The 13 Best Nonprofit Accounting Software Apps

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Aplos is a comprehensive cloud-based fund accounting program for nonprofits and churches. This software has received strong customer reviews across the board from nonprofits around the world. It has a solid reputation in the nonprofit world and for good reason.

Aplos is well-organized and easy to use. Aplos offers numerous tools for managing donations and gifts, managing donors and your team, and giving you the reports you need for complete transparency. The program supports multiple organizations and offers free, unlimited phone and email support.

Aplos Features

Not only does Aplos get things right in terms of accounting, but it also has plenty of features to make nonprofits run more smoothly. Here is a taste of Aplos’ offerings:

• Fund accounting
• Chart of accounts
• Bank reconciliation
• Journal entries
• Reporting
• Manage contributions and donations
• Customizable donations page
• Recurring donations
• Gifts
• Contribution statements
• Fixed assets or allocations
• Tax support for 1099s and 990s

Aplos Pricing

The Aplos Suite costs $59/month, or you can purchase the software plus Text to Give for $79/month. The Aplos Suite plus Advanced Accounting starts at $159/month. A 15-day free trial is available, and new customers are eligible for discounts when signing up. You can also talk to Aplos about a personalized accounting solution with add-ons including payroll, advanced events, prepaid cards, and bookkeeping services.

Aplos is ideal for small nonprofits and churches in need of cheap nonprofit accounting software. Larger nonprofits will most likely find the software too simple for their complex requirements unless they go with the Advanced Accounting plan. The robust features, strong security, and affordable pricing make this software a good choice for nonprofits looking to manage their donations and expenses.

Nonprofit+ is a full ERP that integrates directly with Acumatica to bring nonprofits strong fund accounting and donor management, on top of typical accounting features, such as expense tracking, accounts payable, account receivable time tracking, and more.

One of the best parts about Nonprofit+ is that the UI is incredibly customizable. There are also tons of integration options and built-in customer support. Because it’s a full ERP, the software is on the expensive side, but for larger organizations that want strong fund accounting, Nonprofit+ could be a good choice.

Nonprofit+ Features

Some of the standout features of Nonprofit+ include:

• Fund accounting
• Grant management
• Encumbrance accounting
• Contact management
• Volunteer management
• Program management
• Reports
• Report writer

Nonprofit+ Pricing

Like most ERPs, Nonprofit+ does not disclose pricing on its website. Custom quotes are created for each individual organization. Contact Nonprofit+ directly for a quote or a free tour of the product.

Nonprofit+ could be a good solution for medium to large nonprofits that are looking for full fund accounting and grant management. The software could also work for smaller, growing organizations that are willing to pay the cost to make sure their grants are handled correctly. Nonprofit+ can be expensive and is not ideal for small organizations. Before committing to the hefty price tag, we highly recommend comparing Nonprofit+ with the other ERPs to ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.

First founded in 1981, Blackbaud has had a long time to secure its name and reputation in the nonprofit accounting world. The company offers dozens of different products designed for various organizations and nonprofits. But its bread and butter is Financial Edge NXT.

Financial Edge NXT is a cloud accounting solution for mid-sized nonprofits that is used by over 5,500 organizations. The software offers strong accounting and basic nonprofit features. The interface is beautifully designed and well organized. The company also offers strong security and free chat support.

Blackbaud Features

Financial Edge provides a wide array of features and meets the accounting standards nonprofits need. Some of these features include:

• Fund accounting
• Chart of accounts
• Bank reconciliation
• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Journal entries
• 100+ customizable reports
• Manage grants and allocations
• Budgeting
• Invoicing
• Purchase orders
• Track revenue and expenses
• Project management
• Vendor management
• Document storage
• Fixed assets
• Payroll

Blackbaud Pricing

Blackbaud does not publicly disclose pricing information. Withholding specific pricing information is a common practice for ERP solutions, as quotes are usually highly tailored to an organization’s individual needs. Blackbaud also offers a separate nonprofit fundraising and member management software called Raiser’s Edge NXT. Contact Blackbaud to learn more about its products and pricing.

According to Blackbaud, its software is ideal for mid-sized nonprofits that have a decent-sized staff and handle $1,000,000+ in revenue each year (or are steadily growing to meet these standards). As one of the leading names in nonprofit accounting, Blackbaud delivers great features. The question of pricing is still a huge factor for many nonprofits, but the features are worth a look at the very least.

If you want to optimize and improve the financial situation of your nonprofit, Sage Intacct can help. This fund accounting software not only has the accounting features you need but also offers real-time visibility to effectively manage the growth of your nonprofit.

Intacct is cloud-based software that is fully customized to the needs of your nonprofit. You’ll find a lot of great features with this software that you won’t find with other programs, including outcome metrics and compliance reporting.

Intacct Features

Intacct has many great features tailored to nonprofit organizations, and its reporting features are pretty much unmatched. Some of the features available in this software include:

• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Order management
• Multi-entity & global consolidations
• Automated workflows
• Grant tracking & billing
• Nonprofit digital board book
• Spend management
• Nonprofit revenue recognition

Intacct Pricing

Because it is a customized solution, you will need to contact Sage Intaact for a quote. However, Sage does note that most customers spend between $6,000 and $35,000 on an annual subscription. While this may be a little steep for smaller nonprofits, larger nonprofits may find the expense well worth the cost.

If you’re looking for a personalized nonprofit accounting solution with plenty of features and excellent reporting, Intacct is worth looking into. Contact Sage for your quote and demo to learn more.

Sumac is a locally-installed nonprofit accounting solution founded on the phrase “do more good.” The software offers everything from CRM to pledges to course registration and more. The cool thing about Sumac is that you can customize it to fit the needs of whatever type of nonprofit you run.

Sumac also integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. If you’re using one of these programs, Sumac can give you access to the nonprofit-specific features that QuickBooks lacks.

Sumac Features

With Sumac, you start by purchasing the Basic CRM and then buying any other add-ons your nonprofit needs. Basic CRM includes:

• Contact management
• Reporting
• Email marketing
• Donation management
• Event management
• Time tracking
• Invoicing

Here are the additional features that you can add to Sumac (prices for these add-ons vary):

• Memberships
• Volunteers
• Grant management
• Pledges
• Ticketing
• Reminders
• Course registration
• Forms
• Tour booking
• Proposals/prospecting
• Auctions
• Sales
• Auditions and submissions
• Job search
• Collection management
• Awarding grants

If you require something beyond these offerings, you can purchase a custom add-on as well.

Sumac Pricing

Sumac offers four pricing plans from $35/month to $250/month. Add-ons start at $60/month. You can also contact Sumac to create a custom plan for your organization.

The appeal of Sumac is that the software is incredibly customizable to your specific nonprofits’ needs Sumac is a good solution for mid- to large-sized businesses, especially if you need complex features, such as tour booking, course registration, auditions and submissions, etc. Sumac’s paid plans are not ideal for small nonprofits on a budget, especially considering the additional cost of QuickBooks Online or Desktop if you choose to go this route.

Fund EZ is by far one of the most complex and developed of the programs on this list. The company prides itself on being completely up to date on nonprofit accounting industry standards. When you sign up for Fund EZ, a member of the Fund EZ staff sets up the software for you and trains you on the program; you can rest easy knowing your chart of accounts and tax requirements are 100% reliable and accurate.

Since Fund EZ is so comprehensive, it does come at a steeper cost, but the features of the software cover nearly anything you can think of. While complex, Fund EZ uses intuitive organization and design, so you can learn the software faster. Fund EZ also has modules for Medicaid and foster care. Since Fund EZ has a Medicaid billing solution, the software is subject to HIPAA laws, meaning it has some of the strongest security and user permissions out there.

Fund EZ Features

Fund EZ offers an incredible number of features, although some require an additional cost:

• Fund accounting
• Detailed chart of accounts
• Bank reconciliation
• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• Journal entries
• Reports
• Manage grants and allocations
• Manage donations and pledges
• Budgeting
• Invoicing
• Purchase orders
• Gifts
• Contact and vendor management
• Write and print checks
• Multi-currency support

Fund EZ Pricing

Fund EZ comes as either a cloud-based product or a locally-installed program. FundEZ does not display its prices on its website, so contact the company directly for a quote. A 30-day free trial is available. You can add Medicaid billing, foster care support, fundraising, and fixed assets for an additional cost.

Fund EZ is ideal for large nonprofits and nonprofits with complex accounting needs and is great for organizations needing Medicaid billing or foster care support. This is one of the only programs I feel truly ensures that nonprofits have accurate accounts and are meeting all federal nonprofit regulations. While these comprehensive features are a huge plus, they come at a steep price, making the software an unrealistic solution for smaller nonprofits or nonprofits on a strict budget.  The software is also not ideal for nonprofits that require payroll.

Founded in 2003, Sparkrock is a fund accounting program helping over 25,000 organizations. While the software is potentially the most expensive of the whole list, we left it in the post for one key reason: K12 board management.

Sparkrock is the only software on the list to offer this feature. It also provides HR and training and certificate management. If your nonprofit organization needs these features, then the price may be worth the tradeoff.

Sparkrock Features

While Sparkrock doesn’t offer as many features as the other programs on this list, it does come with a few unique functions. Here’s a sampling of Sparkrock’s capabilities:

• Fund accounting
• Grant management
• Reports
• K12 board management
• Employee scheduling
• HR
• Payroll
• Training and certificate management

Sparkrock Pricing

Sparkrock creates a custom quote for every organization, so you will need to contact the company for more pricing information. Adding workflow management or scheduling to your subscription bumps the price up even higher. Previous pricing details provided by the company show that you should expect to pay $2,000+/month.

We know that Sparkrock is not going to be for everyone, but for the nonprofit organization looking for K12 board management and HR support, Sparkrock may be a good option. Granted, the software is very expensive and might not be the best software for nonprofits on a budget, but with larger organizations, this may be less of a concern.

While having loads of features is great for some organizations, for others it may be overkill. That’s where MoneyMinder comes in. MoneyMinder offers the basic features nonprofits need in its easy-to-use cloud-based software.

Even if you have no prior accounting or bookkeeping software experience, MoneyMinder is easy to learn. It’s a great option for treasurers overseeing volunteer-run nonprofit organizations, providing a simple and straightforward way to track payments, create budgets, and run annual reports.

MoneyMinder Features

While it doesn’t have the advanced features you’ll find with other programs on this list, MoneyMinder offers a nice set of basic features ideal for smaller nonprofits seeking a simple accounting solution. Features include:

• Bookkeeping tools
• Dues tracking
• Membership management
• Bank reconciliation
• Fundraising & payment tracking
• Contact management
• Budgeting
• Integrations with PayPal & Square
• Donation tracking
• Volunteer hour tracking
• 990EZ & 1099 reporting
• Online store

MoneyMinder Pricing

There are two plans available. The first plan is completely free and doesn’t require a credit card. However, this plan is limited to budgets, calendar tools, and membership tracking. If you want to have access to all available features, you’ll need to upgrade to the MoneyMinder Pro plan which is priced at a very affordable $159/year. A 30-day free trial is available.

If you want advanced nonprofit accounting tools or operate a large organization, MoneyMinder probably isn’t the right choice for your business. However, if you operate a smaller nonprofit or a volunteer-run organization and want a simple accounting solution, MoneyMinder is worth a try. And with a free plan and 30-day free trial, you have nothing to lose.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one software solution for your nonprofit, consider giving Araize’s FastFund Online a shot. Araize calls this the “total solution” for fundraising, payroll, and accounting for nonprofits of any size in any sector — from churches and schools to community and healthcare organizations. FasyFund Online is also a good choice for smaller government organizations.

FastFund Online has several plans available, so you can customize the software to the unique needs of your nonprofit. Witha. wide range of accounting features, a fundraising CRM, and built-in payroll, you can spend less time on accounting and bookkeeping and more time focusing on the goals of your nonprofit.

Araize Features

With Araize’s FastFund Online, the features you can access depend on the plans you sign up for. Some notable features available include:

• Credit card & ACH donation processing
• Text2Give & website donations
• Customizable chart of accounts
• Custom financial statements & reports
• Revenue & expense tracking
• Campaign management
• Membership management
• Pledge reminders
• Donor tracking
• Built-in payroll

Araize Pricing

FastFund Accounting starts at $42/month. FastFund Fundraising CRM can be added to your accounting plan starting at $20/month, or as a standalone service starting at $42/month. Payroll can be added for an additional fee starting at $66/month.

Araize FastFund Online provides a total software solution that allows you to keep track of your finances, manage your fundraising, and pay your employees. While pricing can add up based on the needs of your organization, it’s actually quite competitive, especially with bundled discounts offered by Araize. FastFund Online has a number of great features that make it a solid choice for any nonprofit organization. If you want to see it in action, contact Araize to schedule your free demo.