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Almabase vs Graduway: Which Alumni Engagement Platform Is Right for You?
If you’ve ever tried wrangling alumni data across spreadsheets, email lists, and event RSVPs, you probably already know that keeping alumni engaged is all about combining effort with the right tools.
With dozens of platforms out there promising seamless alumni engagement, it’s easy to get lost while being spoiled for choice. So we’re helping you cut through the fluff. In this blog, we’re diving into two great options - Almabase and Graduway, and breaking down where each shines, where they differ, and how to know which one fits your institution best.
Why Choosing the Right Alumni Engagement Platform is Essential
Your alumni network is a powerful asset for fueling donations, mentorships, referrals, and community goodwill. But with teams or budgets sometimes stretched thin, outreach can sometimes slip into the background, reduced to one-size-fits-all communications..
A good alumni engagement platform changes that. It keeps data updated, personalizes communication, automates touchpoints, and makes your outreach feel intentional- like a message from a friend instead of a mass email. Thoughtful gestures like birthday notes, job change shoutouts, or local event invites remind alumni they matter, and when people feel seen, they stay engaged and give back.
Over time, the platform becomes more than a tool. They evolve to become the engine that keeps your alumni relationships warm, consistent, and scalable. So what does that actually look like? Let’s see how platforms like Almabase and Graduway bring it to life.
Platform Overview: Almabase and Graduway
Almabase
Almabase is a full-stack alumni engagement and fundraising platform built for schools, universities, and nonprofits. What makes us stand out is our focus on making engagement feel personal and scalable. It’s designed to simplify alumni outreach, boost giving, streamline event management, and automate the routine stuff, so your team can focus on the big picture.
Graduway
Graduway is a branded alumni networking platform that focuses heavily on building private online communities for schools, universities, and nonprofits. It shines as a community-first platform. At its core, it’s designed to help institutions launch their own alumni portals; spaces where former students can reconnect, offer mentorship, share career opportunities, and stay engaged long after graduation.
Feature-by-Feature comparison: Almabase vs Graduway
Now that we’ve had a brief look at each platform, let’s break it down further. Here's how Almabase and Graduway compare across key features that matter most to advancement teams.
1. CRM integration and data sync
Both Almabase and Gradyway provide integration and customizable data sync with popular advancement CRMs like Blackbaud CRM, RE NXT, and Salesforce, either through native integration or through connectors.
However, Almabase provides a deeper bidirectional sync with RE NXT and Blackbaud CRM in particular, focusing on minimizing manual work and making syncs as simple or granular as your admin(s) wants it to be.
2. Hosting and managing events
Almabase excels in event management with its user-friendly, no-code setup that allows for the creation of highly customized event pages. Whether you’re planning a reunion, networking night, or giving day, you’ll find RSVP pages, Zoom integrations, branded forms, automated reminders, smart waitlists, and real-time attendee tracking—fully synced to your CRM for detailed analytics. It’s event marketing and operations, simplified.
Graduway also supports basic event setup with registration, waitlists, and promotion features. While effective for simple events, it doesn’t go deep into workflows like ticketing, payment processing, or post-event analytics to the same extent as Almabase
3. Online giving and fundraising
Almabase comes with built-in tools for peer-to-peer campaigns, giving days, and crowdfunding. You can launch branded microsites with live leaderboards, campaign thermometers, and social sharing tools, optimized for mobile and conversion. And yes, gift data flows straight into your CRM.
💡See how Merchant Taylors' School 3X-ed donations with just a one-person team using Almabase
Graduway, through its acquisition into the broader Gravyty ecosystem, offers giving tools via additional modules. These allow campaign launches and donor tracking but are more community-centric and may require extra steps to integrate with advancement workflows.
4. Alumni networking and directories
Both Almabas and Graduway heavily focus on alumni engagement and networking tools and therefore offer intuitive alumni networks with alumni and business directories, maps, affinity groups, and other features designed to create a private alumni community online that provides value.
You’ll likely want to make a decision between the two based on required integrations, whether you also need event management and fundraising tools, and which pricing structure fits better for your budget.
5. Mentorship programs
Both Almabase and Graduway offer dedicated tools for building mentorship programs. Graduway may be preferable for teams focussed on mentorship specifically as it is a core feature that the platform focuses on through structured mentoring, flash mentoring, auto-matching, milestones, and dedicated program dashboards
Almabase has a host of features such as auto-matching, check-ins, and impact tracking with little manual input. However, it is better suited as a part of wider alumni engagement and networking efforts compared to Graduway which may be better as a standalone mentorship-specific tool.
6. Personalized email campaigns
Almabase heavily emphasizes personalization and for emails, this means a built-in email center with dynamic segments, templates, and automation for all your engagement, marketing and personalized communication needs. And with the all-new Emily AI, you can draft subject lines and email copy based on your tone and goals. As for pa
💡See how Samueli Academy hit 97% alumni engagement using Almabase email automation
Graduway offers digest emails and custom newsletters to complement it’s alumni networking focus. However, its email personalization is generally more limited than Almabase’s.
7. Branding and Customization
Almabase provides institutions with a greater degree of control over the branding and customization of their alumni platform while also focusing on no-code, easy setups. The platform provides customization across directories, various pages, email templates, and events. Launch fully branded microsites and emails that feel like your institution, not third-party tools.
Graduway offers branding at the layout and color level, with widgetized dashboards and group-level personalization. That said, its mobile and portal UI remains fairly standardized across institutions.
8. Mobile Access and App Availability
Almabase offers a mobile-responsive web platform, ensuring ease of use and compatibility across devices for alumni or donors. Graduway on the other hand offers a dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, providing alumni with on-the-go access to the community, directory, and other key features.
It pretty much comes down to a dedicated page shortcut vs a dedicated app and your experience will vary depending on your alumni’s preferences.
9. Onboarding and support
With both platforms, onboarding duration will vary depending on how many features you opt for. Almabase offers dedicated onboarding resources and specialists to help your team get used to the platform. Graduway, as part of the Gravyty ecosystem, will naturally require a steeper learning curve if you want to take advantage of the entire ecosystem’s products.
Both platforms offer email, phone, and live chat support. However, Almabase offers 24x7 customer support as well as automated and specialized support at no additional cost.
10. Data Ownership and Privacy
Both Almabase and Graduway have clear and comprehensive privacy policies that outline their commitment to data protection. Both platforms affirm that the institution retains ownership of its data. They employ robust security measures to safeguard personal information and comply with relevant data privacy regulations. For any institution or organization, a thorough review of their specific terms of service and privacy policy as well as a checklist of federal and regional regulations is highly recommended before making a decision.
Final Verdict: Almabase vs Graduway
At the end of the day, what works best for you between the two platforms comes down not just to the features on hand but also on your team’s available time, resources, and requirements.
If you are looking for an all-in-one engagement, events, and giving platform that fits well into teams of all sizes, we’d suggest you give Almabase a try. However, if mentorship and a private alumni community is your only priority, you can book a demo with Graduway to see if it fits into your team’s requirements.
Ultimately, you’ll want to book demos, ask the hard questions, and pick the tool that complements your culture and simplifies your next year, not one that adds more to your plate.
Ready to Make a Decision?
Book a personalized demo with Almabase to see how Almabase can streamline your alumni engagement and fundraising in one platform.
FAQs
1. Does Almabase offer mentorship features?
Yes. Almabase allows you to easily set up a mentorship program that comes with a variety of features for reporting and ease of use.
2. Do Almabase & Graduway integrate with Raiser's Edge NXT?
Both platforms can integrate with Raiser's Edge NXT. However, Almabase offers the best two-way native sync in the industry through its Truesync integration
3. Which platform is better for fundraising events?
Almabase comes with dedicated fundraising and event management tools for all your fundraising event needs. Graduway is capable of hosting them as well but may require other products within the Gravyty ecosystem to do so.
4. Can alumni sign up and log in with LinkedIn or other social accounts?
Yes, both platforms support social sign-on options like LinkedIn and other SSO sign-ups.
About the author
Sharada is a freelance blogger and communication trainer who loves exploring the intersection of education and training. When not working, she enjoys reading and dabbling in calligraphy.
If you’ve ever tried wrangling alumni data across spreadsheets, email lists, and event RSVPs, you probably already know that keeping alumni engaged is all about combining effort with the right tools.
With dozens of platforms out there promising seamless alumni engagement, it’s easy to get lost while being spoiled for choice. So we’re helping you cut through the fluff. In this blog, we’re diving into two great options - Almabase and Graduway, and breaking down where each shines, where they differ, and how to know which one fits your institution best.
Why Choosing the Right Alumni Engagement Platform is Essential
Your alumni network is a powerful asset for fueling donations, mentorships, referrals, and community goodwill. But with teams or budgets sometimes stretched thin, outreach can sometimes slip into the background, reduced to one-size-fits-all communications..
A good alumni engagement platform changes that. It keeps data updated, personalizes communication, automates touchpoints, and makes your outreach feel intentional- like a message from a friend instead of a mass email. Thoughtful gestures like birthday notes, job change shoutouts, or local event invites remind alumni they matter, and when people feel seen, they stay engaged and give back.
Over time, the platform becomes more than a tool. They evolve to become the engine that keeps your alumni relationships warm, consistent, and scalable. So what does that actually look like? Let’s see how platforms like Almabase and Graduway bring it to life.
Platform Overview: Almabase and Graduway
Almabase
Almabase is a full-stack alumni engagement and fundraising platform built for schools, universities, and nonprofits. What makes us stand out is our focus on making engagement feel personal and scalable. It’s designed to simplify alumni outreach, boost giving, streamline event management, and automate the routine stuff, so your team can focus on the big picture.
Graduway
Graduway is a branded alumni networking platform that focuses heavily on building private online communities for schools, universities, and nonprofits. It shines as a community-first platform. At its core, it’s designed to help institutions launch their own alumni portals; spaces where former students can reconnect, offer mentorship, share career opportunities, and stay engaged long after graduation.
Feature-by-Feature comparison: Almabase vs Graduway
Now that we’ve had a brief look at each platform, let’s break it down further. Here's how Almabase and Graduway compare across key features that matter most to advancement teams.
1. CRM integration and data sync
Both Almabase and Gradyway provide integration and customizable data sync with popular advancement CRMs like Blackbaud CRM, RE NXT, and Salesforce, either through native integration or through connectors.
However, Almabase provides a deeper bidirectional sync with RE NXT and Blackbaud CRM in particular, focusing on minimizing manual work and making syncs as simple or granular as your admin(s) wants it to be.
2. Hosting and managing events
Almabase excels in event management with its user-friendly, no-code setup that allows for the creation of highly customized event pages. Whether you’re planning a reunion, networking night, or giving day, you’ll find RSVP pages, Zoom integrations, branded forms, automated reminders, smart waitlists, and real-time attendee tracking—fully synced to your CRM for detailed analytics. It’s event marketing and operations, simplified.
Graduway also supports basic event setup with registration, waitlists, and promotion features. While effective for simple events, it doesn’t go deep into workflows like ticketing, payment processing, or post-event analytics to the same extent as Almabase
3. Online giving and fundraising
Almabase comes with built-in tools for peer-to-peer campaigns, giving days, and crowdfunding. You can launch branded microsites with live leaderboards, campaign thermometers, and social sharing tools, optimized for mobile and conversion. And yes, gift data flows straight into your CRM.
💡See how Merchant Taylors' School 3X-ed donations with just a one-person team using Almabase
Graduway, through its acquisition into the broader Gravyty ecosystem, offers giving tools via additional modules. These allow campaign launches and donor tracking but are more community-centric and may require extra steps to integrate with advancement workflows.
4. Alumni networking and directories
Both Almabas and Graduway heavily focus on alumni engagement and networking tools and therefore offer intuitive alumni networks with alumni and business directories, maps, affinity groups, and other features designed to create a private alumni community online that provides value.
You’ll likely want to make a decision between the two based on required integrations, whether you also need event management and fundraising tools, and which pricing structure fits better for your budget.
5. Mentorship programs
Both Almabase and Graduway offer dedicated tools for building mentorship programs. Graduway may be preferable for teams focussed on mentorship specifically as it is a core feature that the platform focuses on through structured mentoring, flash mentoring, auto-matching, milestones, and dedicated program dashboards
Almabase has a host of features such as auto-matching, check-ins, and impact tracking with little manual input. However, it is better suited as a part of wider alumni engagement and networking efforts compared to Graduway which may be better as a standalone mentorship-specific tool.
6. Personalized email campaigns
Almabase heavily emphasizes personalization and for emails, this means a built-in email center with dynamic segments, templates, and automation for all your engagement, marketing and personalized communication needs. And with the all-new Emily AI, you can draft subject lines and email copy based on your tone and goals. As for pa
💡See how Samueli Academy hit 97% alumni engagement using Almabase email automation
Graduway offers digest emails and custom newsletters to complement it’s alumni networking focus. However, its email personalization is generally more limited than Almabase’s.
7. Branding and Customization
Almabase provides institutions with a greater degree of control over the branding and customization of their alumni platform while also focusing on no-code, easy setups. The platform provides customization across directories, various pages, email templates, and events. Launch fully branded microsites and emails that feel like your institution, not third-party tools.
Graduway offers branding at the layout and color level, with widgetized dashboards and group-level personalization. That said, its mobile and portal UI remains fairly standardized across institutions.
8. Mobile Access and App Availability
Almabase offers a mobile-responsive web platform, ensuring ease of use and compatibility across devices for alumni or donors. Graduway on the other hand offers a dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, providing alumni with on-the-go access to the community, directory, and other key features.
It pretty much comes down to a dedicated page shortcut vs a dedicated app and your experience will vary depending on your alumni’s preferences.
9. Onboarding and support
With both platforms, onboarding duration will vary depending on how many features you opt for. Almabase offers dedicated onboarding resources and specialists to help your team get used to the platform. Graduway, as part of the Gravyty ecosystem, will naturally require a steeper learning curve if you want to take advantage of the entire ecosystem’s products.
Both platforms offer email, phone, and live chat support. However, Almabase offers 24x7 customer support as well as automated and specialized support at no additional cost.
10. Data Ownership and Privacy
Both Almabase and Graduway have clear and comprehensive privacy policies that outline their commitment to data protection. Both platforms affirm that the institution retains ownership of its data. They employ robust security measures to safeguard personal information and comply with relevant data privacy regulations. For any institution or organization, a thorough review of their specific terms of service and privacy policy as well as a checklist of federal and regional regulations is highly recommended before making a decision.
Final Verdict: Almabase vs Graduway
At the end of the day, what works best for you between the two platforms comes down not just to the features on hand but also on your team’s available time, resources, and requirements.
If you are looking for an all-in-one engagement, events, and giving platform that fits well into teams of all sizes, we’d suggest you give Almabase a try. However, if mentorship and a private alumni community is your only priority, you can book a demo with Graduway to see if it fits into your team’s requirements.
Ultimately, you’ll want to book demos, ask the hard questions, and pick the tool that complements your culture and simplifies your next year, not one that adds more to your plate.
Ready to Make a Decision?
Book a personalized demo with Almabase to see how Almabase can streamline your alumni engagement and fundraising in one platform.
FAQs
1. Does Almabase offer mentorship features?
Yes. Almabase allows you to easily set up a mentorship program that comes with a variety of features for reporting and ease of use.
2. Do Almabase & Graduway integrate with Raiser's Edge NXT?
Both platforms can integrate with Raiser's Edge NXT. However, Almabase offers the best two-way native sync in the industry through its Truesync integration
3. Which platform is better for fundraising events?
Almabase comes with dedicated fundraising and event management tools for all your fundraising event needs. Graduway is capable of hosting them as well but may require other products within the Gravyty ecosystem to do so.
4. Can alumni sign up and log in with LinkedIn or other social accounts?
Yes, both platforms support social sign-on options like LinkedIn and other SSO sign-ups.
About the author
Sharada is a freelance blogger and communication trainer who loves exploring the intersection of education and training. When not working, she enjoys reading and dabbling in calligraphy.
Blackbaud, the leading provider of software for powering social impact, and Almabase, the digital-first alumni engagement solution, have announced the expansion of their partnership to the education sectors of Canada and the United Kingdom. The partnership will provide institutions with a modern, digital-first solution to improve constituent data, drive self-serve engagement, and boost event participation.
A Unified Vision
The partnership aligns with Blackbaud’s commitment to customer-centric innovation across digital engagement, Advancement CRM, and financials.
“Partners bring integrated capabilities that extend capabilities and outcomes for Blackbaud customers. We are thrilled that Almabase’s offering, integrated with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® and leveraging Blackbaud’s best-in-class payment solution, Blackbaud Merchant Services™, is now available to even more of our customers around the world.”
- Liz Price, Sr. Director of Global Partners at Blackbaud
