Are you looking to learn about free nonprofit management software? Today, there are a plethora of different tools developed specifically for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit management software (NMS) has become very important for nonprofits in order to help them keep track of their finances, stay in constant communication with donors and better manage their memberships.
There are quite a few nonprofit management software applications available and some have the ability to be used by both small and large organizations. This can include computer software specifically designed for nonprofits which includes its own built-in
MIP Fund Accounting
MIP Fund Accounting (formerly Abila MIP Fund Accounting) is ideal for all sizes of organizations who need scalable software that’s easy to customize. MIP is supported both on-premise and through a cloud-based platform, plus there’s a mobile app so you can keep up easily.
This nonprofit accounting software offers the following core features:
- General ledger
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Bank reconciliation
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Reporting
Optional features include:
- Payroll
- Timekeeping
- Human resources
- Grant management
- Allocation management
- Fixed assets
- Multi-currency tracking
Best for: Small, medium, and large nonprofits who need accounting software that grows with them.
Free Trial: N/A
Accounting Suite by AccuFund
Accounting Suite by AccuFund offers a comprehensive accounting solution for both nonprofits and government agencies. Providing both on-premise and cloud-based deployment options, you can use this anywhere, and it offers a wide variety of features along with robust reporting capabilities.
Core features include:
- General ledger
- Accounts payable
- Financial reporting
- Bill payment and tracking
- Managing cash receipts
- Bank reconciliation
Optional features include:
- Accounts receivable
- Fixed assets tracking
- Requisitions
- Grants management
- Position control
- Loan tracking
- Client invoicing
- Allocation management
- Payroll suite
- Budget and forecasting
- Client accounting
Best for: Government agencies and nonprofits who need a flexible, yet comprehensive solution.
Free Trial: N/A
Aplos
Designed for smaller NPOs, school organizations, and churches, Aplos is easy to use and streamlines how you can track donations and gifts. This cloud-based system allows organizations to manage fund accounting and finances and track cash flow while integrating online donation tools, donor database reports, and event registration. This is an all-in-one solution for many organizations.
Core features include:
- General ledger
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Activity tracking
- Asset management
- Bank reconciliation
- Budgeting
- Donor and donation management
- Financial statements and reporting
Advanced Features include:
- Fundraising reporting
- Form 990 reporting
Best for: Small nonprofit organizations and churches who need a simple, user-friendly accounting solution you can access anywhere.
Free Trial: Yes, you can access a free 15-Day trial.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online (QBO) isn’t just a top software solution for small businesses — it’s also a solid choice for nonprofits. Unlike its desktop counterpart that has a notoriously steep learning curve, QBO is fairly easy to learn and use, even if you have no prior accounting experience. It features a modern, intuitive UI and built-in help options to help you navigate the software. You can access the cloud-based software from any device with an internet connection, or use one of the software’s desktop or mobile apps.
In addition to strong accounting, QuickBooks Online also offers features specific to nonprofit organizations (more on those in a minute). Throw in solid security, over 650 integrations, and reporting, and it’s easy to see why small businesses and nonprofits choose QuickBooks as their accounting solution.
Pros
- Excellent feature set
- Numerous integrations
- Easy to use
- Good mobile apps
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Fair customer support
QuickBooks Online Features
QuickBooks Online has everything you’d expect from accounting software. For nonprofits, there are also a number of useful features including:
- Expense tracking
- Invoicing
- Contact management
- Donation tracking
- Grant tracking
- Syncs with numerous fundraising platforms
- 650+ integrations, including popular nonprofit software programs
- Reports
QuickBooks Online Pricing
QuickBooks Online has four pricing plans ranging from $25/month to $150/month. As you move up the tiers, you’ll have access to more advanced features and additional users. You can give QuickBooks Online a test run with a free 30-day trial, or if you’re ready to jump in, you can take advantage of the new user discounts offered by the company. You can also add payroll. Payroll pricing starts at $42/month plus $4/employee.
QuickBooks Online is one of the best cloud-based accounting solutions on the market, and it offers several handy features essential for nonprofits. Depending on the plan you select (and whether you add payroll), costs can get a little expensive. To get the most out of the software, you may need to integrate with other nonprofit software, which can further add to your monthly cost. For smaller nonprofits on tight budgets, QBO may be a bit expensive. However, QuickBooks Online is an excellent choice for small- to mid-sized nonprofits that want easy-to-use accounting software with lots of features and integrations.
Xero
As far as accounting software goes, Xero has a lot to boast about. This double-entry accounting software offers an advanced feature set that rivals QuickBooks Online, hundreds of integrations, excellent security, and a well-organized UI. Though the software does have a slight learning curve, there are quite a few resources available to help you get the most out of using Xero.
When used alone, Xero can help businesses and nonprofits of all sizes balance the books, send invoices and estimates, track expenses, and run reports. However, Xero does lack nonprofit-specific features. Fortunately, though, there are over 800 integrations that you can use to add the features you need for your business, including donor tracking, pledges, event tracking, and more.
What really stands out about Xero is that unlimited users are included in your monthly subscription fee. If you’ve done even a little research, you already know that this is practically unheard of when it comes to accounting software. So while you do have to pay a monthly fee for your Xero subscription (and the nonprofit integrations of your choice), you won’t have to worry about paying extra for additional users.
Pros
- Unlimited users
- 800+ integrations
- Advanced features
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes
Cons
- Learning curve
- Must use integrations for nonprofit-specific features
Xero Features
As previously mentioned, Xero may not necessarily have all of the specific features you need, but this can be easily remedied with one of its 800+ integrations. However, if your nonprofit is on the hunt for accounting software with advanced features, Xero fits the bill. Features include:
- 8 not-for-profit integrations
- Invoicing
- Contact management
- Accounts payable
- Fixed asset management
- Expense tracking
- Budgeting
- Reports
Xero Pricing
Xero has three pricing plans ranging from $11/month to $62/month. A 30-day free trial is available to test out the software. If you decide that Xero is the right choice for you, registered nonprofits receive a 25% discount. Payroll by Gusto is also available to add starting at $39/month. Additional fees may apply for any integrations and add-ons you choose for your nonprofit.
Xero offers a solid accounting solution, and with hundreds of integrations, you can fully customize this software to best fit the needs of your nonprofit organization. Xero is a good choice for nonprofits of all sizes but is most beneficial to larger nonprofits that need to add additional users without increasing their monthly costs.
Breeze
Make managing your church a breeze with Breeze Church Management Software. Breeze was designed specifically to be a functioning, affordable church management software option for small to medium-sized churches. Of all the church software we researched, Breeze offered the most modern UI, practical features, and affordable pricing. The software is also incredibly easy to use.
Since Breeze isn’t traditional accounting software, it lacks features such as expense tracking or payroll. However, Breeze does integrate with QuickBooks and Freshbooks. It also integrates with a number of other software and apps, including Slack and Toggl.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Supports unlimited users
Cons
- Not traditional accounting software
Breeze Features
Breeze offers great features that address the specific needs of churches very well. Here are some of the most notable features:
- Donation management
- Pledges
- Event management
- Event registration
- Children’s ministry check-in
- Contact management
- Volunteer management
- Contact groups
- Built-in emailing and texting
- Online giving
- Reports
- Year-end statements
- Print directories
- Custom forms
Breeze Pricing
Breeze has a simple pricing structure, with a single plan priced at just $50/month. This includes all features and supports unlimited users. There are no contracts or hidden fees. If you want to try before you buy, a demo is available on the company’s website.
Breeze is one of the best options for small to medium churches that you’ll find. It offers an impressive number of features that are beneficial to churches at one affordable price. And while it isn’t traditional accounting software, it does integrate with two of the top accounting software options on the market today, helping you manage your church and finances more effectively.
Salsa
Donor Management Software Overview
Salsa’s donor management software allows you to track supporters holistically and make intelligent decisions to engage, retain, and connect with each one. This software solution is powered by SmartEngagement Technology, which combines industry best practices with machine learning and automation features. With SmartEngagement, nonprofits can optimize their fundraising strategy and maximize limited time and resources.
As a donor management platform, Salsa offers rich donor profiles and intelligent reporting. These powerful tools will allow you to spend less time deciphering data and more time connecting with supporters. Automated and personalized messages (including gift acknowledgments, fundraising appeals, and advocacy campaigns) ensure you never miss the opportunity to activate a supporter.
Why We Love This Donor Management System
With Salsa’s unified platform, your supporter cultivation and communication efforts are seamlessly integrated for more relevant, timely, and compelling engagement. Salsa helps your team work smarter to accomplish more and drive your mission forward.
Donor Software Pricing
Salsa’s pricing varies based on list size. Contact them for a personalized quote on their donor management software.
Conclusion:
If you are an administrator for any kind of nonprofit, or are part of a group within a not-for-profit organization, chances are you are looking for ways to save money. Most of the time cost-cutting ideas focus on areas in which there isn’t much room to reduce expenses. With so many expenses to begin with it can feel as if there is little opportunity to cut back.