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Benefits of Foundant CommunitySuite over best-of-breed software solutions

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Now, more than ever, software solutions are pivotal for the smooth operation of nonprofits and foundations. As the reliance on these systems increase, the debate between opting for "best-of-breed" (BoB) software versus an all-in-one system is more relevant than ever.  

The term "best-of-breed," or "BoB," refers to software that excels in its specific domain but doesn't necessarily cover the full spectrum of organizational needs. For example, Salesforce might be the BoB for CRM, while Microsoft's Dynamics 365 takes the lead in ERP systems. However, this piece aims to shed light on how an all-in-one system, particularly Foundant CommunitySuite, stands as a robust competitor, offering comprehensive benefits over BoB solutions. 

Choosing between BoB and an all-in-one system 

The decision between a BoB solution and an integrated all-in-one system like CommunitySuite requires a deep understanding of an organization's needs, the features offered by the respective systems, and the potential impact on operational efficiency. 

The all-in-one advantage: CommunitySuite 

CommunitySuite emerges as a comprehensive solution designed to cater to the multifaceted needs of community foundations and nonprofits. Unlike BoB options, CommunitySuite unifies crucial functionalities such as: 

    • Fund accounting ensures precise financial tracking and reporting
    • CRM and donor management streamline donor interactions and enhance engagement
    • Events management and online donation management facilitate event planning and simplify the donation process
    • Grant and scholarship lifecycle management automates and manages the entire lifecycle of grants and scholarships
    • An Integrated Approach offers a cohesive platform for all organizational needs, reducing the hassle of managing multiple systems
    • Customization and ease of use tailored to fit unique organizational needs while being user-friendly
    • Cost-effectiveness eliminates the need for multiple subscriptions and integrations, proving to be a financially smarter choice in the long run.  

Potential pitfalls of BoB solutions 

BoB solutions, while excelling in their respective fields, often require organizations to juggle multiple systems for different needs. 

This segmentation can lead to: 

    • Increased complexity in managing separate, siloed systems
    • Higher costs due to multiple licensing subscriptions, potential integrations fees, as well as possible increased IT support team costs
    • Possible gaps in integration, leading to inefficient data flow and reporting which could cause data inconsistencies
    • Increased security risks with each system creating the opportunity for a potential vulnerability 

For some organizations, the cost of this segmentation may be worth it, but it’s critical to examine exactly what this segmentation will entail.  

Comparing features with BoB solutions 

A few questions to ask yourself: 

    • How will data flow from one system to another? Will there be extra manual inputs or workarounds?
    • Who will own each system? Remember that those people will need to work cross-functionally in order to make the segmented systems worth the cost.
    • How will you ensure updates are happening across systems without breaking connections? 

Accounting systems such as Foundation Power, Sage, FE, MIP, or Fund Driver generally include: 

  • General Ledger
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Accounts Payable
  • Reporting and Analytics
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Grant Management  
  • Fundraising

× Payroll

× Fixed Asset Management

×  Need another solution besides CommunitySuite

Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) systems like Salesforce, Hubspot, or Monday Sales CRM generally include: 

  • Constituent Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Engagement Tracking
  • Opportunity Management
  • Marketing Automation
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • Integration with Other Systems
  • Customization and Configuration

× Sales Pipeline Management 

× Customer Service Management 

×  Need another solution besides CommunitySuite

Portal Systems like Zendesk, Freshdesk, Zoho Creator, or Donorsphere generally include: 

  • Member Management
  • Customer Self-Service
  • Online Giving  
  • Community Engagement Platform or Forums (Win)  
  • Integration with Other Systems
  • Customization and Branding
  • Analytics and Reporting
  • Security and Compliance

× Ticket Management 

× Knowledge Base 

×  Need another solution besides CommunitySuite

Prioritize the highest stake features 

It’s crucial for organizations to collaboratively identify and prioritize features that are most critical to their operation. This ensures that the chosen software solution, whether it be an all-in-one system like CommunitySuite or a combination of BoBs, aligns with organizational goals and enhances operational efficiency. 

Do this as a team so everyone who touches the software has input on its weight relative in their role: 

    • What do each of the functions of your organization need?
    • What is most important for each of these functions? Is there overlap in needs?
    • What are your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and unnecessaries? 

Now, look at your list and start filling in details specific to those requirements.  

    • Who would own this piece of software for the organization? 
    • Do they have the bandwidth to work with implementation?
    • Where will you be reliant on the Vendor when internal capacity is not there?
    • How will each of these requirements interplay with one another? 

Navigating the risks associated with APIs/integrations 

Choosing between an all-in-one or BoB approach also involves considering the risks associated with APIs and integrations. An all-in-one system typically reduces the reliance on external integrations, thus minimizing potential security risks and ensuring smoother data flow across the organization. 

While BoB solutions offer excellence in specific domains, an all-in-one system like Foundant’s CommunitySuite presents a compelling argument for organizations seeking streamlined operations, enhanced efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness. By providing a comprehensive suite of features integrated into one platform, CommunitySuite stands as a robust solution capable of addressing the multifaceted needs of community foundations and nonprofits, making it a worthy contender in the decision-making process. 

Discover how Foundant’s CommunitySuite can streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

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