Nonprofits thrive when they build passionate communities around their cause. But, building these communities and managing them is often a struggle.
No matter how enthusiastic your supporters might be, ineffective membership management can spell disaster for your organization. That’s why choosing the right nonprofit membership software—designed to alleviate administrative burdens, enhance communication, and foster a dynamic, engaged community—is essential.
In this blog, we’ll list the best nonprofit membership software, the pros and cons, and the price. Plus, the best features to look out for when choosing the best software for your organization.
If you want to explore only free options, check out this guide on the best free membership softwares for nonprofits.
Top 9 membership software for nonprofits
Zeffy - The best free membership software for nonprofits
Glueup - The best nonprofit membership software for integrated event management
NeonCRM - The best nonprofit membership software for CRM capabilities
Fonteva - The best nonprofit membership software for Salesforce users
Raklet - The best nonprofit membership software for basic membership needs
YourMembership - The best nonprofit membership software for scalability
Doubleknot - The best nonprofit membership software for customer service
Zen Planner - The best nonprofit membership software for fitness-related memberships
GrowthZone - The best nonprofit membership software for specialized membership management
What is a nonprofit membership management software?
Nonprofit membership software is designed to help nonprofit organizations manage their membership programs. These platforms provide tools that streamline tasks related to membership administration, communication, engagement, and retention.
Essentially, nonprofit membership software helps charities organize their membership database. This helps increase participation and empowers nonprofits to make strategic decisions about their organization.
What makes the best membership management software?
The best membership software for your organization depends on your specific needs, goals, and the nature of your membership program. Regardless, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting the right membership software:
- Customizable membership forms: Nonprofit membership software with customizable forms allows organizations to design and tailor membership sign-up, renewal, and information update forms according to their specific needs.
- Automatic renewals: Some platforms offer automated reminders to members when their memberships are due for renewal, reducing the risk of lapses in membership.
- Membership cards: Some nonprofit membership software solutions offer the ability to generate and manage digital or physical membership cards. These cards often include member details, membership level, and expiration date.
- Automatically send tax receipts: This feature automates the process of generating and sending automated tax receipts for donations to members for their contributions, including membership fees and donations. It ensures compliance with tax regulations and enhances transparency in financial transactions.
- Flexible payment acceptance: Enable multiple secure online options to process payments such as membership fees, donations, or additional contributions.
- Cost: Lots of nonprofit membership software solutions charge platform and usage fees. The best software for nonprofits, though, offer charity discounts or is totally free (like Zeffy!). That way, your nonprofit can spend more of your funds on what matters most.
- Integrated communication and engagement tools: Successful membership requires ongoing communication and community building between supporters and the nonprofit. A great nonprofit membership software should offer email automation for thank-yous and other kinds of engagement.
- Membership management: Like a CRM (or Customer Relationship Management solution) for donor management, membership management software should allow you to maintain a centralized and organized database of members, including their contact information, membership status, renewal dates, and engagement history.
How much does membership management software for nonprofits cost?
The cost of membership management software for nonprofits can vary by platform. However, there are a few common costs:
- Subscription fees: Many membership management software solutions operate on a subscription-based model, where you pay a recurring fee.
- User licenses: Some software providers charge based on the number of user licenses needed. The more users who require access to the software, the higher the cost may be.
- Features: The breadth and depth of features can impact the cost. More robust and feature-rich solutions may come with a higher price tag.
- Integration with other tools: If you need the membership management software to integrate with other tools your organization uses, check whether there are additional costs associated with these integrations.
Some platforms offer nonprofit discounts, while others—like Zeffy—are 100% free. If you want to compare each solution, we have created a list of the best free membership platforms here.
9 best membership software at a glance
Best free membership platform for all nonprofits
Zeffy
Zeffy is the only 100% free membership software for nonprofits that lets your nonprofit create customizable forms, automatically send thank yous and receipts, generate and send membership cards—plus so much more—at no cost to your nonprofit.
Unlike other platforms, which often come at a steep price, and have a few hidden fees too, Zeffy is the only software that doesn’t charge nonprofits a cent.
Pros:
- 100% free
- Filter and export your donor contact lists
- Segment your donor contacts with tags
- View contact information and preferences
- Easily access receipts for all of your donors and fundraising campaigns
- Add payment details from offline transactions
- Automatically generate and send tax receipts
- Track payment methods (such as cash, cheque, in kind and more)
- Create custom lists for emailing and exporting your segments
- Increase donor conversion rate by using our pre-filled forms in your fundraising campaigns
Cons:
- Only available for registered nonprofits in the US and Canada
Pricing: Zeffy is the only fundraising platform for nonprofits that is 100% free.
Here’s how it works: When someone makes a donation on your donation form, they have the option (but are never obliged) to add a contribution to Zeffy. Enough donors leave a contribution to cover overhead costs AND the fees of the thousands of nonprofits that fundraise on Zeffy.
Zeffy testimonial:
“The features that were most important were the ability to offer existing members pre-populated forms that made it easy for them to renew annual memberships by paying dues and making donations online. [Zeffy] replaced our legacy system that was painful to the membership…”
— James D.
Best nonprofit membership software for integrated event management
GlueUp
GlueUp is an all-in-one platform that offers membership management, event management, and some robust CRM features. Designed to streamline operations for nonprofits, associations, and event organizers, GlueUp is loved for its comprehensive suite of features and tools designed to help any membership program succeed.
Pros:
- Centralized database for member management
- Automated event management
- Unlimited membership types
- Automatic membership renewals
- Automatic reminders
- Online and offline events
Cons:
- Learning curve for some advanced features.
- Pricing may be relatively high for small organizations
Pricing: Custom quote required, pricing starts at $125/month
Best nonprofit membership software for CRM capabilities
NeonCRM
NeonCRM is a cloud-based nonprofit CRM solution that includes robust membership management features. It caters to the needs of nonprofits, associations, and membership-based organizations. Plus, the NeonCRM is just one part of the NeonOne platform—the solution offers member data management, fundraising tools, and program management, too.
Pros:
- Unlimited records and users
- Forms and templates
- Customizable membership forms
- Powerful reporting and analytics
- Integration with third-party tools
Cons:
- Price
- Ease of use and setup
- Additional fees for implementation and training
Pricing: Starting at $109/month
Best nonprofit membership software for organizations that use Salesforce
Fonteva
Fonteva is a membership and association management platform built on the Salesforce platform. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for membership organizations, like searchable member directories, event management, and a 360-degree view of members and their activities.
Pros:
- Built on the Salesforce platform for scalability
- Extensive customization options
- Robust event management features
Cons:
- Pricing may be on the higher side for small organizations
- Salesforce expertise may be required for advanced customization
- Self-service management
Pricing: Starts at $145 USD/user/month (discount available for nonprofits available at request)
Best nonprofit membership software for basic membership management needs
Raklet
Raklet is a cloud-based membership management platform that caters to nonprofits, clubs, and associations. It offers features for member communication, event management, and online payments. User-friendly and designed to make supporter management easy and straightforward, Raklet offers several great, basic features for success.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Member directory and communication tools
- Custom forms
- Free CRM capabilities
- Digital membership cards
- Automated renewal reminders
Cons:
- Not as many advanced features as some competitor
- Limited integrations compared to larger platforms
- Price
Pricing: 0$ - $399/month
Best nonprofit membership software for scalability
YourMembership
YourMembership is an integrated membership management solution that includes features for membership, events, e-learning, and more. It caters to a wide range of associations and nonprofits and boasts an active community of over 25 million members. Plus, the platform is secure and transparent—essential for growing nonprofits.
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of features
- Scalable for growing organizations
- Integration with other systems
- Advanced reporting
- Easy renewal
- Multi-tiered membership options
Cons:
- Lack of price transparency
- Some users report a learning curve and set-up
- Poor customer support
Pricing: Custom quote required
Best nonprofit membership software for customer service
Doubleknot
Doubleknot is an integrated platform that offers membership and event management tools. It caters to nonprofits, museums, zoos, and similar organizations. While lots of platforms offer knowledge and help centers, and even live chat support, Doubleknot takes their customer service to the next level with dedicated onboarding.
Pros:
- Custom implementation plan
- Donation request features
- Reporting and analytics
- Unlimited number of membership types
Cons:
- May have a steeper learning curve.
- Lack of price transparency
- Lacks key membership features compared to competitors
Pricing: Not publicly listed
Best nonprofit membership software for fitness-related membership management.
ZenPlanner
ZenPlanner is a membership management solution designed for fitness businesses, including gyms, studios, and wellness centers. It offers features for member management, billing, and scheduling. For organizations in the health and wellness space, this software is a great fit.
Pros:
- Specialized for fitness businesses
- Streamlined member check-in and billing
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Reporting and dashboards
- Member and staff mobile apps
Cons:
- May not be as suitable for non-fitness-related nonprofits
- Advanced features come with additional costs
- Price
Pricing: $99/month - $298/month
Best nonprofit membership software for specialized membership management
GrowthZone
GrowthZone is an association management software that includes membership management, event registration, and communication tools. Some nonprofit membership software is fairly general, meaning any type of nonprofit could utilize it for their membership. However, GrowthZone specifically caters to chambers of commerce, associations, and other specific organizations.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Integration with QuickBooks
- Event and communication features
- Mobile staff app
- Custom membership structures
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Lack some advanced features compared to competitors
- Price
Pricing: Subscriptions start at $3,900/year
How Santropol Roulant surpassed its fundraising goal by $18,000 with Zeffy
For more than 25 years, Santropol Roulant has been creating food security and durable community networks in Montreal.
With Zeffy, Santropol Roulant raised $18,000 above their initial fundraising campaign target. And, they saved $3,300 in transaction fees.
“I liked that there were no fees with Zeffy. We value honesty and transparency and like that our donors know exactly where their money is going,” said Melanie, Santropol Roulant’s Fundraising and Communications manager.
After more than two years and many successful campaigns Santropol Roulant has saved more than $7000 with Zeffy.
“Zeffy has been really helpful for us and I’ll continue to spread the word to other organizations.”
Nonprofit membership software: Frequently asked questions
What is a membership management software?
Membership management software is designed to help organizations manage their membership programs. It provides tools to streamline tasks related to member administration, engagement, and communication.
Key features of membership management software typically include member database management, automated renewals, event management, communication tools, and reporting functionalities. This software aims to enhance the overall member experience.
How to run a a successful membership program?
Here are the basic steps for running a successful membership program:
- Define clear goals: Understand what you want to achieve and how you’ll measure success.
- Know your audience: Tailor your membership to meet the specific interests of your members
- Create compelling benefits: Offer benefits like exclusive access to events, resources, discounts, or specialized content.
- Use technology wisely: Use robust membership management software like Zeffy (100% free!) to streamline and amplify your efforts.
How to increase nonprofit membership?
Increasing nonprofit membership involves a combination of outreach, value proposition enhancement, and strategic engagement through things like:
- Clearly articulating and promoting your mission: Ensure that your organization's mission is communicated clearly and resonates with your target audience.
- Offering special promotions: Provide limited-time promotions or discounts for new members.
- Implementing referral programs: Consider offering incentives for successful referrals.
- Diversifying membership levels: Provide a range of membership levels to accommodate different interests and commitment levels.
Zeffy, the best (100% free) nonprofit membership software for all nonprofits
Nonprofit membership software is essential for organizations looking to successfully run membership programs—and create community and impact while doing so. With so many software solutions to choose from, nonprofits should be sure to assess their budget, goals, and needs when selecting the right one from their nonprofit.
Unlike other membership software solutions, Zeffy is the only free fundraising platform for nonprofits. While every other platform charges monthly or annual subscription fees, Zeffy doesn’t charge a cent.
Plus, Zeffy is a true all-in-one solution and offers more than just membership management tools: with Zeffy your nonprofit can launch peer-to-peer campaigns, manage events, and even build an online store.
