CiviCRM also integrates seamlessly with other platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. Arguably the most popular open source nonprofit CRM, CiviCRM is specifically made for nonprofits, charities, and civic-sector organizations. So while open source developers and communities always promote transparency, it’s still a good idea to always do your due diligence.

What should you look for in nonprofit bookkeeping software?

Straightforward reports make it easy to know how well your not for profit is doing. FreshBooks accounting software for non-profit organizations has a built-in dashboard where you can view how much funds are available for your charitable efforts. When tax time rolls around, FreshBooks has you covered with the tools and information that you need to make taxes easier. FreshBooks, popularly known as a cloud-based accounting and financial management software, is not limited to SMBs. The software is prevalent because it can simplify business time tracking and billing processes.

Final thoughts on nonprofit bookkeeping software

As mentioned, nonprofits have to follow strict rules to justify their financial position and fundraising expenses. However, there are several actions all nonprofits need to take to ensure data quality and reliability. For-profit entities are individuals, corporations, or partnerships that conduct business for profit. In this case, shareholders, investors, tax authorities, management, and suppliers are interested in the entity’s financial position, and that’s what for-profit accounting focuses on.

Accounting App for Booster Clubs That Offers Secure Online Payments

Blackbaud serves a variety of nonprofits, including faith communities and churches, arts organizations, educational institutions, and just about any other type of nonprofit you can imagine. It supports peer-to-peer fundraising, grant and award management, nonprofit marketing, and donor payment acceptance. It’s a fantastic tool if you’re looking for a solution that combines ease of use, affordability, and a generous set of features. Another perk of this small nonprofit accounting software is that it’s very easy to use, so you can onboard the system in a matter of a few hours. Standout features include the ability to build custom reports to track the exact financial data that you need or to generate forecasts. Xero also offers key financial services like payment acceptance and the ability to connect to external banks.

Plan differences revolve around the number of users, customization options, inventory management, automations and expense tracking. You have to pay an extra fee for payroll services, starting at $45 per month. Bookkeeping for a nonprofit, or nonprofit bookkeeping, represents a unique way a nonprofit organization plans, records, and reports its finances. It involves generally accepted accounting principles and other tasks all businesses employ when reporting finances, along with those specific to nonprofit organizations. When choosing accounting software for your small nonprofit, weigh both the benefits and potential downsides.

• Wave’s strengths lie in its invoicing and receipt scanning capabilities, which are particularly useful for nonprofits that need to manage donations and expenses meticulously.
• Remember, affordability doesn’t mean compromising on essential features.
• This information is also displayed on the nonprofit’s Cash Flow Statement.
• As a result, any accounting software with seamless built-in data entry, insight, and analytics will help non-profits operate their mission more smoothly.
• It ensures restricted funds are used for intended purposes and maintains transparency.
• They also enable nonprofits to generate detailed reports on donation trends and donor engagement, improving fundraising efforts and communication with supporters.

General tools just won’t cut it- You need true fund accounting

NetSuite’s integration with its ERP system allows for improved internal controls and automated prevent-and-detect mechanisms. However, its cost and complexity might be prohibitive for organizations with limited resources or technical expertise. With Funraise’s QuickBooks integration, you can make the most of your online fundraising. Quicken is best for very small nonprofits that do not have employees for whom they have to process payroll.

We recommend MIP Fund Accounting as the best nonprofit accounting software because of the customization options offered as a part of the solution. Sage Intacct provides comprehensive expense tracking and management, along with detailed reporting tailored to your specific needs. Its scalable design makes it suitable for complex financial requirements, while advanced tools enable effective management of restricted funds.

• An in-kind donation or a gift in kind represents a donation of goods or services instead of money for purchasing goods and services.
• Get a snapshot of your overall revenues so that you can properly report your business income.
• The system enables managers to quickly and simply develop straightforward request forms that their staff members can then complete and submit.
• Xero is ideal for small organizations and nonprofits looking for cost-effective solutions and collaborative tools for budgeting and forecasting.
• The nonprofit discount allows nonprofits to pay the price of the tier beneath their chosen solution.
• Wave offers a free accounting solution that includes essential tools for managing your nonprofit’s finances.

It assists users in keeping tabs on the financial status of the organizations by managing cash flow and spending, tracking funding transfers and generating reports on such transactions. Wave is accounting software that builds in a cloud system, offering accounting solutions for nonprofit organizations. This platform is designed with an adjustable dashboard so that users can monitor accounting records well. Users can also find additional features for increased scalability for their organizations, such as Wave freshbooks for nonprofits Money or Wave Payroll. Nonprofit accounting software is designed to help you track and manage restricted funds efficiently.

Aplos (Best Accounting Software for Nonprofit Organizations Overall)

It also frees up valuable time for staff to focus on core mission activities. Training existing staff or outsourcing specific tasks to qualified professionals allows a nonprofit to leverage financial expertise without taking on additional overhead costs. Yes, using nonprofit accounting software is safe when you choose a reputable provider. Look for software with robust security features, such as encryption, secure data storage, and regular backups. Ensure the software complies with relevant regulations, such as FASB and GAAP.

Open Source CRM For Nonprofits: Best Picks For 2025

If you’re not sure whether Wave Accounting is what you need, but you’d like free or cost-effective solutions, check out our list of best open source accounting software currently available. When compared to Aplos, our top pick, Wave serves well for fundamental accounting needs at no cost, but lacks the specialized features for nonprofits that Aplos provides. We voted Wave Accounting as a good free option for nonprofit accounting, valued for its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly interface. We believe these robust capabilities firmly establish Aplos not only as an exceptional choice for church accounting but also as a standout in the nonprofit software arena. The tool helps maintain accurate financial records, demonstrate transparency, and comply with accounting standards specific to the nonprofit sector.