From NPSP to Nonprofit Cloud: What Salesforce’s Shift Means for Nonprofits – and Why It’s a Chance to Rethink Your Tech

If your organization has been using the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), you’ve likely heard the buzz: Salesforce is retiring NPSP and transitioning nonprofits to its new Nonprofit Cloud.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple rebrand—but this shift is more complex than it appears. Nonprofit Cloud isn’t just an upgraded NPSP; it’s an entirely new framework. While it promises advanced features, the transition also brings higher costs, a steep learning curve, and a need to reevaluate your tech stack.

Here’s what you need to know—and why this could be the perfect moment to explore alternatives like HubSpot.

The Transition: NPSP vs. Nonprofit Cloud

For over a decade, Salesforce’s Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) has served as a cornerstone for nonprofit operations. Built on Salesforce’s core CRM, it offered modular, open-source functionality for donor management, fundraising, and program tracking.

Now, Salesforce is replacing NPSP with Nonprofit Cloud—a platform built on Salesforce Industries (SFI). While this shift introduces industry-standard tools, it also signals a move away from NPSP’s flexible, community-driven model toward a standardized, corporate structure.

Key Changes:

• A New Framework: Nonprofit Cloud is a complete rebuild, designed with larger organizations in mind. This limits customization but promises streamlined workflows.
• Enhanced Features: Tools for grant management, program impact tracking, and automated donation workflows are included. However, they may not meet the unique needs of smaller nonprofits.
• Reduced Flexibility: Nonprofit Cloud eliminates NPSP’s open-source adaptability, which could challenge organizations with specific operational demands.

What Nonprofit Cloud Means for Organizations

1. Higher Costs

The transition to Nonprofit Cloud comes with steeper licensing fees and implementation expenses. Here’s a breakdown:

• Nonprofit Cloud (NPC): $40/seat for Enterprise and $100/seat for Unlimited, reflecting its greater functionality.
• Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP): $36/seat for Enterprise and $72/seat for Unlimited​.

Additionally, migration and consulting fees could add thousands to your budget, potentially diverting resources from mission-critical initiatives.

2. A Steep Learning Curve

Switching to Nonprofit Cloud isn’t an upgrade—it’s a transition to an entirely new platform. This means:

• Retraining Required: Staff and admins will need significant training to adapt to the system’s Salesforce Industries base.
• Customizations at Risk: Legacy NPSP customizations may not carry over seamlessly, leading to additional setup costs.

3. Community Reactions

Salesforce’s move has sparked mixed feelings. While some applaud Nonprofit Cloud’s modern infrastructure, others lament the loss of NPSP’s collaborative ecosystem. Smaller nonprofits, in particular, may find themselves underserved.

Should You Stick with Salesforce—or Look Elsewhere?

Salesforce’s shift has prompted many nonprofits to reevaluate their tech stacks. If your organization is facing higher costs and complex migration, now is the time to ask: is Salesforce still the right fit?

Why HubSpot Deserves a Closer Look

HubSpot offers nonprofits a simpler, more user-friendly alternative without the hefty price tag. Here’s how it stacks up:

Transparent Pricing, Lower Costs

Unlike Salesforce, HubSpot keeps its pricing straightforward. With a 40% nonprofit discount, HubSpot offers affordable, scalable solutions that reduce implementation and maintenance costs. For example:

Ease of Use

HubSpot’s intuitive design minimizes the need for extensive training. Instead of spending weeks learning a complex system, teams can focus on engaging their communities.

Flexible Growth

HubSpot grows with your nonprofit’s needs—without forcing disruptive migrations. Its modular tools let you expand at your own pace, ensuring long-term alignment with your goals.

Your Next Steps

The transition to Nonprofit Cloud is a pivotal moment for nonprofits. While it might suit large organizations with complex needs, smaller nonprofits may find more value in exploring alternatives like HubSpot.

HubSpot empowers nonprofits to:

• Reduce costs
• Simplify processes
• Enhance donor and member engagement

Ready to rethink your tech strategy? Let’s start the conversation.