contributions. Features include, online donation pages, recurring gifts, Text-to-Give, and dedicated support. Unlike GoFundMe, Snowball is a CRM (customer relationship management) solution so users can update and track gifts while also managing staff and volunteers. Auctions are also available for nonprofits to utilize.
Snowball features four subscriptions plans that range from $0 to $999 per year. The basic subscription gives users access to the CRM dashboard, unlimited accounts, event registration, and reoccurring gifts. The Premium Bundle Tier is $799 per year and includes the ability to host an auction, Text-to-Give, unlimited campaigns, and ability to customize donation pages. Finally, the Enterprise subscription is $999 per year and includes Enterprise support and custom integrations.
Technology Used:
Snowball is web-based and can be used by both iOS and android devices. Their dashboard enables nonprofits to track and manage their donations. The dashboard also gives users the ability to analyze their data to understand who is donating to their charity.
Ease of Use:
Snowball is known for being very easy and simple to use. The company also employs bi-lingual U.S. support for all subscriptions both online and over the phone.
Recap:
Snowball is a CRM and a fundraising platform that helps nonprofit organizations fundraise. Perks of using Snowball includes Text-To-Give, offline donations, Auctions, event registrations, and customer support. Users are able to use the platform for event ticketing and registration. Because it’s also a CRM, the software offers all users a dashboard where charities can manage their donations and analyze their results.
Advantages:
- Ease to use
- Features such as Text-to-Give and event registration
- Free basic subscription
- Ability to host an Auction
Disadvantages:
- Not very robust when it comes to other CRMs like Bloomerang and DonorPerfect – best used as a fundraising platform
- Auction subscription is pricey as well as the Premium bundle that comes with Text-To-Give and unlimited events and ticketing
My Opinion:
I appreciate that Snowball offers a free version of their tool with the ability to grow as the charity grows. However, I think the really cool features like auctions and unlimited events and ticketing are locked behind a $799 yearly fee – that many nonprofits can’t afford.
With this switch to a more virtual world – having the ability to host an auction will really help nonprofits secure funds. It’s also a fun interactive way to get donations while connecting with the community.
As for being a CRM, they technically are because they offer a dashboard and analytics to their customers – but they have a long way to go before their compete against nonprofit CRMs such as DonorPerfect and NeonCRM. That’s being said – I could see it being perfect for a small nonprofit who are just interested in managing donations.
