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Organizing successful nonprofit events comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to event registration and online ticket sales. The frustration of managing attendees and ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved can hinder the impact of these initiatives.
In this blog, we cut through the clutter to present the best event registration software for nonprofits—including the pros, cons, pricing, and best features.
Whether you're a small organization seeking free options or managing large-scale events with a comprehensive budget, this blog is your guide to finding the right solution for your nonprofit's event management needs.
The 8 best event registration software
Zeffy - The 100% free event registration software for nonprofits
Eventbrite - The best event registration software for attendee discovery
Donorbox -The best event registration software for tax receipting
Classy - The best event registration software for multi-ticket forms
Ticketstripe - The best event registration software for group tickets
Kindful - The best event registration software for attendee lists
Donorperfect –The best event registration software for easy registration
Doubleknot - The best event registration software for e-tickets & QR codes
What is nonprofit event registration software?
In essence, nonprofit event registration software is your event-planning ally. It simplifies the entire process, from registration to expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of your event.
Beyond that, the event registration software assists in keeping tabs on attendees. If you're selling tickets, it streamlines the process, allowing people to purchase tickets online, akin to buying a movie ticket through a website.
Plus, the software can also send out emails or messages to inform people about the event and remind them to attend. When the event ends, the tool provides insights into how things went by generating a report of the event's achievements.
Key features to consider when choosing event registration software
Choosing the right event registration software is crucial for ensuring a seamless and successful event for your nonprofit organization.
Here are key details and features to consider when making this decision:
Multi-ticket forms
This feature allows organizers to set up different types or tiers of tickets for a single event. For example, you can have regular tickets, VIP tickets, or student tickets, each with its own pricing and perks.
Group tickets
Group tickets enable attendees to purchase tickets together, usually at a discounted rate. This is great for events that people often attend as a group, like conferences or workshops.
Coupon codes
Coupon codes offer a way to provide discounts to specific attendees or groups. Organizers can create codes that participants can enter during the registration process to receive a reduced ticket price.
Early bird tickets
Early bird tickets are discounted tickets available for those who register early for an event. This feature encourages early registrations and helps organizers gauge interest in the event.
Attendee Lists
The attendee list feature provides organizers with a list of all registered participants for an event. This list can be useful for planning, communication, and ensuring a smooth check-in process on the day of the event.
E-Tickets & QR codes
E-tickets are electronic tickets that attendees can receive via email after registering. QR codes on these tickets can be scanned for easy check-in at the event, enhancing efficiency and security.
Ticket limits and ticket types
This feature allows organizers to set limits on the total number of tickets available for an event and for each ticket type. It helps manage capacity and ensures a controlled and enjoyable event experience.
Custom questions
Custom questions enable organizers to gather specific information from attendees during the registration process. This could include dietary preferences, t-shirt sizes, or any other details relevant to the event.
Tax receipting
For nonprofit organizations, the ability to issue tax receipts for ticket sales is crucial. This feature automates the process of providing attendees with the necessary documentation for tax purposes.
Refund & cancellation of tickets
This feature allows organizers to set refund policies and manage ticket cancellations. Attendees can request refunds within specified timeframes, and organizers can handle cancellations efficiently through the software.
Flexible event types
Great event management tools offer nonprofits the ability to host a virtual event, in-person event, or hybrid event.
The top event registration software at a glance
Best free event registration software for all nonprofits
Zeffy
Zeffy is the only 100% fee-free event registration software for nonprofits. With Zeffy, all of your revenue—whether from virtual events, in-person events, or hybrid events—goes straight to your cause.
Meaning that 100% in event-generated revenue equals $100 for your mission. With every other platform, donors give $100, and you get $97 or less.
Trusted by 10,000+ nonprofits throughout North America, and rated 4.8/5 stars on Capterra by 250+ nonprofits, Zeffy was designed to help nonprofits do more, for less.
Key features:
- 100% free fundraising tickets and solutions when other platforms charge 5% transaction fees on average + platform fees
- Issuing tax receipts for ticket sales automatically
- Unlimited and free support
- Tap to Pay App for in-person sales on the day of the event
- Scannable e-tickets
- Accept all payment types
- Discounts codes
- Custom ticketing forms
- Custom questions
- Automated reminder emails and follow-ups
- Donor management
Best for: Nonprofits who are looking for a 100% free option to manage their fundraising events.
Because Zeffy doesn't charge nonprofits a cent—and offers a full suite of other fundraising tools like donor management and peer-to-peer fundraising—this event registration software is designed for anyone looking to maximize their impact, save time, and raise money.
Cons:
- Only available for registered nonprofits in the US and Canada
Zeffy pricing: 100% Free (no platform or transaction fees).
Nonprofits shouldn’t be limited by costly platforms and hidden fees, that’s why Zeffy is doing its part by offering equal access to the best fundraising technology.
Testimonial:
“I love how Zeffy has made my work life so much easier in many ways. I can manage my email list, send messages to different segments, tag individuals and their interests, sell tickets to events, collect membership fees, and track income and engagement throughout. Best of all, I can do all of this (and more) without having a portion of our income being snatched up by a supposed 'ally' of non-profit organizations.” — Maude S.
Best event registration software for attendee discovery
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a versatile event ticketing platform known for its extensive reach and powerful tools for discovering events. It excels in connecting organizers with a broad audience, making it ideal for promoting events and reaching a wide range of attendees.
Plus, with the platform’s user-friendly interface and robust features like customizable event pages and an organizer app, Eventbrite is a common go-to solution for nonprofits.
Pros:
- Custom event pages
- Easy checkout process
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Event app for nonprofit event organizers
- Attendee discovery
- Marketing tools
Cons:
- Fees
- Limited customer support (for premium customers only)
- No receipts
- Eventbrite doesn't offer other nonprofit tools
Best for: Nonprofits looking to capture a wide audience with built-in discovery tools. Organizations with national audiences, for example, that want to cast the widest net possible. However, Eventbrite only offers event and ticket tools—nonprofits that need more features should check out Eventbrite alternatives.
Pricing: 6% (3.5% platform fee + 2.5% processing fee) + $.79 per transaction
Compare Zeffy (100% free) to Eventbrite →
Best event registration software for tax receipting
Donorbox
Donorbox is a comprehensive online fundraising and donation platform that stands out for its efficient tax receipting capabilities for online ticket sales.
Designed specifically for nonprofits, Donorbox simplifies the event process by offering customizable solutions—from event pages to ticket types.
Pros:
- Autogenerated tax receipts
- Custom event pages
- Multiple payment processing options
- Embeddable forms
- Unlimited ticket types
- Promo codes
- Ticket QR codes
Cons:
- Fees
- Difficult ease of use
Best for: Nonprofits that need a highly customizable dissolution, Donorbox is a great fit. This event registration software lets organizations create a tailored experience and offload event management burdens with automated receipts and multiple payment processing methods.
Pricing: 2.95% platform fee and up to 2.9% + $0.49 per transaction
Check out Zeffy, the 100% free alternative to Donorbox →
Best event registration software for multi-ticket forms
Classy
Classy is an all-in-one fundraising platform recognized for its versatility and is particularly distinguished for its multi-ticket form feature. This capability allows organizers to set up various ticket tiers or types for a single fundraising event, accommodating diverse attendee preferences.
Plus, Classy's user-friendly interface and comprehensive suite of fundraising tools make it an excellent choice for organizations looking for a one-stop shop.
Pros:
- Secure ticketing and transaction
- Reporting and analytics
- Social sharing
- Custom ticketing pages
Cons:
- Price
Best for: Nonprofits looking to host a more complex event with multiple ticket types and customizable event pages.
Pricing: Platform fees start at $299 per license/month + 4% per transaction
Check out how this nonprofit saved $6,000 when they switched from Classy to Zeffy →
Best event registration software for group tickets
Ticketstripe
Ticketstripe focuses on streamlining event ticketing and excels in providing a seamless experience for group ticket purchases. Packed with tons of online event registration software tools like timed tickets and ticket bundles, TicketStripe’s user-friendly interface and ticketing capabilities make it a standout choice for events.
Pros :
- Custom event URL
- Ticket bundles
- Timed tickets
- Custom registration forms and event pages
- Discount codes
Cons :
- Fees
- Mobile app limitations
- Limited payment methods
Best for: Small nonprofits looking for a quick fix for running and managing events.
Pricing: 1.50% + $.050 per ticket sold plus up to 3.49% + $0.49 in processing fees
Best event registration software for attendee lists
Kindful
Kindful (now a part of Bloomerang) is a robust CRM platform tailored for nonprofits, and it seamlessly integrates with CRM Bloomerang to enhance attendee list management. By integrating with Bloomerang, Kindful ensures that organizations can effectively track and manage event attendees within their broader donor management system.
This integration streamlines communication and relationship-building with event participants, providing a holistic view of supporter engagement.
Pros:
- Tracking and reporting
- Integrations
- Ticket types
Cons:
- Basic ticketing features only
- Limited customization
- Fees
- Learning curve
- Pay for additional customer support
Best for: Nonprofits that already use Boomerang, enjoy their CRM capabilities, and want to build robust attendee lists.
Pricing: $199+/month, plus 1% fundraising platform fee on all online transactions, and up to 2.2% + $0.30 in processing fees
Best event registration software for easy registration
Donorperfect
DonorPerfect is a comprehensive donor management and fundraising platform that excels in providing a straightforward and user-friendly event registration process.
Recognized for its ease of use, DonorPerfect simplifies the online registration experience for both organizers and attendees, making it an excellent choice for nonprofits seeking a hassle-free approach to event management.
Pro:
- Segmented invitations
- Data and analytics reporting
- Accept one-time or monthly payments at registration
- Manually enter offline payments
Cons:
- Ease of use
- Cost
Best for: Organizations wanting to simplify the check-in process and registration.
Pricing: Custom quote, starting at starting at $99 per month plus 2.5% per transaction
Best event registration software for e-tickets and QR codes
Doubleknot
Doubleknot is a comprehensive platform known for its capabilities in managing events and programs, with a standout feature being its support for e-tickets and QR codes. This functionality enhances the event check-in process, providing organizers with efficient and secure methods for managing attendee access.
Pros:
- Timed entry ticketing
- Capacity control and early bird tickets
- QR codes
- Virtual ticket booths
Cons:
- Limited fundraising features outside of tickets
- Specifically for events with many attendees
- No transparency around pricing
Best for: Best for nonprofits that have a constant influx of event participants (museums, cultural centers, etc.) and need a solution for ongoing registration, ticket purchasing, and check-in.
Pricing: Not publicly listed.
How JEVI raised $200,000—and saved $9,592—with Zeffy
JEVI initially discovered Zeffy while looking for a way to sell tickets to a crisis intervention training. Until then, the organization only accepted payment by cash or cheque for the events— inconvenient for their donors, and for their accounting team.
Since using Zeffy, the platform has helped JEVI save $9,592 in fees on nearly $200,000 raised!
“I love that all the money we raise goes directly to our mission,” Isa, committed organizer and self-financer of JEVI concludes. “We save a lot, but more than anything, it’s the team at Zeffy who makes the difference. They really listen to the organizations.”
Which event registration software is best for your nonprofit?
Events are essential to fundraising success. Whether you are hosting a gala, an auction, or an in-person walk-a-thon, a streamlined and organized way to sell tickets, check in guests, and receive donations is essential.
Zeffy—the only 100% free fundraising platform and event registration software for nonprofits— is designed to help charities make as much impact as possible. Without any hidden fees and a whole suite of fundraising features in addition to event management—P2P fundraising, raffle tools, and more—Zeffy ensures that your nonprofit has all the tools it needs to succeed. For free.
Make the most of your fundraising event :
