How to apply to the Virtuous Partner Program, what we review, what to expect after approval, and how onboarding works for each partner type
The Virtuous Partner Program is open to organizations that share our commitment to helping nonprofits grow. This page walks through the application process — how to apply, what we review, and what happens after you’re approved.
Most partners apply through the Partner Portal application — a self-service form where you share information about your organization, your work with nonprofits, and the kind of partnership you’re seeking with Virtuous.The application asks for:
Section
What we ask about
About your organization
Company name, website, primary contact, geographic focus
Your nonprofit work
The kinds of nonprofits you serve; sector focus; existing client base
Proposed partnership
Partner type you’re applying for; what you’d bring to the ecosystem
For technology partners
The integration you’re proposing; technical scope; rough timeline
For service partners
Service categories you offer; team capacity; certifications
You don’t need to have everything figured out — the application is the start of a conversation. If we approve your application, your Partner Manager will work with you to refine the specifics during onboarding.
Do you currently serve nonprofits? Does your work align with the responsive fundraising model?
Market alignment
Is there demonstrated nonprofit demand for what you offer? Do mutual customers exist or seem likely?
Partnership potential
Is there opportunity for co-marketing, referrals, or integration value?
For technology partners
Does the proposed integration solve a real customer problem? Is the technical approach feasible?
For service partners
Does the team have nonprofit-sector experience? Is there capacity to support customers?
For S+I partners
Is there commitment to Virtuous Academy certifications and ongoing training?
Reviews typically take a few business days, depending on how clear the application is and whether we need to follow up for context. If we have questions, we’ll reach out before making a decision.
An invitation to a 1:1 follow-up with your Partner Manager (or, depending on partner type, an invitation to our next Partner Coffee Chat — a small-group session for newly approved partners)
A Go-to-Market (GTM) Worksheet that helps align on early activation plays and shared goals
Technology partners follow the structured Integration Pathway — a multi-stage workflow that ensures the integration is well-designed, validated, and ready for mutual customers before it goes live.The major milestones:
Milestone
What happens
MNDA signing
Mutual NDA executed so we can share sandbox access and discuss your integration design
Sandbox access
You get a Virtuous sandbox environment to develop against
Resource review
You explore the API documentation, sample integrations, and developer resources
Prototype submission
You share initial prototypes or mockups for Virtuous feedback
Development
You build the integration, with check-ins along the way
Mid-build demo
You demo current state to confirm direction before final polish
Final submission
Complete build + user-facing documentation submitted for Virtuous review
S+I partners go through a more involved onboarding because customers depend on certified expertise:
Step
What happens
Partner Portal access
You get login credentials and a tour of resources
GTM Worksheet
Alignment on services offered and target customer profile
Academy certifications
Your implementation team completes required Virtuous Academy courses
Contract structure
We discuss whether you’ll operate gray-label, direct, or a mix — and align on the operational details
Marketplace listing
We work with you on your profile once certifications are complete
First customer
We work alongside you on your first Virtuous customer engagement to ensure success
The Academy certifications validate that your team can deliver Virtuous well — they’re a meaningful investment, but they also represent your team’s credentialed expertise, which matters to customers choosing an implementation partner.
Partners who consistently drive ecosystem value can advance through the program tiers over time. Your Partner Manager will work with you on what advancement looks like for your business.
Typically a few business days from submission to decision, sometimes longer if we need to follow up for additional context. Onboarding (after approval) varies by partner type — technology partners building integrations often have a multi-month journey through the Integration Pathway; service partners can be live in the program within a few weeks.
Yes — some partners span types. An agency that also builds proprietary technology, or an S+I partner that also provides ongoing consulting, is welcome. The application asks you to identify your primary partner type, and your Partner Manager can help structure the relationship around your full scope.
What if my proposed integration involves multiple Virtuous products?
That’s common and welcome. Many integrations touch both CRM+ and Raise (donor data + donation processing) or include Volunteer data. The Integration Pathway accommodates multi-product integrations; the application asks for the scope so we can align reviewers and reviewers appropriately.
Yes. Virtuous serves nonprofits globally, and our partner ecosystem includes organizations from many countries. Some operational details (referral programs, marketplace listings) may be region-specific — your Partner Manager will work through those with you.
What happens if my application is approved but I never engage?
The program is meant to be active — partners who don’t engage may eventually be reviewed for continued program inclusion. If circumstances change and you need to pause, just let your Partner Manager know.
