We are excited to share this quick look at thedatabank, developed by thedatabank, gbc, which is a custom CRM solution designed for many types of nonprofits.
For those interested in learning more about thedatabank beyond this summary, we are available to share with you our thoughts about this membership software and others and how it fits into the larger membership software market today.
Suffice it to say, we have curated, interviewed, and prepared more detailed information for executives employed in the not for profit association industry to set up a time to discuss at length. Our software reviews are designed for those who would like fair and objective insights into the capabilities of this AMS software for nonprofit program.
Our Sources: Over the course of half a decade or so, we have worked with the thedatabank team many times to help our clients. We have reviewed the solution in brief and detailed demonstration overviews with their team, curated specific insights from the vendor for various use cases, read through countless software website pages, case studies and read multiple peer to peer reviews. This brief summary is a culmination of those insights.
Buyer Disclaimer: It can’t go without saying, there are many unique things which a custom solution can do that are not mentioned. And, some possible holes too. So, be mindful of this fact. While we believe this is a good summary, this short review should not be your only source of the truth!
The databank Nonprofit CRM Software Solution
Brief Summary of thedatabank, gbc:
The Databank software is developed by thedatabank, gbc. Per the companies website, thedatabank, gbc is on a mission to provide technology and expertise to make the world safe, sustainable and just. They proclaim to do this by building custom all-in-one software for nonprofits and other organizations that they believe in. Their objective is to be with their clients every step of the way as you build capacity and make the world a better place.
thedatabank, gbc began in 1998 as a for-profit company with a social mission. Today they are a Certified Public Benefit Corporation that strives to act responsibly to their employees, their clients, partners, community and the planet.
To be sure, this is a unique approach in the software development space. As of 6/2021, they have offices in St. Paul, MN., where they employee an estimated 6 employees.
They state to have specialties in software for nonprofits, CRM software, advocacy software, fundraising software, government technology, all-in-one software, nonprofit technology, and custom databases.
Overview of The databank CRM Software
The databank software is designed for the nonprofit community and has many features which make it a viable option for core membership organizations such events, advocacy, and chapter management.
At it’s core, it is a Customer Relationship Management software, an all-in-one cloud software solution that combines a database with tools for Fundraising, Membership, Advocacy, and Communication. The Databank’s solution is web-based nonprofit software and is designed to help organizations develop and sustain long-term relationships with their supporters, members, and donors.
The software is a suite of integrated tools which can help create an affordable, effective relationship management and communications system specific to a nonprofit organization’s needs.
If your nonprofit is frustrated with cookie-cutter software that doesn’t provide what you need this may be a good fit. They offer custom-configured CRM and Communication systems for nonprofits and government organizations for a cost that rivals most off-the-shelf solutions.
What Features Does the databank Software Include?
The databank solution is a custom crafted CRM solution. They believe that each nonprofit is unique, so your technology should be too!
They work with you from the very beginning to understand your nonprofit’s needs, goals, and strategies and build you an all-in-one solution.
In the past they offered packaged solutions in the following manner:
Databank Essentials which was an affordable fundraising and communications software with all of the essentials: a donor database, online giving, and bulk email all in one easy to use system. It was perfect for smaller nonprofits with up to 5,000 records who have a limited budget.
Databank Fundraising was your one-stop-shop for everything you need to create a powerful campaign. Comes with everything included in Databank Essentials plus advanced relationships, bundle data entry, a Form Builder tool and more.
Databank Advocacy includes everything from the Fundraising package, plus award-winning Advocacy software powered by The SoftEdge. Features include legislator form fill, automatic district append, representative matching, robust reporting tools, and more.
Why is the past packaged applications important? Well, today they have taken this expertise above and packaged approach in a different direction.
They have devoted themselves to developing custom solutions with expertise to include, but are not limited to, solutions for:
Advocacy
Fundraising
Coalitions
Data Analysis & Reporting
Data Enhancement
Member Management
Program Management
Volunteer Management
Workforce Development
Again, a very unique approach which may or may not be a fit for you.
Where does The Databank Database likely Fit?
Small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations who believe that they are unique.
Small to mid-sized nonprofits that do not believe that a pre-configured software system is going to meet all of the needs of staff or organizational goals.
State and Local membership organization which want to partner with a software development firm committed to their success.
Nonprofits which require strong fundraising functionality.
Key Development Strengths of The databank Database Solution?
We believe what makes the databank, Inc. shine is the company’s focus and seemingly unwavering commitment to nonprofit organizations success.
The databank, Inc. is a company with a mission to create positive social change through technology and they seem to be carrying out that objective.
For a very small amount of investment, they are able to provide all the benefits you’d expect from a professional software company – ease of use, rich features, customization, top notch security, affordability, and customer service.
From our interview and review, their customer service has earned them a very high retention rate. Below you will find several notable strengths:
Strong solution for donor and member based organizations.
Integration expertise for those that would like to keep existing IT assets in place.
Strong commitment to customer service and included service options.
They will provide a tailored solution specifically designed to an organization’s strategic and programmatic goals.
What is the 911 Peer Review on databank CRM?
Like software options today, software peer review sites are all over the internet.
Below you will find several review sites to choose from on databank from it’s users (where applicable).
Client Testimonials from site here
Due to limited online digital reviews for this vendor, we encourage more time spent in reference checking process with this provider.
Buyer Note:
Before you check out the feedback found on these sites, our recommendation is that you please review our article on how to utilize these review sites and comments on various resources here.
We have independent data from various sources too (not published) which may offer some additional thoughts, comments, and feedback to for various use case scenarios.
A Quick Look at The databank Client Case Studies:
Case studies are a very good way to learn more about various software options. While they are “spoon fed” by the vendor, it’s still enlightening to read and valuable. You may find some good ones here.
How Is The databank CRM Priced?
The databank CRM is a custom solution and therefore everyone has unique pricing.
Since they aren’t a pre-packaged software product, their pricing and fees may not be what you’re used to typically seeing when you’re shopping for new software.
Further, this may be quite unique but important to note. Just like the organizations they partner with and the solutions they craft , the way they price their work is something to note for sure.
So, for the answer to the cost of the solution. In short, they won’t know an honest estimate for how much a solution will cost before they have a chance to sit down with your team and drill down to figure out what solutions your organization needs.
To be clear, they are not starting completely from scratch. Rather, they have a very solid base line of functions and features available for nonprofits of all types so you may find the pricing won’t be what you may expect with a software developer starting completely from scratch.
Is The databank Database the Best Membership Software for Your Association?
We don’t espouse to the belief that there is “one best AMS” for everyone. But, The databank CRM database may very well be your best fit.
However, to answer this question with certainty, we need to know more about what makes you unique. And, discuss other insights about this platform which we have curated, clients interviewed, and discuss more detailed information beyond just this summary.
Please know that our detailed analysis and expertise is available upon request. To be sure, our software analysis is not a “pretty brochure”, “marketing noise.” or a “sales pitch.”
Rather, we provide a free objective dialogue and insights designed to help nonprofit executives make a smarter software business decision.
If you are interested in some help with reviewing your options and comparisons, please check out our “vendor matching” services here.
Want More AMS Membership Software Reviews?
Please stay tuned to our ongoing “Searching for A Smart AMS Software” where we will continue to provide further insights into membership database software options designed for our 501(c) 6 membership focused organizations.
For the most recent published reviews, please click below:
AarwinMEP (coming soon in 2021)
And, to obtain a sample list of the database software reviews we have, you may follow the link here
If you work for an AMS database software system and you would like us to include your firm in our software review process, please contact us.
Until next time, keep SmartThoughts in mind. Happy Software Buying!
