If you’re a nonprofit or impact-oriented organization using Blackbaud, you’ve likely felt both the benefits and the limitations of the platform. While Blackbaud has been a staple in the sector for decades, more and more organizations are making the switch to Salesforce… and for good reason.
At Flourish, we specialize in Blackbaud to Salesforce migrations because we believe in giving nonprofits the tools they need to thrive and scale their impact. Below are a few reasons why Salesforce is often the better choice and why we recommend Salesforce above other platforms.
1. Salesforce Offers True Flexibility and Scalability
Blackbaud is a suite of purpose-built tools, but that purpose can sometimes become a limitation. As your organization grows or diversifies, you may find yourself boxed in by rigid workflows or needing multiple Blackbaud products to meet evolving needs.
Salesforce, on the other hand, is a fully customizable platform. With the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) and a vast ecosystem of apps and integrations, Salesforce molds to your mission whether you’re managing donors, volunteers, programs, advocacy campaigns, or all of the above. You’re not forced to work the way the software wants; the software works the way you need.
2. A Modern, Open Ecosystem
Blackbaud products often operate in silos, with limited API capabilities and walled-off data. Integration with third-party tools (marketing platforms, finance systems, CRMs, etc.) can be complex, expensive, or simply not possible.
Salesforce is built for integration. Whether it’s Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zeffy, Eventbrite, or any modern tool your team relies on, Salesforce likely has a native integration or the capability to build one. This unlocks true data transparency across your entire organization.
3. Better Reporting and Dashboards
Data is only powerful when you can act on it. Many Blackbaud users struggle with outdated reporting tools that require exports, spreadsheets, or custom code to extract insights.
Salesforce provides real-time, customizable dashboards and robust reporting out of the box. Whether your executive director needs a snapshot of donations or your program manager wants to track outcomes, Salesforce delivers clarity without the hassle.
4. A Vibrant and Supportive Community
The Salesforce nonprofit community is massive, global, and incredibly supportive. From user groups and forums to the Power of Us Hub and countless online resources, your team will never be alone. And with thousands of certified consultants and implementation partners (like us), you can find the right expertise for every stage of your journey from setup to long-term optimization.
5. You Own the Platform
Blackbaud is a vendor-owned solution meaning what you can do often depends on their product roadmap and pricing model. Salesforce gives you ownership of your instance. You decide how it evolves, what it integrates with, and how it supports your impact.
6. Salesforce Invests Heavily in Innovation
Salesforce consistently ranks as a leader in innovation. With regular updates, AI capabilities like Einstein, and a strong focus on user experience, the platform isn’t just keeping up; it’s setting the pace.
By contrast, Blackbaud’s innovation cycle can feel slower, particularly for organizations looking to modernize their tech stack and stay ahead.
Want to learn more about making the switch?
Migrating from Blackbaud to Salesforce doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We specialize in helping nonprofits and other impact-driven organizations make a smooth, strategic transition. Our team understands the data, the platforms, and most importantly, the mission behind your work.
Let’s talk about how we can future-proof your organization and put technology to work for your cause!