Whether you’ve just started your own nonprofit or have been working for a while for an existing organization, leveraging the right technology tools at the right time can mean a world of difference in terms of attracting the support you need without running yourself into the ground.
While the best tools and timing for you depend on your unique situation, the 15 online nonprofit tools in this article are great options to consider. From basic tools for a new nonprofit to more advanced software for growing organizations, including both paid tools and free ones, you may find your next solution here.
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However your nonprofit initially got started, you’ll need to have a basic technology setup to continue and grow, including a computer to work from, a website, and an email. The tools below can help with and optimize this process:
1. Techsoup | Nonprofit Tech Marketplace with Discounts–Has discounts for nonprofits on a variety of technology products from computers to software, including some of the tools mentioned in this post. Also offers services such as IT support and technology systems implementation. Prices vary by product and service.
2. WordPress | Website Builder & Content Management System–One of the most popular ways to build a website with tons of themes, plugins, and integrations with other tools. According to their website, “39% of the web is built on WordPress” so if you need help with a technical issue, there’s plenty of info on the internet about how to fix it. Free version does not include a custom domain, but starting at $4/month, you get a custom domain along with other features.
3. Google Analytics | Web Analytics–Free service offered by Google to track your website’s traffic, including information such as the characteristics of people who visit your website, how people arrive at your site, and what they do once they are there.
4. Donorbox | Donation Button & Forms, Recurring Donations–You can embed donation buttons and forms into your website using this tool, accept multiple payment methods, and also allow for recurring donations. 1.5% platform fee, plus an additional percentage from either Stripe, Paypal, or ACH bank payments, but you can ask your donors to cover those fees along with their donations.
5. G Suite for Nonprofits | Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Meet, etc.–Google offers their G Suite products to nonprofits for free.
6. MailChimp | Marketing Automation Platform, Email Marketing Service, CRM–Create, automate, send, and track emails. Organize your contacts and create forms and landing pages. Free for up to 2,000 contacts, more contacts and features starting at $9.99/month.
Now that you’re up and running, these tools will help you up your social media game and be more organized with your team communications and finances.
7. Canva | Graphic Design Platform–Offers tons of templates for a variety of media types, from social media posts to visuals for the purpose of print. Free version available to all and Canva Pro available for free for registered nonprofits.
8. Buffer | Social Media Scheduler–Create and schedule your social media posts ahead of time. Free for 3 social media accounts and 10 scheduled posts at a time. Paid plans start at $12 per month. 50% discount off of Buffer Publish to registered nonprofits.
9. Slack | Workplace Messaging–Chat-style communication platform where you can send direct messages and group messages to coworkers. More suited to everyday quick messages than email. Free version or paid plans starting at $6.67/month. Free or discounted upgrades for nonprofits.
10. Trello | Project / Task Management & Productivity Platform–Create project boards with multiple checklists and collaborate with other team members. Free version or paid plans starting at $9.99/month. 75% discount for nonprofits.
11. MoneyMinder | Accounting Software–Simple accounting tool for treasurers of volunteer-based groups such as PTAs, PTOs, booster clubs, sports teams, scouts, and more nonprofits. Designed so that no bookkeeping experience is necessary to use it. 2020 Capterra Top 20 Best Budgeting Software. Free member tracking and budgeting or paid plan with bookkeeping and more features starting at $159/year.
By this time, you’re doing great, you’re growing, and you’ve got more supporters than you can handle with just an Excel spreadsheet. To continue your fantastic growth, you should consider investing in customer relationship management (CRM) software, which keeps all your info about your supporters in one place, including your history of contacting them.
It’s also worth considering other types of software that could help your fundraising efforts such as event management software and ecommerce software.
12. Salesforce | CRM, Program Management, Fundraising, Marketing & Engagement Software–Collect, organize, and analyze info about donors and volunteers to inform your organization’s interactions with them with the goal of strengthening relationships. One of the most popular CRMs in both the nonprofit and business world. 10 free subscriptions for nonprofits and discounts on additional subscriptions.
13. Bitrix24 | Collaboration Platform, CRM, Task / Project Management, Messaging–A variety of software tools for organization and communicating both within and outside of your organization. Free version or paid plans starting at $19/month.
14. Wild Apricot | All-in-One Member Management Software, Events, Emails, Website Builder, Finances, Donations–All-in-one platform for managing memberships, communication, automation, and more. Free for 50 contacts, then paid plans with more contacts starting at $34/month.
15. Soapbox Engage | Online Engagement Software: Donations, Events, Forms, Directories, Petitions, Shop–Choose the app or apps that work for you and this software will help you engage your supporters through those channels. Integrates with Salesforce too. Starting at $49 per month per app.
Wherever you are in developing your nonprofit, there’s most likely a tool that can make your job easier and more efficient, ultimately leading to better results for your cause.
Hopefully this list helped as a starting point to learn about just a few of the many effective online nonprofit tools out there. If you’d like to dig deeper, check out this guide to 200+ online nonprofit tools.
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