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67 Free Tools and Resources for UK Charities in 2026
July 7, 2026
Save thousands this year using these free tools and discounts built for UK charities.
Charities fight hard to make a difference with limited resources. There is a goldmine of free tools and resources to tap into. We have rounded up 67 of the best free options to help you work smarter, not harder.
From powerful software that streamlines your day-to-day activities to ready-made templates that make your communications shine, this guide has everything you need to raise more and spend less in 2026.
Among free resources for charities, a good CRM is critical. You need to manage your donors, your donations, and your supporter relationships. These tools can become expensive quickly, so here are the best free options.
1. Zeffy
Designed for any charity looking to improve its supporter relationships, Zeffy is 100% free fundraising software with tools for managing donors and fundraisers.
Beacon is a UK-built, fundraising-first CRM rated the leading fundraising CRM by Fundraising Magazine for six consecutive years. It is designed specifically for UK charities, with native Gift Aid claim submission and fast onboarding.
How can you use it?
Track donor and supporter communications
Manage Gift Aid declarations and submissions to HMRC
Create custom alerts and notifications
3. Donorfy
Donorfy is a UK-built fundraising CRM, now part of The Access Group. It offers a free tier for up to 500 constituents, making it accessible for smaller charities getting started with supporter management.
How can you use it?
Track donations and send acknowledgements
Integrate with JustGiving, Enthuse, Mailchimp, GoCardless, and Stripe
Send bill and invoice reminders
Free fundraising software
For maximum community engagement, you need software that specialises in fundraising. It provides valuable insights, raises awareness, supports your marketing efforts, and helps you track donations. Many platforms offer strong free plans.
4. Zeffy
Zeffy is a free all-in-one platform that helps charities make more impact for less. Charities can use different tools to empower their teams, organise fundraisers, and raise more funds.
JustGiving is the household-name UK donation platform, used by millions of donors and thousands of charities. It is useful for sponsored events and peer-to-peer fundraising, particularly where donor recognition of the platform helps with cold outreach.
How can you use it?
Reach a wide UK audience
Run peer-to-peer and sponsored event fundraising pages
Create a crowdfunding campaign
Free silent auction software
Want to take your fundraising even further? Here is software designed specifically to help you run a silent auction.
6. Zeffy
Zeffy is an all-in-one silent auction platform for charities to amplify their fundraising efforts. Its straightforward, powerful interface allows charities to organise and run silent auctions. Unlike other platforms that charge extra for item images or bidder notifications, Zeffy's full suite of features is free.
How can you use it?
Use pre-built email templates to notify winners
Set a start date and close date for bidding
Easily customise your silent auction form with brand elements
Automated post-auction process to charge the winning bidders
Easily collect payments from auction winners
Monitor bids in real-time
Outbid notifications to keep bidders engaged
Options to pay with cash
7. BetterWorld
BetterWorld is an auction and crowdfunding platform. Charities can benefit from its free lifetime access to fundraising tools to run live or silent auctions.
How can you use it?
Send automated reminder emails
Use the image library to design an attractive auction
Contact bidders directly through text messages and notifications
Design donor forms
8. GalaBid
GalaBid is a UK-based silent auction and mobile-bidding platform with over ten years of experience supporting charity galas, golf days, and school fundraising events. It is a strong choice for in-person events where real-time mobile bidding adds excitement.
How can you use it?
Run silent auctions with real-time mobile bidding
Manage raffles and donations from one platform
Track bids and close auctions from any device
9. Givergy
Givergy is a London-based mobile-bidding platform for charity galas with a 'Keep it FREE' initiative, offering free access for UK charities with an optional donor-covered fee model.
How can you use it?
Run live and silent auctions at events
Accept donations and payments by mobile
Manage events and reporting in one dashboard
Free email marketing software
Email marketing is critical among your free resources for charities. You will want to send newsletters to your donors, alert supporters to upcoming events, and keep your community engaged.
10. Zeffy
Zeffy is an all-in-one fundraising platform offering multiple tools for charities, including email marketing.
How can you use it?
View stats such as open rate, clicks, and unsubscribes
Set up automated reminder emails
11. VerticalResponse
VerticalResponse is an email marketing tool that creates and sends newsletters, updates, and fundraising appeals.
How can you use it?
Create email campaigns
Send automatic emails
Free tools for marketing and productivity
Free graphics
To attract more donors, you will want a professional design tool and a way to create clean, clear images for your campaigns. Here are your free options.
12. Google Workspace
Google Workspace offers collaborative document editing in real-time. Google for Charities gives free access to Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Calendar. The Google Ad Grants programme allows eligible charities to access £10,000 per month of free Google Ads (the programme value is stated in USD).
How can you use it?
Upload documents into one place
Collaborate on the same document (Google Docs and Google Sheets)
Use live chat to work with team members
13. Canva
Canva is an online graphic design tool for charities to create professional designs and visual content.
How can you use it?
Build websites
Build proposals
Create social media graphics
Social media marketing tools for charitable organisations
After email marketing and web design, social media marketing tools are essential. You can create photo collages and post about volunteer opportunities and local events.
14. Buffer
Buffer simplifies social media management and scheduling across different platforms to maintain a consistent online presence.
How can you use it?
Plan and publish content for all social media channels
Repurpose content
Schedule content
15. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management platform that enables charities to schedule posts and engage with their audience.
How can you use it?
Gain insights through social listening tools
Manage paid and organic content
Top AI software for charities
AI can be one of the most powerful free resources for charities when it comes to managing fundraising campaigns. With automation and machine learning, you can manage an online database and enhance professional development while raising awareness and funds.
16. Zeffy AI Fundraiser and Grant Finder
With Zeffy, you can simply enter your cause and region in the grant finder bar, and our Grant Finder will locate several, and often dozens, of grants available to you, from the most popular to the most obscure. It is completely free with zero limits on usage.
17. Einstein (Salesforce)
Salesforce's Einstein is an advanced CRM solution that enables users to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance donor management and optimise fundraising strategies.
How can you use it?
Build highly personalised supporter journeys
Use predictive and generative marketing AI
18. Otter AI
Otter AI enables users to transcribe and organise important donor meetings for accurate documentation.
How can you use it?
Summarise meetings and write notes
Write follow-up emails and notes
Bonus
Zeffy offers AI-powered tools built specifically for charities, helping organisations discover funding opportunities and generate fresh fundraising ideas, all for free. With Zeffy, you can:
Instantly find grants tailored to your mission with the AI Grant Finder
Keep every pound you raise, with zero platform fees
Website builders with a free plan or trial
Before you think about social media platforms, posts, and ads, you need a website. A good website can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, several companies offer genuinely free options for charities.
19. Wix
Wix is a user-friendly website builder offering customisable templates and features to create professional websites.
How can you use it?
Build your website
Build a mobile app
Create a blog
20. Weebly
Weebly offers drag-and-drop functionality to create websites and improve your online presence.
How can you use it?
Build an online shop
Integrate email automation into a website
Create a gallery
Bonus
Zeffy gives charities the ability to create free fundraising pages, donation forms, and event ticketing sites without paying hosting fees or transaction fees. With Zeffy, you can:
Build a donation or fundraising page for free
Set up event ticketing and raffles online
Create a customised fundraising site that collects 100% of the donations raised
Free tools and discounts from companies
Accounting software
Another essential tool for any charity is accounting software to track expenses and donations. This helps you report your finances at the end of every year and set new goals. Each of the following options connects charities to the accounting resources they need.
21. Zoho
Zoho Books is accounting software to manage finances, track expenses, and generate detailed financial reports.
How can you use it?
View major finances
Assess cash flow
22. Wave
Wave offers tools for accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning services for charity financial management.
How can you use it?
Manage receipts, record payments, and reconcile accounts
Send bill and invoice reminders
Top free event management software for charities
Among free resources for charities, event management software helps you prepare for specific events and manage registrations.
Ticket Tailor is a UK-founded, B Corp certified event ticketing platform with a flat fee-per-ticket model and a charity discount. It is widely regarded as the leading Eventbrite alternative for UK charities running paid events.
How can you use it?
Sell tickets for in-person, online, or hybrid events
Access direct payouts via Stripe or PayPal
Apply for the charity discount on tickets under £5
Task and project management for charities
When it comes to donor management, communicating with trustees, and assigning tasks, project management tools are critical resources for charities.
26. Trello
Trello is a visual project management tool that organises tasks and allows users to collaborate on projects with ease.
How can you use it?
Automate tasks and workflows
Get organised on fundraising initiatives and tasks
27. Monday
Monday.com is a work operating system that helps manage projects, track progress, and enhance team collaboration.
How can you use it?
Visualise entire donation pipelines
Manage grant applications
File-sharing tools for charities
You want to store and maintain your files and data, and share that information with collaborators. Here are the best free options.
28. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud-based tool for file-sharing and storage. It helps charities collaborate on projects, share files, and access resources online.
How can you use it?
Store and protect files
Collaborate with team members
29. Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based platform that shares files and makes daily operations speedy, easy, and hassle-free.
How can you use it?
Store files and share them with multiple staff members
Collaborate with teams and integrate with Google apps
Share folders with the executive director and other trustees
Communication
You want to be able to communicate with your volunteers, trustees, and committee members. Here are the free tools available.
30. Slack
Slack is a messaging and collaboration platform that makes it easy for charities to stay connected and share updates.
How can you use it?
Instant message or send audio and video clips
Access an organised space for file sharing
31. Workplace by Meta
Workplace by Meta provides a secure and collaborative space for charities to communicate, share documents, and build a sense of community among team members.
How can you use it?
Create a knowledge library
Create specific work groups
Automation software with free plans
You can automate tasks for your charity and save significant time.
32. Zapier
Zapier is an automation tool for connecting apps and automating workflows. It helps charities establish smooth workflows and save time.
How can you use it?
Build processes faster
Streamline CRM data
33. Make
Make is an automation platform that helps create customised workflows without technical knowledge.
How can you use it?
Lead generation
Offer a seamless onboarding experience
Free templates for charities
If you are looking for specific templates for your charity, check out these options.
34. Donation letters
Donation letters allow charities to secure funds for their causes and missions. Zeffy's guide to donation letters can ensure you do not miss any funding opportunities.
35. Sample fundraising calendar
This fundraising plan is a blueprint for your charity's fundraising approach. Our template helps you organise your ideas and write clear descriptions to create a fundraising plan.
36. Charity governing documents
Every charity needs clear governing documents, whether that is a constitution, a trust deed, or a memorandum and articles of association. Good governing documents help your board of trustees operate effectively and meet your obligations to the Charity Commission.
37. Thank you letters
It is essential to show gratitude for donors' contributions. Your charity can write personalised thank you letters to increase donor retention and build relationships.
38. Trustees' Annual Report template
Annual reports and Trustees' Annual Reports bring transparency and accountability to your fundraising efforts. They give you a clear picture of your current activities and impact while setting plans and vision for the future.
39. Raffle ticket templates
Raffle tickets are an effective fundraising method to invite supporters and raise funds. Use these templates to customise tickets to suit your fundraiser's needs. Remember that selling raffle tickets to the public in advance makes your draw a small society lottery, which must be registered with your local licensing authority under the Gambling Act 2005.
Bonus templates
Nonprofit grant proposal template: Use these templates to ensure compelling grant writing to secure funds from external sources such as community development grants and corporate grants.
JustGiving is the UK's leading fundraising platform. Registered charities can create donation and fundraising pages. The platform operates on a 0% platform fee headline, though a donor tip prompt is displayed at checkout.
44. Atlassian
Atlassian builds productivity and collaboration tools for software development and team collaboration. Charities can access cloud subscriptions with a 75% nonprofit discount on the list price.
45. Salesforce
Salesforce for Charities offers customised CRM solutions. Eligible charities can register for the Power of Us programme to get the first ten users for free.
46. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a user-friendly CRM with tools like donor segmentation and email automation. Charities can get a discount of 20% on its CRM solution.
47. Wix
Wix helps you design and manage a website without coding knowledge. Eligible charities can access a discount of 70% on a premium Wix subscription for two years.
48. Campaign Monitor
Campaign Monitor is an email builder offering 100+ email templates and email marketing features. The platform offers a charity discount of up to 15%.
49. PayPal
PayPal helps charities accept donations through credit card payments or PayPal accounts. Registered UK charities can access reduced transaction rates. Visit the PayPal compare page for current UK pricing.
50. Bitly
Bitly has a Spotlight on Inclusion programme that allows charities to use its URL shortener, tailored QR codes, and other features for free.
51. Zapier
Zapier helps create smooth, automated workflows and connect apps like Salesforce CRM, Microsoft Teams, and Zendesk. Charities can get a 15% discount on Zapier's paid plans.
Need help figuring out where to start? How to market? How to raise awareness? How to track finances? Which steps to take in which order? That is what these free guides are for.
Charity guides
52. Zeffy's blog
The resources on Zeffy's blog walk you through the entire process of setting up a charitable organisation, fundraising ideas, donor engagement, event planning, and more. All the guides, checklists, and fundraising tools are 100% free for charities.
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) is the professional membership body for UK fundraisers. Its resources cover topics from fundraising best practice and ethics to campaign planning and donor communications.
Free courses for charities
Take those guides one step further and take one of these free courses.
55. Charity management
Coursera: A trusted platform for online learning offering tailored courses for charity management. You can find many free charity-related courses on leadership, fundraising, and social impact.
edX: Top universities collaborate with edX to offer management courses, including charity-specific programmes. You can access free courses on leadership, social impact, fundraising, and grant writing.
Nonprofit Ready: A free platform for learning and resources for charity professionals. It covers topics including fundraising, volunteer engagement, and other critical skills for running a successful charitable organisation.
56. Digital marketing
Grow with Google (formerly Google Digital Garage): Google's free digital marketing courses are ideal for charities looking to enhance their online presence. With learning on social media, email, SEO, and online advertising, charities can reach more people and amplify their impact.
HubSpot Academy: A free platform to learn about digital marketing, content creation, and social media strategies. Courses are available on demand, and charities can use them to build more effective campaigns.
57. Financial management
University of Illinois Chicago: Offers online courses on financial management to increase your financial proficiency. The course can help charity staff new to finance and leaders responsible for financial decisions.
Free webinars and workshops for charitable organisations
You can engage with expert speakers and peers through these free webinars and workshops.
58. Leadership training
Nonprofit Learning Lab: Offers free webinars covering topics including marketing, nonprofit technology, equity, and inclusivity.
Nonprofit Leadership Center: Provides on-demand webinars to help charities improve their leadership and team management strategies.
59. Technology adoption
TechSoup: Not just a webinar and training resource, TechSoup is a valuable platform for charities to access technology offerings and community support. Access resources on innovative technology and charity tools to amplify your impact.
Free networking opportunities for charities
One of the first lessons you will learn in fundraising is the power of your network. Here is how to start building it.
60. Online communities
NCVO: NCVO offers an online platform and resources for connecting with other charity professionals. Engage with fellow changemakers, ask questions, and share experience.
Idealist: Idealist provides a platform for charities to connect, collaborate, find volunteer opportunities, and hire staff.
Meetup: A useful platform for joining meetup groups in your area or within your charity's field of interest, connecting with like-minded individuals and organisations.
61. Social media platforms for charitable organisations
Facebook: Look for Facebook groups dedicated to charity professionals or causes similar to yours. These groups often share resources and networking opportunities.
LinkedIn: Join LinkedIn groups to connect with other charity professionals, build your network, and spread the word about your mission.
Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): The NTEN membership is available at discounted prices for the Nonprofit Technology Conference and other events. You can become a member for as little as £20 per year.
Free publications and subscriptions
Reading the right publications and subscribing to the right resources helps you learn and grow. It is an excellent opportunity for professional development in fundraising.
63. Charity Digital
Charity Digital offers insights and tips on fundraising technology, digital communications, and sector innovation. Free registration gives access to guides, reports, and webinars tailored to UK charities.
64. Third Sector
Third Sector is the UK's leading publication for the voluntary and community sector, covering fundraising, governance, and sector news. A free registration gives access to news and selected features.
Register on Nonprofit Library for free to attend live demonstrations and access charity tool and service demonstrations to achieve mission success.
67. TechSoup for Charities
TechSoup provides tools and services to help charities enhance their technological capabilities and achieve their missions more effectively. Key offerings include discounted and donated software licences, webinars, and community support.
Why use 20 free tools when one free platform can do 80%?
There are several free options available to UK charities. Google Ad Grants provides eligible registered charities with up to £10,000 per month of free Google Ads credit (the programme value is set in USD). Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn all offer free organic posting and charity-specific features. You can also apply for free listings on charity directories such as Charity Choice and CharityBase. Creating a free Zeffy fundraising page also gives your charity a public-facing online presence at no cost.
The most effective approach combines multiple channels. Set up a donation page on a free platform (Zeffy's donation pages are completely free with no transaction fees). Write a clear appeal letter and send it by post or email to existing supporters. Share your campaign on social media and ask supporters to share with their networks. For eligible donations from UK taxpayers, make sure you have a Gift Aid declaration process in place so you can reclaim 25p from HMRC for every £1 donated.
LawWorks is the leading provider of free legal advice for charities and voluntary organisations in England and Wales. It connects smaller charities with volunteer solicitors for advice on governance, employment, contracts, and more. Many law firms also run pro bono programmes specifically for the voluntary sector. Your local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) may also be able to signpost you to free legal support in your area.
UK charities can access a wide range of free resources. Zeffy provides a completely free fundraising, ticketing, auction, and donor management platform with no platform fees or transaction fees. Google Workspace is available free to eligible registered charities through the Google for Nonprofits programme. Canva offers free access for charities to its design platform. NCVO and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising publish free guides, templates, and webinars. TechSoup provides discounted and donated software licences. This guide covers 67 of the best free tools and resources available in 2026.
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Look for people who attend related events, follow relevant Facebook groups, or subscribe to aligned newsletters.These aren’t just potential donors—they’re your future advocates.
Look for people who attend related events, follow relevant Facebook groups, or subscribe to aligned newsletters.These aren’t just potential donors—they’re your future advocates.
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