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Software · head to head

Bloomerang vs GuideStar

Bloomerang logo

Bloomerang

Software

Donor relationship management for nonprofits

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
GuideStar logo

GuideStar

Software

Nonprofit profile and intelligence platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only GuideStar has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bloomerang pricing is based on the number of constituent records tracked, so the bill grows with the database rather than with usage; GuideStar guideStar and Foundation Directory are being retired and merged into a single Candid platform, per Candid's own learning.candid.org help pages, with existing subscribers redirected to log in at app.candid.org
  • They diverge on capability: Bloomerang covers Donor database management, GuideStar covers Nonprofit profile.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bloomerang and GuideStar actually diverge.

Attributes where Bloomerang and GuideStar differ
AttributeBloomerangGuideStar
Starting priceOn requestFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWeb, Mobile-responsive
Founded20121995

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bloomerang

  • Donor database management
  • Donation tracking
  • Relationship tracking
  • Task management
  • Stripe
  • PayPal
  • Mailchimp
  • Google Drive

Only in GuideStar

  • Nonprofit profile
  • Impact data
  • Donor verification
  • Financial transparency
  • Ratings
  • Salesforce
  • Google Analytics
  • Mobile-responsive support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bloomerang

  • Donor management and fundraising for nonprofit organisationsnot GuideStar
  • Tracking constituent records, donations and volunteer activitynot GuideStar

GuideStar

  • Business operationsnot Bloomerang
  • Productivitynot Bloomerang
  • Automationnot Bloomerang

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bloomerang

  • Pricing is based on the number of constituent records tracked, so the bill grows with the database rather than with usage
  • The all in one Giving Platform starts at $242 a month billed annually
  • The products are sold separately, with Fundraising from $40 a month, CRM from $125 and Volunteer from $119, so a full stack means stacking subscriptions
  • Every published price is a starting figure billed annually, with exact cost requiring a sales conversation

GuideStar

  • GuideStar and Foundation Directory are being retired and merged into a single Candid platform, per Candid's own learning.candid.org help pages, with existing subscribers redirected to log in at app.candid.org
  • Candid's own pricing page lists Candid Premium (annual) at $1,199 per year in USD, and $219 per month if billed monthly, with an Ultimate annual tier at $1,699 per year adding compliance monitoring features
  • Candid's free tier limits search results, profile views and dashboards; full grants and profile data downloads are capped even on Premium annual, at 1,000 grants downloads and 5,000 profile downloads per month

Pricing, plan by plan

Bloomerang

On request
  • Basic$60/month
    • Basic donor database
    • Email marketing
  • Premium$150/month
    • Advanced analytics
    • Volunteer management
    • Mobile app

GuideStar

Free
  • ProfileFree
    • Nonprofit profile
    • Basic data
  • Gold$300/month
    • Enhanced profile
    • Donor verification
    • Impact reporting

Which should you pick?

Choose Bloomerang if

  • You need donor database management.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want donation tracking.
Bloomerang review

Choose GuideStar if

  • You need nonprofit profile.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile-responsive.
  • You also want impact data.
GuideStar review

Questions people ask

Is Bloomerang or GuideStar better?
Neither clearly leads. Bloomerang starts at On request and GuideStar at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bloomerang or GuideStar?
GuideStar has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Bloomerang and Free for GuideStar.
Does Bloomerang or GuideStar run on more platforms?
Bloomerang runs on Web, IOS, Android. GuideStar runs on Web, Mobile-responsive.
Can I use GuideStar for free?
Yes. GuideStar has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Bloomerang starts at On request.
What is Bloomerang best used for?
Bloomerang is most often used for donor management and fundraising for nonprofit organisations, tracking constituent records, donations and volunteer activity. Of those, donor management and fundraising for nonprofit organisations and tracking constituent records, donations and volunteer activity are not what GuideStar is typically brought in for.
What can Bloomerang do that GuideStar cannot?
Bloomerang covers Donor database management, Donation tracking, Relationship tracking, Task management. GuideStar covers Nonprofit profile, Impact data, Donor verification, Financial transparency. Both handle Web support.
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