In our search for a software solution for nonprofits that could accommodate donations made in memory or in honor of someone, we encountered significant challenges. Our current Content Management System, Nationbuilder, unfortunately doesn't offer this feature. We initially used Donorbox for this purpose, but they abruptly stopped sending notifications to 'in honor of' recipients and failed to inform us in advance. This sudden change left us scrambling to find an alternative.

We reviewed 30 different payment processing solutions that included the option for donors to our nonprofit to contribute in honor of someone. Our criteria were not only the functionality but also compatibility with our existing Content Management System and affordability. After a comprehensive evaluation, we found that Donately and QGiv met all these criteria. They were not only reasonably priced but also seamlessly integrated with our Content Management System, making either or them viable choices for our specific needs.

This experience has been a valuable lesson for us in the importance of adaptability and thorough research when selecting software tools, especially when they are integral to our operations like donation processing. It has also reinforced the need to always be prepared for unexpected changes in third-party services that we rely on.

Here is the list, presented in alphabetical order, of the 30 solutions we explored for donation processing that include a "donate in honor of" option. Alongside each option, we have included their respective prices and specific reasons as to why they were not suitable for our needs.

1. Blackbaud: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
2. Bloomerang: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
3. CauseVox: Mandatory 15% tip option.
4. Classy: Pricing not publicly available; too expensive.
5. Cognito: Does not offer tribute giving.
6. Dojiggy: Redirects donors to their website.
7. Donately: Priced at $19/month.
8. Donorbox: Does not send emails or letters to recipients.
9. DonorDock: Priced at $79/month.
10. DonorPerfect: Priced at $100/month.
11. DonorSnap: Priced at $59/month.
12. Enthuse: Priced at $40/month.
13. FlipCause: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
14. Fundraiser: Priced at $29/month.
15. FundraiseUp: Appears to be free, but lacks embedding options, only offers floating widgets.
16. FundRaising Kit: Compatible only with some CMS and not accepting new clients.
17. Givebutter: Does not offer tribute giving.
18. GiveCloud: Priced at $69/month.
19. GiveSmart: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
20. GiveWP: Requires WordPress hosting.
21. Gnosis: Priced at $240/month.
22. GoDonate: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
23. Keela: Priced at $134/month.
24. Kindful (Bloomerang): Priced at $200/month.
25. NeonCRM: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
26. One Cause: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
27. Qgiv: Priced at $25/month; offers an overlay, not embedded.
28. Raizer's Edge: Priced at $200/month.
29. Virtuous: Pricing not publicly available; probably too expensive.
30. WildApricot: Priced at $200/month.
31. Zeffy: Free. Their logo is on top of the form, plus there's an ad in the middle. No option to remove extras like corporate giving or ACH.

This list helped us in making an informed decision, considering various factors like pricing, functionality, and compatibility with our existing systems.