5 Graduway Alternatives Advancement Teams Love in 2026

Alumni are one of an institution’s greatest assets and engaging them isn’t just a matter of maintaining their bond with your institution, but also strengthening it. This is where alumni management software come in to help teams reach out to an ever-increasing alumni population.

Over time, it has developed into its own market with many great choices available. In this blog, we’d like to present you with some of the best options available and what you need to consider so that you can find the best alumni management software for you.

What is an alumni management software?

First things first, let’s understand what you should expect from an alumni management software. It serves as the central hub for all alumni bookkeeping and engagement efforts.

It works with your alumni database and/or CRM to maintain an up-to-date directory of your alumni. With this data, it allows you to segment, analyze, and engage your alumni for all your fundraising, communication, and networking needs. Today, alumni management tools can automate directory updates, personalize and automate communication, manage events and programs, and serve as the main hub for all your analytics and reports for these and other efforts. Some tools focus on excelling at a specific offering, such as directory management, while others offer an integrated approach that encompasses your entire alumni relations efforts.

10 alumni management software to consider in 2026

Below, in no particular order, we’ve compiled a list of 10 alumni management software you should consider in 2026.

Please note that certain features and details are subject to change over time.

1. Almabase

Almabase is an all-in-one alumni engagement and fundraising platform. Almabase offers an impressive set of features designed to seamlessly integrate with popular CRMs and help teams set up fundraisers, mentorship programs, digital engagement programs, and much more.

Pros:

1. Offers best-in-industry sync with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT via Truesync.
2. Almabase’s engagement platform comes with specialized tools for mentorships, job boards, alumni directories, and personalized communication.
3. Designed for easy CRM integration and no-code setup
4. Excellent 24/7 customer support over email and chat

Cons:

1. Almabase does not offer a free trial or free tier
2. Not as extensively experienced with nonprofits and NGOs as some others on this list

Best for: educational institutions and small to medium nonprofits

Pricing: Almabase offers friendly and personalized pricing based on user needs. Get in touch with us here to get a free personalized demo.

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2. PeopleGrove

PeopleGrove focuses on the career and networking aspect of alumni and students by offering tools for alumni engagement, career advancement, and mentorship among others.

Pros:

1. Good choice for institutions that need mentorship or career advancement tools specifically.
2. Specialized tools for training mentors and mentor/mentee matching

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Cons:

1. Some users mention difficulties with data integration
2. Reviews mention that it can be difficult to learn for some

Best for: Institutions looking specifically for a mentor/mentee management tool

Pricing: No public pricing. You can speak to a representative to get a quote here.

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3. Hivebrite

Hivebrite is an all-in-one community management platform used by universities, nonprofits, and corporate alumni networks. Hivebrite provides a customizable hub for alumni engagement. It’s often praised for combining a wide range of alumni activities – from events and groups to mentoring and fundraising – into one unified platform.

Pros:

1. Hivebrite offers good community-building, group management, and online interaction features
2. Many reviews praise their customer support

Cons:

1. Comes with a steep learning curve
2. As a well-established and extensive tool, it is one of the more expensive options
3. Some users mention limited customization outside of templates

Best for: Large institutions looking to invest in a comprehensive engagement program

Pricing: Hivebrite has three pricing tiers: Connect, Scale, and Enterprise, with baseline pricing that varies based on each customer. Learn more here.

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4. Graduway

Graduway (now part of Gravyty) specializes in helping educational institutions build exclusive online communities for their alumni, focusing mainly on alumni engagement and fundraising. 

Pros:

1. Has integrations with Raiser’s Edge NXT, Salesforce, and Handshake among others
2. Provides fundraising solutions as well for interested teams

Cons:

1. Standardized framework may feel restrictive for institutions with specific customization needs
2. Some users report limited customer support

Best for: Higher-ed institutions looking for versatile administrative tools

Pricing: Graduway’s pricing is not publicly posted. You can request a demo or contact them here.

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5. Encompass by Encoura

Encompass (formerly iModules and Anthology Encompass) is a supporter engagement solution. It has a data-driven approach intended to cover each stage of alumni engagement. It is best used in combination with other other ecosystem tools such as Raise and Advance.‍

‍Pros:

1. A unified database across features for better analytics
2. Good for customers used to other Encoura products

Cons:

1. It has a steep learning curve due to its complexity
2. Some users complain that the software feels clunky and dated

Best for: Customers who enjoy the Encoura software environment

Pricing: Encompass does not have public pricing. You can request a demo or speak to a sales representative here.

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6. EverTrue

EverTrue is an advancement platform that helps alumni and development offices personalize outreach and fundraise more effectively. It’s not a traditional alumni social platform; rather, EverTrue focuses on equipping your advancement team with rich insights about alumni and donors – pulling in data from social media, career info, wealth indicators, and more.

Pros:

1. Allows teams to identify and track Facebook interactions
2. Provides extensive engagement and giving history tracking features
3. Syncs with Eventbrite, Emma, Graduway, Thankview, and Hustle

Cons:

1. Reliant on Facebook integration and alumni usage of the social media platform
2. Some users mention lackluster CRM integration

Best for: Teams who want to engage alumni active on Facebook and mainly prioritize fundraising

Pricing: EverTrue’s pricing is not publicly available. You can request a demo to get a quote here.

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7. 360Alumni

360Alumni is an all-in-one alumni networking, management, and fundraising platform geared towards schools and nonprofits that want to build an engaged alumni community and also facilitate giving.

Pros:

1. Integrates with Blackbaud and Salesforce
2. Provides alumni-centric features such as the alumni map and directory which motivates alumni adoption
3. Also provides fundraising and event management solutions

Cons:

1. Some users mention that the pricing can be relatively high
2. Due to the extensive features it provides, it can potentially discourage less proficient or irregular alumni from getting the most of it

Best for: Institutions with a technologically proficient alumni pool and a higher budget.

Pricing: 360Alumni requires an initial setup cost, an annual subscription, and transaction fees. You can find more information and request a demo here.

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8. Wild Apricot

Wild Apricot is a membership management software used mainly by associations, clubs, and nonprofits.  It’s known for being affordable and user-friendly, essentially a one-stop system for managing contacts, collecting dues or donations, registering event attendees, and even building a basic website.

Pros:

1. Features a website builder and online store
2. Relatively user-friendly, especially for simple membership and event management

Cons:

1. As a general membership solution, Wild Apricot may lack some educational alumni-specific features out-of-the-box
2. It is best suited for smaller groups as the pricing scales exponentially with the number of contacts

Best for: Associations looking for a simple membership solution

Pricing: Wild Apricot has a transparent payment scheme based on number of contacts and billing cycle. It also has a free 60-day demo. You can find more information here.

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9. ToucanTech

ToucanTech is a UK-based alumni management software built for independent schools, colleges, and alumni foundations. It offers an elegant, all-in-one alumni portal that combines a database, community news, events, fundraising, and email features.

Pros:

1. ToucanTech offers an activity tracker that shows how alumni engage with your email, website, and events
2. Users mention the approachability of the support team

Cons:

1. Steep learning curve to get the most out of the wide array of features
2. Will take time and effort to switch to if your institution already has an extensive software environment or CRM in place

Best for: Teams looking to get started with a comprehensive alumni management CRM

Pricing: ToucanTech’s pricing isn’t publicly listed. You can request a demo and get a quote here.

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10. Join It

Join It is a lightweight, user-friendly membership management software. While it’s not exclusively built for alumni engagement, its affordability and ease of use make it a great option for smaller alumni groups, associations, and nonprofit networks.

Pros:

1. While not built specifically for educational institutions, it is one of the more affordable options

2. Has a wide range of integrations with popular tools

3. Users report that it is easy to use and setup

Cons:

1. Does not include fundraising or mentorship features.

2. Basic customization: The platform offers limited branding and customization features, which may not meet the specific needs of larger institutions seeking a tailored experience.

Best for: Small teams that need an affordable and simple member management only solution

Pricing: Join It offers a starter, total, and extra package as well as a custom enterprise package that can be paid monthly or yearly. It also has a free trial. You can find the exact prices here.

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Why alumni management software is essential for your institution

Alumni relationships don’t maintain themselves. Without the right systems in place, institutions risk losing the interest of their alumni and missing out on valuable engagement as well as mentorship and fundraising opportunities. An alumni management software helps prevent this by:

1. Organizing and updating alumni directories

2. Building hubs and touchpoints for alumni to get in touch with each other and your institution

3. Simplifying, personalizing, and automating communication (depending on the platform)

4. Facilitating career and networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and exclusive events for alumni

5. Building a strong community online for fundraisers, reunions, and other important events

Key features to consider when opting for alumni management software

With so many alumni management platforms available, we’d like to help you refine your shortlist by highlighting some key considerations to make when choosing your next platform. Let’s get

CRM integration:

Depending on your institution, you may want a solution that comes with its own CRM or integrates seamlessly with an already existing CRM. Whatever you go with, make sure that there are as little data siloes as possible between your various solutions.

Social media integration:

Keep your alumni pool in mind and what social media platforms they historically prefer. A Facebook integration-heavy tool may not be right for you if your alumni prefer LinkedIn groups or Instagram pages. Once you identify a few tools that fit that niche, make sure the level of engagement analytics is to your liking.

Communication:

Depending on how big your alumni base is, your needs for segmentation, personalization, and automation will vary. If your team is focused on fundraising for a large institution, a platform that includes giving and engagement history may be important for you while it may be an unneeded cost for a small school only looking for simple membership management.

Pricing:

Many of the tools in alumni management offer customizable or contact-based pricing. Try to get a feel for what feels right considering both the short-term (your next three events for example) and long-term (Will the platform scale well into your third annual subscription?) needs. Also keep in mind your already existing software and what you may need to pay extra for considering additional integration costs to keep them in line with your chosen solution.

Fundraising and donation:

Most alumni management tools also offer fundraising tools as well. Depending on how the tool is set up, consider how your potential and past donors will engage with your efforts. A solution may be really intuitive for you but be clunky and hard to navigate for your donors. Some donors may prefer networking and donating from the same platform while others think it’s a hassle. Always keep your donor’s preferences in mind before making a choice.

Wrapping up

At its core, the effectiveness of alumni software comes down to how well it enables institutions to connect with alumni in meaningful ways and drive tangible outcomes—whether that’s increased participation, stronger professional networks, or higher donations

We’d love to work with you to connect and engage with your alumni better. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you, feel free to get in touch with us and we’ll be glad to give you a personalized demo!

Event planning in the education sector is no small feat. From homecoming and graduation ceremonies to parent-teacher conferences and student workshops, K-12 schools and higher education institutions juggle a dizzying array of events each year. The right event management software can be a game-changer—streamlining registrations, automating communications, and ensuring every detail runs smoothly. In this guide, we'll break down what event management software is, what features to look for, and the top solutions for 2026 that are transforming event coordination software for schools, colleges, and universities.

What Is Event Management Software?

An event management software is a digital platform designed to streamline the entire event lifecycle—from planning and promotion to registration, execution, and post-event analytics. These event planning software solutions centralize all event-related tasks, making it easier to coordinate logistics, track attendees, manage communications, and measure event success. For educational institutions, an event management tool can handle everything from classroom bookings and campus tours to large-scale conferences and alumni reunions.

Modern event management platforms often offer features such as:

• Online registration and ticketing
• Automated email reminders and updates
• Attendee check-in and badge printing
• Event website and mobile app creation
• Payment processing and fundraising tools
• Real-time analytics and reporting

By automating manual processes and centralizing information, these platforms help schools and universities save time, reduce errors, and deliver a seamless experience for staff, students, parents, and alumni.

What to Look For in Event Management Software

With so many event management tools on the market, it’s important to choose one that fits your institution’s specific needs. Here are key factors to consider:

• Ease of Use: Intuitive interface for both administrators and attendees.‍
• Customization: Ability to tailor event pages, registration forms, and communications to your school’s branding.‍
• Integration: Compatibility with your existing Student Information System (SIS), Learning Management System (LMS), or CRM.‍
• Communication Tools: Automated emails, SMS reminders, and in-app notifications.‍
• Payment Processing: Secure options for ticket sales, donations, or paid programs.‍
• Analytics & Reporting: Real-time dashboards and exportable reports for attendance, engagement, and ROI.‍
• Mobile Access: Event apps or mobile-friendly portals for on-the-go management.‍
• Support & Training: Responsive customer support and onboarding resources.

Best Event Management Software Options for K-12 & Higher Ed (2026)

Below, in no particular order, are our picks of some of the top event management software platforms making waves in the education sector this year.

1.Almabase

Almabase is an all-in-one event management platform designed specifically for educational advancement, alumni relations, and fundraising teams. It streamlines the planning and execution of complex events—whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid—while offering seamless CRM integration and a user-friendly interface.

Pros:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use for both admins and attendees, with quick event setup and branded registration pages.
• Seamless integration Raiser's Edge NXT, enabling real-time data sync and simplified gift reconciliation.
• Robust automation for event communications, reminders, and reporting, reducing manual work and errors.
• Flexible enough to handle everything from small gatherings to large, multi-day events, with strong tools for fundraising and stewardship

Cons:

• Almabase does not offer a free trial or free tier of it’s services
• No dedicated mobile app for on-the-go management

Pricing:

Almabase offers personialized custom pricing based on your needs, number of constituent records, etc. You can request a personalized demo here

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2.Blackbaud

Blackbaud is a comprehensive solution built for large nonprofits and institutions, offering robust event planning, CRM, and analytics tools. Its event management features are deeply integrated with donor data to maximize fundraising outcomes.

Pros:

• Purpose-built for fundraising, with robust tools to manage donor relationships, track gifts, and run complex campaigns.
• Customizable reporting and analytics features enable organizations to tailor fundraising strategies and monitor progress toward goals.
• Integrated event management, online registration, and ticketing designed for nonprofit needs

Cons:

• High costs for training, support, and additional modules, which can be a barrier for smaller organizations.
• Data migration can be a lengthy and cumbersome process depending on your institution

Pricing:

Custom pricing. Request a quote.

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3. Cvent

Cvent delivers enterprise-grade solutions trusted by higher education institutions managing complex, large-scale events—from campus-wide conferences to alumni reunions.

Pros:

• Supports mass updates and bulk communications.
• Deep integration with CRM and marketing tools, making it ideal for institutions with existing tech stacks.
• Advanced analytics and reporting for post-event insights.

Cons:

• The platform’s extensive options can be confusing and require significant onboarding, especially for smaller institutions.
• Some users report inflexible or slow support team responses at certain times

Pricing:

Custom pricing. Request a demo.

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4. OneCause

OneCause is designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising events, offering features like mobile bidding, ticketing, and donor engagement tools. It helps organizations streamline auctions, galas, and peer-to-peer campaigns with ease.

Pros:

• User-friendly platform with an intuitive interface, making it easy for admins and first-time users to set up and manage events.
• Comprehensive fundraising toolkit, including online auctions, donation tracking, event management, and credit card processing.
• Excellent support team, with resources like tutorials, webinars, and a dedicated help center to assist users

Cons:

• Event website builder can be cumbersome, requiring external links for images and videos instead of direct uploads.

- Integration between different modules (e.g., Mobile Bidding Software and Virtual Event Center) is lacking, leading to duplicated processes and manual workarounds

Pricing:

Custom pricing. Request a demo.

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5. idloom

Idloom is crafted specifically for universities and colleges, supporting diverse academic events from online examinations to graduation ceremonies.

Pros:

• Flexible event structures—supports recurring sessions, multi-day events, and hybrid formats.
• Departmental autonomy: Each department can manage its own events with custom branding and access rights.
• Integrated communication tools for reminders, surveys, and post-event certificates.

Cons:

• Some users report that the interface, while powerful, can be less intuitive for non-technical staff.
• Advanced features (like custom badges or analytics) may require additional setup or training.

Pricing:

Custom pricing. Request a demo.

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6. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a versatile event management platform perfect for everything from concerts to community meetups. It offers intuitive tools for ticketing, promotion, and on-site check-ins, making it easy to manage both virtual and in-person events.

Pros:

• Highly accessible and easy-to-use event creation and ticketing tools for both in-person and virtual events of any size.
• Can handle donations directly through the platform, allowing organizers to create donation ticket types and collect contributions alongside ticket sales.
• Offers a 50% discount on all Pro plans for eligible nonprofits, making it a cost-effective solution for charitable organizations.

Cons:

• Limited customization options for event pages and registration flows.
• Some users report a steep learning curve for advanced features and event setup.
• Some users report occasionally slow responses from customer support as well as a lack of transaction security for attendees.

Pricing:

Pricing is 2% + $0.79 per paid ticket (Essentials) or 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket (Professional); free for free events. See pricing.

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7. Eventcube

Eventcube is a white-label event management platform for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. It helps you manage all the in-person, virtual, and hybrid events with full control. This includes your branding, ticketing, and attendee engagement.

It is designed for flexibility and accessibility. This makes Eventcube reliable for day-to-day events like open days, student conferences, parent meetings, community gathering and even virtual graduation ceremonies.

Pros:

• Fully white-labeled ticketing and registration systems so schools and institutions can showcase their activities.
• Built-in tools for hybrid & virtual events with interactive features like Q&A, polls, breakout rooms along with HD streaming real-time captioning.
• Tiered memberships and season passes are perfect for managing specific alumnis, clubs, and student groups.
• Transparent, flexible pricing with instant payouts and no hidden fees.

Cons:

• Some setup features may require la level of technical onboarding

Pricing:

Eventcube offers tiered pricing. 5% of the transaction total for the Starter package which is free. 3% of the transaction total for Pro along $99 a month. And custom Enterprise options. You can start with a demo or create a branded ticket store directly on Eventcube.

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8. Giveffect

Giveffect combines event management with nonprofit automation, allowing you to handle ticketing, email campaigns, and donor records in one platform. It’s ideal for organizations looking to unify event planning with fundraising and CRM.

Pros:

• All-in-one platform that centralizes event management, volunteer coordination, and donor tracking, reducing the need for multiple systems.
• Seamless integration of volunteer and donation data, allowing for comprehensive supporter profiles and easy access to analytics.
• Customizable event pages and donation forms that can reflect the nonprofit’s brand and include real-time fundraising progress bars

Cons:

• Higher price point, which may be prohibitive for smaller nonprofits despite the robust feature set.
• Data migration and automation can potentially be glitchy, leading to issues such as erroneous emails or incomplete data transfers during onboarding.

Pricing:

Custom pricing. Request a demo.

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9. Remo

Remo, now integrated with Events.com, delivers an immersive platform for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, with unique emphasis on networking and engagement.

Pros:

• Fast and simple check-in via app; supports QR code scanning and mobile access.
• Customizable event spaces and real-time networking tools for interactive experiences.
• AI-powered matchmaking and analytics for attendee engagement.

Cons:

• Unconventional interface: The unique, interactive design can be confusing for users accustomed to traditional event tools.
• Customization learning curve: Customizing event spaces and features requires time to learn.

Pricing:

Starts at $299 per month. See pricing.

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10. Qgiv by Bloomerang

Qgiv supports nonprofits with customizable tools for event registration, peer-to-peer fundraising, and mobile giving. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to plan and promote fundraising events of all sizes.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising, making it easy to set up donation forms and manage events.
• Supports a variety of fundraising activities, including peer-to-peer campaigns, auctions, and ticketed events.
• Real-time analytics and reporting tools to monitor campaign performance and donor engagement.

Cons:

• Qgiv may feel limited for seasoned professionals who want to organize donor and transaction data in many different ways simultaneously.
• Advanced features, such as text-to-give and auction management, may require additional fees or higher-tier plans.

Pricing:

Plans start at $0/month with no contracts, plus a 3.95% + $0.30 per transaction fee. Learn more.

Conclusion

Choosing the right event management software can transform how your institution plans, promotes, and executes events—whether you’re managing a single school assembly or a multi-day university conference. The platforms highlighted above offer a range of solutions tailored for K-12 and higher education, each with unique strengths and a few caveats to consider. Take advantage of free demos, explore user reviews, and assess your specific needs to find the event management tool that will best support your school’s goals in 2026 and beyond.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore event ideas that raise money and connect with alumni or see how advanced event management can drive registrations and engagement for your institution.

With 88% of US institutions using some type of CRM solution, two choices in particular, Raiser’s Edge NXT (also referred to as RE NXT) and Salesforce, have emerged as the time-tested options for institutions and nonprofits not looking to build a custom CRM system from scratch.

In this blog, we’ll compare RE NXT vs. Salesforce and dissect where they each excel, where they fall behind, and which option you should consider.

Raiser’s Edge NXT overview

With Blackbaud having over 30 years of experience in the field, they have developed an understanding of what goes into making a CRM focused on engaging alumni and raising funds. In 2015, Blackbaud introduced Raiser’s Edge NXT, a modernized, cloud-based version of Raiser’s Edge (also called Raiser’s Edge 7). Built specifically for donor management and fundraising, it has thrived as one of the most popular CRM choices for advancement teams and nonprofits over the years.

Blackbaud maintains both versions at the moment but currently focuses on updating RE NXT to replace the legacy Raiser’s Edge CRM eventually.

💡Advancement teams often extend the power of Raiser’s Edge NXT with Almabase, enabling powerful alumni engagement, streamlined events, and the best two-way sync with RE NXT in the industry — eliminating manual pulls or connectors.

Salesforce overview

Salesforce itself probably needs no introduction. Being a big player in the global CRM market, it is no surprise that they eventually moved into advancement needs as well. Their Education Cloud and Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), in particular, are what advancement teams look to as the other major offering to consider beyond Raiser’s Edge NXT.

Depending on your needs, Salesforce may provide you with simple donor management software or an all-around student and alumni management ecosystem.

Raiser’s Edge NXT vs Salesforce: Feature comparison

Now that you have a general refresher on these two CRM choices, let’s break down the key differences between them.

What makes Raiser’s Edge NXT a good choice?

RE NXT is undeniably a strong choice for institutions and nonprofits whose main goal is to manage constituents and raise funds without having to think about too many integrations. Blackbaud’s long-term experience in their specific niche means that teams can have incredibly deep processes and granular data for advancement needs.

On the other hand, Blackbaud’s more focused approach does mean that for-profits and teams looking for deep integrations with a wide variety of multi-industry tools may find Raiser’s Edge lacking in certain areas.

💡See how Almabase’s Raiser’s Edge NXT integration helped The Master’s Seminary automate its process and get 37% of its database updated in 45 days.
→ Learn more

What makes Salesforce a good choice?

Salesforce’s strengths lie in its ecosystem and the extensive customization it offers. If you have the time and resources to allocate to setting everything up properly and training staff, Salesforce can fulfill your advancement needs and your institution’s other needs, such as admissions, recruitment, student success, etc., pretty well.

On the flipside, Salesforce requires a lot of investment to bring out its true potential as integrations add up, and more people need to be assigned for maintenance.

Raiser’s Edge NXT vs Salesforce: Final Thoughts

The two choices essentially boil down to whether you are looking for a CRM specialized for advancement and fundraising or an all-in-one CRM that you can spend some time with to build your preferred CRM environment.

While both options offer great CRM functionality, Raiser’s Edge NXT, in our opinion, slightly edges it out as the go-to for teams focused solely on fundraising, constituent management, and engagement. When paired with a platform like Almabase, institutions unlock a new level of functionality for all their engagement, fundraising, and event management needs.

Regardless of which choice seems better for you at this point, it will require a huge chunk of your time and effort to migrate to any CRM, as well as investment and training to find all the integrations you need and get your staff up to speed with the respective environments.