🌟 Neon CRM for Nonprofits
Tired of juggling multiple systems for donor management, event registration, membership tracking, and email campaigns? Neon CRM consolidates everything into one platform with unlimited users and contacts—no surprise fees as your database grows. With revenue-based pricing that scales fairly with your organization and automation that saves your team hours every week, nonprofits using Neon CRM see an average 33% increase in donations in their first year.
What It Does
Drowning in spreadsheets while your development team struggles to track donor communications across email, events, and membership renewals? Neon CRM brings all your nonprofit's constituent management into a single, cloud-based platform. Instead of logging into separate tools for donor records, email marketing, event ticketing, volunteer scheduling, and membership management, everything lives in one place with seamless data flow between functions.
The platform automatically tracks every donor interaction—gifts, event attendance, volunteer hours, email opens, and membership status—building comprehensive constituent profiles that help your team personalize outreach and identify your most engaged supporters. Automated workflows handle routine tasks like thank-you emails, pledge reminders, and membership renewals, freeing your small team to focus on relationship-building rather than data entry.
Best For
Organization Size
Small to mid-sized nonprofits with annual revenues up to several million dollars. Works well for organizations with 2-15 staff members who need to coordinate across fundraising, programs, events, and membership.
Best Use Cases
- Organizations managing 500+ active donors, volunteers, or members who need robust relationship tracking
- Nonprofits running regular fundraising events (galas, walks, auctions) that require ticketing, registration, and check-in management
- Membership-based organizations needing automated renewals, tiered membership levels, and digital member benefits
- Teams tired of paying separately for CRM, email marketing, event software, and membership tools
- Growing nonprofits worried about per-contact pricing models that penalize database growth
Ideal For
Development Directors, Executive Directors, Database Managers, Event Coordinators, Volunteer Managers, and Membership Directors who need comprehensive constituent data at their fingertips.
Key Features for Nonprofits
Revenue-Based Pricing (Not Per-Contact)
Pricing based on your annual revenue, not database size. Get unlimited records, users, emails, forms, reports, and campaigns. As you add more donors, volunteers, and members, your cost stays the same—only increasing if your organization's overall revenue grows.
Automated Donor Communications
Set up automated thank-you emails, recurring gift receipts, pledge reminders, and re-engagement campaigns for lapsed donors. Built-in email marketing with segmentation lets you send targeted messages without logging into a separate platform. Track opens, clicks, and engagement automatically.
Complete Event Management
Manage fundraising events from registration to check-in. Create ticket tiers, assign seating, track attendance, process payments, and sync all event data directly into donor records. Volunteer management tools handle shift scheduling, hour tracking, and volunteer communications.
Membership Management
Handle member signups, renewals, multiple membership tiers, and digital member benefits all within the CRM. Automate renewal reminders, track member engagement, and segment communications by membership level. Members can log in to a constituent portal to manage their own information.
Comprehensive Reporting & Analytics
Access pre-built and custom reports on fundraising performance, donor retention, campaign ROI, event results, and more. Executive financial dashboards give leadership clear visibility into organizational health. Customizable queries let you slice data exactly how you need it for board reports or grant applications.
All-in-One Platform
Eliminate data silos by consolidating donor records, fundraising campaigns, event registrations, volunteer schedules, membership data, grant tracking, and email marketing into a single system. No more exporting CSVs or manually syncing data between platforms. Every interaction with a constituent is tracked in one unified record.
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
Imagine a community arts nonprofit with 2,000 donors, 150 active volunteers, and 800 annual members. Before Neon CRM, they used separate systems for donor tracking (spreadsheets), email marketing (Mailchimp), event ticketing (Eventbrite), and membership management (a WordPress plugin). Staff spent hours each week exporting data from one system and importing it into another, often with errors and duplicates.
After implementing Neon CRM, all constituent data lives in one place. When someone buys an event ticket, that transaction automatically updates their donor record and triggers a thank-you email with membership information. When a member volunteers at an event, those hours are tracked in their profile. When it's time to send a year-end appeal, the development director can segment by giving history, event attendance, volunteer status, and membership level—all without touching a spreadsheet.
The result: The 3-person development team saves 8-10 hours per week on data management and can focus on donor cultivation. Automated workflows increased donor retention by 18% in the first year. Event registration became seamless with online ticketing and mobile check-in. And because pricing is based on revenue rather than contacts, they can grow their database without worrying about escalating software costs.
Pricing
Standard Pricing Tiers
Essentials
Starting at $99/month
For small nonprofits with limited annual revenue. Includes all core features: unlimited records, users, emails, forms, reports, campaigns, donor management, email marketing, event management, volunteer tracking, and membership tools.
Impact
Starting at $209/month
For growing nonprofits with moderate annual revenue. Same unlimited features as Essentials, plus additional support options and advanced reporting capabilities.
Empower
Starting at $409/month
For established nonprofits with higher annual revenue. Full feature access with premium support, advanced integrations, and dedicated account management.
Important Pricing Notes
Revenue-based model: Your tier is determined by your organization's total annual revenue, not by database size or user count
Unlimited everything: All tiers include unlimited records, users, emails, forms, reports, and fundraising campaigns
Neon Fundraise: Website fundraising features are separate, starting at $1,900/year
Additional costs: Payment processing fees apply to online transactions, and premium support/expanded integrations may have additional costs
No free trial: Neon CRM doesn't offer a free trial, but provides personalized demos to explore features
*Note: Pricing information is subject to change. Please verify current pricing directly with Neon One for a customized quote based on your organization's annual revenue.
Nonprofit Pricing & Discounts
Neon CRM's entire pricing model is designed specifically for nonprofits, using revenue-based tiers rather than per-contact pricing. This structure is inherently more equitable for nonprofit organizations.
Revenue-based pricing fairness: Unlike competitors who charge based on contact count, Neon CRM's pricing grows only when your organization's revenue grows—not when you add more donors to your database
Unlimited users: Add your entire team without extra per-seat fees—especially valuable for organizations with volunteers or board members who need system access
No specific nonprofit discount mentioned: According to publicly available information, Neon One does not advertise a separate nonprofit discount percentage or annual pricing discount
How to get pricing: Contact Neon One directly for a personalized quote based on your organization's specific annual revenue and needs
Learning Curve
Learning Curve: Intermediate
Time to First Value
- Initial setup: 3-5 hours (importing contacts, configuring settings, connecting integrations)
- First campaign: 1-2 hours (creating email, setting up donation form)
- Proficiency: 2-4 weeks of regular use
- Advanced features: 1-2 months (automation workflows, advanced reporting)
Technical Requirements
- Comfort with Excel/Google Sheets for data preparation and cleanup
- Basic understanding of CRM concepts (contacts, campaigns, segmentation)
- No coding required for standard use
- Somewhat steep learning curve at first, especially when transitioning from simpler systems
Support Available
- Neon One Academy: Comprehensive training resources and video tutorials
- Onboarding support: Straightforward onboarding process with helpful consultants
- Unlimited email support: Included in all plans
- Note: Some users report support response times can be slow (up to a week for simple questions)
Integration & Compatibility
Connects With
Accounting Software
QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop: Robust integration automatically syncs donations, memberships, event registrations, and transactions. Map to Service Items, Classes, Sales Receipts, or Invoices. Filter by dates, revenue types, and tender of transaction. Map campaign attribution fields to finance fields and handle both virtual and physical events.
Fundraising Platforms
Various payment processors and donation tools integrate directly with Neon CRM for real-time gift tracking.
Custom Integrations
API available for connecting with other tools in your nonprofit's tech stack.
Platform Availability
- Web-based: Access from any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Mobile-responsive: Core functions accessible on smartphones and tablets
- Cloud-based: No desktop software to install; access from anywhere
Data Portability
- Full CSV export of contact data and constituent records
- Campaign and event reports exportable in multiple formats
- API access for custom data extraction
- Daily backups included for data security
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fair pricing model: Revenue-based pricing with unlimited contacts and users means no surprise costs as your database grows
- All-in-one platform: Consolidates donor management, email marketing, events, membership, and volunteer tracking—no need for multiple tools
- Built for nonprofits: Designed by people who understand nonprofit workflows and needs
- Excellent onboarding: Straightforward setup process with helpful consultants makes implementation smoother than many competitors
- Proven results: 33% average increase in donations in the first year
- Time-saving automation: Automated donor thank-yous, receipts, and recurring giving workflows free up staff time
Cons
- Steep learning curve: Complex platform takes time to master, especially for teams moving from simpler systems or spreadsheets
- Slow support response: Some users report waiting a week or more for answers to simple questions
- No free trial: Can't test the system yourself before committing; must rely on demos
- Additional costs: Website fundraising features (Neon Fundraise) are separate, starting at $1,900/year
- May be overkill for micro-nonprofits: If you have under 200 contacts and simple needs, you may not need this level of functionality
Alternatives to Consider
If Neon CRM doesn't feel like the right fit, consider these alternatives:
More affordable starting at $45/month with unlimited users and no contracts. Simpler interface than Neon CRM but still offers comprehensive donor management, reporting, and integrations.
Best if: Budget is your primary concern and you want flexibility to cancel anytime without a contract commitment.
Focuses heavily on donor retention with built-in retention predictions and engagement scoring. Starts at $125/month with strong reporting and email integration.
Best if: Donor retention is your top priority and you want AI-driven insights specifically focused on keeping supporters engaged.
Comprehensive donor management with 70+ report templates and built-in Constant Contact for email marketing. Starts at $99/month with pricing based on contact count rather than revenue.
Best if: You want extensive reporting options and prefer contact-based pricing over revenue-based pricing.
Why you might choose Neon CRM instead: Neon CRM's revenue-based pricing is uniquely fair for growing nonprofits, and the truly all-in-one platform eliminates the need to pay separately for email marketing, event management, and membership tools. If you run regular events or have an active membership program, Neon CRM's integrated approach saves both money and staff time compared to cobbling together multiple point solutions.
Getting Started
Step 1: Request a Demo (30-45 minutes)
Visit NeonOne.com and request a personalized demo. Come prepared with your organization's annual revenue, number of active contacts, and key pain points (event management, membership tracking, etc.) so the demo can be tailored to your needs.
Pro tip: Ask specifically about the QuickBooks integration if you use accounting software, and inquire about data migration support from your current system.
Step 2: Clean Your Data (2-5 hours)
Before importing contacts into Neon CRM, spend time cleaning your existing donor data. Remove duplicates, standardize address formatting, ensure email addresses are valid, and fill in missing information where possible.
Pro tip: Clean data leads to better reporting and more effective automation. It's worth the upfront investment—your future self will thank you.
Step 3: Complete Onboarding & Import Data (3-5 hours)
Work with Neon One's onboarding team to set up your account, import contact data, configure donation forms, and connect integrations (QuickBooks, email, payment processors). Take advantage of their straightforward onboarding process and helpful consultants.
Pro tip: Have your team participate in the onboarding training together so everyone understands the system from day one.
Step 4: Start with Core Functions (1-2 weeks)
Begin using Neon CRM for everyday tasks: recording donations, sending thank-you emails, tracking volunteer hours, or setting up your next event. Focus on mastering the basics before diving into advanced automation and custom reporting.
Pro tip: Use Neon One Academy resources and watch tutorial videos as you encounter new features. The logic makes sense over time with regular use.
Need Help with Implementation?
Migrating to a new CRM can feel overwhelming when you're already managing a full workload. If you'd like expert guidance with Neon CRM setup, data migration, QuickBooks integration, or staff training, we're here to help.
One Hundred Nights offers implementation support for nonprofit technology—from quick setup assistance to full-service onboarding and custom workflow configuration.
Contact Us to Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Does Neon CRM offer a free trial?
Neon CRM does not provide a free trial or free plan. To see the platform in action, you'll need to request a personalized demo from their team or contact them for pricing information tailored to your nonprofit's annual revenue. While there's no risk-free trial period to test the system yourself, Neon One does provide comprehensive demos that walk you through features relevant to your organization's size and needs.
How does Neon CRM's revenue-based pricing work?
Neon CRM uses revenue-based pricing tiers rather than charging based on the number of contacts or users you have. There are three main tiers: Essentials ($99/month), Impact ($209/month), and Empower ($409/month). Your tier is determined by your organization's total annual revenue, not your database size. This means you get unlimited records, users, emails, forms, reports, and fundraising campaigns across all tiers. As your nonprofit grows in revenue, you may move up to a higher tier, but you'll never pay more just because you added more contacts or staff members to the system.
What integrations does Neon CRM support?
Neon CRM offers robust integration with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, automatically syncing donations, memberships, event registrations, and transactions. The QuickBooks integration includes mapping to Service Items and Classes, as well as filtering by dates, revenue types, and tender of transaction. You can map customizable campaign attribution fields to finance fields and handle both virtual and physical events. Beyond QuickBooks, Neon CRM integrates with various fundraising platforms and payment processors. An API is available for custom integrations with other tools in your nonprofit's tech stack.
Is Neon CRM suitable for small nonprofits?
Yes, Neon CRM is well-suited for small to mid-sized nonprofits, especially those looking for an all-in-one solution. The Essentials tier starts at $99/month and includes unlimited users and contacts, making it affordable for smaller organizations. The revenue-based pricing means you won't outgrow the platform or face sudden cost increases as you add more donors to your database. However, there is a learning curve, particularly for teams transitioning from simpler systems or spreadsheets. Small organizations should be prepared to invest time in onboarding and training, though Neon One provides excellent support and resources through their Neon One Academy.
What's included in Neon CRM?
Neon CRM is a comprehensive all-in-one platform that includes donor management, contact management, task management, household and relationship tracking, automated receipting, fundraising campaigns, email and marketing automation, grant tracking, event management with ticketing and check-ins, volunteer management with shift tracking, membership management with renewals and digital benefits, custom reporting and queries, executive financial reports, surveys, file storage, a constituent login portal, and free PCI compliance services. All plans include unlimited records, users, emails, forms, reports, and fundraising campaigns. The platform also provides daily backups, unlimited email support, and access to Neon One Academy for training.
How does Neon CRM help increase donations?
Nonprofits using Neon CRM see an average 33% increase in donations in their first year, according to analysis of new Neon CRM users from 2024. The platform achieves this through several features: automated donor communications that save time and improve engagement, email marketing automation that helps you stay in touch with supporters consistently, moves management tools that guide you through cultivation strategies, reporting and analytics that help identify your best prospects and donor trends, and event and membership tools that create additional revenue streams. The automation features are particularly valuable, with users reporting that automated donor thank-you emails and recurring giving tools save significant staff time while improving donor relationships.
What is the learning curve like for Neon CRM?
Neon CRM has a somewhat steep learning curve, especially for organizations transitioning from simpler systems like spreadsheets or basic donor databases. However, users consistently report that the logic makes sense over time and the platform becomes intuitive with regular use. The onboarding process is described as straightforward with helpful consultants, making it one of the easier software onboardings despite the initial complexity. Neon One provides excellent training through their Neon One Academy, video tutorials, and ongoing customer support. Most teams reach proficiency within 2-4 weeks of regular use. The investment in learning is worthwhile because the platform consolidates so many functions—donor management, email marketing, events, membership, and reporting—into one system.
Related Resources
New to AI for nonprofits? Start with this comprehensive guide that walks you through the fundamentals and helps you identify where AI can have the biggest impact in your organization.
Learn how to develop a thoughtful, mission-driven AI strategy that aligns with your nonprofit's goals and values.
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