NationBuilder vs. NGP VAN

If you are managing a nonprofit agency, advocacy group, or political campaign, NationBuilder is likely the best tool available for the job. It has everything you need in one package, excellent support from NationBuilder reps, and plenty of reputable case studies that show its effectiveness. There is also a robust network of capable partners that build custom solutions and provide consulting.

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.

• Great platform for managing website, social media, and donations in a single dashboard.
• Some particularly helpful features includes turf maps for walking door to door.
• I really appreciate the included voter files.

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

• Customer service: We used to have a dedicated account exec who met with us monthly to give us insight into our NationBuilder, as well as tips or suggestions for things like increasing our email deliverability or duplicates. While we're busy doing the work we do, it helped raise red flags for us that we didn't know existed. Our current account exec has zero communication with us in terms of providing any tangible support and that's been a complete 180 from our initial experience.

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.

While it isn't the easiest to use for someone coming to it for the first time, it has become like second nature navigating it. I find that because I understand it's functionality, I have a very easy time navigating.

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.

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.

NationBuilder is not as good for canvassing or phone GOTV efforts, but it's better for community building.

Incentivized

I have no other experience.

• The NationBuilder ecosystem is a well-connected, supportive bunch and it has been great to be a part of that
• Most inquiring clients are already aware of NationBuilder's benefits and know what they want to accomplish. This saves time during the on-boarding process
• NationBuilder's sales team is undereducated about the platform and I have received feedback from clients that they are sharks/difficult to work with. This is a big problem and I have lost business from it

Incentivized

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