Must-Have Types of Nonprofit Software for Your Org in 2024

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Explore our favorite types of nonprofit software here.

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Explore our favorite nonprofit software type

Must-Have Types of Nonprofit Software

Keep matching gifts in mind!

Explore our favorite nonprofit software type

Running a successful nonprofit typically requires hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. And it also involves the purchase and implementation of smart nonprofit technology.

While many organizations enlist popular nonprofit software like donation tools and CRMs, we want to take the opportunity to explore the types of solutions that are often overlooked in an organization's toolkit.

By making the most of the following tools, you can set your team up for increasing efficiency, improved operations, elevated donor engagement, and more.

EXPLORE MUST-HAVE (BUT OVERLOOKED) TYPES OF NONPROFIT SOFTWARE

Running a successful nonprofit typically requires an investment of hard work, dedication, and strategic planning. And it also involves the purchase and implementation of smart nonprofit technology.

While many organizations enlist popular nonprofit software like donation tools and CRMs, we want to take the opportunity to explore the types of solutions that are often overlooked in an organization's toolkit.

By making the most of the following tools, you can set your team up for increasing efficiency, improved operations, elevated donor engagement, and more.

Nonprofit Matching Gift Software

What is Matching Gift Software?

Did you know that more than $4 to $7 billion worth of corporate matching gift funding goes unclaimed annually? Those are dollars that could be going toward missions like yours⁠—but instead, they’re sitting on the table year after year.

In order to combat the funding gap, organizations are taking a more proactive approach to marketing these programs to their supporters. And the right technology makes a big difference in doing so!

Matching gift software is a dedicated tool that helps nonprofits take advantage of corporate matching gift opportunities. One of the biggest obstacles to successful matching gift programs is a lack of knowledge about how to participate. Thus, matching gift software aims to increase awareness and simplify the process. Learn more about how matching gift software works with this video about our matching gift software, 360MatchPro:

The software typically includes a matching gift database search tool that can be integrated with a nonprofit’s website or online donation forms. Donors can look up their company’s matching gift program information and determine whether they qualify. If so, the software also provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to pursue the opportunity.

After a donor makes a gift, a matching gift automation tool can trigger personalized follow-up messages. This outreach aims to remind supporters about matching gifts and guide them through their company’s submission process to ultimately drive available matches to completion.

Plus, as matching gift software continues to develop, the matching gift experience is getting better for the individuals who benefit from the tools.

For example, tighter integrations between nonprofits and the companies supporting their efforts through matching gifts are made possible with auto-submission. Now, qualifying individuals can submit their matches directly from their favorite organizations’ giving pages immediately post-donation!

All in all, matching gift software is one of the most impactful pieces of an overall toolkit that a nonprofit or other fundraising organization can buy. It empowers your team to double your fundraising power⁠—what could be better?

A woman using nonprofit matching gift software

Key Features to Look For

Access to a comprehensive matching gift database that covers the majority of matching gift companies and their employees
An embeddable matching gift search tool that can be placed on an organization’s matching gifts page, donation form, and more
Multiple screening methods for match-eligible donors, including email domains, donation page search tools, and email follow-ups
Automated matching gift email outreach for eligible, ineligible, and unknown eligibility donors
Native integrations with donation tools, P2P fundraising software, and CRMs — this ensures you have access to the matching gift platform regardless of the fundraising tools you employ, ultimately producing a more robust and well-rounded solution
Matching gift auto-submission capabilities through CSR platform partnerships
Intuitive matching gift lifecycle tracking

Get a demo of the best type of nonprofit software for increasing donation revenue: matching gift software.

Nonprofit Data Appends Software

What is Data Appends Software?

A nonprofit data appends service is a type of software that aids organizations in supplementing existing supporter information.

Essentially, this tool enables you to input the data you have about an individual (such as their name, address, phone number, and giving history). Then, the software scans the provided information against a combination of publicly and privately held databases to produce additional data points that help round out an existing donor record.

While just about any information can be appended, common fields prioritized by nonprofits include employment data, email addresses, and date of birth. The more you know about your donors, the better you can tailor communications to target their interests and values, and the deeper the connections you can develop!

Two people using nonprofit software to conduct a data append

Key Features to Look For

Variety of appends offered, allowing for a more exhaustive view of a donor
High match rate, or the percentage of contacts that are successfully appended from the data provided
Heightened accuracy, taking into account the level of information provided, uniqueness of a donor’s name, the comprehensiveness and recency of database updates, and verification capabilities
Fast-moving timeline, ensuring your organization receives relevant data soon after providing the requested inputs

learn more about data appends

Nonprofit eCard Software

What is eCard Software?

Effective supporter outreach is a must for all sorts of nonprofit groups. But breaking through the clutter in your supporters’ inboxes can be a hassle. One of our favorite ways to do so involves charity eCards!

Nonprofit eCard software is a specific type of communication tool that organizations can utilize for a variety of different purposes. Some of the most common use cases include fundraising, donor acknowledgment, volunteer appreciation, and more. Check out how eCard software works with this video from our recommended provider, eCardWidget:

An eCard-sending platform enables nonprofits to send unique and engaging electronic greeting cards to individuals in their network. And sometimes, it will even empower an organization’s supporters to send their own eCards to family and friends.

The best part? Engaging eCards can be sent in seconds, making it a fast, sustainable, and eco-friendly way to grab and retain your contacts’ attention.

A woman next to a card coming out of a computer, representing eCard software

Key Features to Look For

Pre-made and customizable digital greeting card templates and designs
An intuitive user interface that makes the creation of visually appealing eCards easy, even for novice designers
Personalization capabilities, allowing for cohesive nonprofit branding, specific messaging, images, and more
Multiple communication channels, including SMS and email sending options
Powerful tracking functionality, empowering nonprofits to collect and analyze performance metrics like open and click-through rates
Seamless integrations with top giving tools, fundraising platforms, and website management systems

learn more about charity ecards

Nonprofit Graphic Design Software

What is Graphic Design Software?

The human mind naturally gravitates toward eye-catching visuals. So if you want to grab your audience’s attention, smart graphic design is often the way to go.

Nonprofit graphic design software is a type of tool an organization uses to create its visual materials. This often includes logos, social media posts, event flyers, fundraising appeals, website content, branded apparel or swag, and many other visual elements.

Graphic design software is a must-have when it comes to establishing a seamless style with cohesive combinations of colors, imagery, and fonts.

This kind of solution may also include tools to create branded designs that are consistent with the organization’s messaging and values. Many solutions even provide access to customizable templates, usable images and graphics, and more.

Note: If your nonprofit lacks an in-house graphic design expert, you might consider an alternative approach by working with a third-party design service.

Someone using graphic design software to create a mobile website layout

Key Features to Look For

A substantial library of pre-made and customizable templates to provide a headstart on your organization’s design work
Branding tools that enable your group to upload any logos, color schemes, etc., and employ those elements easily and consistently across projects
A user-friendly interface that empowers users of all skill levels to create professional-looking designs
Access to royalty-free stock images and illustrations

learn more about nonprofit graphic design

Nonprofit Video Editing Software

What is Video Editing Software?

Video is becoming an increasingly popular source of material, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok leading the way. As a result, nonprofits, schools, and other mission-focused groups are using these resources to engage with their audiences. But to make the most of video-based engagement opportunities, you’ll first need the right clips and videos to share.

Nonprofit video editing software refers to a category of tools used by nonprofit professionals to film, edit, and produce this type of video content. This is a powerful form of technology for organizations looking to create compelling video resources that effectively draw in supporters, communicate their missions, and drive involvement with their causes.

Such videos are often incorporated into an organization’s fundraising, donor engagement, advocacy, and storytelling efforts. Nonprofits may post these videos to their social media channels, embed them in messaging, upload them to their websites, and promote them using other digital marketing channels to best reach their target audiences.

Note: Looking for a professional-quality matching gift video to promote the opportunity to your nonprofit audience? Reach out to Double the Donation to request a custom-branded video for your cause.

Key Features to Look For

Video editing tools that enable the trimming, cropping, merging, overlaying, and splitting of clips with ease
Audio editing capabilities that allow users to make sound level adjustments, combine and mix audio tracks, and add music and sound effects
Text overlay functions that allow for captions and subtitles to increase the accessibility of video content
Intuitive exporting and sharing options, including multiple formats and social media and website publishing abilities

learn more about nonprofit videos

Nonprofit Grant Management Software

What is Grant Management Software?

Grant funding—including from private and public foundations, corporations, government sources, and more—can be an essential revenue stream for a wide variety of nonprofit causes. However, the grant lifecycle can be a lot for development staff to handle on their own.

That’s where nonprofit grant management software comes in! This type of solution aids nonprofit groups by providing tools to streamline the process each step of the way, often from researching potential opportunities to reporting on the usage of provided funds.

Note: Learn more about one of our favorite nonprofit grant opportunities—the Google Grant. Find out how to apply for and manage the grant!

Someone holding a bag that represents nonprofit grants

Key Features to Look For

Proposal tracking abilities to create, submit, and track grant proposals with ease
Customizable reporting and analytics tools to monitor grant performance and outcomes
Communication features, including a centralized document repository and team collaboration capabilities
Budgeting and financial management capabilities to create and manage budgets, track expenses, and monitor financial performance
Compliance and regulatory features to ensure adherence to data security and privacy regulations, as well as compliance with grant requirements
Workflow management tools to manage the grant process efficiently, including automated notifications, task management, and approval workflows

learn more about our favorite grant

Nonprofit Accounting Software

What is Accounting Software?

Nonprofit accounting software is a vital tool that enables organizations to track their financial transactions—from the moment donations are received until the funds are allocated to further the nonprofit’s mission. Nonprofits must be transparent about their finances to maintain strong relationships with donors and uphold ethical operations, and the right accounting software can play a huge role!

In addition, nonprofit tax-filing tools are another critical type of financial software, providing a secure and efficient way for organizations to complete their annual tax forms. This type of software enables nonprofit teams to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately maintaining their tax-exempt status year after year.

An accountant with a spreadsheet and calculator behind her

Key Features to Look For

Intuitive bookkeeping tools to track incoming and outgoing finances with ease
Bank-level security, ensuring the safe-keeping of your organization’s sensitive financial information
Nonprofit tax management, including e-filing capabilities, accepted return verification, and more
Budget-tracking capabilities for various campaigns and projects
Customizable financial reporting, including real-time overviews that provide insights into the organization’s financial performance and compliance
Staff time-tracking and payroll offerings to manage employee time, attendance, and compensation accurately and efficiently

learn more about nonprofit accounting

Nonprofit Annual Report Software

What is Annual Report Software?

Annual reports are a popular tool that nonprofits use to communicate their achievements, impact, and financial standing over the past twelve months. It’s often a powerful way to demonstrate transparency and accountability among stakeholders, which generally include donors, volunteers, and board members, as well as the general public.

To produce the most effective documentation possible, many organizations turn to dedicated annual report software to streamline their efforts. This type of tool allows a nonprofit’s team to create materials that are visually appealing, engaging for the reader, and easy to understand.

A man using nonprofit software to create an annual report

Key Features to Look For

Ready-made and customizable report templates that match the branding and messaging of the organization
Data integration capabilities to easily import and analyze data from multiple sources
Interactive and visual features to engage and educate stakeholders, such as clickable graphs or embedded videos
Collaboration and review tools that allow multiple team members to contribute and edit content
High levels of data security and privacy, with access to control and user permission settings
Multiple export and distribution options, including the ability to print physical copies and share mobile or digitally accessible files

learn more about nonprofit annual reports

Nonprofit Advocacy Software

What is Advocacy Software?

Advocacy is a significant component of many organizations’ operations. Successful efforts enable them to make a real difference by increasing awareness for their causes, impacting relevant policy decisions, and influencing public opinion surrounding their mission need.

To manage such an essential element of a nonprofit strategy, many turn to advocacy tools. This kind of specialized software ultimately empowers organizations and their supporters to do even more with increased efficiency and maximized outcomes.

Key Features to Look For

Advocacy campaign management tools to create and manage campaigns, petitions, and other advocacy actions
Contact management features to organize supporters and track engagement history
Social media integration to amplify (and simplify) messaging and engage supporters on multiple social-sharing platforms
Email and SMS marketing tools to send targeted, personalized communications to supporters
Detailed analytics and reporting capabilities to measure impact and track campaign success

learn more about nonprofit advocacy

Nonprofit Board Management Software

What is Board Management Software?

Board management software is a must for any nonprofit looking to streamline its governance processes and increase board engagement. This type of tool enables organizations to empower their boards with instant access to everything they need to succeed. In turn, this software allows nonprofits to be confident that their entire team is working as efficiently as possible.

The right software ensures effective collaboration between board and committee members by centralizing communications and streamlining operations behind the scenes. By empowering your board and maximizing productivity, you can focus on leading, and your board can focus on governing.

Key Features to Look For

Virtual meeting scheduling and hosting capabilities with easy-to-use agenda-building functions
Comprehensive task management functionality
Secure and centralized document management tools for sharing, reviewing, and collaborating on documents
In-person and digital voting capabilities for efficient and transparent decision-making
Board member performance evaluation tools to track performance and encourage continuous improvement
Information management tools to keep track of contact information, term limits, and committee assignments
Board member training and support resources, including organizational documentation and tutorials

Nonprofit Marketing Software

What is Marketing Software?

Getting the word out about your nonprofit happenings is a must. This includes efforts targeting the donors who support your mission and the beneficiaries that receive mission programming. Without effective marketing, neither side of your audience will know how to get involved.

Enter nonprofit marketing software.

Nonprofit marketing software encompasses a range of tools that allow organizations to increase awareness of their mission, upcoming events, and engagement opportunities. Nonprofit marketing strategies typically involve a combination of traditional and digital means (e.g., social media, email, text messaging, paid advertisements, print materials, and more). And the right software makes it easier than ever before!

A woman inside a frame of a social media post with a megaphone, representing nonprofit marketing software

Key Features to Look For

Email marketing functionality that enables users to easily create and distribute virtual newsletters, fundraising appeals, and other digital communications
SMS messaging options to reach supporters on their mobile devices through targeted, personalized text outreach
Social media management tools to schedule and publish posts, track engagement, and monitor performance over time
Marketing analytics and reporting tools to track campaign success and measure impact

learn more about nonprofit marketing

Nonprofit E-Commerce Software

What is E-Commerce Software?

You likely receive a significant portion of funding through generous supporter donations. However, e-commerce is a rapidly growing revenue stream that can supplement existing fundraising efforts and drive additional impact for your organization’s mission.

Since it’s a largely online-based funding source, your team must be equipped with the right tools to manage the opportunity. Most often, that includes a dedicated e-commerce solution.

Therefore, investing in nonprofit e-commerce software is an excellent choice if organizations plan to sell branded merchandise, event tickets, and other items through an online store. This software can help streamline the process and ensure that nonprofits maximize the potential of this revenue stream.

A woman with a life-sized credit card and a laptop showing nonprofit e-commerce software

Key Features to Look For

Online storefront creation and customization capabilities
Inventory management tools to facilitate product availability and pricing
Multiple payment processing options to securely process donations and sales transactions
Shipping and fulfillment management features to track orders and manage delivery logistics
Detailed e-commerce analytics and reporting functionality

Nonprofit Volunteer Management Software

What is Volunteer Management Software?

If your organization relies on the generosity and dedication of volunteers to push forward mission programming, fundraising, and other day-to-day operations, you certainly don’t want to overlook the power of an effective volunteer management solution.

This type of comprehensive nonprofit software empowers organizations to create an immersive volunteer program. Most often, it does so by streamlining recruitment, scheduling, communications, and more.

Best of all? It makes things easier for your volunteers and your staff, resulting in higher retention and increased productivity among volunteers.

Key Features to Look For

Volunteer registration and scheduling features for easy digital sign-ups
Information management tools to keep track of contacts, availability, interests, and attendance
Time-tracking and reporting functionality to demonstrate individual and total volunteer impact
Volunteer communication tools, including email and SMS messaging for shift reminders, sign-up opportunities, and more
Online volunteer training and support tools

learn more about volunteer management

Recommended Nonprofit Software Resources

Fundraising Software Considerations

Buying nonprofit fundraising software guide

A well-rounded nonprofit relies on a variety of fundraising software (like donation tools, CRMs, and more) to generate revenue and optimize the donor experience.

Learn more about the types of giving tools to look for and how to select the right provider in this guide!

Read now

Peer-to-Peer Software Buying Guide

Buying nonprofit peer-to-peer fundraising software guide

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a powerful way for nonprofits to raise support and reach new donors. And the right software makes this method as easy as can be!

Explore our P2P software buying guide and see what tools and features to prioritize in your search.

Read now

Complete Matching Gift Guide

Improve your nonprofit software toolkit with matching gifts

Make the most of matching gifts! Thousands of employers offer these programs, with millions of individuals qualifying for corporate matching.

Find out everything you need to know about matching gift programs and how to drive success here.

Read now

Must-Have Types of Nonprofit Software

EXPLORE MUST-HAVE (BUT OVERLOOKED) TYPES OF NONPROFIT SOFTWARE

Nonprofit Matching Gift Software

Nonprofit Data Appends Software

Nonprofit eCard Software

Nonprofit Graphic Design Software

Nonprofit Video Editing Software

Nonprofit Grant Management Software

Nonprofit Accounting Software

Nonprofit Annual Report Software

Nonprofit Advocacy Software

Nonprofit Board Management Software

Nonprofit Marketing Software

Nonprofit E-Commerce Software

Nonprofit Volunteer Management Software

Recommended Nonprofit Software Resources

Fundraising Software Considerations

Peer-to-Peer Software Buying Guide

Complete Matching Gift Guide

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