Bonterra Salsa Engage vs. NGP VAN

For smaller organizations who don't have extensive data needs (i.e. not many audiences to segment) and who don't need robust reporting, this works great.

Incentivized

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.

• Integration with SalesForce
• Easy-to-use interface
• Technical support

Incentivized

• Detailed searches
• Storing data
• Creating walk packets
• Creating functional, easy to use phone banks

• Translation from salsa engage into our CRM system
• Could use more modern email templates
• More restrictions regarding image upload. Currently, you can upload any size and insert it. The email will not send correctly but you do not receive an error message.

Incentivized

• 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

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.

Easy to use interface, far superior to classic. You did this right.

Incentivized

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.

Support response has been swift and knowledgable, though not always the answer I've wanted. One huge design flaw is if I add a new Salesforce field to sync, Salsa Engage will not sync it unless it has changed since the last sync, requiring me to fake an update for an entire database or re-sync the whole enchilada. Better to recognize it's a new Salesforce field and perform the sync en masse.

Incentivized

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.

EveryAction is a lot cheaper, but Salsa has more featured with targeting certain elected officials/better text messaging strategies

Incentivized

I have no other experience.

• Our event participants are always maxed out and Engage allows them an easy way to sign up and participate.

Incentivized

• helped with campaign
• saved records for the following year
• assisted all involved with campaigns