NationBuilder vs. NGP VAN

Excellent for local and state level political campaigns. Also has worked very well for some of our non-profit clients. We do not currently use the platform outside of these scenarios.

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.

• Store contact information
• Process online donations securely and accurately

Incentivized

• gives current addresses
• gives phone numbers
• comments regarding issues
• voters by districts
• lists other party voters

• WYSIWYG editor is basic without the ability to customize and add custom fields. This is especially evident when compared to WordPress
• Donation functionality does not support fingerprint payments
• Email templates are difficult to customize compared to Constant Contact and MailChimp

Incentivized

• Geo tag outside of USA on MiniVAN
• Convert counts into Pie or Bar charts
• Synch MiniVAN canvassed with phone bank canvassed

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.

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.

It is difficult to compare WordPress and NationBuilder because they are completely different. NationBuilder is a closed system that is specifically made to accomplish certain things. WordPress is largely an open source product with thousands of plugins, extensions, and expandability. However, because of its increased versatility, some clients gravitate toward WordPress over NationBuilder.

Incentivized

I have no other experience.

• We've raised a lot of money through emails, petitions, and donations.
• We've increased our membership.
• We've improved our ability to mobilize membership.

Incentivized

• Cost effective for a campaign to have