Larger nonprofit organizations need enterprise-level software with advanced accounting features and large donor management databases. Our most recent fund accounting buyer trends report analyzed the reasons NPOs buy nonprofit accounting software and detailed their best accounting software for nonprofits most desired features. Nonprofit accounting software options allow nonprofits to accurately manage the complex financial needs of organizations of any size. Xledger is a cloud-based ERP best suited for small to medium-sized enterprise organizations that need an all-in-one financial management and fund accounting system.
Best Nonprofit Accounting Software
With its donation of services to nonprofits, NetSuite certainly offers the most robust value for free. Nonprofits have unique accounting needs compared with for-profit businesses, but most accounting software is built with for-profits in mind. Forbes Advisor developed this list by evaluating the offerings and value of 18 popular accounting software providers. Users find value in its integration capabilities and inventory management features, especially useful for small businesses. Xero is an accounting software that garners both praise and criticism. Sage offers a 50% discount for nonprofits on Sage Accounting, Payroll and HR.
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FastFund by Araize is a cloud-based accounting solution built specifically for nonprofits, with features like fund accounting, donation tracking, and integrated payroll. Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that offers a discount for nonprofit organizations. Sage Intacct is a robust, cloud-based fund accounting software designed for growing nonprofits with complex accounting needs. With deep reporting and analytics capabilities, users can easily monitor their financial health using tools designed specifically for nonprofits and faith-based organizations. If nonprofit accounting software is made specifically for nonprofit organizations, then what should be included? The software solution is ideal for small to mid-sized organizations that need standard nonprofit fund accounting to manage and track their accounting processes.
The cornerstone capability you need is robust fund accounting – this isn’t just bookkeeping, it’s your shield for maintaining donor trust and regulatory compliance. Many organizations have complex accounting needs that require more advanced solutions than basic software can provide. Your accountability to donors, grantmakers, and regulatory bodies makes accurate and timely financial reporting not just essential, but mission-critical. Some organizations may rely on an in-house accountant to manage these complexities, but this can be costly and time-consuming. Look for the ability to link your bank account for easier transaction management and bank reconciliation, as well as tracking tools to monitor expenses, donations, and grants. Properly managed accounting data is the foundation for making informed decisions and maintaining your organization’s financial health.
What users dislike about Sage Intacct
But it’s so important to find one so you can start managing and tracking what’s coming in and what’s going out of your nonprofit! Whether it’s breaking down budgets by program or donors, this software can do it all. While most customers love this software, some have said they would like to see the reporting module more refined and improved. We’ve read through the tools’ websites, user reports, and reviews to find helpful information. For example, if you’re a smaller nonprofit at the moment, you may not need as many options for customizable reports.
Nonprofits need not worry as most software or online platforms these days want to provide special discounts to registered nonprofit organizations. When it comes to nonprofit accounting, accountability to the donor is everything that matters. We’ll walk through 10 great options so you can choose the accounting software solution for your organization. Unfortunately, there aren’t many free nonprofit-specific accounting software options. Form 990 is a tax form that tax-exempt organizations—which include most nonprofits—must submit to the IRS every year.
QuickBooks simplifies financial management with features like easy expense sorting, allowing nonprofits to categorize revenue and expenditures by fund or program. At its core, Aplos provides robust, built-in fund accounting software, essential for nonprofits managing restricted and unrestricted funds. We’ll cover everything from fund accounting to advanced features like grant management and donor relationship management.
Accounts by Software 4 Nonprofits is the best nonprofit software for small businesses with basic needs. For example, integrating Xero with tools like Infoodle allows for effective donation tracking, while the Gusto integration streamlines staff payroll processes. It’s fully customizable to fit the needs of your growing nonprofit organization.
Because recurring donations provide a consistent revenue stream, the best accounting software solutions for nonprofits will take this into consideration while budgeting. This is an affordable option to get nonprofits started with their fund accounting needs. MIP Fund Accounting is a comprehensive, configurable fund accounting solution built with nonprofits in mind. Choosing the right accounting software is crucial for everyone looking to start a nonprofit organization.
Nonprofit-specific features, such as fund tracking and donation management, are crucial in accounting software to address the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. It offers fund accounting software, donor management tools, CRM tools, as well as the ability to accept donations online using credit cards. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features to help organizations manage their finances, including fund accounting, donation tracking, and budgeting tools. The nonprofit accounting software offered by QuickBooks features all the necessary tools to manage an organization’s expenses, budget, and bookkeeping needs. These nonprofit accounting software tools are built to help 501(c)(3) organizations easily manage their accounts and get back to making a difference. The best accounting software for nonprofits not only simplify financial management, but they’re also equipped with specific features for donation, volunteers, and grant management.
The software should feature an intuitive interface and clear workflows that minimize the learning curve. This provides immediate insights into financial performance and helps identify any financial issues. It should manage recurring gifts and automate the generation of acknowledgment letters and tax receipts.
Its strong financial capabilities include a chart of accounts, budgeting management, tax setup, expense allocations, and bank reconciliations. NetSuite is another widely used ERP system among nonprofits, despite not being a specialized nonprofit software. The platform automates revenue recognition in accordance to GAAP standards, ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting regulations. This is due to its strength in granular financial tracking, automated revenue recognition, and comprehensive reporting. The fundraising bundle is an additional $50/month which includes capabilities to manage and track your donors.
Best Fund Accounting Software for Organizations with Vast and Complex Operations.
Sage Intacct is not exclusively designed only for nonprofits like the other systems previously mentioned but still remains a popular choice among NPOs. One huge benefit of Donorbox is that it’s easy to integrate with your organization’s existing website and even lets your supporters set up their own fundraising campaigns to raise money for you. It provides a good starting point for NPOs that need to collect donations online and start tracking donors without breaking the bank. Pricing for FastFund starts at $50/month for the standard plan which includes core accounting features, budgeting, and bank integration.
- However, this doesn’t mean this software would be a good fit for every nonprofit organization out there.
- Invoicing software and payment processors often don’t generate automatic payment receipts for customers.
- The right nonprofit reporting software can automate your reporting process and improve how you track your finances — plus, it lets you focus more on your organization’s mission and the good work you do.
- QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit stands out in several ways, which is why we consider it a great accounting option for most nonprofits.
- You can even send payment receipts to your donors as a token of appreciation and proof of having received their contributions.
- By choosing wisely, your nonprofit can manage finances better, freeing up time for its mission.
- To simplify your search and help you find the six best accounting software options for nonprofits in 2025.
Xero offers a 25% discount for registered nonprofits, and all plans come with a 30-day free trial. Automated invoicing and reporting enable you to spend more time fundraising and less on bookkeeping. Many teams can get up and running in under two hours, making it a solid choice for nonprofits that need trusted tools that work well together. This list reflects the best overall fit for small to midsize nonprofits looking for practical, mission-aligned accounting solutions. Additionally, users can customize their plan with AccuFund’s extensive list of add-on modules including grant management, client invoicing, and program management tools. Plus, the platform integrates with other Realm products to create a full tech stack that meets all the organization’s management needs.
Aplos is accounting software designed specifically for nonprofit organizations and religious institutions. Unlike for-profit enterprises, nonprofits sail through unique financial currents—tracking restricted and unrestricted funds, stewarding grants with precision, and ensuring transparent reporting that builds stakeholder trust. Add in the complexity of filing tax forms such as Form 990, and it becomes clear why the right accounting software is essential for nonprofits aiming to maintain tax-exempt status and meet particular reporting requirements. Best for Overall nonprofit accounting software Enterprise nonprofit accounting software
- Nonprofit accounting software with built-in billing and invoicing features can significantly streamline financial processes.
- Pricing is not readily available on the website, but you can request a demo to get a feel of the software.
- Most nonprofits spend $0–$200/month, depending on their size and specific needs.
- Nonprofit organizations also need regular audits that are only possible with accurate financial record keeping.
- Rather than depending on a general-purpose business accounting solution with basic accounts receivable (AR) and payable (AP) functionality, organizations prefer using nonprofit accounting software.
NetSuite offers a robust, cloud-based solution for financial management, fundraising, and constituent relationship management (CRM). This functionality is typically included in accounting software for nonprofit organizations rather than existing as its own dedicated program. Blackaud created the popular Raiser’s Edge NXT donor management platform, which you can combine with its Financial Edge NXT accounting software.
In addition, the software’s advanced real-time reporting capabilities let nonprofits check how well their organization is performing and better plan for programs, fundraising, and staffing. We chose Aplos as the top accounting software for nonprofits, recognizing its specialized design for nonprofit and church management. Here, we’ll explain the best accounting software for nonprofits and discuss the top features and functionality, pricing plans, and the pros and cons of each software. Some of the accounting software options would be more suitable for smaller organizations and others for large-scale nonprofits with more complex needs. Aplos is best for small to mid-sized organizations looking for a straightforward system to manage fund accounting and church finances.