Software · head to head
InitLive vs Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
Software
Enterprise-grade donor management system
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: InitLive email notification system is weak, lacking ability to track sent emails and resend to unopened recipients; Blackbaud Raiser's Edge pricing is not published and requires a sales conversation
- They diverge on capability: InitLive covers Event creation, Blackbaud Raiser's Edge covers Donor management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which InitLive and Blackbaud Raiser's Edge actually diverge.
| Attribute | InitLive | Blackbaud Raiser's Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Desktop, Mobile |
| Founded | 2013 | 1981 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 InitLive
- Event creation
- Mobile app
- Registration
- Check-in
- Feedback collection
- Networking tools
- Slack
- IOS support
Only in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
- Donor management
- Gift tracking
- Prospect research
- Campaign management
- Advanced reporting
- QuickBooks
- Desktop support
- Mobile support
Both cover
- Stripe
- PayPal
- Salesforce
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
InitLive
- Business operationsnot Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
- Productivitynot Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
- Automationnot Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
- Donor management and gift processing for nonprofitsnot InitLive
- Major gift portfolio management for fundraisersnot InitLive
- Campaign and appeal trackingnot InitLive
- Prospect research and wealth screeningnot InitLive
- Fundraising reporting for boards and fundersnot InitLive
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
InitLive
- Email notification system is weak, lacking ability to track sent emails and resend to unopened recipients
- Discrepancy between mobile app and web version features and functionality
- Mobile app tablet optimization is suboptimal compared to phone version
- Initial setup requires substantial preparation time and configuration
Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
- Pricing is not published and requires a sales conversation
- Aimed at mid-sized and large nonprofits with dedicated development teams rather than small charities
Pricing, plan by plan
InitLive
On request- Starter$100/month
- Event creation
- Basic mobile app
- Professional$250/month
- Advanced features
- Customization
- Integrations
Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
On request- Standard$200/month
- Donor database
- Gift tracking
- Reports
- Premium$500/month
- Advanced analytics
- Prospect research
- Custom reporting
Which should you pick?
Choose InitLive if
- You need event creation.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want mobile app.
Choose Blackbaud Raiser's Edge if
- You need donor management.
- You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
- You also want gift tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is InitLive or Blackbaud Raiser's Edge better?
- Neither clearly leads. InitLive starts at On request and Blackbaud Raiser's Edge at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, InitLive or Blackbaud Raiser's Edge?
- InitLive starts at On request and Blackbaud Raiser's Edge at On request.
- Does InitLive or Blackbaud Raiser's Edge run on more platforms?
- InitLive runs on Web, iOS, Android. Blackbaud Raiser's Edge runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
- What is InitLive best used for?
- InitLive is most often used for business operations, productivity, automation. Of those, business operations and productivity are not what Blackbaud Raiser's Edge is typically brought in for.
- What can InitLive do that Blackbaud Raiser's Edge cannot?
- InitLive covers Event creation, Mobile app, Registration, Check-in. Blackbaud Raiser's Edge covers Donor management, Gift tracking, Prospect research, Campaign management. Both handle Stripe, PayPal, Salesforce, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
InitLive: What communication features does InitLive have?
InitLive includes a broadcasting system that allows sending messages to staff lists with ease, real-time communication during events, and staff can delegate volunteer management to other volunteers.
SourceInitLive: How is InitLive licensed to nonprofits today?
InitLive was acquired by Bloomerang in March 2023 and rebranded as Bloomerang Volunteer in July 2023. The product continues to operate as part of the Bloomerang nonprofit relationship management platform.
Source