Raiser’s Edge NXT vs Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud vs NPSP: Which CRM is Best for Your Nonprofit?

Introduction

Nonprofits often struggle with managing data, running fundraising programs, and keeping donors engaged. Without the right tools, these challenges can slow down your mission and lead to missed opportunities. That’s why many nonprofits turn to CRM platforms like Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC), Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), and Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Each of these tools supports smarter, data-driven decisions–but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the wrong CRM can lead to wasted time, higher costs, and poor alignment with your team’s needs.

This guide breaks down Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud vs NPSP vs Raiser’s Edge NXT so you can find the right fit for your goals, your data, and your mission.

What is Raiser’s Edge NXT?

Raiser’s Edge NXT is a cloud-based fundraising and donor management platform built by Blackbaud. It’s the upgraded version of the original Raiser’s Edge system, designed to be easier to use and more powerful. Nonprofits use it to track donations, manage donor relationships, run campaigns, and gain insights through built-in reporting tools. With its user-friendly design, it helps fundraising teams work faster, stay organized, and build stronger connections with supporters.

What’s the Difference Between Raiser’s Edge and Raiser’s Edge NXT?

Raiser’s Edge NXT, launched in 2015, is the only version currently sold by Blackbaud. It still uses the RE 7 database view for advanced tasks like segmentation and record creation, which remain supported for existing users. It combines a modern web-based interface with cloud hosting, while retaining the RE 7' database view” for more advanced backend functions, such as record creation and complex segmentation.

Key Features of Raiser’s Edge NXT

Complete Donor Profiles: Store all donor details such as demographics, giving history, and engagement in one place-so your team sees the full picture. Strong donor data is essential for building long-term relationships and improving donor retention over time.

Easy-to-Use Web Interface: Fundraisers can easily view and update records in the web view, though more advanced features may still require training on the RE 7 backend.

Smart Data Segmentation: Segment donors using the RE 7 backend to run more targeted campaigns.

Built-in Reporting and Dashboards: Track donor trends and campaign performance with clear, customizable reports.

Integration Support: Works smoothly with other Blackbaud tools like Financial Edge. For outside platforms, third-party tools like Omatic may be needed.

Strong Data Security: Uses encryption and follows nonprofit compliance standards to keep your data safe.

Considerations:

Relies on Legacy Tools for Some Tasks: Some features like running custom queries or advanced segmentation—still require using the older database view, which can slow down workflows.

Limited Native Integrations: Unlike Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge NXT doesn’t offer as many built-in integrations with external tools. You may need third-party solutions to connect with platforms outside the Blackbaud ecosystem.

Bottom line:

Raiser’s Edge NXT is strong for structured fundraising needs, especially within the Blackbaud ecosystem. However, it offers fewer open APIs and native integrations than Salesforce, which may limit the ability to create advanced custom setups.

What is Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC)?

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC) is a flexible CRM platform that can be configured to support donor management, case tracking, program delivery, and impact reporting across a nonprofit’s mission. It runs on Salesforce’s powerful ecosystem and helps organizations manage donors, programs, volunteers, grants, and impact—all in one place.

NPC goes beyond fundraising. It supports case management, program delivery, and detailed reporting, making it a strong choice for nonprofits seeking data-driven workflows, better collaboration, and full visibility into their impact.

Key Features of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC)

All-in-One Data Platform: Keep donor, program, and operations data in one place. Case Management tools make it easier to track services and measure impact.

Smart Reporting and Dashboards: Use built-in AI to spot trends, improve strategies, and make better decisions faster.

Automated Workflows: Save time by automating tasks like thank-you emails, follow-ups, and recurring reminders.

Easy Integration with Other Tools: Connect with your favorite apps and tools. It also works with Salesforce Marketing Cloud for Nonprofits to create personalized donor journeys.

Built for Growth: Whether you're a small team or a growing nonprofit, NPC scales with your needs by handling more data, users, and programs as you expand.

Considerations:

Needs Expert Setup: To get the most out of Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, you may need help from a certified partner or expert. Proper setup ensures the platform fits your team’s goals and processes.

Takes Time to Learn: Because it offers so many features, the platform can feel complex at first. Teams may need dedicated training to use it efficiently and get the full value over time.

Bottom line:

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is powerful and flexible. But to unlock its full potential, your team needs the right setup and support. It’s a smart long-term investment for nonprofits ready to scale and drive impact with data

What is Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP)?

The Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) is a free set of tools built on Salesforce that helps small to mid-sized nonprofits manage donors, programs, and fundraising more effectively. It’s designed to organize your data, improve daily operations, and support smarter decision-making, all without large upfront costs.

NPSP gives nonprofits a strong foundation to track relationships, donations, and impact while keeping things simple and scalable.

Key Features of Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP)

Donor and Fundraising Management: Track donor relationships, recurring donations, and campaign results to keep your fundraising on track.

Custom Data Tracking: Use custom objects to track what matters most to your organization—like volunteer hours, grants, or event participation.

Built-In Reporting Tools: Access nonprofit-specific reports and dashboards that help you understand trends and make informed decisions.

Budget-Friendly Start: Begin with the free NPSP package, and add tools as your needs grow—making it ideal for smaller teams.

Flexible Customization: Highly adaptable to your workflows, though setting up complex features may require help from a Salesforce expert.

Considerations:

May Need Expert Help to Customize: NPSP is very flexible, but tailoring it to your unique needs, like tracking custom programs or workflows, may require help from a Salesforce partner.

Add-Ons Can Increase Costs: While NPSP is free to start, you may need to invest in paid apps or features as your organization grows or your needs become more complex.

Bottom line:

NPSP is a strong starting point for small to mid-sized nonprofits looking for an affordable, customizable CRM. Just keep in mind that getting the most value may take some expert guidance and future add-ons.

Key differences between Raiser's Edge, Nonprofit Cloud, and NPSP

Which Data Management Solution Is Right for Your Nonprofit?

Here's a quick comparison based on organizational needs:

NPSP: Great for smaller nonprofits managing up to 20,000 donors and 1,000 volunteers. It’s affordable, flexible, and supported by a strong user community. Perfect for teams just getting started with CRM or working on a tighter budget.

Raiser’s Edge NXT: A solid fit for mid-sized nonprofits with up to 50,000 donor records and structured fundraising programs. Best for teams already using Blackbaud tools and looking for a streamlined, user-friendly fundraising solution.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud: Ideal for larger, more complex organizations with over 20,000 donors and 1,000+ volunteers. It supports advanced customization and coordination across multiple teams. This flexibility makes it especially useful for nonprofits with diverse programs and complex data needs.

Budget Considerations:

NPSP: Best for nonprofits with limited budgets. You can start for free and only pay as your needs grow.

Raiser’s Edge NXT: Offers mid-range pricing with strong fundraising features included, making it a good value for growing teams.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC): Requires a larger upfront investment but offers powerful tools and long-term ROI for larger organizations with complex needs.

IT Resources:

NPSP: You can manage NPSP’s core features with basic Salesforce admin skills, though more complex automations or integrations may still require help from a Salesforce partner or consultant.

Raiser’s Edge NXT: Easy for fundraisers to use daily. However, backend tasks like queries still need a trained user.

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC): To get the most out of it, you’ll need help from a Salesforce expert or consulting partner for setup, customization, and ongoing support.

If you’re evaluating Salesforce options specifically, read a blog on Choosing Between NPSP and NPC: A Real-World Comparison for Nonprofits to understand how these two platforms differ in real nonprofit scenarios.

Common use cases and success stories

Every case study has a story, and data is at the heart of it. Organizations turned challenges into strategic advantages with the NPSP, amplifying their impact:

Case Study 1: FreedomWorks

Disorganized donor systems led to communication errors and wasted resources. Inefficient data processes and poor integration between Salesforce, Fundraise Up, and HubSpot led to duplicate records and slowed down operations. API limitations further disrupted data flow and system reliability.

NPSP optimized donor management workflows to minimize resource use and optimize data processing. Enhanced integrations between Fundraise Up, HubSpot, and Salesforce for seamless data synchronization, eliminated duplicate records, and resolved API issues for smooth system performance.

NPSP delivered accurate and well-organized donor data, enabling more effective donor engagement, streamlined fundraising operations, and enhanced system performance to support organizational stability.

Case Study 2: Housing Alexandria

Outdated systems made it hard to access and use data effectively, limiting the ability to gain insights, tailor communications to stakeholders, and track campaign success.

NPSP upgraded their systems to include user-friendly interfaces for better data visualization. Implementing Analytics tracking provided actionable insights and integrated data-driven personalization into email communications. 

These improvements boosted stakeholder confidence through reliable data, tailored engagement, strengthened donor relationships, and accurate and accessible analytics, which empowered better decision-making.

Nonprofit success hinges on smart data management from Salesforce for nonprofit organizations to turn challenges into opportunities. Let’s explore how some organizations leveraged Salesforce NPC to tackle challenges and achieve impactful results:

Case Study 3: Schwartz Center

Disorganization made managing program and donor data difficult, making it hard to track progress or make informed decisions. Outdated integrations also led to errors in financial reports and stakeholder communication.

Salesforce NPC centralized data systems, streamlining program and financial tracking. The CRM upgrade enhanced accuracy, and automated reporting eliminated manual errors and saved time.

These improvements brought clarity and reliability to their data through Salesforce NPC centralized data systems, empowering better decision-making and fostering stronger stakeholder relationships.

Case Study 4: The Adventure Project

Scattered donor records and manual processes made it difficult to access, update, and use donor information efficiently, leading to errors and wasted time.

Salesforce NPC centralized and organized donor data for better management, implemented real-time tracking, and automated financial and donor interaction records, simplifying day-to-day tasks.

These updates streamlined donor data management, reduced errors, provided actionable insights, and enabled personalized outreach with a 360-degree view of donor relationships.

Addressing Migration Challenges and Mitigation Tips

Migrating to a new CRM is no walk in the park. However, with the right plan and expert support tailored to tools like Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (NPC), NPSP, or Raiser’s Edge NXT, the process can be made seamless even when dealing with legacy data or system complexity. Let’s break down the challenges and how to mitigate them across platforms:

Data Loss: Create comprehensive backups of all critical records, such as donor profiles, financial transactions, and communication history. This is especially important when migrating from legacy systems like Raiser’s Edge 7 to RE NXT, or when consolidating data from multiple platforms. Always validate data accuracy before migration to ensure nothing important gets left behind.

System Incompatibility: Conduct detailed compatibility assessments between your current system and the new CRM. This includes reviewing integration points and custom workflows. For Raiser’s Edge NXT, ensure your team understands the distinction between the database view and web view to avoid post-migration functionality gaps. For Salesforce, verify all third-party apps and automations align with the new configuration.

User Adoption: Offer personalized training sessions to help your team get familiar with the new system’s features and workflows. Whether you're onboarding fundraisers to RE NXT’s web interface or training program managers on Salesforce dashboards, user confidence makes all the difference. Provide continuous support to address challenges and keep your teams fully engaged.

In addition to the above tips, partnering with experienced consultants minimizes risks, streamlines the transition, and sets your organization up for long-term success regardless of which platform you adopt.

The right CRM isn’t just a tool; it’s the engine that drives your nonprofit’s success. Whether you choose Raiser’s Edge NXT, Salesforce NPC, or NPSP, each platform offers unique strengths.

Avoid costly missteps by working with specialists who understand nonprofit operations. Expert guidance from CUBE84 ensures that your CRM aligns with your mission, team, and goals—and grows with you.

Contact CUBE84’s nonprofit specialists to help future-proof your organization with smart data strategies designed to grow with you.