DonorSearch vs. Windfall

I would say DonorSearch is well suited as you set out to build donor profiles. I think there are excellent background information on spouses, addresses, real estate holdings, giving priorities, etc. I also like it for grant research - you can find funders who may be interested in your philanthropic priorities and occasionally what those timelines are. I would not suggest using this for absolute strangers to your organization - too much to work through.

• Broad inclusion of information
• Prior giving records
• Address information

• Too many names included even when the correct address has been provided for the initial query
• Not providing total clarity about DonorSearch specific definitions
• Providing too much info from low-quality profiles

• In my experience, horrible customer service
• Hidden renewal clause

D&B Hoovers seems much more oriented towards a business looking to sell to clients - to increase their sales pitch opportunities. We had heard good things but the company does not seem oriented toward nonprofit success. I cannot find anything about the D&B Hoovers pricing available online but our DonorSearch subscription is worth it.

We were recommended Windfall by our fundraising counsel. I have since informed this person that he should not recommend the company to other clients

• There has not been a negative impact
• We have been able to get a jumpstart on many leads
• We are able to see whose giving aligns with our organization