What to Look for in a Vendor (Qualifications)

When selecting a digital giving platform, choosing the right vendor is just as important as choosing the right technology. This section is designed to help nonprofit leaders identify the most important qualifications to look for in a prospective partner. A strong vendor should bring not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector—and a commitment to your long-term success.

‍

Nonprofit Sector Experience

Look for vendors who have a meaningful track record serving nonprofit organizations—especially those with similar missions, operating sizes, and fundraising models. Vendors who understand donor dynamics, campaign workflows, and engagement strategies are far better positioned to support your staff and your mission.

What to look for:

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit giving, donor portals, and CRM-connected platforms
  
  
• Case studies involving similar-sized or mission-aligned organizations
  
  
• Familiarity with common fundraising models and donor lifecycle engagement
  
  

“You want a vendor who speaks nonprofit fluently—who understands not just the technology, but why your mission matters.”

‍

CRM (Salesforce/Other) Expertise

Your CRM—particularly if you’re using Salesforce NPSP or Nonprofit Cloud—sits at the heart of your donor operations. It’s critical that any vendor you consider can integrate with your CRM cleanly and confidently, without causing data issues or silos.

What to look for:

• Salesforce-certified staff or team members with deep hands-on experience
  
  
• Proven ability to support real-time, bi-directional data sync
  
  
• Familiarity with data mapping, deduplication, and sync monitoring
  
  

“Your donor data needs to flow seamlessly between systems. Choose a vendor who understands the structure and nuances of your CRM.”

‍

Secure Payment Experience (PCI)

Security is non-negotiable when processing donations. A qualified vendor should have clear experience implementing PCI-compliant payment systems that protect donor data and minimize risk to your organization.

What to look for:

• PCI-DSS compliance, including tokenization and hosted payment fields
  
  
• Strong fraud prevention, audit trails, and secure data storage practices
  
  
• Documentation or certification to verify compliance
  
  

“You’re asking people to trust you with sensitive information—make sure your partner takes that just as seriously.”

‍

Team Capacity & Stability

Your project deserves a team that’s experienced, well-resourced, and ready to stay with you for the long haul. Beyond launch, you’ll want continued support, product improvements, and guidance.

What to look for:

• A dedicated team with expertise across project management, development, QA, and support
  
  
• Evidence of financial and operational stability
  
  
• Long-term client relationships and retention rates
  
  

“You need a team that will still be there a year from now—when you need help, updates, or expansion.”

‍

References & Certifications (SOC2, PCI)

Trust but verify. Ask vendors to share references from similar organizations and provide any third-party certifications that confirm their security posture and internal controls.

What to look for:

• Client testimonials that speak to implementation quality and support
  
  
• SOC 2 Type 1 or Type 2 reports, plus PCI documentation
  
  
• Overall reputation in the nonprofit technology ecosystem
  
  

“Talk to others who’ve worked with them—and don’t hesitate to ask for proof of the promises they make.”