Aplos
True fund accounting. Unlike QuickBooks, Aplos is built specifically for non-profits, making it easy to track restricted vs. unrestricted funds and generate Form 990 reports automatically.
Pros
- True fund accounting logic
- Built-in donation forms
- Form 990 preparation
Cons
- More expensive than basic tools
- Niche interface
Best AI Writing Assistants
AI Writing AssistantsTop-rated ai writing assistants tools for non-profits.
Claude 3
Excellent for impact reporting. Feed it spreadsheets of data and beneficiary stories, and Claude can synthesize them into a compelling narrative report for donors with high nuance and empathy.
Pros
- Handles large documents (Context)
- Empathetic, human tone
- Secure and private
Cons
- No templates
- Web access is limited
Best Applicant Tracking Systems
Applicant Tracking SystemsTop-rated applicant tracking systems tools for non-profits.
Idealist
The sector's job board. While primarily a job board, their backend allows for basic applicant tracking. It's the #1 place to find mission-driven candidates who care about your cause.
Pros
- Access to mission-aligned candidates
- Simple management tools
- Trusted in the sector
Cons
- Not a full-featured ATS
- Per-post pricing adds up
Google for Nonprofits
Provides eligible non-profits with free access to Google Workspace, offering massive cloud storage and collaboration tools at no cost.
Pros
- Completely free for small NPOs
- Familiar UI
- Shared Drives feature
Cons
- Strict eligibility rules
- Support can be slow
Givebutter
A modern, free-to-use (tip-based) CRM that combines donation forms, event ticketing, and donor management in one sleek package.
Pros
- No monthly fee
- Venmo/PayPal integrated
- Fun user experience
Cons
- Limited CRM depth
- Tip model not for all
Best Cybersecurity & Antivirus
Cybersecurity & AntivirusTop-rated cybersecurity & antivirus tools for non-profits.
Bitdefender GravityZone (via TechSoup)
Offers deep discounts for non-profits via TechSoup, protecting donor databases and sensitive grant documents from leakage.
Pros
- Industry-leading detection
- Minimal fee via TechSoup
- Cloud-based console
Cons
- Limited support for base tier
- Steep learning curve
Best Digital Signature Software
Digital Signature SoftwareTop-rated digital signature software tools for non-profits.
DocuSign for Non-Profits
Available via TechSoup with massive discounts, allowing non-profits to manage grant agreements and board resolutions legally and securely.
Pros
- Huge NGO discount
- Industry leader
- Robust compliance
Cons
- Limited annual envelopes
- Steep learning curve
DreamHost
Legendary for offering free hosting and discounted domain services for 501(c)(3) organizations.
Pros
- Free hosting for NPOs
- Privacy included free
- Very ethical company
Cons
- Specific paperwork required
- Dashboard is non-standard
Best Email Marketing Platforms
Email Marketing PlatformsTop-rated email marketing platforms tools for non-profits.
Givebutter
A fundraising-first platform with free built-in email and SMS for reaching donors and managing campaigns.
Pros
- Completely free for nonprofits
- Integrated payments
- Peer-to-peer tools
Cons
- Basic email editor
- Tip model dependency
Best HR & Payroll Software
HR & Payroll SoftwareTop-rated hr & payroll software tools for non-profits.
Patriot Software
The most affordable full-service payroll option for small non-profits with a simple interface.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Fast processing
- US-based support
Cons
- Few HR features
- Basic reports
Best Landing Page Builders
Landing Page BuildersTop-rated landing page builders tools for non-profits.
Givebutter
A free-to-use platform for non-profits to build donation pages with peer-to-peer fundraising and impact storytelling sections.
Pros
- Venmo/PayPal integration
- Social proof streams
- Low transaction fees
Cons
- Limited landing page layouts
- Requires tipping model
Best Learning Management Systems
Learning Management SystemsTop-rated learning management systems tools for non-profits.
TalentLMS
An intuitive cloud-based LMS that offers non-profit pricing, making it easy to train volunteers and staff globally.
Pros
- Easy course builder
- Gamification features
- Mobile app
Cons
- User limits on tiers
- Basic reporting on low plans
Best Logo Design Software
Logo Design SoftwareTop-rated logo design software tools for non-profits.
Canva for Nonprofits
Offers the full Canva Pro experience for free to eligible non-profits, including all logo and brand tools.
Pros
- Completely free for NPOs
- Huge template library
- Social media integration
Cons
- Eligibility check required
- Generic icons
Best No-Code App Builders
No-Code App BuildersTop-rated no-code app builders tools for non-profits.
Glide
Perfect for non-profits to create volunteer management apps and event sign-up tools directly from Google Sheets for free or low cost.
Pros
- Easy to use for volunteers
- Fast data entry
- Free tier for small projects
Cons
- Limited to simple data
- Restricted design options
Bitwarden
Offers free tiers and affordable business plans that allow non-profits to manage volunteer access without breaking the budget.
Pros
- Open source
- Unlimited devices
- Great free tier
Cons
- Lacks polished UI
- Support can be technical
Buzzsprout
Intuitive platform that makes it easy for non-profit teams to share impact stories without technical overhead.
Pros
- Great for volunteers
- Automatic audio optimization
- Clean embed players
Cons
- Recurring monthly cost
- Free plan lacks storage
Best Presentation Software
Presentation SoftwareTop-rated presentation software tools for non-profits.
Canva
Offers a 'Canva for Non-Profits' program giving free access to premium design tools for impact reports.
Pros
- Free premium tools
- Collaborative branding
- Print-ready exports
Cons
- Standard templates used widely
- Requires internet access
Best Project Management Tools
Project Management ToolsTop-rated project management tools tools for non-profits.
Givebutter
While primarily for fundraising, its project management layer helps teams manage donor outreach campaigns and event logistics seamlessly.
Pros
- Integrated CRM
- Direct donation tools
- Easy task lists
Cons
- Niche focus on fundraising
- Limited as a general PM tool
Best Social Media Schedulers
Social Media SchedulersTop-rated social media schedulers tools for non-profits.
Canva
Non-profits get Canva Pro for free, which includes their content scheduler to turn designs into impact posts instantly.
Pros
- Free premium templates
- Built-in scheduler
- Great for brand assets
Cons
- Basic social analytics
- No social listening
Best Stock Photo & Video Sites
Stock Photo & Video SitesTop-rated stock photo & video sites tools for non-profits.
Canva for Nonprofits
Canva Pro features are free for eligible non-profits, offering thousands of impact-related stock assets and templates.
Pros
- Free Pro tools
- Collaborative workflow
- Cause-specific templates
Cons
- Application process required
- Limit on users
Zoom
Most accessible tool for donors and volunteers, offering a generous non-profit discount program.
Pros
- Ubiquitous use
- Strong security features
- Non-profit pricing available
Cons
- Branding is limited
- Can feel corporate
Givebutter
A platform built specifically for fundraising, offering beautiful donation pages, event ticketing, and donor management for free.
Pros
- No platform fees
- Integrated CRM
- Social fundraising features
Cons
- Requires tipping for free model
- Design is focused on campaigns
DreamHost
Famous for offering free shared hosting to US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Pros
- Free for 501(c)(3)
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free SSL
Cons
- Shared server speed
- Basic support only
