ActBlue vs. NGP VAN

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ActBlue
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
N/AN/A
NGP VAN
Score 8.3 out of 10
N/A
A suite of organizing, fundraising, and digital tools used by labor unions, nonprofits, political parties, presidential campaigns, and state and local campaigns. NGP VAN is a Bonterra business unit.N/A
Pricing
ActBlueNGP VAN
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ActBlueNGP VAN
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeOptional
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Features
ActBlueNGP VAN
Communications and Marketing
Comparison of Communications and Marketing features of Product A and Product B
ActBlue
9.7
1 Ratings
39% above category average
NGP VAN
-
Ratings
Constituent engagement and marketing10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Social listening9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Digital advocacy enablement10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Reporting and Analytics
Comparison of Reporting and Analytics features of Product A and Product B
ActBlue
8.5
1 Ratings
26% above category average
NGP VAN
-
Ratings
Reporting and data visualization10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Wealth screening7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Fundraising and Events
Comparison of Fundraising and Events features of Product A and Product B
ActBlue
9.0
1 Ratings
39% above category average
NGP VAN
-
Ratings
Online donation options10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Event registration and ticketing10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Text and phone donations8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Volunteer shift management8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile event check-in9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Security and Platform
Comparison of Security and Platform features of Product A and Product B
ActBlue
9.3
1 Ratings
28% above category average
NGP VAN
-
Ratings
Role-based user permissions10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile access10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Integrations8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ActBlueNGP VAN
Small Businesses
Bonterra Network for Good
Bonterra Network for Good
Score 9.4 out of 10
Bonterra Network for Good
Bonterra Network for Good
Score 9.4 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Bloomerang
Bloomerang
Score 8.9 out of 10
OneCause
OneCause
Score 9.2 out of 10
Enterprises
Blackbaud CRM
Blackbaud CRM
Score 7.6 out of 10
Blackbaud CRM
Blackbaud CRM
Score 7.6 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
ActBlueNGP VAN
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(1 ratings)
8.7
(5 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
Usability
9.0
(1 ratings)
6.4
(1 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
ActBlueNGP VAN
Likelihood to Recommend
ActBlue
i think it’s good for any democrat campaign. I honestly can’t think of a reason that a campaign would try to make its own version of this software rather than ActBlue. There’s so much customization and adaptability where it just makes sense. I’m not sure if PACs use it but because they’re so check heavy maybe it makes less sense for them
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Bonterra
Well suited when we have to run lists of those already canvassed or need to be canvassed. Not Well suited when the phone bank and MiniVAN does not work together. As it could cause someone to canvass someone who has just been phone banked or vice versa. Also, need to better provide emailing options.
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Pros
ActBlue
  • user interface
  • data visualization
  • contribution search
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Bonterra
  • Detailed searches
  • Storing data
  • Creating walk packets
  • Creating functional, easy to use phone banks
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Cons
ActBlue
  • i want to add checks to it
  • website is down from time to time
  • in sight graphic design
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Bonterra
  • Accurate data depends upon people updating in a timely manner.
  • Sometimes I’ve had trouble putting lists into miniVAN, maybe a training need
  • In the past, had issues getting right permissions from state Dems to access NGP VAN
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Likelihood to Renew
ActBlue
No answers on this topic
Bonterra
As long as I’m an active Democratic volunteer I will use it, unless the Dems quit using it. I enjoy using NGP VAN and discovering more capabilities as I spend more time with it.
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Usability
ActBlue
It has a very intuitive user interface. When i am trying to make an event, it lays out in all the editing tabs exactly what i need to make it look good and does so much for me on the back end. I will say that soemtimes the more complicated stuff is tougher to understand right away
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Bonterra
I think you have to have understanding of computer basics to master NGP VAN. I doubt a non-computer person, or someone who is hesitant about technology could do much with NGP VAN. It helps if you’re sort of a computer nerd (as I am, despite my old age) because then you don’t worry about experimenting.
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In-Person Training
ActBlue
No answers on this topic
Bonterra
I can hardly remember since it was years ago. Various individuals have also coached me since then. If I can actually play around with it myself that’s the best way to increase my proficiency.
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Alternatives Considered
ActBlue
No answers on this topic
Bonterra
I have no other experience.
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Return on Investment
ActBlue
  • increased contributions
  • increased flexibility
  • more data understanding
Read full review
Bonterra
  • helped with campaign
  • saved records for the following year
  • assisted all involved with campaigns
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ScreenShots