# Blackbaud Luminate Online Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra

> With the help of Capterra, learn about Blackbaud Luminate Online Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Nonprofit products and more.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/134915/Luminate-Online-Marketing/pricing

---

# 

 Blackbaud Luminate Online Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons

Last updated on March 13, 2026

Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.

[Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Integrations](#integrations)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews)

Blackbaud Luminate Online

## What is Blackbaud Luminate Online?

Luminate Online Marketing provides everything you need to acquire more constituents, build automated online fundraising campaigns and nurture sustainable donor relationships. Luminate also offers the industry's best integration to Raiser's Edge for true multi-channel communications. Included with Luminate is your own personal Customer Success Manager to help you do MORE for your cause!

## What is Blackbaud Luminate Online used for?

[Nonprofit](https://www.capterra.com/nonprofit-software/)[Email Marketing](https://www.capterra.com/email-marketing-software/)[Marketing Automation](https://www.capterra.com/marketing-automation-software/)

Top alternative

Featured

Overall rating

Based on 34 user reviews

Reviews sentiment

Positive

65%

Neutral

26%

Negative

9%

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
not available

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Do you work for Blackbaud Luminate Online?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=http://www.blackbaud.com&name=Blackbaud Luminate Online)

## Compare with a popular alternative

Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status.

### Blackbaud Luminate Online

3.7 (34)

VS.

[4.8 (624)](https://www.capterra.com/p/156860/Donorbox/reviews/)

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Starting Price

Contact vendor

Free Trial

Free Version

Pricing Options

Free Trial

Free Version

Ease Of Use

3.0 (34)

Ease Of Use

4.8 (871)

Value For Money

2.9 (15)

Value For Money

4.6 (774)

Customer Service

3.8 (32)

Customer Service

4.7 (751)

## Blackbaud Luminate Online alternatives

[4.5 (1,382)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2698/DonorPerfect-Fundraising-Software/reviews/)

Starting price

$119.00

Per User, Per Month

[4.8 (471)](https://www.capterra.com/p/220131/Zeffy/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

[4.6 (935)](https://www.capterra.com/p/111128/Bonterra-Guided-Fundraising/reviews/)

Starting price

Contact vendor for pricing

[4.7 (1,286)](https://www.capterra.com/p/131207/Bloomerang/reviews/)

Starting price

$125.00

Per User, Per Month

[View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/134915/Luminate-Online-Marketing/alternatives/)

## Features

Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically.

Campaign Management

3.3 (4)

100.00% of 4 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Create a collection of marketing actions to complete specific goals and plan and analyze campaign results

Customizable Fields

4.3 (3)

66.67% of 3 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Customize data fields to support various needs and use cases

Email Campaign Management

4.0 (3)

100.00% of 3 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Plan, execute, and analyze email marketing campaigns

Customizable Branding

2.5 (2)

100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Add customized logos and colors to align with company branding

Dynamic Content

3.5 (2)

100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Content that alters based on the user's behavior, preferences, and interests, providing a personalized experience

Email Marketing

2.0 (2)

100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important

Create and send email blasts/campaigns

Blackbaud Luminate Online 62 features

Test multiple versions of emails, forms, content, or other campaign elements to gauge effectiveness

Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities

Track and document all activities across devices, networks, and other systems

Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases

Create and automatically send premade copy in response to customer messages

Track and interpret campaign performance metrics

Create a collection of marketing actions to complete specific goals and plan and analyze campaign results

Set campaign schedules by selecting start, pause, and end dates

Ensure all emails are compliant with anti-spam guidelines, as required by the CAN-SPAM Act

Track the amount of clicks on individual products to measure campaign results

Manage, organize, and store contact information

Measure return on ad spend by tracking the actions people take such as sign up or download after engaging with ads

Built-in customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities or integration with a third-party CRM system

Process of dividing customers into groups based on common characteristics

Tool to send questionnaires to customers to gauge feedback

Add customized logos and colors to align with company branding

Create unique call-to-actions to drive clicks (buttons, banners, graphics, etc.)

Customize data fields to support various needs and use cases

Customize contracts and forms to collect specific information

Pre-designed layouts that can be customized to match preferences and requirements

Import and export data to and from software applications

Send automated marketing emails based on user actions over a predetermined period

Content that alters based on the user's behavior, preferences, and interests, providing a personalized experience

Plan, execute, and analyze email marketing campaigns

Manage, store and organize emails within the system or via third-party apps

Create and send email blasts/campaigns

Pre-made examples and templates for emails

Track delivered, received, and opened emails

Tracks metrics that provide insight into how a user interacts with any interface or product

Predefined actions automatically performed on the occurance of specific events

Store and manage images

Create landing pages or online forms designed to capture new leads and prospects

Automatically identify and save contact information of potential customers

Manage the process of attracting and converting business prospects into leads

Store information about leads or contacts and track, manage and nurture them throughout the sales process

Score a lead on their quality or likelihood to buy based on certain behaviors

Manage contacts across multiple mailing lists

Automate workflows and trigger campaigns based on customer actions

See past and upcoming campaigns and communications in a calendar view

Access software remotely via mobile devices

Optimize content to ensure it is easily accessible for mobile users

Manage multiple campaigns in one system

Allows communication with customers or users via multiple channels such as phone, email, live chat, etc.

Coordinate marketing efforts across channels (email, landing pages, social media, etc.)

Create many versions of emails, forms, or actions and gauge which is most effective

Analyze and gain insights into data in real-time

Receive data and information in real time

Collection, analysis, and representation of numerical data and generation of reports to understand various patterns

View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data

Monitor conversion rates and analyze effectiveness and profitability of marketing efforts

Track in detail how users interact with your campaigns and pages (scrolling, button interactions, etc.)

Group leads or contacts based on their specific characteristics

Send promotional campaigns or transactional messages via text messages

Manage campaigns and track engagement for marketing efforts across social media channels

Integrate with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.

Add or remove subscribers from mailing lists

Create, save, and re-purpose templates for emails, forms, etc.

Set up connections to third-party platforms to improve business processes

Interact with data visualization elements, such as charts and graphs, to drill down into data

Monitor activity of individuals who visit your website using cookies

Create, design and manage workflows for repetitive tasks

What You See Is What You Get is a no-code tool that allows users to create and edit content using a visual interface

Get Advice

We can help you find the software with the features you need.

Features

3.5 (34)

3.5

Based on 34 reviews

## Pricing

Value for money

2.9 (15)

### Starting price

Contact vendor  
for pricing

Free trial  
not available

Value for money

2.9 (15)

2.9

Based on 15 reviews

## Integrations

[

Blackbaud Merchant Services](https://www.capterra.com/p/198638/Blackbaud-Merchant-Services/)

Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation

Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs.

## Support, customer service and training options

Customer Service

3.8 (32)

Support

-   Email/Help Desk
-   FAQs/Forum
-   Knowledge Base
-   Phone Support
-   24/7 (Live rep)
-   Chat

Training

-   In Person
-   Live Online
-   Webinars
-   Documentation
-   Videos

Deployment

-   Web
-   Android
-   iPhone/iPad

Typical users

-   Freelancers
-   Small businesses
-   Mid size businesses
-   Enterprises

Customer Service

3.8 (32)

3.8

Based on 32 reviews

## User reviews

Overall rating

3.7

Based on 34 reviews

Filter by rating

5(5)

4(14)

3(12)

2(1)

1(2)

Mentioned topic

Sorted by most recent

BB

Bonnie B.

Lead Systems Analyst

Non-Profit Organization Management

### "The Tool That Turned Donors Away: A Backend and Frontend Letdown"

1.0

Overall Rating

1.0

1.0

Ease of Use

1.0

1.0

Features

1.0

1.0

Customer Service

1.0

1.0

Likelihood to Recommend

0/10

February 22, 2025

Luminate was incredibly frustrating to use both on the backend and the front. Our donors regularly voiced how frustrated they were with it. Our experiences with our account reps was less than desireable.

Pros

Honestly, we didn't like much about Luminate. I'm trying to think of a single thing that worked well and I'm struggling. I mean, at the end of the day, you could send emails, have an event site, and donation forms? The basic functionality was there.

Cons

Blackbaud just abandoned the software once it was purchased. It was an absolute nightmare to use on the backend. The email builder was ridiculous. In particular, the event site admin side was horrible. You shouldn't have to hire an outside company to create your event site within a tool that is supposed to make it easy to use. Both the backend and front experience with the donation forms was so complex. When we moved away we saw an instant incredibly rise in conversion rate.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

SB

Sarah B.

Donation database coordinator

Non-Profit Organization Management

### "BBCRM Review"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

August 29, 2022

Pros

Ease of use and how it has everything we need shown there at our finger tips.

Cons

Integration was hard for new users but that is to be expected

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AB

Amy B.

Development Database Administrator

Non-Profit Organization Management

### "Long time user review"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

3.0

3.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

July 25, 2022

Pros

The things I like most about Luminate are; It is a very powerful tool, it does a LOT. Email, newsletters, donation forms, donation management. It is easy to access from anywhere. It is highly customizable with the right skills.

Cons

The things I dislike are: It takes a very long time to learn how to use it well. I have been using it for over 14 years and still feel like I have barely scratched the surface. A bit outdated. While they relatively recently made it able to accept organization gifts, that functionality was never fully built out, is clunky, and less than great. The integration with RE is not great. I wish it were more seamless. Doesn't feel especially up-to-date, no major updates or changes in years and years

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

TT

Tatiana T.

Manager- Donor Database

Religious Institutions

### "BB LO is what is available"

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

3.0

3.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

5/10

July 22, 2022

I would say my experience has been nuetral...not particularly great but also not horrible

Pros

It is integrated with Blackbaud products.

Cons

\- Repetative steps at times which can lead youi in circles

Reasons for choosing Blackbaud Luminate Online

It is integrated with Blackbaud products.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AW

Allison W.

Development Specialist for Events and Operations

Hospital & Health Care

### "It's fine"

3.0

Overall Rating

3.0

3.0

Ease of Use

2.0

2.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

2.0

2.0

Likelihood to Recommend

4/10

March 16, 2022

Pros

Luminate Online has a lot of great features and tools, however, the deployment and early days of adoption were very difficult. The automatically-generated groups are very helpful, and the reporting is pretty good. The E-commerce feature is my favorite part, and it's the easiest to manage as well.

Cons

There are a lot of things you can't customize without needing a developer, which is disappointing. Record management in Luminate is very difficult, and I am really disappointed that organization gifts do not flow through the RELO plugin. We have to create workarounds just for that. It's not an easy platform to use.

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

AT

Amanda T.

Database Coordinator

Hospital & Health Care

### "Luminate Online"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

2.0

2.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

7/10

March 2, 2022

Pros

Robust nature of software, both donations and emails in one space plus the ability to create donor-centered web spaces

Cons

Not user friendly - the interface has a STEEP learning curve. Implementation requires an outside consultant or additional services from Blackbaud.

Switched from

[Campaign Monitor by Marigold](https://www.capterra.com/p/76928/Campaign-Monitor/)

Review source

Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

SJ

Sam J.

Director

Non-Profit Organization Management

### "Once upon a time best-in-class suite that has failed to advance with the times"

2.0

Overall Rating

2.0

2.0

Ease of Use

1.0

1.0

Features

2.0

2.0

Customer Service

4.0

4.0

Likelihood to Recommend

2/10

December 28, 2021

Many years ago, Luminate Online was a best-in-class fundraising and marketing suite. Blackbaud has rested on those laurels for too long, and many customers who have heavily invested in the platform now feel frustrated that they have not experienced the innovation seen throughout the market with newer technologies.

Pros

The frontend of Luminate Online is highly flexible if you are willing and able to invest the time and expense.

Cons

The backend of Luminate Online is very frustrating and feels like software that is running on decades-old technology (because it often is). The advantages of an all-in-one suite are quickly lost due to abandoned or buggy modules forcing customers to supplement with 3rd-party products. The platform is seriously overdue for a complete overhaul or rewrite.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

KE

Kaitlyn E.

Alumni Advancement Manager

Higher Education

### "Luminate Online Review"

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

3.0

3.0

Features

4.0

4.0

Customer Service

0.0

0.0

Likelihood to Recommend

8/10

July 6, 2021

Overall experience is good with Luminate. Although we have to test many times to ensure the template looks good in the email structure, the system itself is great for scheduling, uploading lists, analytics, and more.

Pros

The analytics in Luminate Online (LO) are the best feature. You are able to get analytics in real-time by refreshing the page. The stats are up to date always and provide accurate numbers.

Cons

The email builder itself is not that user-friendly. I always have a tough time with transferring over templates. Luminate adds/deletes spaces, changes fonts and font sizes consistently.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

GB

Glynis B.

School Outreach Manager

Museums and Institutions

### "Not intuitive"

4.0

Overall Rating

4.0

4.0

Ease of Use

2.0

2.0

Features

3.0

3.0

Customer Service

3.0

3.0

Likelihood to Recommend

5/10

January 27, 2021

We use it for transactional and reminder emails for registered programs, and marketing emails.

Pros

Honestly, I cannot think of any pros at this time.

Cons

Nothing about Luminate Online is intuitive. It does not integrate well with other Blackbaud products. We have had to purchase other third-party software to send information between Altru and Luminate.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

HB

Hannah B.

AST

Non-Profit Organization Management

### "Great, intuitive system! "

5.0

Overall Rating

5.0

5.0

Ease of Use

5.0

5.0

Features

5.0

5.0

Customer Service

5.0

5.0

Likelihood to Recommend

10/10

June 29, 2019

Overall experience has been positive! Would defnintely recomend!

Pros

I loved how easy it was to navigate and learn.

Cons

There are a few features I wish I could do more with.

Review source

Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication.

[View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/134915/Luminate-Online-Marketing/reviews/)

Popular comparisons

[Givebutter vs Blackbaud Luminate Online](https://www.capterra.com/compare/134915-172048/Luminate-Online-Marketing-vs-Givebutter) 

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