Action Network vs CORE Software
Action Network
actionnetwork.orgCORE Software
coreaustralia.org.auSide by side
| Figure | Action Network | CORE Software |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $15/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 3 |
| Spec score · Advocacy Software | 9.1 (#1) | 8.6 (#4) |
| Automation | The platform includes visual Ladders for automated drip campaigns and workflows. | The CiviRules extension provides multi-step triggers across mail, events, volunteers and donations. |
| Documentation | The help center covers getting started, billing, groups, actions, emails, mobile messaging, design, data, networks, FAQs and API integrations. | Support resources include a knowledge base, video guides, self-paced learning, forums, one-to-one training and peer sessions. |
| Integrations | Action Network reports more than 20 integrations, including Salesforce, Catalist, SpeechifAI, ActBlue, CallHub, Zapier, Make, n8n, Inbox Monster and Mobile Commons. | Named integrations and extensions include Twilio, CiviRules, Geocoder, Mosaico, Stripe, WooCommerce, Xero, MYOB, Cloudflare and Zephr. |
| Licence | The service is proprietary; its terms state that Action Squared owns the services and restricts reproduction, modification and derivative works. | CORE describes its platform as open-source and community-driven, based on WordPress and CiviCRM. |
| Purpose | Action Network describes itself as a progressive online organizing platform for individuals and groups organizing for progressive causes. | CORE combines a website, supporter database, and community resources for grassroots groups and campaigns. |
| Security | Action Network says it encrypts traffic and stored data, uses HTTPS/SSL on its pages and widgets, and is PCI compliant; Stripe handles card information. | The site advertises Australian hosting, daily downloadable backups and a weekly security report that flags excessive access and cyber attacks. |
| Support | Plans include unlimited email support, a getting-started training series, and help articles; the site also offers a weekly demo every Tuesday at 1pm Eastern. | Support includes platform troubleshooting, onboarding, setup guidance, video guides, one-to-one training, and live community drop-in sessions. |
| What it does | Action Network is a progressive online organizing platform for publishing petitions, event RSVPs, surveys, fundraisers, ticketed events and letter campaigns, then communicating with participating activists by email or mobile messaging. | CORE combines a WordPress website, CiviCRM supporter database and community support ecosystem for grassroots organisations, causes and campaigns. |
Plans
Action Network
- FreeFree
- FreeFree
- Movement$15 a month
- Movement$15 a month
- Network$125 a month
- Network$125 a month
- Boost$450 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Action Network
Action Network is an online organizing platform for people and groups working on progressive causes. Organizers can create petitions, event RSVPs, surveys, fundraising forms, ticketed event pages, and letter campaigns, then use mass email and mobile texting tools. Email features include testing subject or message variants, templates, automated workflows, drip campaigns, personalization, targeting, and analytics. Event tools cover RSVP management, reminders, self check-in, ticketing, and maps; fundraising pages support recurring giving and donor management. Lists can be downloaded. Integrations include Salesforce sync, Catalist, SpeechifAI, ActBlue, CallHub, Zapier, Make, and n8n. Its REST API can retrieve and post data and sync systems, but access is limited to paying partners. The free plan is available; Movement starts at $15/mo and charges for email usage above its included allowance. Mobile SMS and MMS campaigns are a separate add-on to an email partnership. The platform says it does not provide websites, offline organizing, general CRM work, or FEC compliance.
CORE Software
CORE Software has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.