Elgg vs Mobilize

Elgg is a free, open-source framework for building web applications where people sign in and share information. It can serve as a foundation for campus networks, organizational collaboration platforms, or company communications tools. Hooks and events let plugins extend or change application behavior, while the view system supports custom themes. Granular content access policies can support private networks and intranets; user groups and a file storage API provide building blocks for managing members and their files. Elgg supports on-site and email notifications, as well as RPC web services for external applications and mobile clients. Its listed security features include anti-CSRF validation, XSS filters, HMAC signatures, and password hashing. The project offers documentation, tutorials, an API reference, community discussions, and a repository with more than 1,000 open-source plugins. It is free to download, install, and use. The full package with core plugins is offered under GPLv2; the framework without plugins is offered under MIT. Self-hosting requires a database and a configured cron job for background tasks.

Mobilize is a web and API platform for mission-driven organizations that organize events and recruit volunteers. Organizations can create single-shift, recurring, and multiple-shift events, as well as virtual and in-person events and actions asking people to call legislators’ offices. Volunteer engagement tools include automated email and text messages, post-event surveys, personalized experiences, and event search and discovery. Organizations can recruit volunteers to host events, create customizable campaigns, reach potential hosts across channels, and set approval processes and permission levels. The platform includes shift scheduling, hours tracking, custom forms, and volunteer self-signup. It provides real-time event data, CSV export, read and write APIs, and SQL mirrors or database replicas. Listed integrations include Salesforce, NGP VAN, EveryAction, PDI, ActionKit, and others. Mobilize says its network includes more than 3,000 mission-driven organizations and over 11 million supporters. Its limited starter account costs nothing and covers 5 team members, the next 5 events or online actions, and up to 50 signups or 500 petition signatures. The service provider is EveryAction, Inc., doing business as NGP VAN.