Best Nonprofit Accounting Software [2022]

No matter what stage your nonprofit is in – whether you’ve just opened your doors with a handful of people, you’re growing quickly, or you’re an established, stable organization with several departments, staying on top of your accounting and bookkeeping is essential to your continued growth and success.

Nonprofit accounting and bookkeeping is not an easy or fast task, but the success and stability of your organization rely on knowing where your money is coming from, where it’s going, and how much there is. When you’re trying to balance donations, grants, and other forms of revenue with outgoing expenses, manage specific funds, and keep accurate records, it can get overwhelming quickly, especially if you don’t have the proper tools to help you keep up. 

Having the right nonprofit accounting software is key to saving time, reducing stress, and improving the accuracy and effectiveness of your accounting and bookkeeping. To help you determine the right option for your nonprofit organization, we’re sharing some of the leading software solutions and integration tools. 

Why Choose Accounting Software Specifically Built for Nonprofits?

While nonprofits need traditional features in their accounting software, like having areas to log accounts payable, forecast revenue and spending, and maintain payroll, you need features that are specific to nonprofits, such as a way to accept and record donations and manage funds, grants, and trust. It also makes it easier to maintain compliance when you’re using software that’s set up for it.This list will include fund accounting software specifically designed for nonprofit organizations or offer specific features necessary for NPOs. In addition to the standard features found in for-profit business accounting software, like accounts payable and receivable, budgeting and forecasting, these options often feature tools specific to the needs of an NPO, such as tools to accept and record donations, managing grants and trusts, and maintaining compliance.

How to Choose the Right Nonprofit Accounting Software 

Before choosing your fund accounting software, it’s important to know exactly what you need and how to get the most out of it. Consider making a list of the following factors and compare your list with the overviews of your option.

• Scalable – As your organization grows, is the software able to keep up with your growth or will you need to replace it with a different platform in a few years? 
• Size – Will you need a robust solution designed specifically for large organizations or, if you’re a small or local NPO, will a lighter option work best? 
• Cloud-based or desktop accounting– If you’re the only one doing the accounting and it’s only at the office, this may not be a factor, but cloud-based functionality allows any approved user to access it from anywhere. 
• Features – Think about your “must-haves” and make sure you aren’t sacrificing them in favor of features you may not need. 
• Price – How much can you comfortably afford to spend? Also, is it a one-time fee, monthly, or annual fee? 

Feel free to list anything you think of that you need to consider when making your decision. It’s important to note that many fund accounting software options offer tiered levels, like basic, standard, and premier which may affect the available features for your budget.

Best Nonprofit Accounting Software Solutions [2022]

The software solutions in this guide are listed alphabetically, and we took care to include software designed for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including charities, schools, and churches.

1. MIP Fund Accounting

MIP Fund Accounting (formerly Abila MIP Fund Accounting) is ideal for all sizes of organizations who need scalable software that’s easy to customize. MIP is supported both on-premise and through a cloud-based platform, plus there’s a mobile app so you can keep up easily.

This nonprofit accounting software offers the following core features:

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Bank reconciliation
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Reporting 

Optional features include:

• Payroll 
• Timekeeping 
• Human resources 
• Grant management
• Allocation management
• Fixed assets
• Multi-currency tracking 

Best for: Small, medium, and large nonprofits who need accounting software that grows with them.

Free Trial: N/A

Register to schedule a personalized, 30-minute demo!

2. Accounting Suite by AccuFund

Accounting Suite by AccuFund offers a comprehensive accounting solution for both nonprofits and government agencies. Providing both on-premise and cloud-based deployment options, you can use this anywhere, and it offers a wide variety of features along with robust reporting capabilities. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable
• Financial reporting
• Bill payment and tracking
• Managing cash receipts
• Bank reconciliation

Optional features include: 

• Accounts receivable
• Fixed assets tracking
• Requisitions
• Grants management
• Position control
• Loan tracking
• Client invoicing
• Allocation management
• Payroll suite
• Budget and forecasting
• Client accounting

Best for: Government agencies and nonprofits who need a flexible, yet comprehensive solution.

Free Trial: N/A

Register to watch a free demo!

3. Aplos

Designed for smaller NPOs, school organizations, and churches, Aplos is easy to use and streamlines how you can track donations and gifts. This cloud-based system allows organizations to manage fund accounting and finances and track cash flow while integrating online donation tools, donor database reports, and event registration. This is an all-in-one solution for many organizations. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Activity tracking 
• Asset management
• Bank reconciliation
• Budgeting
• Donor and donation management
• Financial statements and reporting

Advanced Features include:

• Fundraising reporting 
• Form 990 reporting

Best for: Small nonprofit organizations and churches who need a simple, user-friendly accounting solution you can access anywhere.

Free Trial: Yes, you can access a free 15-Day trial.

Register to watch a free demo!

4. Argenta by Devscape

For organizations looking for a scalable, all-in-one solution, Argenta may be the right option for your nonprofit organization. In addition to accounting, you’ll have access to CRM, event management, fundraising, and workflow tools all in one convenient, cloud-based platform. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Donor tracking
• Grant management
• Donation management
• Account registers
• Payroll
• Budgeting
• Financial statements
• Time tracking
• Purchace orders
• Invoice system
• Custom reporting

Best for: Small nonprofit organizations who want a comprehensive, all-in-one, organization management platform.

Free Trial: Yes, you can access a free 14-Day trial here.

Register to watch a free demo!

5. BUCS Fund Accounting

Created by Donald R. Frey & Company BUCS (Budgetary Control System) Fund Accounting Software is designed to address the unique needs of nonprofits, government agencies, and utility companies. With Microsoft Windows® design, users will find this offers a familiar, simplified layout while the tutorial explains the details, and you can customize your software with needed modules to add on. It’s important to note this is a Windows® only option, and it is not cloud-based, which may prove challenging for those who work from home or remotely. 

Core features include:

• General ledger
• Unlimited funds
• Basic reporting
• Budget planning
• Project tracking
• Grant tracking

Additional features include: 

• Accounts payable/receivable
• Bank reconciliation
• Cash receipts
• Fixed assets
• Fee receipting

Best for: Small nonprofit organizations, municipal and government offices, and small utility companies who need a basic accounting platform.

Free trial: N/A

Contact Donald R. Frey and Company for a demonstration!

6. Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT

Blackbaud has a well-earned reputation for designing nonprofit software solutions, specifically serving large organizations and government entities. The Financial Edge NXT fund accounting software is no exception. This cloud-based software is robust, allowing users to streamline the financial operations of your organization and save you time while ensuring accuracy. However, its biggest advantage is the level of transparency it provides, with built-in compliance and security management that not only saves you time but keeps your organization accountable. 

Features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Activity tracking
• Asset management
• Grant management and tracking
• Bank reconciliation
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Compliance management
• Partnership accounting
• Fundraising support

Best for: Large, multi-department nonprofit organizations who need comprehensive accounting software.

Free Trial: N/A

Demo: Register to schedule your product tour.

7. CommunitySuite

CommunitySuite is a web-based nonprofit software solution that allows you to integrate your fund accounting into your other operations to minimize data entry and importing While the customization features and capabilities are limited, most small organizations will find the convenience and affordability make up for the lack of high-end features.

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receiveable
• Asset management
• Bank reconciliation
• Compliance management
• Donor management
• Donation management

Best for: Small, community foundations 

Free Trial: N/A

Demo: Register for a one-on-one demonstration

8. Denali FUND

Denali FUND is available as both cloud-based options and on-site. You’ll notice that this platform highly emphasizes security with internal controls that allow for GAAP and FASB compliance and help deter fraud while managing fund accounts. With multiple modules and built-in features, users can create a more customized platform for how they maintain their accounting, and there are reporting options, including cash flow, grants, donation tracking, and financial activities. 

Features include: 

• General ledger
• Bank reconciliation
• Compliance management
• Unlimited fund accounts
• Grant management
• Donation management

Additional features include: 

• Accounts payable/receivable
• Payroll
• Predictive analytics and pulse alerts
• Fixed assets
• Cloud accounting
• Donor management
• Time tracking 
• Fundraising tools and tracking

Best for: Small to medium-sized organizations who are seeking strong internal security

Free Trial: 60-Day trial

Demo: Register to view a demo

9. Fastfund Nonprofit Accounting Software

Fastfund Nonprofit Accounting Software is a cloud-based software for small to medium nonprofits and small government agencies. This is specifically designed for fund accounting to ensure accountability and maintenance related to funding specific goals or sources, and it saves time through seamless integration with your accounts payable, cost allocations, fundraising, and payroll.  

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• FASB compliant statements
• Bank reconciliation
• Cash receipts and disbursements
• Asset management
• Donor management
• Budgeting and forecasting

Optional features:

• Accounts payable/receivable
• Cost allocations
• Fundraising management
• Volunteer management
• Donation processing
• Campaign management
• Payroll

Best for: Small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations and churches

Free trial: Yes, contact for length of trial

Demo: Connect to an online, 60-minute demo

10. FUND E-Z

FUND E-Z is a fund accounting software option for nonprofits that is easy to use while providing a variety of core features and improves risk mitigation. FUND EZ allows users to create and track all types of budgets, segmenting them into projects, grants, and campaigns as needed, while automatic backups and crash protection prevent a loss of essential data.

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Bank reconciliation
• Budgeting
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Security
• Direct cost allocations

Optional features include: 

• Fundraising management
• Donor management
• Custom reporting
• Indirect Cost allocation
• Purchasing and encumbrance 

Best for: Large, complex, or multi-department nonprofit organizations 

Free trial: 30-day trial

Demo: Contact for a demo

11. GMS Accounting and Financial Management/Reporting System

Designed for nonprofit and public organizations who rely on grants and contracts, GMS Accounting and Financial Management/Reporting System is a bit different than the fund accounting management software programs listed. It is designed for activity accounting and written specifically for grants, contracts, and activities tracking and reporting. While the basic accounting package is indeed basic, there are all types of add-ons to provide a custom experience.

Core features include:

• General ledger
• Cash receipts
• Budgeting for multiple grants and contracts
• Processing
• Cost allocation
• Compliance management
• Grant management and tracking
• Bank reconciliation

Additional features include:

• Purchase orders
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Billing and invoicing
• Payroll
• Time processing
• Direct deposits
• Security features

Best for: Nonprofit and public organizations of all sizes who rely on grants and contracts rather than needing fund accounting

Free trial: N/A

Demo: Register for a 60-minute, personalized demo. 

12. Grant Administrator Dyna-Quest Technologies

For nonprofit organizations that rely on grants, such as universities, research institutes, and hospitals, Dyna-Quest Technologies has designed Grant Administrator, an effective grant management and accounting software. This software is easy to use for quick data entry and allows users to budget out a grant to include salaries, anticipated expenses, and other needs as well as track incoming and outgoing funds. 

Core features include:

• General ledger
• Grant management
• Bank reconciliation
• Customized reporting

Best for: Universities and organizations who specifically rely on grants for funding

Free trial: Yes, 30-Day free trial

Contact for a demo

13. Intuit QuickBooks Non-Profit

QuickBooks is one of the best-known names in accounting and bookkeeping software, known for being efficient and ideal for customization. While not known for its non-profit capabilities, it is an option under “industries” for set-up and has some available features primarily used by NPOs.

Features include:

• General ledger
• Customized reporting
• Fixed asset management
• Bank reconciliation
• Billing and invoicing
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Grant management
• Donation management
• Payroll

Best for: Small organizations seeking customization and ease of use

Free Trial: Yes, a 30-Day trial

Demo: N/A

14. Mohid

Mohid is specifically designed as an all-in-one masjid (mosque) and Islamic organization management software. It blends fund accounting capability with all other aspects of Mosque administration management, including donations, class registration, Zakat disbursement, and membership.  

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Financial statements
• Advanced reporting
• Balance sheets and bank reconciliation
• Donation management
• Membership and pledge management
• QuickBook integration
• Payment integration 

Best for: Small to large masjids and Islamic organizations seeking a comprehensive management software option. 

Free trial: Yes, a two-month free trial with subscription

Get a consultation here!

15. MoneyMinder

While most nonprofit accounting software solutions advertise their robust platform and multiple features, MoneyMinder® is a bit different. It’s treasury software designed for small organizations that rely on volunteers to do the bookkeeping. It’s inexpensive and incredibly simple, but there aren’t any extras as it’s made for small clubs, groups, and school organizations. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Bank reconciliation
• Basic reporting
• Year end reporting
• Donation management
• Volunteer management
• Account receivables

Best for: Small organizations like sports teams, PTAs, and HOAs who rely on volunteers. 

Free trial: Yes, sign up for a 30-day trial

Demo: View the demo here.

16. Nonprofit Plus

Nonprofit Plus is a part of Acumatica’s robust enterprise resource planning software. Their fund accounting software system is designed for large nonprofits who are operating at t.0he enterprise-level or need something capable of scaling to that point. Nonprofit Plus offers a multitude of features with modules that include donor management, grant management, and eCommerce for NPOs who sell merchandise. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Bank reconciliation
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Board management
• Volunteer tracking
• Compliance management
• Donor management
• Grant management
• Purchasing and receiving

Best for: Enterprise-level nonprofits needing a robust nonprofit accounting software solution with the capability to integrate additional features.

Free trial: N/A

Demo: Schedule a personalized demo

17. Nonprofit Treasurer

Small organizations, like PTAs, school sports teams, scout troops, and homeowners associations, often need a simple, inexpensive accounting system that an inexperienced volunteer can use. Nonprofit Treasurer fills this need with a free, cloud-based accounting app that allows even beginners to keep accurate records and track expenses.

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Import transactions 
• Bank reconciliation
• Basic reporting
• Payment feature 

Best for: Small organizations ran by volunteers

Free trial: No, the software itself is free

Watch a video here!

18. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a leading nonprofit accounting software solution that offers an open API structure, making it easy to integrate your accounting software with Salesforce or your payroll software. While its core features are often more than adequate for most nonprofit organization’s accounting needs, there are additional modules available so you can customize it to your preference while its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate.

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Cash management 
• Order management
• Reporting
• Budgeting and forecasting

Best for: Small to mid-size nonprofit organizations who want an easy-to-use system that integrates into other software platforms. 

Free trial: 30-Day free trial

Register to watch a demo!

19. ShelbyNext Financials

ShelbyNext Financials is cloud-based accounting software that is designed specifically for churches of all sizes. This is just one software platform for churches offered by Shelby and other products can be bundled for full church management software solutions.

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Fixed assets
• Bank reconciliation
• Payroll
• Purchasing management

Best for: Small to large churches needing nonprofit accounting software that goes beyond just the basic functionality.

Free trial: N/A

Contact for a demo!

20. SparkRock

Sparkrock is a robust nonprofit accounting software solution that works well for large organizations and schools. There are numerous core features and additional modules can be purchased and integrated with ease, specifically their K-12 school board software. It was built on the MS Dynamic platform so it integrates easily with Microsoft Office, and it’s available as both a cloud-based subscription or on-premise license. 

Core features: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Budget management
• Reporting
• Grant management
• Cash management
• Purchasing
• Inventory management
• Expense claims
• Requisition management

Optional features and add-ons:

• Advanced reporting
• Budget planning
• Business intelligence
• Workforce management
• Human resources management
• K-12 school board

Best for: Large organizations and schools that want comprehensive fund accounting software with multiple customization tools.

Free trial: N/A

Request a free demo!

21. Traverse NFP

Traverse NFP is a flexible nonprofit accounting solution that works for all types of NPOs, including churches, charities, community groups, research institutes, and even international agencies. With fund accounting features paired with traditional accounting functionality, NFP allows you to maintain accurate records and complete reporting with ease by connecting with Microsoft Office. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable
• Payroll
• Reporting
• Grant management

Best for: Nonprofit organizations of all sizes and varieties

Free trial: N/A

Register to schedule a demo!

22. Xero for Nonprofits

Xero for Nonprofits is an affordable nonprofit accounting software solution that integrates with over 500 third-party apps, such as CRM software, Infoodle, Google Suite, and payment gateways like Square and Stripe. With an extensive list of features and an easy-to-use, intuitive interface that works well for beginners and less experienced bookkeepers and accountants, Xero saves time and increases efficiency. 

Core features include: 

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Bank reconciliation
• Invoicing 
• Inventory
• Payroll
• Fixed asset management
• Expense tracking

Best for: Small to medium nonprofits who want an inexpensive, scalable software option. 

Free trial: 30-day trial

Request a demo!

23. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is accounting software that’s made specifically for small businesses. With the addition of two free add-on modules, donor management and volunteer portal, it offers more functionality for your NPO. This cloud-based software lets you manage your finances while integrating multiple apps like Office 365, Analytics, Google Suite, and Zoho’s email and CRM software.

Core features include:

• General ledger
• Accounts payable/receivable
• Inventory
• Bank reconciliation
• Reporting
• Online payments

Additional features with NPO add-ons:

• Donor management
• Volunteer management

Best for: Small nonprofit organizations that want to work across departments.

Free trial: 14-Day trial

Schedule a demo here!

Integration Tools to Enhance Nonprofit Accounting Software

There are also several software solutions available that enhance your accounting, streamline your processes, and improve your overall experiences. While they don’t offer the comprehensive accounting features as the solutions listed above, these options can help you with forecasting, budgeting, and additional ways to improve the financial side of your nonprofit.

1. Adaptive Insights

Adaptive Insights makes it easy to improve your accounting by helping you successfully forecast, budget, and maintain accounting. This web-based software is ideal for medium to large organizations who already have accounting software but want to integrate more advanced planning, tracking, and forecasting. 

Core features include:

• Advanced reporting
• Financial statements
• Balance sheets
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Integration with core accounting programs, including Financial Edge NXT and Sage Intacct

Best for: Medium to large nonprofit organizations who need an advanced financial planning tool. 

Free trial: Yes, register to request a free trial

Register here for a free online demo!

2. Breeze Church Management Software

For churches who use QuickBooks Online for their accounting needs including invoicing, general ledger functionality, and budgeting, Breeze is an excellent way to integrate nonprofit-specific features, including donation management, online giving, pledges, and reporting. Additionally, this is an all-in-one cloud-based platform that allows churches to operate children’s ministry check-in and maintain contacts, volunteers, and directories all in one place while still offering an affordable price with an easy-to-use interface. 

Core features include: 

• QuickBooks Online integration
• Donation management
• Pledges
• Online giving
• Contribution reporting
• Year-end statements
• Volunteer management
• Event management

Best for: Small to medium-sized churches who already use QuickBooks Online for their general accounting needs. 

Free trial: N/A

Watch an instant demo here!

3. Infoodle

Infoodle acts as a hub to manage the community aspects of your nonprofit organization. For organizations that use Xero, you can integrate donor information, bank accounts, and invoice payments into Infoodle so you can more accurately target your donors. Additionally, Infoodle makes it easy to centralize your contacts, create receipts for your donors, improve communications, and organize events with ease on one cloud-based platform. 

Core features include: 

• Manage your documents, equipment, and resources
• Event management
• Donor and registration capture
• Donor management
• Financial tracking
• Centralized contacts and communications

Best for: Churches, nonprofits, and community groups who want to leverage their accounting software and streamline their communications. 

Free Trial: Yes, 14-day free trial

Book a free demo!

4. MartusTools

For robust budgeting, so you can drill down the transactional level details of your nonprofit organization, consider MartusTools™. This cloud-based budgeting tool integrates easily with Financial Edge NXT, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks, so you can quickly import essential information and make an accurate budget. Additionally, it has built-in templates to improve your reporting that you can then customize to meet your needs. 

Core features include: 

• Budget worksheets 
• Reporting templates
• Transactional level details
• Simple accounting integration

Best for: Nonprofit organizations who need a more robust budgeting program beyond an Excel spreadsheet or a simple template. 

Free trial: N/A

Request a free demo!

5. Sumac

Sumac is a CRM tool designed for nonprofits that integrates into your nonprofit’s website, along with QuickBooks and Xero, allowing you to convert transactions into entries that can be imported to your accounting ledger with a click. Using Sumac, you can process payments, batch your donations, and create invoices, all with the basic CRM platform and reflect these actions in your accounting program. 

Core features include: 

• Contact management
• Custom reporting
• Payment processing
• Donation management
• Invoices with payment schedules
• Accounting integration
• Event management
• Time tracking

Additional features include: 

• Memberships
• Volunteers
• Grant management
• Pledge management
• Forms
• Proposals

Best for: Small to medium organizations that are using QuickBooks or Xero nonprofit accounting software who want to streamline and customize their CRM.

Free Trial: N/A

Take a tour of Sumac!

Learn More About Choosing the Best Nonprofit Accounting Software

Your nonprofit accounting software is one of your most valuable tools, so it’s not a decision to take lightly. That’s why we work with nonprofit organizations nationwide to help them learn more about their options and make the best choice for their organization. To learn more about nonprofit software solutions, reach out to our team at Capital Business Solutions at 888-249-6008 or fill out our contact form to get started!