Microsoft Retires Fundraising and Engagement Solution for Nonprofits

In a significant move that has caught the attention of many in the nonprofit sector, Microsoft has announced the retirement of its Fundraising and Engagement solution. 

This recent announcement is big, as Fundraising and Engagement had been a lynchpin of Microsoft's Tech for Social Impact (TSI) and Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits (MC4N) strategies. However, it is also a strong signal that Microsoft is growing in the direction of being an ecosystem and fulfilling its promise to be central infrastructure in a collaborative world.

Like Golden, there are many other best-in-class third party partners who provide the best of both worlds – the power, scale, stability, and clarity of the Microsoft environment with purpose-built extensions that give you a world-class user experience. 

Read on to learn more about how you can navigate this new change. 

Understanding the Impact

Microsoft’s Fundraising and Engagement solution was designed to provide nonprofits with a comprehensive toolset for managing donor relationships, streamlining fundraising efforts, and enhancing engagement with supporters. Built on the Dynamics 365 platform, it offered a range of features including donation management, campaign automation, and insightful analytics. Nonprofits could leverage these capabilities to run more efficient campaigns, better understand donor behavior, and ultimately drive more impactful results.

The retirement of this solution means that nonprofits currently using it will need to seek alternatives or transition to other tools. This shift can be daunting, especially for organizations that have integrated deeply with the platform. The key concerns revolve around data migration, continuity of fundraising efforts, and finding a new solution that meets their unique needs.

Current Users of Fundraising and Engagement

We understand that many users will need time to find a new solution. Between July 15, 2024 and December 31, 2026, you can continue to use Fundraising and Engagement – giving ample time to research and implement a new solution for your nonprofit. 

During this time period, users will still receive security updates and technical support from Microsoft. After the December 31, 2026 deadline, Microsoft will no longer support security updates or technical support for Fundraising and Engagement. 

Exploring Alternatives

As Microsoft sunsets its Fundraising and Engagement solution, nonprofits will need to explore alternative platforms that can offer similar functionalities. Some of the leading options in the market include:

• Salesforce: A robust alternative that offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for nonprofits. With features like donor management, marketing automation, and program management, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is a popular choice for organizations looking for a powerful CRM solution.
• Blackbaud: A well-established player in the nonprofit sector, Blackbaud offers a range of solutions designed to help organizations manage their fundraising efforts, engage supporters, and drive social impact. Its comprehensive suite of tools can cater to large and complex nonprofit organizations.
• DonorDock: Known for its intuitive interface and integration capabilities, DonorDock provides an effective platform for managing donor relationships and running fundraising campaigns. Its ease of use and unlimited, customizable donation pages make it a scalable option for any nonprofit.

Planning the Transition

For nonprofits currently using Microsoft’s Fundraising and Engagement solution, planning a smooth transition is crucial. Here are some steps to consider:

• Assess Your Needs: Before selecting a new platform, conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s needs. Identify the key functionalities that are essential for your operations and prioritize them in your search for a new solution.
• Evaluate Options: Take the time to evaluate different CRM platforms. Look for demos, customer reviews, and case studies to understand how each solution can meet your needs.
• Plan Data Migration: Data migration is a critical aspect of transitioning to a new platform. Work with your IT team or a third-party service provider to ensure that donor data, campaign history, and other vital information is securely and accurately transferred.
• Train Your Team: Once you’ve selected a new solution, invest in training for your team. Ensuring that your staff is comfortable and proficient with the new platform will help minimize disruptions and maintain continuity in your fundraising efforts.

Leveraging Partners

You don't have to go through this transitional process alone! Golden works with a number of partners that can make this process easy for your organization. 

• Cathexis Partners: Cathexis has worked with over 1,000 clients help find technology that helps support their goals, mission, and ensure lasting success. 
• Maureen Walbeouf: With a tagline of "technology projects can be fun", Maureen has 17+ years experience working for nonprofits and 10 years serving nonprofit clients find the right technology for their cause. 
• Heller Consulting: We known in the fundraising space, Heller Consulting can provide a range of services from strategy to implementation to change management so it's an easy process for your team.
• Barker and Scott Consulting: Creating bridges between technology, data, people, processes, and strategy for nonprofit mission success, Barker and Scott Consulting can assist in finding the right piece of technology that integrates into your current stack of systems. 

To further experience a holistic and collaborative technology stack, we recommend our partners FundraiseUp and Classy to help provide this experience. Golden's volunteer management platform integrates with each of these partners, further enabling you to integrate all your technology into one, robust stack! 

Looking Ahead

While the discontinuation of Microsoft’s Fundraising and Engagement solution may pose challenges, it also presents an opportunity for nonprofits to reassess their technology stack and adopt more advanced, tailored solutions. By carefully planning the transition and exploring the diverse options available, organizations can continue to drive their missions forward with renewed efficiency and impact.

In this ever-evolving digital landscape, adaptability and resilience are key. Nonprofits that embrace change and leverage technology effectively will be well-positioned to thrive and make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.