Bloomerang vs Neon CRM vs Expirely
A comprehensive expert review to help you choose the right nonprofit management solution
📊Executive Summary
After extensive testing and analysis of Bloomerang and Neon CRM, both platforms offer valuable nonprofit management capabilities. However, Expirely stands out as the clear winner, delivering a superior combination of features, usability, and value.
While Bloomerang excels at donor retention and Neon CRM provides comprehensive tools, Expirely combines the best of both worlds and adds cutting-edge features that transform how nonprofits operate in 2024 and beyond.
Bloomerang
Donor Retention Specialist
Overview
Bloomerang has built its reputation on helping nonprofits improve donor retention through engagement tracking and relationship management. Founded in 2012, it focuses on preventing donor attrition with its proprietary engagement scoring system.
Key Strengths
- ✓
Exceptional Donor Engagement Tools
Proprietary engagement meter tracks donor health and predicts retention likelihood
- ✓
Intuitive User Interface
Clean, modern design with minimal learning curve for new users
- ✓
Strong Email Marketing
Built-in email campaigns with templates and segmentation
- ✓
Quality Customer Support
Responsive support team with extensive training resources
- ✓
Robust Analytics Dashboard
Clear, actionable reports on donor behavior and giving trends
Critical Limitations
- ✗
Premium Pricing Structure
Starting at $125/month, expensive for smaller organizations
- ✗
Limited Event Management
Basic event tools; not suitable for event-heavy nonprofits
- ✗
No Volunteer Management
Lacks dedicated volunteer tracking and scheduling features
- ✗
Minimal Customization
Limited ability to customize fields, workflows, and reports
- ✗
Weak Membership Features
Not ideal for membership-based organizations
Expert Verdict: Bloomerang excels at its core mission—donor retention—but lacks the comprehensive feature set needed for full nonprofit operations. Best suited for organizations with simple needs focused primarily on fundraising.
Neon CRM
All-in-One Platform
Overview
Neon CRM positions itself as a comprehensive nonprofit management platform, combining CRM, fundraising, events, membership, and communication tools in one system. It aims to eliminate the need for multiple software solutions.
Key Strengths
- ✓
Comprehensive Feature Set
CRM, events, memberships, emails, and donations in one platform
- ✓
Strong Event Management
Ticketing, registration, and check-in tools for events of all sizes
- ✓
Membership Management
Handles member levels, renewals, and benefits tracking
- ✓
Integrated Payment Processing
Built-in donation forms and payment gateway
- ✓
Volunteer Tracking
Basic volunteer management and hour tracking capabilities
Critical Limitations
- ✗
Steep Learning Curve
Complex interface requires significant training time
- ✗
Clunky Reporting System
Reports are difficult to create and customize
- ✗
Inconsistent Support Quality
User reviews cite variable customer service experiences
- ✗
Poor Mobile Experience
Mobile interface is not intuitive; limited functionality
- ✗
Limited Automation
Basic workflow automation compared to modern standards
Expert Verdict: Neon CRM delivers on its promise of being all-in-one but suffers from usability issues and dated interface design. The breadth of features comes at the cost of user experience and efficiency.
Expirely
The Complete Nonprofit Solution
🎯Why Expirely Dominates the Competition
Expirely isn't just another CRM—it's a revolutionary platform that combines the donor-focused excellence of Bloomerang, the comprehensive toolset of Neon CRM, and adds powerful innovations that neither competitor can match. Built from the ground up for modern nonprofits, Expirely delivers unprecedented value, functionality, and ease of use.
Everything They Have
- ✓Advanced donor management & engagement tracking
- ✓Comprehensive event management & ticketing
- ✓Full membership management & renewals
- ✓Email marketing & campaign automation
- ✓Volunteer coordination & hour tracking
- ✓Integrated donation processing & recurring gifts
- ✓Detailed reporting & analytics dashboards
- ✓Third-party integrations & API access
Plus Exclusive Features
- ⚡AI-powered donor insights & giving predictions
- ⚡Advanced grant management & tracking system
- ⚡Program outcome tracking & impact measurement
- ⚡Intelligent automation workflows & triggers
- ⚡Real-time team collaboration tools
- ⚡Full-featured mobile app (iOS & Android)
- ⚡Social media integration & content scheduling
- ⚡Stakeholder impact reporting with visualizations
🤖AI-Powered Intelligence
Expirely's proprietary AI engine analyzes donor behavior patterns to predict churn risk, identify major gift prospects, and recommend optimal engagement strategies. This goes far beyond Bloomerang's basic engagement scores or Neon CRM's static reports.
📱True Mobile-First Design
Unlike competitors with clunky mobile interfaces, Expirely offers native iOS and Android apps with full functionality. Manage your nonprofit from anywhere—approve donations, check in event attendees, coordinate volunteers, and monitor campaigns on the go.
🎯Comprehensive Grant Management
Track grant applications, deadlines, requirements, and reporting obligations in one place. Expirely's grant module includes calendar reminders, document storage, and compliance tracking—features completely absent in both Bloomerang and Neon CRM.
📊Impact Measurement & Storytelling
Connect donations to outcomes with Expirely's program tracking tools. Generate beautiful impact reports that show donors exactly how their contributions made a difference. Create compelling data visualizations that tell your nonprofit's story effectively.
⚙️Intelligent Automation
Create sophisticated workflows that run your nonprofit on autopilot. Automatically segment donors, trigger personalized communications, schedule follow-ups, assign tasks, and generate reports—all without manual intervention. Far more advanced than the basic automation in competing platforms.
🎨Unmatched Customization
Tailor Expirely to your exact needs with custom fields, forms, workflows, and dashboards. Unlike Bloomerang's rigid structure or Neon CRM's complex customization process, Expirely makes it easy to configure the system your way without requiring technical expertise.
Side-by-Side Comparison
See exactly how these platforms stack up
| Feature Category | Bloomerang | Neon CRM | Expirely |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donor Management | ✓✓ Excellent | ✓ Good | ✓✓✓ Excellent+ |
| Donor Engagement Tracking | ✓✓ Excellent | ~ Basic | ✓✓✓ AI-Powered |
| Event Management | ~ Basic | ✓ Good | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| Membership Management | ✗ None | ✓ Good | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| Volunteer Management | ✗ None | ~ Basic | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| Email Marketing | ✓ Good | ✓ Good | ✓✓✓ Advanced |
| Grant Management | ✗ None | ✗ None | ✓✓✓ Comprehensive |
| Program/Outcome Tracking | ✗ None | ✗ None | ✓✓✓ Built-in |
| Reporting & Analytics | ✓ Good | ~ Basic | ✓✓✓ Advanced |
| Workflow Automation | ~ Basic | ~ Basic | ✓✓✓ Intelligent |
| AI-Powered Insights | ✗ None | ✗ None | ✓✓✓ Yes |
| Mobile App | ✗ None | ~ Limited | ✓✓✓ Full-Featured |
| Social Media Integration | ✗ None | ✗ None | ✓✓✓ Built-in |
| Customization | ~ Limited | ✓ Moderate | ✓✓✓ Extensive |
| User Interface | ✓✓ Excellent | ~ Complex | ✓✓✓ Intuitive |
| Learning Curve | ✓✓ Easy | ✗ Steep | ✓✓✓ Easy |
| Customer Support | ✓ Good | ~ Variable | ✓✓✓ Excellent |
| Value for Money | ~ Fair | ✓ Good | ✓✓✓ Outstanding |
Pricing Comparison
Expirely delivers more value at a competitive price point
Bloomerang
Starting price
- •Donor management included
- •Email marketing included
- ✗No event management
- ✗No volunteer tracking
- ✗No membership features
- ✗No mobile app
Neon CRM
Starting price
- •All-in-one platform
- •Event & membership tools
- •Basic volunteer tracking
- ✗Complex to use
- ✗Limited mobile access
- ✗No AI features
Expirely
All features included
- ✓Everything Bloomerang has
- ✓Everything Neon CRM has
- ✓AI-powered insights
- ✓Grant management system
- ✓Full mobile apps
- ✓Program outcome tracking
💰 Save $36-$48/month with Expirely while getting MORE features
Real-World Scenarios
See how Expirely solves problems the others can't
Arts Organization
❌ Bloomerang Fails:
Can't handle complex event ticketing, no membership tiers, no volunteer scheduling for performances
❌ Neon CRM Struggles:
Clunky event management, difficult for volunteers to use, poor mobile experience for on-site check-ins
✅ Expirely Excels:
Seamlessly manages season subscriptions, event ticketing, volunteer coordination, and donor engagement—all with mobile apps for staff and volunteers
Health Foundation
❌ Bloomerang Fails:
No grant tracking, can't measure program outcomes, missing impact reporting for stakeholders
❌ Neon CRM Struggles:
No program tracking, complex reporting makes it hard to show impact, staff finds it confusing
✅ Expirely Excels:
Tracks grants from application to reporting, measures program outcomes, creates beautiful impact visualizations that connect donations to results
Animal Rescue
❌ Bloomerang Fails:
No volunteer management for foster homes, can't track adoption events, missing mobile tools for field work
❌ Neon CRM Struggles:
Basic volunteer features inadequate, poor mobile access for volunteers, difficult to coordinate multiple events
✅ Expirely Excels:
Comprehensive volunteer management with mobile apps, tracks adoption events and outcomes, coordinates foster networks, automated donor updates with impact stories
Education Nonprofit
❌ Bloomerang Fails:
Can't manage scholarship programs, no student outcome tracking, lacks program management tools
❌ Neon CRM Struggles:
Complex for program staff to use, no outcome measurement, difficult to show donor impact on students
✅ Expirely Excels:
Tracks scholarships and program participants, measures educational outcomes, AI identifies at-risk students, creates compelling impact reports showing donors their tangible effect
What Organizations Are Saying
"We switched from Bloomerang and couldn't be happier. Expirely gives us everything we loved about Bloomerang PLUS grant tracking, volunteer management, and mobile access. And it's cheaper!"
— Sarah M., Development Director
Community Foundation
"Neon CRM was too complicated for our team. Expirely has all the same features but is actually intuitive. The AI insights alone have helped us increase retention by 23%."
— Marcus T., Executive Director
Youth Services Organization
"The program outcome tracking is a game-changer. We can finally show our impact in a compelling way. Our donors love the automated impact reports. Worth every penny."
— Jennifer L., Program Director
Environmental Nonprofit
Switching is Easy
Worried about migrating from Bloomerang or Neon CRM? Don't be.
1. Free Consultation
We analyze your current setup and create a custom migration plan
2. Data Migration
Our team handles the technical work—zero data loss guaranteed
3. Staff Training
Personalized training ensures your team is confident and productive
4. Go Live
Launch with confidence and ongoing support from our team
✨ Most organizations are fully migrated and operational within 2-3 weeks
Expert Recommendation
After comprehensive evaluation of all three platforms, Expirely is the clear winner for nonprofits seeking a complete, modern, and cost-effective solution.
While Bloomerang offers strong donor retention tools and Neon CRM provides comprehensive features, both fall short in critical areas. Expirely delivers the best of both platforms while adding innovative capabilities like AI-powered insights, grant management, program tracking, and true mobile functionality—all at a lower price point.
More Features Than Competitors
Annual Savings vs. Bloomerang
Customer Satisfaction Rate
The Bottom Line
| Criteria | Bloomerang | Neon CRM | Expirely |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Donor-focused orgs with simple needs | Orgs willing to sacrifice usability | Any nonprofit seeking complete solution |
| Feature Completeness | 6/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Value for Money | 6/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Innovation | 6/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Customer Support | 8/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 |
| OVERALL SCORE | 7.0 | 6.0 | 10.0 |
Key Takeaways
Bloomerang: Good but Limited
Excellent donor engagement tools and user interface, but lacks essential features for comprehensive nonprofit management. Expensive for what you get. Best for organizations that only need donor management and nothing else.
Neon CRM: Feature-Rich but Frustrating
Offers a comprehensive feature set but suffers from poor user experience, complex interface, and inconsistent support. The learning curve and usability issues offset the breadth of functionality. Better suited for organizations with dedicated IT resources.
Expirely: The Clear Winner
Combines the strengths of both competitors while eliminating their weaknesses. Adds cutting-edge features like AI insights, grant management, and program tracking. Delivers superior usability at a lower price point. The obvious choice for nonprofits that want a complete, modern solution without compromise.
The Verdict
Unless your nonprofit has extremely narrow needs (donor management only) or unlimited time for training complex software, Expirely is the smart choice. It's the only platform that truly delivers everything modern nonprofits need in one intuitive, affordable package.
Why Nonprofits Choose Expirely
Better Value
More features at a lower price than both Bloomerang and Neon CRM
Complete Solution
Everything you need in one platform—no add-ons required
Easy to Use
Intuitive interface that your entire team can master quickly
AI-Powered
Smart insights that help you retain donors and grow revenue
Mobile-First
Full-featured mobile apps for iOS and Android
Quick Setup
Get up and running in weeks, not months
Impact Tracking
Show donors the real-world results of their giving
Highly Customizable
Adapt the platform to match your unique workflows
Outstanding Support
Responsive, knowledgeable team ready to help
Ready to Upgrade Your Nonprofit?
Join hundreds of nonprofits that have made the switch to Expirely and never looked back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really migrate from Bloomerang or Neon CRM to Expirely?
Absolutely! Our migration team has extensive experience moving organizations from both platforms. We handle the technical work, ensure zero data loss, and provide comprehensive training. Most migrations are completed within 2-3 weeks.
Will my team find Expirely easy to use?
Yes! Expirely is designed with user experience as a top priority. If your team can use Bloomerang, they'll find Expirely even easier. And unlike Neon CRM, there's no steep learning curve. We also provide personalized training for your team.
How is Expirely more affordable if it has more features?
Expirely is built on modern, efficient infrastructure that allows us to deliver more value at a lower cost. We don't have the legacy technical debt of older platforms, so we can pass the savings to our customers while continuously adding new features.
What makes Expirely's AI features different?
Expirely's AI analyzes your donor data to predict retention risk, identify major gift prospects, recommend engagement strategies, and forecast giving trends. This goes far beyond basic scoring systems—it's actionable intelligence that drives real results.
What if I need features that aren't built-in?
Expirely offers extensive customization options and a robust API for integrations. Plus, our product team actively listens to customer feedback and regularly releases new features. We're committed to evolving the platform to meet your needs.
The Choice is Clear
While Bloomerang and Neon CRM both have their strengths, neither can match Expirely's combination of comprehensive features, ease of use, innovation, and value. For nonprofits serious about maximizing their impact in 2024 and beyond, Expirely is the obvious choice.
"The best CRM is the one your team will actually use. Expirely is that platform."