Selecting the right digital giving platform is a strategic decision—one that impacts donor experience, operational efficiency, and long-term growth. A structured, intentional selection process ensures your organization chooses a partner that aligns with both your mission and your technical needs.
Once all proposals have been submitted, your internal evaluation team should begin with a structured review of each response. Start by checking for basic completeness: Did the vendor follow your RFP format? Are all requested sections and requirements addressed?
From there, assess each proposal using a predefined scoring rubric—one that reflects your organization’s technical, functional, and strategic priorities. Pay close attention to how well each response demonstrates an understanding of your mission, your goals for digital fundraising, and the core features that matter most.
“We’re not just looking for a system with the most features—we want one that aligns with how we serve our community.”
Helpful tips:
Once your shortlist is established, invite those vendors to give live presentations and product demonstrations. These sessions are a chance to go beyond the proposal and get a real feel for how the platform performs in practice.
Use these demos to:
“A demo tells you more than a document. It lets you see the platform in action and learn how the people behind it work.”
Before finalizing your decision, it’s essential to speak directly with other nonprofits that have worked with your top vendor candidates. Reference checks give you honest insights into what it’s like to implement and maintain the platform.
Use these conversations to assess:
“Talk to others who’ve already walked this road. Their experiences can guide you toward a confident, well-informed decision.”