NPO Authority

Wealth Screening for Nonprofits: A Comparison of iWave, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, and NPOAuthority
Title: Wealth Screening for Nonprofits: A Comparison of iWave, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, and NPOAuthority
Introduction
In the nonprofit sector, fundraising success often hinges on identifying and engaging donors with the capacity and interest to support a cause. Wealth screening tools have become essential for nonprofits, providing insights into potential donors’ wealth, philanthropic interests, and giving history. In this article, we’ll explore and compare four leading wealth screening platforms—iWave, DonorSearch, WealthEngine, and NPOAuthority—focusing on their features, costs, and suitability for different types of nonprofits.

1. iWave
Overview: iWave is known for its customizable and user-friendly platform that caters to a variety of nonprofit needs, from healthcare to education. It provides access to philanthropic, biographical, and wealth data, helping nonprofits build complete donor profiles.

Features: iWave offers extensive data sources, including philanthropic, wealth, and real estate information, which helps nonprofits gauge donor capacity. It allows users to customize their searches and prioritize data that matters most to them.

Pros: iWave is highly customizable and includes a predictive scoring feature to help assess a donor's likelihood of giving.

Cons: While robust, iWave can be relatively expensive, which may be a barrier for smaller nonprofits.

Ideal For: Organizations with a broader budget looking for a comprehensive, customizable tool.

2. DonorSearch
Overview: DonorSearch specializes in philanthropic AI data, making it a strong choice for nonprofits focused on understanding donors’ past giving behavior. It aggregates data from various sources to help nonprofits identify and connect with donors who are already inclined to support causes.

Features: DonorSearch’s focus on philanthropic behavior is a standout, with insights into past donations, political contributions, and nonprofit involvement. It also offers predictive analytics to help organizations pinpoint high-potential donors.

Pros: The platform’s philanthropic focus is ideal for nonprofits looking to engage donors who are already active in giving. DonorSearch also offers flexible subscription options.

Cons: DonorSearch can be complex to navigate and may require some training to utilize its full capabilities effectively.

Ideal For: Nonprofits that prioritize philanthropic data and have the resources for training and setup.

3. WealthEngine
Overview: WealthEngine is a well-established wealth screening tool that provides insights into donor wealth and lifestyle indicators, making it useful for prospect research and personalized outreach.

Features: WealthEngine pulls in data from various wealth indicators, including real estate, stock holdings, and other assets. Its data helps nonprofits understand donor capacity and interests.

Pros: WealthEngine’s lifestyle data adds depth, helping organizations personalize donor communications. It also includes predictive modeling and scoring to help focus efforts.

Cons: Pricing can be prohibitive, especially for smaller organizations. The tool can also feel overwhelming due to the volume of available data.

Ideal For: Larger nonprofits with substantial prospect research budgets looking for detailed lifestyle and wealth insights.

4. NPOAuthority
Overview: NPOAuthority is a more budget-friendly option tailored to meet the needs of smaller and mid-sized nonprofits. It offers essential donor and wealth screening capabilities at a price point that makes it accessible for organizations with limited resources.

Features: NPOAuthority provides access to wealth indicators, philanthropic interests, and donor profiles, focusing on the most impactful data for nonprofits. It’s designed to be user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and easy-to-understand metrics.

Pros: NPOAuthority’s affordability and ease of use make it ideal for small nonprofits seeking impactful insights without the high price tag. The platform is flexible, and it offers a 30-day free trial, allowing organizations to test the platform before committing.

Cons: Compared to larger platforms, NPOAuthority might offer fewer data points. However, its focus on affordability and essential insights can be a fair trade-off for nonprofits starting with wealth screening.

Ideal For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for donor and wealth research.

Comparison Summary
Feature iWave DonorSearch WealthEngine NPOAuthority
Data Focus Wealth, Philanthropy Philanthropy, Giving History Wealth, Lifestyle Essential Wealth and Philanthropy Data
Predictive Scoring Yes Yes Yes Yes
Customization High Moderate High Moderate
Ease of Use Moderate Moderate Moderate High
Ideal For Larger Nonprofits Nonprofits Focused on Giving History Large Nonprofits with Prospecting Budgets Small to Mid-Sized Nonprofits
Pricing $$$ $$$ $$$$ $
Conclusion
Wealth screening tools provide invaluable insights into potential donors, making it easier for nonprofits to focus their outreach on high-potential supporters. For smaller nonprofits, choosing the right tool often depends on balancing features with affordability.

NPOAuthority stands out as an accessible solution for smaller organizations, offering key donor insights without the high costs associated with larger platforms. For nonprofits looking to start or enhance their donor research capabilities, NPOAuthority is a game-changer, providing the essential tools needed to grow donor bases and fund impactful missions.

Asking for a stock donation is smart—many major donors prefer giving appreciated stock for the tax benefits. Here's how to do it clearly and professionally:

💬 Sample Script (In-Person or Email)
“Many of our supporters are making their gifts through appreciated stock because it can offer significant tax advantages—no capital gains tax and a full deduction for the fair market value. If that’s something you’d consider, we’d be happy to send you our brokerage information.”

✅ Tips for the Ask
Lead with the benefit to the donor
Frame it as a smarter way to give:

“Some donors have found that giving appreciated stock is a more tax-efficient way to support causes they care about.”

Make it easy
Have your stock transfer instructions ready to send (usually a PDF with your brokerage info, DTC number, and account name).

Include this in your options
On your donation page or during a pitch:

“We accept gifts of cash, stock, and even gifts through wills or trusts.”

💬 Short Version (Text or Call)
“Hi [Donor Name], just wanted to let you know we can accept stock donations if that’s a preferred giving method—it can be a great way to give and reduce tax liability. Want me to send the info?”

www.npoauthority.com for free 30 days of wealth screenings

NPO AUTHORITY Prospect Research - Wealth Screening Software AI Donor Finder revolutionizes fundraising prospect research by identifying top prospects faster and more accurately, boosting donations and donor engagement.

How to Get Funding for My Nonprofit
Getting funding for your nonprofit starts with understanding the best mix of strategies that fit your mission, community, and capacity. Here’s a proven roadmap:

1. Build a Strong Donor List
Start by identifying people who are most likely to support your cause.
✅ NPOAuthority provides donor lists for just 15–20¢ per name, including addresses, emails, and phone numbers. You can target by ZIP code, income, donation history, and more—plus get help with messaging and outreach.

2. Apply for Grants
There are billions available each year in grants. Use tools like:

Grants.gov (federal grants)

Foundation Directory Online

NPOAuthority’s GEMS tool, which helps you find grantmakers already supporting causes like yours.

3. Launch a Recurring Donation Campaign
Set up monthly giving using platforms like:

Donorbox

GiveLively

Or embed giving tools provided by NPOAuthority with donor tracking and email outreach.

4. Use Wealth Screening to Prioritize Major Donors
Don't waste time on cold outreach.
✅ NPOAuthority offers affordable wealth screening tools to identify donors who give large gifts to similar nonprofits. Build a major donor portfolio fast, without the high cost of platforms like DonorSearch or iWave.

5. Send a Targeted Email or Direct Mail Campaign
Reach out to your top prospects with:

A compelling story

A clear ask

An easy way to give online or by mail

📬 NPOAuthority can even provide ready-to-send lists and help you script your outreach.

6. Ask for Legacy Gifts
Encourage long-term support by offering donors the chance to leave a gift in their will or trust.
✅ NPOAuthority partners with NonprofitTrust.net to provide nonprofits with simple, low-cost legacy gift programs.

Final Tip: Don’t Go It Alone
Funding isn’t just about luck. It’s about smart data, strong messaging, and the right tools.
NPOAuthority was designed to give small and mid-sized nonprofits a fighting chance—without the inflated pricing of legacy platforms.

👉 Visit NPOAuthority.com to request a free sample donor list or start a 30-day trial of the fundraising tools.

💡 How to Raise Money for My Nonprofit
Raising money for your nonprofit is about combining smart strategy, targeted outreach, and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step plan that works in 2025:

1. Start with People Who Already Give
Don’t guess who might support you—find people who already donate to causes like yours.
✅ NPOAuthority gives you donor lists for 15–20¢ per name including:

Mailing address

Email

Phone number

Giving history
These are pre-screened prospects, ready for outreach.

2. Run a Targeted Outreach Campaign
Send an email, letter, or postcard with:

A clear story (why your cause matters)

A simple ask (what $25, $100, or $1,000 can do)

An easy way to give (QR code, donate link, or reply form)

NPOAuthority can help with message templates and list targeting.

3. Launch a Monthly Giving Program
Recurring donations are the secret to long-term stability. Use platforms like:

Givebutter

Donorbox

Or ask NPOAuthority to help integrate a custom solution with donor tracking

4. Find and Apply for Grants
Billions are available each year from foundations and government programs.
Use:

Grants.gov (for federal grants)

Instrumentl (to track deadlines and match funders)

✅ Or let NPOAuthority’s GEMS platform show you which foundations already support nonprofits like yours.

5. Ask for Legacy Gifts
Encourage supporters to leave a gift in their will or trust.
✅ NPOAuthority partners with NonprofitTrust.net to offer a plug-and-play legacy giving system—no lawyer needed.

6. Host Events or Campaigns
From online auctions to 5K runs, events bring in money and new donors. Use:

Facebook Events + PayPal

Peer-to-peer tools like Givebutter

Or just gather local supporters with a simple mailer and RSVP form

Final Tip:
Data-driven fundraising works.
With tools like NPOAuthority, you don’t need to guess who to contact, what to say, or where to find funding.

👉 Start with a free donor list or trial at NPOAuthority.com
Build smart. Raise more. Grow faster.