How to Choose the Right Digital Fundraising Software for Your Team

It takes money to keep a team, club, or community organization running smoothly. Supplies, spaces, uniforms, travel—it all adds up fast. That’s where fundraising comes in. It plays a critical role in ensuring your team or organization has the resources it needs. However, not all fundraising methods are created equal. Some are way more effective than others, and some are downright inefficient.

If you’re looking to maximize your outcomes with minimal effort, digital fundraising is the way to go. But finding the right digital fundraising solution can feel overwhelming, especially if technology isn’t your strong suit. 

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five key factors you should consider when choosing digital fundraising software. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and find the solution that’s right for your team.

Let’s dive in. 

1. Understand Your Team’s Needs

Before jumping into the sea of digital fundraising software options, it’s essential to understand what your team specifically needs. Start by asking a few key questions:

• How much money do you need to raise?
• What are you raising money for?
• How tech-savvy are the team members and their families?
• How much time can you realistically dedicate to fundraising?
• How quickly do you need access to the funds?

Answering these questions will help narrow your choices. For example, if you need to raise a significant amount for uniforms or travel, look for platforms that support large-scale campaigns and integrate with social media to amplify your reach. If your team members and their families aren’t very tech-savvy, prioritize a user-friendly solution that’s easy for everyone to navigate. And if time is a concern, focus on plug-and-play solutions that get you up and running fast.

Pro Tip: Look for a solution that can scale up or down based on your needs. This ensures your platform can grow with you as your fundraising goals evolve.

2. Prioritize User-Friendly Interfaces

Not everyone’s a tech expert, and most people (especially busy coaches, parents, and players) don’t have time to learn complicated tools. A top priority when choosing digital fundraising software should be its ease of use.

The best platforms are intuitive, with straightforward instructions and clean, simple designs. You shouldn’t need a dictionary-sized manual to get started. Look for tools like automated campaign builders and pre-made fundraising templates to save time. Choose software that offers practical tutorials or a comprehensive help section, and prioritize platforms with responsive customer support. The goal is to make fundraising as painless as possible—so pick a tool that won’t add stress to your already busy schedule.

Pro Tip: Look for a platform that’s so easy a kid’s parents could use it. Kids are tech-savvy, but your main audience might not be, so step-by-step guides and ready-made templates can make a huge difference.

3. Assess Tools and Features

Different platforms offer different tools and features, so you’ll want to evaluate what’s available. Consider key features like:

• Campaign coaching
• Progress tracking
• Team management dashboards
• Built-in communication tools (email, text messaging, and social media integrations)

These tools can help boost your reach and engagement. Also, look for the ability to personalize donation landing pages and integrate with other payment gateways for a smooth donation process. And make sure the platform is designed for teams, so multiple users can collaborate as needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t be distracted by all the extra bells and whistles—focus on what your team really needs. A basic package that includes social media integrations, personalized pages, and progress tracking will usually be enough to get you started.

4. Consider Costs and Payouts

Finances are a crucial factor when selecting digital fundraising software. Take a close look at the platform’s cost structure, including any upfront fees or hidden charges that may reduce your fundraising profits.

Additionally, think about payout timelines—how quickly will you get access to your funds once the campaign starts? A platform that offers a shorter payout timeline will ensure that your team can cover expenses promptly. Always be mindful of how platform costs might dig into your profits and whether the pricing structure is fixed or varies based on your organization’s size or fundraising total.  

Pro Tip: Look for platforms with transparent pricing and quick payout schedules. Operation Player Assist, for example, offers no hidden fees and ensures that funds are available within 20 days.

5. Explore Customer Support and Additional Resources

Good customer support can make a big difference during your campaign. If you run into technical issues or need advice, responsive customer service will keep your campaign running smoothly. Additionally, check whether the platform provides valuable resources like FAQs, community forums, or tutorials.

These tools will help you troubleshoot issues and get the most out of your fundraising software, so you can focus on achieving your goals.

Pro Tip: Operation Player Assist offers excellent customer support in addition to helpful resources, like tutorials and a dedicated help center to ensure you get the help you need at every stage of your campaign.

BONUS: Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

Before making a final decision, it’s smart to do your homework. Reach out to fellow coaches or parents for their input, as they may have valuable recommendations based on their experiences. Read online reviews and testimonials from other teams that have used the software. These firsthand accounts can give you honest insight into the platform’s effectiveness, ease of use, and any potential challenges.

Pro Tip: Most sites have success stories highlighting how other teams have achieved their fundraising goals. Social proof can help you feel confident in your choice.

By understanding your team’s needs, prioritizing user-friendly interfaces, assessing the available tools, considering costs, exploring customer support, and reading reviews, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a digital fundraising solution that fits your team perfectly. With the right software, you can elevate your fundraising efforts, ensure your team gets the resources they need, and make the entire process a breeze.