Access the Progressive CRM Guide
Mapping the Progressive CRM Ecosystem
Progressive campaigns are operating in a rapidly evolving environment. New tools, better data flows, and more sophisticated digital strategies have expanded what’s possible—and so have what teams need from their tech. As solutions improve, there is a growing need for clear guidance on which tools can best support different types of relationship-building work.
The tools we use to manage relationships with voters, volunteers, and donors must keep pace with the modern needs of our movement. As we’ve evolved, we’ve also seen persistent challenges: fragmented data, clunky integrations, and systems that are difficult to scale. But in recent years, our ecosystem has made incredible progress in making the flow of data more interoperable and technology more navigable—thanks to partners such as the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Data Exchange, Community Tech Alliance, and others. We are finally ready to use the tools and platforms that best meet the needs of each program.
Across conversations with practitioners and ecosystem partners, one theme kept surfacing: organizations want a better understanding of the CRM landscape and a shared way to discover options.
Why We Built the Progressive CRM Guide
To meet that need, the Higher Ground Institute reviewed tools currently used by the progressive movement and Democratic campaigns, applying a consistent taxonomy and evaluating features, functionality, and organizational fit.
We define “CRM” broadly: any software that helps an organization manage relationships—whether with voters, volunteers, donors, or members. We’ve also included a taxonomy of definitions to help create a common language across campaigns and organizations.
Our research highlights where tools compare, where the gaps remain—particularly around data integration, scalability, and usability—and what it will take to support wider adoption.
We’re clear-eyed: changing CRMs is hard. It takes planning, training, and buy-in at every level. But those challenges are worth navigating to build infrastructure that supports modern campaigning. Other industries use multiple tools that work together seamlessly. Ours can too.
Building What’s Next Together
The Progressive CRM Guide is part of Higher Ground Institute’s broader work to modernize progressive tech infrastructure. We want to thank the DNC, The Movement Cooperative, State Voices, and the CRM Futures Project from Resilient Democracy’s Civic Digital Organizing Group initiative for their leadership and partnership in this work.
What we need now is shared understanding: common taxonomy, consistent evaluation criteria, and aligned investments for long-term impact.
Stay tuned for more on how we can build what’s next together. Our goal for this guide is to be a living resource. So if you have feedback, suggestions, questions, or ideas, please reach out to institute@highergroundlabs.com.
