Action Builder vs New/Mode

Action Builder is a toolset for organizing and leadership development, with web and API access. It gives organizations a central place to identify and develop leaders through assessments. Its wall chart brings activist names and information together, while Quick Filter can create activist lists or help organizers map worksites. Teams can assign outreach tasks with targets and timelines, then track campaign activity by user and time period. Organizations can import and export information, and campaigns can sync with an Action Network group. The API supports integration partnerships, but is limited to four calls per second; most access requires an organization-specific key. Partners can request a read-only SQL mirror, typically updated within no more than a minute. The mirror contains sensitive data, including API keys, and its documentation recommends SSL and restricted credential access. Volunteer leaders can use the free Activist user plan. Admin users pay $80 a month per user. Support is available by email Monday through Saturday, and monthly online training and coordinator office hours are offered.

New/Mode is a civic action platform for nonprofits, unions, and advocacy campaigns that engage supporters and raise funds. It connects supporters with decision-makers through email, phone, social media, and letters to the editor, and its database targets government decision-makers. The free Individual plan includes Smart Petitions, unlimited email blasts, email-your-rep campaigns, and social media advocacy tools. Grassroots costs $13 a month and includes 1,000 contacts, with additional contact charges beyond that. Teams costs $109 a month and includes 2,000 contacts and three admin users. Movement Builder+ priced on request for organizations with 5,000 or more contacts, with pricing scaling with the list. CRM integrations include Salesforce, Action Network, NationBuilder, EveryAction, HubSpot, iMIS, ActionKit, and Blackbaud & Raiser’s Edge; website connections include WordPress, Drupal, and Squarespace, and Mailchimp is listed for email marketing. Its API is described as RESTful and OSDI compliant. Support ranges from self-service to email and priority support with a 48-hour response for Movement Builder+. The free tier has a hard cap that can require an upgrade or add-on if donations are turned off after 500 contacts or a payment processor such as Stripe is connected.