19 Best Nonprofit CRMs [2025]: Free vs Paid Comparison

Have You Outgrown Your Spreadsheets? According to Bloomerang, 67% of nonprofits already use a CRM to track donations and manage supporter communication. 

For many nonprofit teams, managing supporter data is a constant game of catch-up: donation records live in one tool, event RSVPs in another, and program notes… somewhere? And wherever it is, it isn’t updated. 

That fragmentation makes it harder to build strong relationships, track impact, and grow sustainably. Which is exactly what a customer relationship management system, a CRM, is meant to help with. A CRM makes these things stronger, more strategic and intentional, and ultimately better organized.

A nonprofit CRM can bring all those threads together: donor history, volunteer activity, event attendance, program feedback… All into one clear, centralized platform. It helps in understanding your community and showing up for them in the right way, at the right time. 

Imagine logging in and instantly seeing a dashboard with upcoming donor tasks, recent gifts, and flagged contacts who need follow-up. CRMs make that view possible, and actionable.

This guide will walk you through how nonprofit CRMs work, the difference between free and paid options, and which platforms are best for your organization based on your goals, not just your budget.

What Is a Nonprofit CRM?

A nonprofit CRM (Customer Relationship Management system) is a software designed to help nonprofits track every interaction, donations, emails, event registrations, volunteer hours, feedback surveys, all in one place. Instead of scattered data, you get a single, unified profile for each supporter.

Think of it as your nonprofit’s memory bank. Who donated last December? Can you tell who volunteered last spring? Has anyone followed up with those who haven’t been contacted in over six months?

Your CRM knows, and makes sure you do too.

Why Nonprofit CRMs Aren’t Like Regular CRMs

Generic CRMs are made for sales pipelines. Nonprofit CRMs are made for people and purpose.

That means:

• Tracking donations, not deals.
• Managing volunteers and program participants, not just customers.
• Measuring retention and impact, not revenue growth.

They also handle complexities like:

• Multiple roles per person (a donor who’s also a board member and a volunteer)
• Different types of contributions (monthly gifts, grants, event tickets, in-kind support)
• Mission-focused metrics (like services delivered, not just dollars raised)

And while traditional CRMs may charge enterprise-level pricing, many nonprofit CRMs offer discounts, free tiers, or nonprofit-specific editions with pre-built donation tools, automation workflows, and reports that speak the nonprofit language.

What Can a Nonprofit CRM Actually Do?

A great nonprofit CRM is more than just a digital Rolodex. It’s a tool that powers smarter outreach, deeper engagement, and better decisions. Here’s what to expect under the hood:

Donor & Contact Management

Lets you tailor outreach based on real behavior, not guesses. Create rich profiles for every supporter: donation history, communication logs, volunteer activity, interests, and relationships (e.g. family or employer connections). Check our guide on how to create a donation page.

Donation & Income Tracking

No more exporting data just to calculate who gave what. Track every type of contribution: one-time, recurring, in-kind, grants, memberships. Many CRMs also integrate with payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, ACH) and allow goal tracking for campaigns. Learn how to track and optimize for impact with our nonprofits analytics guide.

Fundraising & Campaign Tools

Expand fundraising reach without juggling separate platforms. Generate donation pages, build peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, manage events, and run crowdfunding, all from within the CRM.

Embedded Forms & Feedback Collection

This turns supporter input into usable insights, instantly. Easily create web forms for event sign-ups, surveys, or volunteer applications that feed data directly into the CRM.

Email & Communication Tracking

You know what messages landed and what didn’t. Many nonprofit CRMs include built-in email tools or integrate with Mailchimp and Constant Contact. Segment lists, personalize content, and track opens and clicks. For further insights, check our nonprofit email marketing guide.

Automation & Workflow Reminders

Reduce the “oops, we forgot” moments and keep relationships warm. Set up triggers like:

• Thank-you emails after a donation
• Tasks when someone reaches a giving milestone
• Alerts when a donor hasn’t given in 12 months

Reporting & Dashboards

When a funder asks for impact data, you’ve already got it. Pull reports on LYBUNTs (Last Year But Not This), donor retention, event participation, or campaign ROI. See real-time dashboards with KPIs that matter to you, and your board.

Program & Volunteer Tracking

Because impact isn’t just about money, it’s about mission delivery. For orgs that deliver services, many CRMs offer add-ons for case notes, volunteer shifts, hours served, and even outcomes tracking.

Free vs. Paid Nonprofit CRMs: What’s Worth It?

One of the first choices nonprofits face is whether to start with a free CRM or invest in a paid one. The right option depends on your team’s size, needs, and how quickly you plan to scale.

Free CRMs: Good for Getting Started

Tools like HubSpot Free, Zoho, or open-source platforms like CiviCRM offer:

• Contact and donor tracking
• Basic forms and email tools
• No software fees

They’re a strong choice for small orgs with fewer than 1,000 contacts or limited budgets. But expect limitations like:

• Capped users or records
• Little automation or integration
• Minimal support

Free nonprofit tools can save budget now, but cost time later if they create workarounds or bottlenecks.

Paid CRMs: Built to Grow With You

Platforms like Neon CRM, DonorPerfect, or Salesforce for Nonprofits provide:

• Donor segmentation and reporting
• Automation (e.g., thank-you emails, task triggers)
• Built-in event, grant, and campaign tools
• Integrations with QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Stripe, etc.
• Support and onboarding

They also scale easily, making them a better long-term fit for mid-to-large orgs running multiple programs.

Nonprofits using automation in CRMs reported a 21% boost in fundraising revenue and saved 10–15 hours per week.

When to Upgrade

Start free if:

• You’re just centralizing donor data
• Budget is tight and needs are simple

Switch to paid when:

• You hit caps on contacts or emails
• You need reporting, integrations, or automation
• Your team is duplicating effort outside the CRM

“A CRM does more than just organizing your data, it strengthens your relationships. For nonprofits, that’s everything. When you know who your supporters are and what matters to them, you can show up in ways that actually move your mission forward.”

Comparison of Free vs. Paid Nonprofit CRM Options

Aspect	Free CRM (e.g. Open-Source or Free Tier)	Paid CRM (Subscription License)
Cost	$0 software cost though implementation time is an “expense”.	Monthly/annual fees per user or per contacts. Often discounted for nonprofits or includes donor license grants. Higher tiers cost more but include more features/support.
Scalability	Limited records or users (some free plans cap contacts or emails). Performance might degrade with very large datasets. Suitable for small orgs.	Designed to scale to large donor databases and multiple users. Can handle tens of thousands of contacts or more with proper configuration. Good for growing mid-large orgs.
Features	Basic donor/contact management, simple reporting. Fewer integrated tools (may need external add-ons for email, forms). Little automation.	Full fundraising suite: advanced reports, automation workflows, online giving pages, event management, grant tracking, etc. All-in-one convenience with continuous feature improvements.
Integrations	Often limited integrations (maybe CSV import/export or basic API). Might rely on manual data transfers between systems.	Robust integrations with email marketing, accounting (QuickBooks), payment processors, peer-to-peer platforms, etc. API access for custom integrations is usually available.
Customization	Usually some customization, especially if open-source (you can tweak code) – but requires technical skill. Free hosted plans may allow minimal custom fields or templates.	High customization – add custom fields, design dashboards, tailor workflows. Vendor or partners often help adapt the CRM to your processes. Less technical burden on your team for heavy custom changes (vendor can assist).
Support	Community-driven support (forums, documentation). Little or no direct support. If open-source, you need IT help to troubleshoot.	Professional support included or offered. Knowledge bases, training webinars, and human support (email/phone/chat) for technical issues. Premium plans may have dedicated success managers.
Ideal For	New or small nonprofits (<1000 contacts) exploring CRM benefits; organizations with tech-savvy volunteers who can manage an open-source solution; pilot projects/trials before scaling.	Established nonprofits that need reliable, efficient systems; organizations with expanding donor bases or multiple fundraising programs; any group where staff time-saving and donor retention gains justify the cost.

Top Nonprofit CRMs for 2025

Below we review 18 of the best nonprofit CRM platforms, including both free and paid options, that cater to donor management, program tracking, and overall usability for small to mid-sized organizations. For each, we’ll cover key features, pricing info, pros/cons, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re looking for a no-frills free tool or an enterprise solution, this listicle will help you compare the top contenders in 2025:

1. Bloomerang

• Best For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits focused on donor retention
• Price: Starts around $125/month for up to 1,000 contacts
• Strengths: User-friendly interface, great retention tools, built-in engagement scoring, excellent customer support
• Trade-Offs: Limited program/case management features; no free tier beyond trial

2. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

• Best For: Medium to large nonprofits needing advanced customization and scale
• Price: First 10 licenses free via Power of Us; additional users ~$36/month
• Strengths: Fully customizable, powerful reporting, robust automation, strong integration ecosystem
• Trade-Offs: Requires setup expertise; steep learning curve; additional costs for consultants or add-ons

3. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT

• Best For: Mid-to-large orgs with complex fundraising teams and major giving programs
• Price: Custom pricing; often $5,000–$10,000+/year depending on records and features
• Strengths: Wealth analytics, campaign planning tools, major donor tracking, reliable support
• Trade-Offs: Premium price, steeper learning curve, less flexibility for integrations outside the Blackbaud ecosystem

4. Neon CRM

• Best For: Small to mid-sized orgs looking for an all-in-one tool to manage donations, events, and communication
• Price: Starts at $99/month based on number of records
• Strengths: Easy-to-use, strong online forms, donor self-service portal, automation, event and membership features
• Trade-Offs: Limited depth in grant or complex volunteer management; setup takes some time

5. DonorPerfect

• Best For: Budget-conscious small and mid-sized nonprofits focused on fundraising
• Price: Starts around $99/month based on contact volume
• Strengths: Solid donor tracking, batch gift entry, customizable reports, great support, bundled Constant Contact
• Trade-Offs: Interface less modern, some advanced reporting has a learning curve, limited program or grant features

6. HubSpot CRM

• Best For: Nonprofits with a strong focus on marketing and email engagement
• Price: Free for core CRM; nonprofit discount (40%) on paid hubs (~$480/month for Marketing Pro after discount)
• Strengths: Excellent UI, best-in-class marketing automation, powerful email tools, scalable contact database
• Trade-Offs: Not purpose-built for fundraising (no tax receipts, gift splits); advanced marketing features require paid tiers; limited for donation processing or program tracking

7. Virtuous CRM

• Best For: Mid-sized nonprofits focused on personalized donor engagement and marketing automation
• Price: Starts around $300/month (custom quoted)
• Strengths: Advanced automation, AI-driven insights, modern interface, donor + volunteer management in one system
• Trade-Offs: Premium pricing, setup requires planning, may be overkill for small teams without marketing experience

8. Classy

• Best For: Nonprofits running peer-to-peer or online fundraising campaigns
• Price: Starts around $500/month + 2–3% transaction fees
• Strengths: Beautiful donation and event pages, strong peer-to-peer tools, donor self-service portal, Salesforce integration
• Trade-Offs: Not a full CRM, pricey for smaller orgs, analytics are campaign-focused, limited offline gift tracking

9. CharityEngine

• Best For: Mid-to-large nonprofits seeking an all-in-one platform for fundraising, CRM, events, and advocacy
• Price: ~$300–$700+/month (custom pricing based on features and usage)
• Strengths: Unified system with robust donation forms, built-in payment processing, advocacy tools, solid automation
• Trade-Offs: UI slightly dated, steep setup curve, may be too broad or costly for small orgs

10. Keela

• Best For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking affordable CRM with built-in analytics
• Price: Starts around $119/month for up to 1,000 contacts
• Strengths: AI-driven fundraising insights, email marketing included, clean UI, predictive donor scoring
• Trade-Offs: Basic volunteer and grant tracking, less customizable reporting, lighter on advanced automation

11. Little Green Light

• Best For: Small nonprofits upgrading from spreadsheets who need essential donor management
• Price: Starts at $45/month for up to 2,500 contacts
• Strengths: Budget-friendly, strong mail merge tools, easy-to-learn, customizable reports, flexible tagging
• Trade-Offs: No advanced automation or AI, limited volunteer and event management, basic UI

12. Giveffect

• Best For: Mid-sized nonprofits needing an all-in-one CRM with volunteer, event, and fundraising tools
• Price: Starts around $399–$599/month depending on modules and contact volume
• Strengths: 10-in-1 system with Smart Automation, unified data across donors/volunteers/members, integrated fundraising and accounting, modern UI
• Trade-Offs: Higher cost; may be overkill for small orgs; full implementation and training required to unlock value

13. DonorDock

• Best For: Small to medium nonprofits needing an easy, modern CRM with built-in automation and AI
• Price: Starts at ~$100–$120/month depending on features and contact volume
• Strengths: User-friendly interface, AI fundraising assistant, peer-to-peer fundraising, moves management board, responsive support
• Trade-Offs: Limited customization; may lack depth for large databases or advanced workflows; reporting and P2P more basic than enterprise tools

14. Bonterra (EveryAction)

• Best For: Large nonprofits and advocacy orgs with major fundraising and digital outreach needs
• Price: Custom quotes; typically $5K–$50K+/year depending on size and modules
• Strengths: Enterprise-grade fundraising + advocacy + email/SMS in one platform; strong segmentation, automation, and compliance
• Trade-Offs: High cost; learning curve; may be too complex for smaller orgs; reliant on full onboarding and configuration

15. Springboard

• Best For: Large nonprofits using Salesforce that need sophisticated digital engagement, advocacy, and P2P fundraising
• Price: Enterprise pricing (tens of thousands/year); additional Salesforce licensing needed
• Strengths: Highly customizable forms and fundraising workflows, advanced AI personalization, integrates tightly with Salesforce
• Trade-Offs: Expensive and complex to implement; best used with technical support; requires digital maturity to fully benefit

16. Glue Up

• Best For: Event- and membership-heavy nonprofits like associations and chambers
• Price: Starts around $99/month; pricing varies by modules and scale
• Strengths: Integrated event + membership + CRM system, branded forms, mobile app for member engagement, strong event tools
• Trade-Offs: Not donor-focused; limited major gift tools; some customization and UX issues; may be too much for fundraising-only orgs

17. Kindful (Now Part of Bloomerang)

• Best For: Small to mid-sized nonprofits wanting a simple, integration-friendly donor CRM
• Price: Previously started around $100/month for 1,000 contacts; now integrated with Bloomerang (starts ~$119/month)
• Strengths: Clean interface, strong third-party integrations (Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Classy, etc.), solid donor profiles and reporting, great for online fundraising data consolidation
• Trade-Offs: Limited advanced features (e.g., no volunteer/moves management), no built-in major email marketing or advocacy tools, now shifting into Bloomerang ecosystem (may cause brand/support confusion)

18. Donately

• Best For: Small nonprofits, startups, and digital-focused teams looking for simple, embeddable donation forms and Stripe-powered fundraising
• Price: Starts free (up to $100/month raised); paid plans from $19/month + 3% platform fee; custom plans for high-volume orgs
• Strengths: Beautiful, mobile-optimized donation forms; strong Stripe integration; embeddable widgets for websites; excellent for digital campaigns and custom site builds; integrates with Zapier, Salesforce, Mailchimp
• Trade-Offs: Not a full CRM on its own, limited donor management features; advanced fundraising tools (like segmentation or automation) require external tools: which is where HubSpot comes in. Donately has a special integration with HubSpot.

19. Virtuous CRM

• Best For: Mid-sized nonprofits focused on personalized donor engagement and marketing automation
• Price: Starts around $300/month; custom-quoted based on contact volume and feature needs
• Strengths: Advanced marketing automation and AI-driven donor insights; responsive fundraising tools; modern UI; unifies donor, volunteer, and project tracking in one platform
• Trade-Offs: Higher learning curve for smaller teams; requires thoughtful implementation and journey mapping; premium pricing may be too much for small orgs not ready to fully leverage automation

The platforms above illustrate the wide range of CRM solutions available to nonprofits, from simple donor databases to enterprise-level engagement platforms. Each has its strengths: some excel at donor retention, others at event or membership management, others at online campaigning. The “best” CRM ultimately depends on your organization’s focus,  fundraising-only vs. membership-driven vs. advocacy, and your available resources.

Download our Nonprofit CRM Evaluation Checklist, a step-by-step guide to scoring CRM platforms with your team.

How to Choose the Best CRM for Your Nonprofit

With dozens of CRM options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But a strategic, step-by-step approach will help you cut through the noise and find a platform that truly supports your mission. Here’s how to evaluate and choose the right nonprofit CRM:

1. Clarify Your Goals and Priorities

Start with a clear picture of what you want to achieve. Are you focused on donor retention? Volunteer coordination? Event management? List your “must-haves” (e.g., online giving, email automation, QuickBooks integration) and your “nice-to-haves” (e.g., peer-to-peer fundraising, grant tracking, or AI features). Think volume too,  how many contacts, users, gifts, and campaigns do you manage annually? This will narrow your options significantly.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

CRM costs range widely, from free open-source tools to enterprise solutions costing tens of thousands annually. Know your full budget: not just licensing fees, but also onboarding, training, and support. Consider time savings too: if automation reduces manual work, a higher price tag may still yield better ROI. And don’t overlook nonprofit discounts, Salesforce offers 10 free licenses, HubSpot gives 40% off, and many others offer similar incentives.

3. Involve Key Stakeholders Early

Your fundraising team may be the primary users, but finance, programs, and leadership also depend on CRM data. Get their input: Does finance need QuickBooks integration? Does the ED want board-ready dashboards? Engaging all teams early ensures better fit and smoother adoption, and helps identify critical needs you might miss otherwise.

4. Build a Shortlist of 3–5 Strong Matches

Based on your requirements and budget, identify 3–5 CRM platforms that match your organization’s size and scope. Use trusted reviews (e.g., Capterra, G2), ask peers in your sector, and check vendor case studies. Our list above can guide you: for simple donor management, look at Little Green Light or DonorDock; for membership-focused orgs, consider Glue Up or Wild Apricot; for enterprise needs, explore Bonterra or Springboard.

5. Schedule Demos & Use Free Trials

Contact shortlisted vendors for live demos, and ask them to walk through real scenarios you care about (e.g., importing donations, sending a newsletter, managing a campaign). Involve end users. Then test it yourself: upload sample data, try an email send, explore reporting. Many offer free trials or sandboxes, use them to validate usability and fit. Keep scorecards on features, cost, and team feedback.

6. Validate with References and Reviews

Before committing, speak with a current customer of similar size or mission. Ask about onboarding, support, data accuracy, and lessons learned. Also scan public reviews to identify consistent praise or pain points. Many platforms also have user communities, browse forums to see what issues come up most often.

7. Plan Your Implementation

Once you choose a CRM, get clarity on next steps. This usually includes:

• Data migration (cleaning and importing donor/contact history)
• Configuration (custom fields, user roles, dashboards)
• Integrations (with email, donation forms, accounting)
• Staff training and go-live planning

Build a checklist and timeline. Assign team leads to specific tasks (e.g., data import, forms setup). Target a go-live date that aligns with your campaign calendar or fiscal cycle.

8. Train, Document, and Build Buy-In

Even the best CRM won’t succeed without user adoption. Provide hands-on training and create cheat sheets or SOPs for common tasks. Run a mock campaign to build familiarity. Identify “power users” to champion the system internally. Make sure leadership sees the value quickly, dashboards with key KPIs are a great place to start.

9. Import Data with Care

Clean data is critical. Deduplicate records, fill in missing info, and archive lapsed contacts you don’t need. Map old fields to new ones carefully, and import in phases (e.g., contacts first, then gifts). Always validate results, run a total donations report post-import and compare it to your old CRM to catch any gaps.

10. Optimize and Evolve

Once live, lean into support. Attend webinars, explore advanced features, and review usage regularly. Schedule quarterly data hygiene reviews. Encourage feedback from users to identify pain points or training gaps. As your needs evolve, so should your CRM configuration.

A CRM is More Than a Tool

Your CRM should help increase donor retention, boost average gift size, and reduce admin work. Use it to automate thank-you emails, flag lapsed donors, personalize outreach based on giving history, and report back impact. When used well, a CRM is your engine for mission growth.

Nonprofit CRM Selection Flowchart

1. What is your organization’s size?

• Small (1–5 staff, <5,000 contacts):
  • Prioritize ease of use and affordability
  • Consider: DonorDock, Little Green Light, Kindful, Donately
• Medium (6–20 staff, 5,000–50,000 contacts):
  • Look for integrated fundraising, email, and reporting tools
  • Consider: Bloomerang, Neon CRM, Giveffect
• Large (20+ staff, 50,000+ contacts):
  • Seek advanced features like segmentation, automation, and scalability
  • Consider: Bonterra (EveryAction), Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Springboard

2. What are your primary needs?

• Donor Management & Fundraising:
  • Focus on CRMs with robust donation tracking and campaign tools
  • Consider: Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Kindful
• Membership Management:
  • Opt for CRMs with built-in membership modules
  • Consider: Wild Apricot, Glue Up
• Event Management:
  • Choose CRMs with event registration and ticketing features
  • Consider: Giveffect, Neon CRM
• Volunteer Coordination:
  • Look for CRMs that track volunteer activities and hours
  • Consider: Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, CiviCRM

3. What is your budget?

• Free or Low-Cost:
  • Ideal for startups or small nonprofits
  • Consider: CiviCRM (open-source), Donately (free tier), Little Green Light
• Mid-Range ($100–$500/month):
  • Suitable for growing organizations
  • Consider: Bloomerang, Neon CRM, Giveffect
• High-End ($500+/month)
  • Best for large organizations with complex needs
  • Consider: Bonterra, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Springboard

4. Do you require specific integrations?

• Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks):
  • Ensure the CRM integrates seamlessly
  • Consider: Kindful, Giveffect
• Email Marketing (e.g., Mailchimp):
  • Look for CRMs with native or easy integrations
  • Consider: DonorDock, Bloomerang
• Payment Processing (e.g., Stripe, PayPal):
  • Verify compatibility for smooth transactions
  • Consider: Donately, Kindful

5. Do you have technical support or prefer user-friendly setups?

• Limited Technical Support:
  • Opt for CRMs known for ease of use and strong customer support
  • Consider: DonorDock, Little Green Light
• In-House Technical Team:
  • You can leverage more customizable and complex CRMs
  • Consider: Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, CiviCRM

Download our Nonprofit CRM Evaluation Checklist, a step-by-step guide to scoring CRM platforms with your team.

Throughout this blog, we’ve seen nonprofit CRMs that cater to different needs, from those excelling in donor management and analytics to those offering membership and event solutions, but all share the goal of helping your organization build relationships and operate smarter.

As you consider the options and steps outlined, keep your organization’s unique culture and goals in mind. The “best” CRM is the one that fits your team and amplifies your mission impact. 

Here at Fifty & Fifty, we recently ran a 2025 Nonprofit Peer Report survey, and the results around donor CRM and management tools revealed a mixed picture. About one-third of respondents (33.3%) rated their CRM systems as effective, while nearly half (46.5%) considered them neutral—neither particularly helpful nor harmful. Notably, 20.1% found their CRM tools to be ineffective, signaling a significant opportunity for improvement in how nonprofits manage and engage their donor data.

Once implemented, commit to using it to its fullest: train your team, keep data clean, and leverage the CRM’s insights to inform strategy. For instance, if your CRM identifies a cohort of lapsed donors, act on it with a re-engagement campaign; if reports show an event wasn’t profitable, use that data to make informed program decisions.

Let the technology work for you – as a silent partner that flags opportunities and streamlines workflows – so your staff can focus on what humans do best: building authentic relationships and delivering on your mission.