CEF Software Comparison

DDI (Disciple Data) vs. Trinergy (AMI) vs. CEF CORE

The three platforms used by the majority of U.S. Church Extension Funds. See how they compare across architecture, features, compliance, and pricing.

The Three Platforms

DDI

DDI (DiscipleData, Inc.)

Founded 1972 | Carmel, IN

DDI has served the church extension fund and nonprofit ministry industry for over fifty years. DDI states that it offers a proprietary, independently developed product with a modern web interface that is fully mobile-responsive.

SOC 2:Compliant, 15 years (vendor-stated)
Security:MFA, RBAC, maker-checker (vendor-stated)
AMI

Trinergy (AMI)

Applied Microsystems | Portland, OR

On-premise platform serving mid-size CEFs. Known for their Trinergy suite covering loans, investments, and GL. Desktop application with optional web portal.

Market Share:~25% of CEFs
AUM Managed:$1.3B+ across multiple organizations
Portal:Built-in web portal
MODERN
C

CEF CORE

Cloud-Native SaaS | Built 2024-2026

Purpose-built cloud-native platform designed from the ground up for Church Extension Funds. Modern API-first architecture with real-time dashboards, integrated compliance, and white-label portals. No legacy tech debt.

Architecture:Cloud-native, API-first
Stack:Node.js, React, PostgreSQL
Portal:Integrated + white-label

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Comprehensive comparison across 46 features spanning architecture, core capabilities, compliance, operations, and more.

Feature
DDI
DDI
AMI
Trinergy (AMI)
C
CEF CORE
Architecture
Deployment ModelUnknownOn-premise / hostedCloud-native SaaS
Modern Web InterfaceModern web interface (vendor-stated)Legacy desktop + web portalModern React/Next.js dashboard
Mobile-ResponsiveFully responsive (vendor-stated)Portal onlyFully responsive all screens
API-First DesignUnknown
Multi-TenantUnknownSingle-tenant per installNative multi-tenant
Real-Time UpdatesUnknown
White-Label PortalsUnknownLimitedFull white-label per tenant
Core Features
Loan Servicing
Investor Note Tracking
Double-Entry General Ledger
Cash Management
Escrow TrackingUnknownBasicFull sub-ledger
Fee ManagementUnknownBasicAutomated fee engine
ACH/NACHA Processing
Interest Accrual EngineUnknownDaily batchReal-time + daily batch
Compliance & Security
1099 Reporting (IRS)Automated generation
Statement GenerationUnknownManual/batchAutomated monthly
Immutable Audit TrailUnknownBasic loggingCryptographic hash chain
Multi-Factor AuthenticationYes (vendor-stated)TOTP module; enforcement pending rollout
Role-Based Access (RBAC)Yes (vendor-stated)Basic roles7+ roles with granular permissions
Maker-Checker WorkflowYes (vendor-stated)Four-eyes principle
Transaction LimitsUnknownRole-based daily/per-txn limits
Fraud DetectionUnknownReal-time anomaly detection
KYC/AML ComplianceUnknownBuilt-in screening
SOC 2Compliant (vendor-stated)Not certifiedDesigned for SOC 2
Operations
Loan Origination System (LOS)UnknownIntegrated with scoring
Asset-Liability ManagementUnknownBuilt-in ALM dashboard
CRM / Relationship ManagementYes (vendor-stated)Integrated CRM
Custom Report BuilderYes (vendor-stated)Canned reportsDrag-and-drop with interactive charts
Automated BackupsYes (vendor-stated)ManualAutomated with DR testing
Bank Feed IntegrationUnknownPlaid integration
Monitoring & AlertingUnknownReal-time with PagerDuty/Slack
Rate LimitingUnknownToken bucket per endpoint
Customer Experience
Online Investor PortalUnknownSeparate portalIntegrated portal
Online Loan ApplicationUnknownWhite-label application portal
Customer Document UploadYes (vendor-stated)Email/mailSelf-service portal
Real-Time Balance InquiryYes (vendor-stated)Portal (delayed)Real-time via API
Integration
REST APIYes (vendor-stated)200+ endpoints
Webhook SupportUnknownEvent-driven outbox
OpenAPI DocumentationUnknownSwagger UI included
Third-Party IntegrationsYes (vendor-stated)LimitedPlaid, PagerDuty, Slack, email
Pricing & Support
Pricing ModelUnknownLicense + annual maintenanceMonthly SaaS subscription
Implementation TimelineUnknown6-12 months4-8 weeks
Data Migration AssistanceYes (vendor-stated)Additional costIncluded in onboarding
Ongoing UpdatesYes (vendor-stated)Annual releasesContinuous deployment
Support ModelAdequate (vendor-stated)Phone/email business hoursPriority support + SLA

Why CEFs Are Switching to CEF CORE

4-8 Week Implementation

Get up and running in weeks, not months, with data migration assistance included at no extra cost.

SOC 2 Ready Compliance

MFA-ready account controls, maker-checker workflows, immutable audit trails, fraud detection, and KYC/AML screening -- built in from day one, no add-on modules to buy.

Predictable SaaS Pricing

No upfront license fees. No annual maintenance surprises. One monthly subscription includes hosting, updates, support, and compliance features.

200+ API Endpoints

Integrate with any system via RESTful APIs, with OpenAPI docs and webhooks included -- no custom middleware required.

Continuous Updates

New features deployed continuously -- no waiting for a scheduled release cycle.

White-Label Portals

Give your investors and borrowers a branded experience. Loan applications, balance inquiries, and document uploads -- all under your brand.

LIMITED TO FIRST 10 CEFs

Switch off leading denominational and church extension fund software -- such as DDI and AMI Trinergy -- without writing a check.

Zero conversion fees. Six months of zero license fees. Run CEF CORE in parallel with your old system until your board signs off. Conditional on a one-year Professional commitment, prepaid to third-party escrow. LOS and ALM included.

See the Switch Program →

Ready to Modernize Your CEF Operations?

See how CEF CORE compares to your current system with a personalized demo.