Are you new to nonprofit management software and want to learn more about what it is, what options are available, and why nonprofits may need to use such solutions? Each nonprofit has different needs, but there are many free tools available to help nonprofits thrive. The following portion of this article will explore the basics of nonprofit management software. If you work for a non-profit organization, you can use the information below to decide whether or not you should evaluate your current systems or even if acquiring software would be helpful.
If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you want to learn about purchasing software for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits can really benefit from using software for the various aspects of their daily operations. There are a lot of useful features out there and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to choose. That’s where this post comes in.
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.
Zoho Books
Zoho Books boasts strong accounting, beautiful invoicing, international support, and enough other features to rival QuickBooks Online. While Zoho Books doesn’t have nonprofit features built-in, there are two nonprofit modules found in the Zoho Marketplace: Donor Management and Volunteer Portal.
These two add-ons are completely free, making Zoho Books a very affordable option for small nonprofits and startup nonprofits that need strong accounting but don’t yet require extra features.
Pros
- Free nonprofit modules
- Numerous accounting features
- Free plan available
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not suitable for large nonprofits
Zoho Books Features
With Zoho Books, you’ll get plenty of great accounting features including invoicing, inventory, expense tracking, mileage tracking, and more. You can get even more from the software by using one of its add-ons for your nonprofit.
With the Donor Management add-on, you have access to:
- Database of donors, volunteers, and visitors
- Manage donations
- Request donations
- Donation application
With the Volunteer Portal add-on, you get these features:
- Contact management
- Donor management
- Volunteer management
- Manage volunteer tasks
- Event planning
- Event registration
- Reports
Zoho Books Pricing
Zoho Books has four plans, including a new plan that’s completely free. If you want access to more features and users, you will have to upgrade to a paid plan. Paid plans range from $20/month to $70/month, although you can get a discount by paying annually. Both the Donor Management and Volunteer Portal add-ons are completely free and can be found in the Zoho Books Marketplace.
Zoho Books is a great option for new/small nonprofits that need strong accounting as well as donor or volunteer management. This cloud-based accounting nonprofit accounting software is easy to use and offers strong mobile apps. Many larger nonprofits will find this option too limited, but for nonprofits looking for an affordable way to keep the books, this could be the way to go.
Bloomerang Software
Created in 2012, Bloomerang is a solution for small and growing nonprofits. It enables users to view an organization’s donor records, track the best time to contact each donor and measure a donor’s engagement level to make it easier for users to know when someone should be contacted. This proactive approach can help simplify maintaining and increasing donor loyalty, as well as revenue. Donor retention rates can be accessed at a glance from the Donor Retention Cockpit, where each donor has a profile of their giving summary. Engagement levels are ranked by “cold”, “cool”, “warm” and “hot.” Bloomerang is a cloud-based system and allows for unlimited users. The system is a particularly good fit for small to mid-sized nonprofits in a handful of verticals, including animal welfare, faith-based organizations, and human services. Bloomerang was a Startup of the Year finalist for the TechPoint Mira Awards.
Bloomerang Pricing
Starting price:
$19.00 per month
Free trial:
Available
Free version:
Available
CharityTracker Software
CharityTracker is a cloud-based case management tool that helps non-profit organizations manage statistical data, referrals, collaboration and alerts. Primarily catering churches, the centralized platform allows users to track attendees and grant disbursals. Key features of CharityTracker include agency listings, budgeting, data backup, bulletin postings and customized reporting. Its case management module allows users to assign resources, provide financial assistance to members and refer local suppliers to people in need. Further, it allows users to perform database searches on prospective members and monitor any changes in the community. Additional features offered are file uploads, digital signatures, client referrals and access control. CharityTracker helps users reduce manual data entry through its integration with barcode scanners. It is available via monthly subscription and support is provided via phone and an online help desk.
CharityTracker Pricing
Month to month, no contracts. Save 10% with yearly commitment. Volume discount pricing available on 5+ users.
Starting price:
$20.00 per month
Free trial:
Available
Free version:
Not Available
Conclusion:
Nonprofit organizations are in the business of saving lives, and informing people about how to protect their own. Fundraising, public relations, and other jobs are done by nonprofits to help those in need. Without the help of nonprofit organizations, many people would lack basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.