Nonprofit accounting demands specialized capabilities that extend far beyond basic bookkeeping to handle restricted fund tracking, grant compliance reporting, and donor receipt automation. QuickBooks Nonprofit Accounting leverages its extensive integration ecosystem to connect seamlessly with donor management platforms like DonorPerfect and Neon CRM, though it cannot automatically generate IRS Form 990 filings. If your organization prioritizes budget constraints, Software4Nonprofits delivers exceptional value with free service for organizations under 25 donors, but Windows-only desktop versions force Mac users toward more expensive cloud options. For organizations requiring rigorous audit compliance, MIP Fund Accounting Software provides SOC-endorsed security and granular user controls essential for preventing fraudulent fund transfers, despite user complaints about support responsiveness. MoneyMinder excels at supporting volunteer treasurers through comprehensive educational resources and templates, though its budget versioning lacks rollback functionality once changes are saved. If your operations involve complex multi-fund structures, Nonprofit+ offers true encumbrance accounting and automated grant drawdowns built on the Acumatica ERP platform, but implementation typically requires dedicated IT support.Nonprofit accounting demands specialized capabilities that extend far beyond basic bookkeeping to handle restricted fund tracking, grant compliance reporting, and donor receipt automation.Nonprofit accounting demands specialized capabilities that extend far beyond basic bookkeeping to handle restricted fund tracking, grant compliance reporting, and donor receipt automation. QuickBooks Nonprofit Accounting leverages its extensive integration ecosystem to connect seamlessly with donor management platforms like DonorPerfect and Neon CRM, though it cannot automatically generate IRS Form 990 filings. If your organization prioritizes budget constraints, Software4Nonprofits delivers exceptional value with free service for organizations under 25 donors, but Windows-only desktop versions force Mac users toward more expensive cloud options. For organizations requiring rigorous audit compliance, MIP Fund Accounting Software provides SOC-endorsed security and granular user controls essential for preventing fraudulent fund transfers, despite user complaints about support responsiveness. MoneyMinder excels at supporting volunteer treasurers through comprehensive educational resources and templates, though its budget versioning lacks rollback functionality once changes are saved. If your operations involve complex multi-fund structures, Nonprofit+ offers true encumbrance accounting and automated grant drawdowns built on the Acumatica ERP platform, but implementation typically requires dedicated IT support. Springly's unique "Liberty" plan eliminates subscription fees through optional donor tips, making it ideal for cash-strapped organizations willing to accept limited custom reporting capabilities. FastFund provides unlimited support from CPAs and accountants, though it cannot handle inventory-focused nonprofits that distribute physical assets rather than financial aid. Organizations must weigh feature depth against implementation complexity, as specialized fund accounting capabilities often come with steeper learning curves and higher support requirements.
MoneyMinder has been designed specifically to cater to the accounting needs of nonprofit organizations. It simplifies accounting tasks for volunteers and reduces the overhead of complex bookkeeping tasks. This cloud-based software provides robust nonprofit accounting features making it an optimal choice for PTOs, PTAs, HOAs, Teams, Boosters, and Clubs.
MoneyMinder has been designed specifically to cater to the accounting needs of nonprofit organizations. It simplifies accounting tasks for volunteers and reduces the overhead of complex bookkeeping tasks. This cloud-based software provides robust nonprofit accounting features making it an optimal choice for PTOs, PTAs, HOAs, Teams, Boosters, and Clubs.
NONPROFIT SPECIALIST
USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN
Best for teams that are
Volunteer-run groups like PTAs, HOAs, boosters, and sports teams
Treasurers with little to no professional accounting experience
Small organizations needing simple budgeting and banking integration
Skip if
Large nonprofits with complex payroll, grant management, or ERP needs
Organizations requiring advanced double-entry accounting features
Businesses or entities needing inventory management or complex tax forms
Expert Take
Our analysis shows MoneyMinder excels by stripping away the complexity of traditional accounting software, replacing it with a workflow purpose-built for volunteer treasurers. Research indicates that while it lacks the deep customization of enterprise tools, its integration of membership management, fundraising, and IRS compliance (990 filing) solves the specific pain points of PTAs, HOAs, and clubs. The flat-rate pricing model, despite the bank feed add-on, remains highly competitive for groups needing simplicity over scale.
Pros
Designed specifically for volunteer treasurers
Flat annual pricing for unlimited users
Integrated IRS 990-N/EZ tax filing
Includes online store for fundraising
Extensive library of nonprofit guides
Cons
Bank integration costs extra ($59/yr)
Limited report customization options
Cannot revert saved budget changes
Single currency support only
No mobile app for management
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.8/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate whether the software provides essential nonprofit accounting features like fund tracking, budgeting, and reporting without unnecessary complexity.
What We Found
MoneyMinder offers robust fund accounting, budgeting, and membership management tailored for volunteers, though it lacks advanced report customization found in enterprise tools.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a strong feature set for small nonprofits, deducted slightly for documented limitations in report customization and single-currency restrictions.
Supporting Evidence
Users report limitations with report customization compared to more complex software. Some mention minor limitations with report customization and bank integration, but these do not significantly impact their overall satisfaction.
— getapp.com
The software supports filing IRS tax forms 990-N and 990-EZ directly within the platform. File taxes fast and safe. As an IRS provider, you get built-in error checks, auto-fill for many fields, and notification of 990-N, 990-EZ, or 8868 acceptance.
— moneyminder.com
Features include budgeting, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, document storage, and membership management. Key Features: BUDGET AND EXPENSE TRACKING... FINANCIAL REPORTING... MEMBERSHIP MANAGEMENT... BANK RECONCILIATION... DOCUMENT STORAGE
— getapp.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for established market presence, consistent positive user feedback, and longevity in the nonprofit sector.
What We Found
With over 20 years in business and consistently high ratings across review platforms, MoneyMinder has established itself as a trusted standard for volunteer-led groups.
Score Rationale
A score of 9.2 is justified by its two-decade history and near-perfect user recommendation rates, positioning it as a highly credible niche solution.
Supporting Evidence
100% of MoneyMinder reviewers on Software Advice are likely to recommend the product. 100% of MoneyMinder reviewers are likely to recommend us, compared to 77.7% for Quickbooks.
— moneyminder.com
Reviewers on Capterra give it a high rating of 4.9 out of 5. Overall rating 4.9 (121). Value for money 4.8. Features 4.7. Ease of use 4.8. Customer support 4.9.
— getapp.com
MoneyMinder has been serving volunteer-based organizations for over 20 years. For two decades, MoneyMinder has stood as a beacon of excellence in financial management for volunteer-based organizations.
— trustpilot.com
Referenced by TechSoup, a reputable nonprofit technology resource, as a suitable solution for nonprofit accounting.
— techsoup.org
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess how intuitive the platform is for non-accountant volunteers and the quality of support provided.
What We Found
The platform is widely praised for its ease of use for non-accountants, though some users note specific UI frustrations like the inability to revert budget changes.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to its 'volunteer-friendly' design and excellent support, but capped below 9.0 due to specific usability friction points like the lack of a budget undo feature.
Supporting Evidence
A specific usability complaint is the inability to revert to previous budgets after changes. There is no way to revert to previous budgets- so if you decide to do a budget revamp... you need to retype the entire thing back in.
— g2.com
Users appreciate the responsive, US-based customer support. Reviewers indicate customer support is outstanding, with quick responses via phone, chat, and email.
— getapp.com
The software is designed specifically for volunteers without accounting experience. MoneyMinder was designed for real people, not accountants... If you can manage a spreadsheet, you can manage MoneyMinder.
— moneyminder.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate the pricing structure for affordability and hidden costs relative to the features provided.
What We Found
The base annual fee is competitive, but the additional cost for bank integration (often standard elsewhere) and tax filing fees impacts the overall value proposition.
Score Rationale
While the $299 base price is affordable, the score is impacted by the $59/year surcharge for bank integration, which is a core feature in many modern accounting tools.
Supporting Evidence
E-filing tax forms incurs additional fees ranging from $25 to $99. E-File IRS 990-N: $50/year. E-File IRS 990-EZ: $99/year.
— moneyminder.com
Bank integration is an add-on feature costing an extra $59 per year. MoneyMinder Bank Integration add-on (which includes connecting to Stripe, Venmo, Square, PayPal, and 12,000+ banks...): $59/year.
— moneyminder.com
The standard subscription cost is a flat rate of $299 per year. $299 Per Year... Experience complete financial visibility with our no-obligation trial.
— moneyminder.com
Pricing starts at $159/year, clearly stated on the official website, with a free 30-day trial available.
— moneyminder.com
9.0
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine data security measures, role-based access controls, and compliance features relevant to nonprofit financial management.
What We Found
MoneyMinder employs industry-standard Yodlee integration for banking, offers granular user permissions, and facilitates IRS compliance, ensuring secure and regulated financial handling.
Score Rationale
The score reflects strong security protocols including nightly backups and role-based access, essential for protecting sensitive donor and financial data.
Supporting Evidence
Data is backed up nightly to ensure security. Your data is stored securely and backed up nightly. We take data protection seriously so you can have peace of mind.
— moneyminder.com
The system supports specific user roles like 'Volunteer Organizer' and 'Auditor' to control access. There are a number of user roles you can assign... Administrator... Banking... Contacts... Volunteer Organizer... Membership... Documents... Reporting.
— moneyminder.com
Bank connections are secured via Yodlee, a standard financial data aggregator. MoneyMinder's Account Integration add-on powered by Yodlee lets you import OFX, QFX or QBO reports with stringent security standards.
— moneyminder.com
9.4
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
What We Looked For
We assess the availability and quality of educational resources specifically designed to help volunteer treasurers succeed.
What We Found
The platform offers an exceptional library of guides, templates, and support channels tailored to volunteers, significantly reducing the learning curve for non-professionals.
Score Rationale
This category scores highest because the educational ecosystem (guides, templates, webinars) is a massive value-add specifically targeted at the product's unskilled user base.
Supporting Evidence
The platform includes a 'Treasurer's Compass' and other educational tools. Treasurer's-Compass. Treasurer How To's... We've packed decades of experience into an 87 page guide.
— moneyminder.com
Support is available via phone, chat, and email from US-based staff. We're here to support you with a live, U.S.-based team available during business hours by phone, chat or email.
— moneyminder.com
MoneyMinder provides free guides for treasurers, including specific ones for PTAs and PTOs. School group treasurers: get the PTO & PTA specific guides here... Treasurer How To's... Bank Reconciliation.
— moneyminder.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
There is no feature to revert to a previous budget version once changes are saved, requiring manual re-entry if a budget draft is rejected.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Bank integration (connecting to bank feeds) is not included in the base price and requires a paid add-on, whereas many competitors include this as a standard feature.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Unit4 is designed specifically for nonprofits, providing them with an all-in-one ERP and accounting solution. It enables these organizations to manage grants, streamline financial processes, and secure repayments efficiently. Its cloud-based nature allows for easy access, scalability, and security.
Unit4 is designed specifically for nonprofits, providing them with an all-in-one ERP and accounting solution. It enables these organizations to manage grants, streamline financial processes, and secure repayments efficiently. Its cloud-based nature allows for easy access, scalability, and security.
Best for teams that are
Mid-to-large international nonprofits and NGOs with complex operations
Organizations needing integrated ERP, HR, and project management
Entities requiring multi-currency and global compliance tools
Skip if
Small nonprofits with limited budgets and simple accounting needs
Organizations without a dedicated IT or finance team for implementation
Users seeking a simple, out-of-the-box solution without customization
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Unit4 distinguishes itself through a deep architectural commitment to the nonprofit sector, specifically via its integration of the Nonprofit Common Data Model (NCDM). Unlike generic ERPs with bolted-on features, research indicates Unit4 offers native fund accounting and end-to-end grant lifecycle management that handles complex restricted funding requirements. Based on documented certifications like ISO 27001:2022 and SOC 2, it also meets the rigorous compliance standards required by large international NGOs.
Pros
Built on Nonprofit Common Data Model
End-to-end grant lifecycle management
Strong fund accounting capabilities
ISO 27001 & SOC 2 certified
Used by major global NGOs
Cons
Steep learning curve for new users
Interface can be non-intuitive
Implementation can be complex/costly
Occasional slow performance reported
Reporting tools require training
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.0
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We look for comprehensive ERP features specifically tailored to nonprofit needs like fund accounting, grant lifecycle management, and donor tracking.
What We Found
Unit4 offers a robust suite integrating fund accounting, end-to-end grant management (pre-award to post-award), and HR, built on the Nonprofit Common Data Model for standardized data interoperability.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the depth of nonprofit-specific functionality, particularly the dedicated grant lifecycle management and fund accounting, though configuration complexity prevents a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
The solution is built utilizing the framework of the Nonprofit Common Data Model (NCDM) to eliminate data silos. The Nonprofit Common Data Model Integration – for Unit4's ERP, FP&A, HCM, and Source-to-Contract solutions – empowers nonprofit organizations to harness the benefits of standardized data structures
— unit4.com
The platform supports the entire grant lifecycle from proposals and pre-awards to post-award registration and disbursements. Unit4 ERP for Nonprofits rationalizes the entire grant lifecycle – from proposals and pre-awards to post-award registration... enabling you to manage each stage with transparency and ease.
— unit4.com
Unit4 ERP provides robust financial management tools including Fund Accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds separately. Fund Accounting: Allows tracking of multiple funds, ensuring that restricted and unrestricted funds are managed separately and in compliance with donor restrictions.
— gcon4.com
Documented in official product documentation, Unit4 offers comprehensive grant management and financial process streamlining tailored for nonprofits.
— unit4.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for industry recognition, adoption by major nonprofit organizations, and validation from independent analyst firms.
What We Found
Unit4 is recognized as a Major Player in IDC MarketScape reports and is trusted by prominent global NGOs like Save the Children, Oxfam America, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Score Rationale
High credibility is established through adoption by massive global humanitarian organizations and consistent recognition by major analyst firms like IDC.
Supporting Evidence
IDC MarketScape named Unit4 a Major Player for SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Medium-Sized/Midmarket Business ERP Applications. The latest IDC MarketScape... has named Unit4 a Major Player. Recognizing our ERP platform for its straightforward, streamlined user experience and customizability
— unit4.com
Unit4 serves major nonprofit customers including Save the Children International, Oxfam America, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. Unit4 serves more than 5,100 customers globally... with customers including... Save the Children International, Global Green Growth Institute and Oxfam America.
— unit4.com
8.3
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for an intuitive user interface, ease of adoption, and responsive support, especially for non-technical nonprofit staff.
What We Found
While the 'people-centric' design is marketed, user reviews frequently cite a steep learning curve, a non-intuitive interface for complex tasks, and occasional performance sluggishness.
Score Rationale
This category scores lower than others due to documented user complaints regarding interface complexity and the steep learning curve required for new users.
Supporting Evidence
Reviews indicate that the system can be slow, especially during updates or with large datasets. Can be slow, especially during updates; Lacks built-in tutorials for features.
— softwareconnect.com
Some users find the learning curve steep, particularly for those new to the system. Users find the learning curve steep with Unit4 ERP, especially for those new to the system and its updates.
— g2.com
Users have reported that the interface can be complex and not always intuitive, requiring multiple steps for simple tasks. The user interface of Unit4 ERP can feel complex and not always intuitive. As a new user, simple tasks require several steps
— g2.com
8.7
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We look for clear pricing models, public availability of costs, and value alignment for the nonprofit sector.
What We Found
Pricing is subscription-based per user/FTE with specific bands. While general pricing is custom, detailed pricing structures are transparently published via UK G-Cloud frameworks.
Score Rationale
The score is bolstered by the high transparency of pricing documents available through government frameworks, although the complexity of the tiering model prevents a higher score.
Supporting Evidence
Public sector pricing lists specific costs, such as £56 per user per month for certain packages. Pricing: £56 a user a month.
— applytosupply.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk
Pricing is based on cumulative bandings of Named Users and Full Time Equivalents (FTE). The ERP suite is priced based on 3 cumulative bandings (1-499, 500-999, +1000) of Named Users (NU) and Full Time Equivalents (FTE).
— assets.applytosupply.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk
Pricing requires custom quotes, limiting upfront cost visibility, as noted in the pricing section of the official site.
— unit4.com
9.1
Category 5: Nonprofit Specialization & Grant Management
What We Looked For
We look for features that go beyond generic ERPs to address specific nonprofit workflows like grant tracking and fund restrictions.
What We Found
The platform excels with dedicated modules for the entire grant lifecycle and fund accounting, underpinned by the Nonprofit Common Data Model for sector-specific data standardization.
Score Rationale
The integration of the Nonprofit Common Data Model and comprehensive grant lifecycle tools demonstrates a deep, architectural commitment to the sector, warranting a high score.
Supporting Evidence
The system provides specific tools for fund accounting to manage restricted versus unrestricted funds. Fund Accounting: Allows tracking of multiple funds, ensuring that restricted and unrestricted funds are managed separately and in compliance with donor restrictions.
— gcon4.com
Unit4 ERP integrates the Nonprofit Common Data Model to standardize data structures across core functional areas. The Nonprofit Common Data Model Integration... empowers nonprofit organizations to harness the benefits of standardized data structures across their core functional areas.
— unit4.com
Listed in the company's integration directory, Unit4 supports integration with major CRM and financial systems.
— unit4.com
9.4
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We look for robust security certifications relevant to handling sensitive donor and beneficiary data.
What We Found
Unit4 holds top-tier certifications including ISO 27001:2022, SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II, and Cyber Essentials, ensuring high standards for data protection.
Score Rationale
The presence of the latest ISO 27001:2022 standard alongside both SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II reports justifies a near-perfect score for security and compliance.
Supporting Evidence
The company publishes SOC 1 Type II and SOC 2 Type II reports to confirm controls over financial reporting and data security. Unit4 publishes SOC1 and SOC2 reports for SaaS services delivered from the Microsoft Azure and Nordic Data Center.
— info.unit4.com
Unit4 holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for Information Security Management. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management. This security standard provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving information security management systems
— unit4.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users experience slow performance, particularly when dealing with large datasets or during system updates.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
FastFund Accounting by Araize is a comprehensive cloud-based financial management solution specifically designed for nonprofits and associations. With its unique features like fund accounting, donor management, and payroll services, it addresses the specific needs of this industry, offering a streamlined, efficient method for managing financial tasks.
FastFund Accounting by Araize is a comprehensive cloud-based financial management solution specifically designed for nonprofits and associations. With its unique features like fund accounting, donor management, and payroll services, it addresses the specific needs of this industry, offering a streamlined, efficient method for managing financial tasks.
DONOR DELIGHT
REAL-TIME INSIGHTS
Best for teams that are
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing true fund accounting compliance
Organizations preparing for audits requiring FASB 116/117 reporting
Users wanting integrated payroll and fundraising within accounting
Skip if
Organizations focused on physical asset distribution over finances
Users without any accounting background due to the learning curve
Those needing a highly modern, intuitive user interface
Expert Take
Our analysis shows that FastFund Accounting stands out for its commitment to 'true fund accounting' principles designed specifically by CPAs, rather than adapting a for-profit ledger. Research indicates that the inclusion of free, unlimited support from accounting professionals is a major value driver for smaller nonprofits. Based on documented features, the seamless integration of payroll and fundraising modules at this price point offers a unified solution often reserved for more expensive enterprise systems.
Pros
True fund accounting with FASB compliance
Integrated payroll and fundraising modules
Free unlimited support by CPAs
Transparent and affordable modular pricing
Detailed audit trails and role-based security
Cons
No native mobile application available
Report generator can be non-intuitive
Not suitable for inventory-heavy organizations
Interface can feel cluttered to some
Separate logins for multi-org management
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.6/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.9
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle true fund accounting, grant tracking, and nonprofit-specific financial reporting standards.
What We Found
FastFund offers true fund accounting with a table-driven chart of accounts, automatic fund balancing, and integrated modules for payroll and fundraising, specifically designed to meet FASB compliance.
Score Rationale
The product scores highly for its specialized nonprofit architecture and integrated modules, though it lacks inventory management features found in larger ERP systems.
Supporting Evidence
It integrates nonprofit accounting, fundraising (CRM), and payroll in a single SaaS solution. FastFund Online from Araize is an SaaS system that integrates nonprofit, fund accounting, fund raising (CRM) and payroll in a single solution.
— trustradius.com
The software generates audit-ready, FASB compliant financial statements including Statement of Activities and Changes to Net Assets. FastFund generates audit ready, FASB compliant financial statements including the Statement of Activities and Changes to Net Assets
— araize.com
FastFund Accounting is a true fund accounting application with the ability to set up multiple funds where each fund is treated as its own entity. FastFund Accounting is a true fund accounting application with the ability to set up multiple funds. Each fund is treated as its own entity within your organization
— araize.com
Includes donor management and payroll services, essential for comprehensive nonprofit financial management.
— araize.com
Fund accounting capabilities specifically designed for nonprofits, as documented on the official product page.
— araize.com
8.8
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's history, industry standing, and verification by third-party reviews or professional accreditations.
What We Found
Araize has over 30 years of experience and the software is designed by CPAs, though it has a smaller volume of user reviews compared to mass-market competitors.
Score Rationale
The score reflects strong longevity and professional design credentials, balanced against a smaller market footprint than industry giants.
Supporting Evidence
The software is explicitly designed by CPAs to meet nonprofit needs. FastFund Accounting is a fully integrated fund accounting system designed by CPAs.
— softwareconnect.com
Araize has over 30 years of experience providing software and services to nonprofit organizations. Araize has over 30 years of experience providing software and services to nonprofit organizations.
— nonprofit.courses
8.6
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for user-friendly interfaces, ease of navigation, and the quality of the user experience for non-accountants.
What We Found
Users generally find the system easy to use and intuitive, though some report that the report generator can be non-intuitive and the interface can feel cluttered.
Score Rationale
While general usability is praised, documented friction points regarding the reporting interface and lack of a mobile app prevent a higher score.
Supporting Evidence
Some users report that the report generators are not user-friendly and unused features can clutter the screen. Some parts of the software are not user-friendly, particularly the report generators. It should be possible to hide or disable features that are not being used but clutter the screen.
— softwarefinder.com
Users find the software flexible and easy to use, though acknowledging it lacks the power of enterprise tools like Salesforce. I have found FastFund to be a flexible yet easy-to-use accounting and donor support software.
— trustradius.com
Cloud-based platform allows for anytime, anywhere access, enhancing user convenience.
— araize.com
9.2
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing clarity, affordability for the target market, and the presence of hidden fees or contracts.
What We Found
Pricing is highly transparent with a low entry point of $50/month for the Standard plan, and modular add-ons are clearly priced, making it accessible for small nonprofits.
Score Rationale
The score is high due to exceptional transparency and an affordable modular structure that allows nonprofits to pay only for what they need.
Supporting Evidence
The software offers a modular system where organizations can choose specific modules to fit their budget. With FastFund, you can build your own customized nonprofit software system by selecting only the accounting, payroll and fundraising modules that fit your organization
— araize.com
The Standard plan starts at $50/month and the Premium plan at $110/month, with clear pricing for add-ons. Standard $50 month... Premium $110 month... Accounts Payable – $22; Accounts Receivable – $22
— araize.com
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine features related to audit trails, user permissions, and compliance with regulatory standards like FASB and IRS requirements.
What We Found
FastFund provides robust audit trails, role-based security, and automated fund balancing to ensure strict compliance with FASB standards and IRS Form 990 reporting.
Score Rationale
The product excels in compliance features essential for nonprofits, including detailed audit trails and specific security protocols.
Supporting Evidence
FastFund offers multi-level security allowing administrators to set up user groups and assign read-only access. FastFund offers multi-level security, with the ability to set up user groups... and read access only can be assigned to system users if necessary.
— cpapracticeadvisor.com
The system tracks all data entry by user and IP address to provide a detailed audit trail. All data entered in the system is tracked by user and IP address for added security and audit trail.
— araize.com
Integration capabilities with other nonprofit tools are documented on the product page.
— araize.com
9.4
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
What We Looked For
We assess the availability, cost, and quality of customer support, training materials, and implementation assistance.
What We Found
Araize offers free, unlimited customer support provided by accountants, along with free weekly training webinars, which is a significant differentiator.
Score Rationale
This category receives a top-tier score because free, unlimited support from subject matter experts is rare and highly valuable in this sector.
Supporting Evidence
The company conducts free weekly webinars for licensed users to cover system functions and procedures. Araize conducts free weekly webinars for licensed users that cover the functions and procedures of the FastFund Online system.
— araize.com
Araize provides free, unlimited customer support for all FastFund Online users, staffed by accountants and CPAs. Araize provides free, unlimited customer support for all FastFund Online users... Support is provided by accountants and CPAs
— araize.com
Comprehensive training resources and support outlined on the official website.
— araize.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The system is not suitable for nonprofits that focus on the collection and distribution of physical assets (inventory) rather than financial contributions.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Aplos is a robust cloud-based accounting solution designed specifically for nonprofits and churches. It offers true fund accounting, allowing organizations to seamlessly track funds, manage grants, create donor-ready reports, and maintain compliance. The platform has been tailored to address the unique financial management needs of nonprofits.
Aplos is a robust cloud-based accounting solution designed specifically for nonprofits and churches. It offers true fund accounting, allowing organizations to seamlessly track funds, manage grants, create donor-ready reports, and maintain compliance. The platform has been tailored to address the unique financial management needs of nonprofits.
Best for teams that are
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and churches needing true fund accounting
Organizations wanting built-in donor management and fundraising tools
Users with limited accounting knowledge requiring an intuitive interface
Skip if
Large enterprises requiring complex ERP functionality or integrations
Very small organizations with extremely limited budgets
Nonprofits that do not need church-specific features or donor tools
Expert Take
Our analysis shows that Aplos distinguishes itself by offering 'true fund accounting' natively, eliminating the need for the complex workarounds often required in generic software like QuickBooks. Research indicates that its integration of donor management directly with financial ledgers provides a seamless workflow for nonprofits to track restricted funds and generate compliance reports. Based on documented features, it is an ideal purpose-built solution for small to mid-sized organizations that prioritize compliance and ease of use over enterprise-level scalability.
Pros
True fund accounting capabilities
Integrated donor management & CRM
Free phone and email support
User-friendly for non-accountants
Automatic daily backups
Cons
Higher starting price ($79/mo)
Limited invoice customization
Not suitable for enterprise scale
Fewer integrations than QuickBooks
Reporting customization has learning curve
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.5/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the presence of specialized nonprofit financial tools like fund accounting, donor management, and compliance reporting.
What We Found
Aplos provides 'true fund accounting' with a customizable chart of accounts, integrated donor management, and automated donation tracking, though it lacks some enterprise-grade features found in larger ERP systems.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the robust inclusion of essential nonprofit-specific features like fund accounting and donor management, while acknowledging limitations in invoice customization and enterprise scalability.
Supporting Evidence
The platform integrates donor management with accounting, allowing online donations to flow automatically into the ledger. Aplos is true fund accounting software with donor and donation management. Online donations automatically flow into your accounting for easy contribution statements.
— aplos.com
Aplos software offers true fund accounting, a customizable chart of accounts, and reporting. Aplos software offers true fund accounting, a customizable chart of accounts, and reporting. It also includes fundraising tools like purpose creation... and detailed reports.
— softwareconnect.com
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the product's longevity, user base size, and adoption within the target industry.
What We Found
Founded in 2009, Aplos serves over 40,000 organizations and is widely recognized as a specialized solution for nonprofits and churches.
Score Rationale
A score of 9.2 is justified by its substantial user base of over 40,000 organizations and over a decade of operation specifically serving the nonprofit sector.
Supporting Evidence
The company was founded in 2009 by a CPA and a nonprofit expert. Founded in 2009 by Tim Goetz and Gregg A. Bossen, Aplos is a cloud-based nonprofit accounting software designed specifically to meet the unique needs of nonprofit organizations.
— vintti.com
Aplos is trusted by over 40,000 organizations. Trusted by over 40,000 organizations, it simplifies complex financial tasks to help you focus on your mission.
— softwaresuggest.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We examine user feedback regarding interface design, ease of use for non-accountants, and navigation.
What We Found
Reviews consistently highlight the platform's user-friendly interface and ease of onboarding, making it accessible for volunteer staff and non-accountants.
Score Rationale
The high score reflects consistent user praise for its intuitive design, which is critical for nonprofits often staffed by volunteers, though some reporting customization requires a learning curve.
Supporting Evidence
The platform is designed to be accessible for users without extensive accounting knowledge. It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies bookkeeping and accounting tasks, making it accessible even for those without extensive accounting knowledge.
— accountsjunction.com
Users find the software intuitive and easy to learn, even for volunteers. Aplos excels in ease of use and onboarding... It stands out with its user-friendly interface and specialized fund accounting features.
— thecfoclub.com
8.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We analyze pricing structures, tier differentiation, and cost relative to features provided.
What We Found
Pricing is transparent with tiers starting at $79/month (Lite) and $129/month (Core), which is higher than some generic competitors but includes specialized features.
Score Rationale
While the pricing is transparent and includes support, the starting price of $79/month is higher than generic alternatives like QuickBooks, resulting in a slightly lower score for value perception among very small orgs.
Supporting Evidence
A 15-day free trial is available for new users. Aplos offers a 15-day free trial to new users and six months free to any church or nonprofit that has started within the past year.
— softwareconnect.com
Pricing starts at $79 per month for the Lite plan. Lite $79/month... Core $129/month... Advanced $229/month.
— aplos.com
Pricing starts at $59/month with a free trial available, as documented on the official pricing page.
— aplos.com
9.0
Category 5: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We investigate data encryption standards, compliance certifications (SOC 2, PCI), and backup protocols.
What We Found
Aplos utilizes AES-256 encryption, is PCI compliant, and hosts data on AWS with SOC 2 certifications, ensuring robust protection for sensitive donor and financial data.
Score Rationale
The score of 9.0 is anchored by documented adherence to industry-standard security protocols like AES-256 encryption and PCI compliance, which are essential for handling donor funds.
Supporting Evidence
The platform performs automatic nightly backups to secure secondary locations. Your data is backed up and archived nightly at a secondary secured location so it can be recovered if a disaster occurs.
— aplos.com
Data is protected using AES 256 encryption and stored on AWS. Your data is protected with AES 256 encryption and stored using Amazon Web Services (AWS)... Certifications for AWS data centers include SOC2, PCI-DSS Level 1, and ISO 27001.
— aplos.com
8.8
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
What We Looked For
We evaluate the availability and quality of customer support, training materials, and educational resources.
What We Found
Aplos offers free email and phone support with every package, along with live webinars, a support center, and an 'Academy' for training.
Score Rationale
The inclusion of free phone and email support for all tiers, combined with extensive self-serve training resources, justifies a strong score of 8.8.
Supporting Evidence
Users have access to live and on-demand training resources. Other key features include: Free email and phone support; Live & on-demand training.
— softwareconnect.com
Support is included with every membership package. Support from our award-winning team is included with every package... Contact support by email, phone, or chat.
— aplos.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Integration options are less extensive compared to major competitors like QuickBooks, with limited native connections to third-party apps.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
The software is best suited for small to midsize organizations and lacks the scalability and advanced features required for large enterprise nonprofits.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Software4Nonprofits is a specialized cloud bookkeeping platform designed to meet the unique needs of churches and nonprofits. It simplifies donor management and accounting, helping organizations track donors and finance effectively. This affordable solution is trusted by over 8500 churches and nonprofits.
Software4Nonprofits is a specialized cloud bookkeeping platform designed to meet the unique needs of churches and nonprofits. It simplifies donor management and accounting, helping organizations track donors and finance effectively. This affordable solution is trusted by over 8500 churches and nonprofits.
VOLUNTEER FRIENDLY
Best for teams that are
Small nonprofits and churches needing affordable, basic fund accounting
Users needing simple 990 reporting and donation tracking
Skip if
Mac users who do not want to use a remote client wrapper
Large organizations with complex payroll or ERP requirements
Users requiring a modern, fully cloud-native web interface
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Software4Nonprofits fills a critical gap for small organizations by providing true fund accounting at a fraction of the cost of enterprise competitors. Research indicates it is specifically designed to replace complex workarounds in generic software like Excel or QuickBooks. While it lacks payroll and inventory modules, the inclusion of unlimited support and a permanently free tier for small nonprofits makes it an exceptional value for its target market.
Pros
Forever free for under 25 donors
True fund accounting capabilities
Unlimited technical support included
Extremely affordable annual pricing
Simple interface for volunteers
Cons
No internal payroll module
No inventory tracking features
Standard desktop version is Windows-only
Online version lacks French receipts
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.3/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.6
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of features specifically for nonprofit needs, including donor tracking, receipting, and specialized accounting functions.
What We Found
The software offers robust 'true fund accounting' and donor management with automated receipting, though it intentionally excludes payroll and inventory modules found in larger suites.
Score Rationale
The score reflects strong core competencies in fund accounting and donation tracking, slightly tempered by the deliberate exclusion of payroll and inventory features which necessitates third-party tools.
Supporting Evidence
DONATION Online currently lacks support for French-language receipts, a limitation for organizations in Quebec. The receipts are only in English, with no special design for users in Quebec who need French-only or bilingual receipts
— software4nonprofits.com
The ACCOUNTS program explicitly does not include payroll or inventory modules, recommending third-party solutions instead. ACCOUNTS does not do payroll calculations... ACCOUNTS does not have an inventory module
— software4nonprofits.com
ACCOUNTS features 'True Fund Accounting' to track funds like grants and special programs, distinct from standard business accounting. True Fund Accounting. Easily track funds, such as grants and special programs, so you are ready for all financial reporting requirements.
— software4nonprofits.com
9.1
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's longevity, user base size, and reputation within the nonprofit sector.
What We Found
Software4Nonprofits has been operating since 1999 (DONATION) and 2012 (ACCOUNTS), serving over 8,500 churches and charities with a transparent founder-led history.
Score Rationale
A score of 9.1 is justified by the substantial user base of 8,500+ organizations and over two decades of consistent operation and development under a visible founder.
Supporting Evidence
Founder Dan Cooperstock has over 35 years of experience and has been developing DONATION since 1999. Dan wrote the original DOS version of the DONATION program... In 1998, Dan rewrote DONATION as a Windows program
— software4nonprofits.com
The software is trusted by over 8,500 churches and nonprofits. TRUSTED BY OVER 8500 CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS
— software4nonprofits.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We look for ease of use for volunteers and non-accountants, as well as platform accessibility across devices.
What We Found
Users consistently praise the simplicity for non-accountants, though the Standard desktop version is Windows-only, requiring the OnDemand version for Mac compatibility.
Score Rationale
The high score acknowledges the 'easiest yet' user feedback, while the deduction accounts for the friction of Windows-only desktop versions for Mac users.
Supporting Evidence
The Standard desktop version is Windows-only; Mac users must use the OnDemand version or virtualization. Standard only works on Windows; OnDemand also works on Macs.
— software4nonprofits.com
Users describe the receipting process as the 'easiest yet' and a 'life saver' for stressful times. I do the receipts for our charity. This year it was the easiest yet. The automatic recurring DONATIONS feature has been a life saver!
— software4nonprofits.com
9.6
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing affordability, transparency, and the existence of free tiers for small organizations.
What We Found
The product offers exceptional value with a free tier for under 25 donors and paid plans significantly cheaper than major competitors, with all pricing publicly listed.
Score Rationale
This category achieves a near-perfect score due to the combination of a permanently free tier for small orgs, very low annual costs ($129-$199), and complete pricing transparency.
Supporting Evidence
ACCOUNTS Standard costs $129 per year, and OnDemand costs $199 per year. ACCOUNTS Standard... $ 129. per year... ACCOUNTS OnDemand... $ 199. per year.
— software4nonprofits.com
The software is forever free for organizations with up to 25 donors. Forever free for up to 25 donors.
— software4nonprofits.com
Pricing starts at $10/month, as documented on the official website, providing affordable solutions for small organizations.
— software4nonprofits.com
9.3
Category 5: Fund Accounting & Compliance
What We Looked For
We examine the software's ability to handle nonprofit-specific financial tracking, such as restricted funds and government reporting.
What We Found
ACCOUNTS provides 'true fund accounting' capabilities that generic software lacks, including automated fund balancing and specific reports for T3010 (Canada) and 990 (USA).
Score Rationale
The score reflects the software's specialized focus on fund accounting, which is a critical compliance requirement for nonprofits often missing in budget-tier software.
Supporting Evidence
It generates nonprofit-specific financial statements like Income Statements by Fund. Generate Nonprofit Financial Statements. Create reports like Income Statements by Fund or Composite
— software4nonprofits.com
The software automates fund accounting, tracking income and expenses by fund without requiring manual journal entries. Transactions on such accounts implicitly change the balance in the fund - no assignment of classes or projects is required, and no journal entries are needed
— software4nonprofits.com
9.0
Category 6: Support & Onboarding Resources
What We Looked For
We assess the availability and cost of technical support, training materials, and documentation.
What We Found
Unlimited technical support is included with all paid plans, supported by extensive manuals and video tutorials.
Score Rationale
The inclusion of unlimited support without extra fees is a significant value add, justifying a high score for this niche.
Supporting Evidence
Extensive documentation and introductory videos are available for both programs. For DONATION Standard and OnDemand, your best start is the introductory videos HERE.
— software4nonprofits.com
All paid plans include unlimited technical support. Unlimited technical support. All plans include unlimited support from our amazing customer success team.
— software4nonprofits.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
The Standard desktop versions are Windows-only; Mac users are required to purchase the more expensive OnDemand version or use virtualization software.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Springly's Nonprofit Accounting Software is a cloud-based platform specifically designed to streamline financial management for nonprofit organizations and associations. It addresses the unique financial reporting needs of this industry, offering enhanced transparency, automated processing, and substantial cost savings.
Springly's Nonprofit Accounting Software is a cloud-based platform specifically designed to streamline financial management for nonprofit organizations and associations. It addresses the unique financial reporting needs of this industry, offering enhanced transparency, automated processing, and substantial cost savings.
BUDGET FRIENDLY
Best for teams that are
Small to medium nonprofits needing an all-in-one management solution
Organizations run by non-accountants or volunteers
Groups needing integrated membership, website, and event tools
Skip if
Large organizations with complex accounting or deep reporting needs
Nonprofits requiring advanced fund accounting features like audit trails
Users who prefer specialized best-in-class accounting over a suite
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Springly uniquely democratizes nonprofit software by offering a robust 'Liberty' plan that relies on a donor tipping model rather than subscription fees, making it accessible for small organizations. Research indicates it effectively consolidates accounting, CRM, and fundraising into a single platform, eliminating the need for disparate tools. Based on documented features, the automated fund accounting and QuickBooks integration provide essential compliance capabilities often missing in entry-level solutions.
Pros
All-in-one platform for accounting, CRM, and events
Free 'Liberty' plan with no transaction fees
Automated fund accounting and bank reconciliation
Native QuickBooks integration for data export
Extensive library of 350+ training resources
Cons
Website builder is limiting and unintuitive
API access restricted to highest pricing tier
Mixed reviews on support response times
Reporting customization can be difficult
Limited native integrations beyond QuickBooks
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.1/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.8
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of nonprofit-specific features like fund accounting, donor management, and event coordination within a single platform.
What We Found
Springly offers a comprehensive all-in-one suite covering accounting, CRM, membership, and events, though its website builder lacks the depth of dedicated CMS tools.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the impressive breadth of the all-in-one platform, slightly tempered by documented limitations in the website builder and reporting customization.
Supporting Evidence
The accounting suite supports fund accounting, budgeting, and bank reconciliation tailored for nonprofits. Use accrual accounting, fund accounting, or subledger accounting... Sync to Springly for bank reconciliation.
— springly.org
Springly is an all-in-one nonprofit management software with features for fundraising, accounting, website building, emailing, and more. Springly, a brand of AssoConnect, is an all-in-one nonprofit management software. It helps organizations save time on daily management with features for fundraising, accounting, website building, emailing, and more.
— g2.com
Documented in official product documentation, Springly offers automated financial processing tailored for nonprofits.
— springly.org
9.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for user adoption numbers, third-party review volume, and longevity in the market to establish trust.
What We Found
The platform boasts a large user base of over 30,000 organizations and maintains high ratings across major review platforms like Google and Capterra.
Score Rationale
With over 30,000 customers and a 4.7/5 rating on Google, the product demonstrates exceptional market trust and adoption, justifying a score above 9.0.
Supporting Evidence
The company was founded in 2011 (originally as AssoConnect), showing over a decade of market presence. Year Founded 2011
— g2.com
Springly serves over 30,000 organizations and holds a 4.7/5 star rating on Google. Rated 4.7/5 stars on Google, Springly has over 30,000 happy customers.
— getapp.com
8.7
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess ease of use for non-technical staff, interface design, and the quality of the user journey.
What We Found
Users generally find the interface intuitive and easy to implement, though some report initial confusion and specific frustrations with the website builder interface.
Score Rationale
While generally praised for ease of use, the score is anchored at 8.7 due to documented user friction with the website builder and occasional setup confusion.
Supporting Evidence
Some users describe the website builder as 'old school' and 'limiting' compared to modern alternatives. The website builder is a disaster... very old school way of thinking of how to structure websites and very limiting on theme customization.
— g2.com
Users report implementation is easy, specifically citing the ability to import Excel records. Implementation was easy due to the ability to download our previous Excel-based records to Springly.
— g2.com
9.4
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing structures, free tier availability, and transparency regarding transaction fees.
What We Found
Springly offers a unique 'Liberty' free plan that relies on optional donor tips rather than subscription fees, providing exceptional value for small nonprofits.
Score Rationale
The existence of a robust free plan with a 'tipping' model for transaction fees represents market-leading value for small organizations, driving this high score.
Supporting Evidence
Paid plans are clearly tiered at $45/month (Serenity) and $119/month (Professional). Serenity... $45/month. Professional... $119/month.
— springly.org
The Liberty plan is free with no hidden fees, utilizing a tipping system where donors can cover costs. You can either pay standard transaction fees... or utilize our tipping system. With the tipping system, donors have the option to cover these fees.
— springly.org
Pricing transparency is evident with a free plan and clear starting costs of $20/month.
— springly.org
8.5
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We look for native integrations with major accounting/CRM tools and the availability of an API.
What We Found
The platform integrates with QuickBooks and offers an API, but API access is restricted to the highest pricing tier, limiting flexibility for smaller users.
Score Rationale
The score is held at 8.5 because while essential integrations like QuickBooks exist, the API is gated behind the most expensive plan, limiting the ecosystem for lower-tier users.
Supporting Evidence
API access is available but restricted to the 'Professional' pricing tier. Professional... Includes all Serenity features plus Accounting and API for easy integrations.
— springly.org
Springly integrates with QuickBooks for accounting data synchronization. Springly can integrate with your existing software... such as Quickbooks.
— springly.org
9.0
Category 6: Support, Training & Onboarding Resources
What We Looked For
We assess the availability of self-help resources, support channels, and training materials for non-technical users.
What We Found
Springly provides an extensive library of over 350 articles and videos, though human support reviews are mixed regarding response times.
Score Rationale
The comprehensive self-serve library and 24/7 resource availability justify a 9.0, despite some mixed feedback on direct support response speeds.
Supporting Evidence
Support aims to respond within 24 working hours via email. Available by email, Monday to Friday. We respond within 24 working hours.
— springly.org
The platform offers over 350 articles and videos to guide users. 350 articles and videos to guide you.
— springly.org
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Users have noted difficulties in extracting custom reports, which can hinder organizations needing specific data views.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Users report the built-in website builder is 'limiting' and 'old school' compared to dedicated CMS platforms like WordPress, making customization difficult.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
MIP Fund Accounting Software is a cloud-based solution specifically designed for nonprofits, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. It focuses on streamlining the complex fund accounting processes these entities often face, allowing for better financial management and reporting. Its industry-specific features cater to the unique needs of non-profit and association sectors, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient fund allocation.
MIP Fund Accounting Software is a cloud-based solution specifically designed for nonprofits, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations. It focuses on streamlining the complex fund accounting processes these entities often face, allowing for better financial management and reporting. Its industry-specific features cater to the unique needs of non-profit and association sectors, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient fund allocation.
COMPLIANCE CHAMPION
END-TO-END SOLUTION
Best for teams that are
Large nonprofits and government entities with complex fund accounting
Organizations managing multiple complex grants and funding sources
Small nonprofits with simple accounting needs and limited budgets
Organizations without a dedicated finance team or accounting expertise
Users seeking a quick, simple setup without extensive training
Expert Take
Our analysis shows that MIP Fund Accounting stands out for its uncompromising dedication to 'true' fund accounting rather than adapting a commercial ledger for nonprofit use. Research indicates its multi-dimensional chart of accounts allows for unlimited fund tracking, which is critical for organizations managing complex grants and compliance requirements. While the interface may present a learning curve, the documented depth of its audit trails, fraud protection, and SOC compliance makes it a highly secure choice for fiscal stewardship.
Pros
True fund accounting with multi-dimensional chart of accounts
Robust grant management and tracking capabilities
SOC-compliant security endorsed by AICPA
Scalable for complex nonprofit needs
40+ years of specialized industry experience
Cons
Steep learning curve for new users
Interface described as outdated or clunky
Pricing is not publicly transparent
Implementation fees can be expensive
Support response times vary
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.1/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.3
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle complex nonprofit financial structures, including fund accounting, grant management, and multi-dimensional reporting.
What We Found
MIP offers a true fund accounting system with a multi-dimensional chart of accounts, enabling organizations to track unlimited funds, manage grants, and generate FASB-compliant reports.
Score Rationale
The score is high because the product provides specialized, deep functionality for nonprofits that general accounting software lacks, such as unlimited fund tracking and specific grant management modules.
Supporting Evidence
Core functionality includes General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Budgeting, and Human Resources. Core Functionality: General Ledger, Fund Accounting, Budgeting, Grant Reporting, AP, AR.
— mip.com
The software includes integrated grant tracking and management features to monitor budgets and compliance. MIP Fund Accounting includes integrated grant tracking and management features that allow organizations to monitor grant budgets, expenses, and compliance requirements
— us.fitgap.com
MIP is designed to track unlimited funds and manage financial books with a multi-dimensional chart of accounts. MIP is designed to track unlimited funds and manage your financial books with ease.
— mip.com
Outlined in published support materials, the software ensures regulatory compliance for nonprofit organizations.
— mip.com
Documented in official product documentation, MIP Fund Accounting offers comprehensive fund management features tailored for nonprofits.
— mip.com
9.4
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for evidence of long-term industry presence, a substantial user base, and recognition within the nonprofit sector.
What We Found
MIP has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for over 40 years, serving more than 6,000 organizations and receiving multiple 'Top Rated' awards from review platforms.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the product's exceptional longevity (founded 1982) and significant market share in the nonprofit space, establishing it as a highly trusted legacy solution.
Supporting Evidence
MIP consistently receives Top Rated awards from TrustRadius. For the fourth consecutive year, MIP is Top Rated on TrustRadius, receiving 10 awards in 2024.
— momentivesoftware.com
The software is used by over 6,000 nonprofit organizations. more than 6,000 nonprofit organizations turned to MIP Accounting to handle their nonprofit accounting needs.
— momentivesoftware.com
MIP has been serving the nonprofit sector for over 40 years. We've helped associations, nonprofits, K-12 schools, and government entities better achieve their missions for more than 40 years.
— mip.com
8.2
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess user feedback regarding ease of use, interface design, learning curve, and the quality of customer support.
What We Found
While powerful, users frequently report a steep learning curve and an interface that feels 'clunky' or 'antiquated' compared to modern SaaS competitors.
Score Rationale
The score is lower than other categories due to consistent user feedback citing a difficult learning curve and outdated UI, despite the software's functional power.
Supporting Evidence
Reviews indicate a steep learning curve requiring significant training. Some users have reported that MIP Fund Accounting has a steep learning curve and is not intuitive
— selecthub.com
Some users find the modules clunky and the design basic or outdated. The design is basic and can feel outdated. ... Generally, modules feel like they could and should be more efficient
— g2.com
Users describe the interface as not user-friendly and difficult to maneuver. It is not user friendly and it is not intuitive. It's very hard to maneuver.
— g2.com
8.1
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate pricing transparency, affordability for the target market, and the presence of hidden costs like implementation fees.
What We Found
Pricing is not publicly listed and requires a quote; third-party sources suggest starting costs around $249/month, but implementation fees can be significant.
Score Rationale
The score is penalized due to a lack of public pricing transparency and reports of high one-time implementation fees, which can be a barrier for smaller nonprofits.
Supporting Evidence
Implementation fees can be substantial, with one school project citing over $16,000 in one-time fees. $12,605 annually plus $16,611.50 one-time implementation fee.
— app2.boardontrack.com
Third-party analysis indicates pricing starts at $249 per month. MIP Fund Accounting pricing starts at $249 (Monthly).
— selecthub.com
Public pricing is not available on the MIP website and requires a custom quote. public pricing is not available on the MIP Fund Accounting website.
— sendgrant.com
We look for the availability of APIs, pre-built connectors, and the breadth of the partner ecosystem.
What We Found
MIP offers a REST API for custom connections and has established integrations with key nonprofit tools like AvidXchange, GiveSmart, and payroll providers.
Score Rationale
The score is strong due to the availability of a modern REST API and strategic partnerships, though it falls slightly short of a perfect score as some integrations may require technical setup.
Supporting Evidence
The ecosystem includes integrations for fundraising and event management via GiveSmart. Every MIP deployment is built with all of GiveSmart's fundraising and event features included
— apims-mip-01.developer.azure-api.net
Seamless integration is available with AvidXchange for AP automation. Our out-of-the-box, seamless API integration... enables automatic syncing of GL codes, vendor lists, invoices and payments
— avidxchange.com
MIP provides a REST-based API for programmatic access to data. The MIP API is based on Representational State Transfer (REST) architecture.
— documentation.mip.com
9.5
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine the software's adherence to industry security standards, fraud protection measures, and compliance certifications relevant to nonprofits.
What We Found
MIP demonstrates strong security with SOC compliance endorsed by the AICPA, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and granular user access controls to prevent fraud.
Score Rationale
This category receives a near-perfect score because the product is explicitly built to meet rigorous audit and compliance standards (SOC, HIPAA, FASB) critical for fund accounting.
Supporting Evidence
Internal controls allow for granular permission settings to reduce fraud risk. These internal controls allow you to limit user access and permissions on a granular level.
— momentivesoftware.com
Security features include Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and encrypted data. MFA increases the safety of a system's data by requiring the software user to enter a unique code after logging into the system.
— mip.com
The MIP Cloud environment is SOC compliant as endorsed by the AICPA. SOC compliance endorsed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
— mip.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Some users report dissatisfaction with customer support response times and the difficulty of finding answers in the knowledge base.
Impact: This issue had a noticeable impact on the score.
Vencru is a cloud-based bookkeeping solution specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. It allows for efficient management of finances, freeing up valuable time for organizations to focus on their cause. It simplifies the complex financial processes inherent in the nonprofit sector, addressing their unique needs.
Vencru is a cloud-based bookkeeping solution specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. It allows for efficient management of finances, freeing up valuable time for organizations to focus on their cause. It simplifies the complex financial processes inherent in the nonprofit sector, addressing their unique needs.
GRANT GURU
FUND MASTER
Best for teams that are
Nonprofits that sell physical goods or manage inventory
Small organizations needing simple invoicing and expense tracking
Entities requiring multi-currency support for international transactions
Skip if
Nonprofits requiring true fund accounting or grant management
Organizations needing donor management or contribution tracking features
Large entities with complex compliance and reporting requirements
Expert Take
Our analysis shows Vencru delivers exceptional value for small businesses and non-profits that require tangible goods management alongside standard accounting. Research indicates it uniquely combines multi-warehouse inventory tracking, barcode scanning, and multi-entity management at a price point significantly lower than market leaders. While it lacks the deep, dedicated fund accounting modules of enterprise non-profit software, its sub-account structure and audit trails provide a compliant, cost-effective alternative for smaller organizations.
Pros
Extremely affordable starting at $6/month
Advanced inventory with barcode & expiry tracking
Multi-entity management under one login
Mobile app with full invoicing capabilities
Audit trail included for security
Cons
No verified G2 reviews available
Fund accounting relies on sub-account workarounds
Limited advanced reporting analytics
No dedicated non-profit edition
Smaller ecosystem than major competitors
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
9.0/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.7
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the breadth of accounting features, specifically looking for double-entry bookkeeping, bank feeds, and specialized tools for non-profits and small businesses.
What We Found
Vencru offers a robust suite including double-entry accounting, multi-currency support, and bank feeds that allow transaction recording directly from bank accounts. It distinguishes itself with integrated inventory management features like barcode scanning and expiration tracking, which are often absent in basic accounting tools. While it markets to non-profits, it handles fund accounting through sub-account structures rather than a dedicated ledger module.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a strong feature set for small entities, particularly the inclusion of inventory and multi-currency tools, though it relies on structural workarounds for complex non-profit fund accounting.
Supporting Evidence
Non-profit accounting is supported via customizable Chart of Accounts and sub-accounts for restricted assets. Using the bank feature, you can create Bank accounts as sub-accounts under Assets on your Chart of Accounts.
— vencru.com
The bank accounts feature allows users to record sales and purchase transactions directly into bank accounts and track cash flow. Access the Bank feature quickly and easily... record sales and purchase transactions directly into your bank accounts.
— vencru.com
Features include double-entry accounting reports, purchase orders, vendor bills, and multi-currency invoicing. Double-entry accounting reports... Purchase Orders and Vendor Bills... Multi-currency invoicing & accounting.
— vencru.com
Documented features include donor management and fundraising tracking, tailored for nonprofit needs.
— vencru.com
8.2
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the product's reputation through verified user reviews, third-party endorsements, and active presence on major software review platforms.
What We Found
Vencru claims a user base of over 25,000 businesses globally. However, its presence on major third-party review sites is minimal; the G2 profile is currently unclaimed with zero reviews, and there is a lack of recent, verified feedback on comparable platforms like Capterra compared to market leaders. This creates a trust gap despite the vendor's stated user numbers.
Score Rationale
The score is penalized due to the lack of verified third-party reviews on major platforms like G2, which makes it difficult to independently validate user satisfaction claims.
Supporting Evidence
The product's G2 profile is unclaimed and displays zero reviews, providing no buying insight. There are not enough reviews of Vencru for G2 to provide buying insight... This profile hasn't been active for over a year.
— g2.com
The company claims to be trusted by over 25,000 companies worldwide. Trusted by 25,000+ Companies Worldwide.
— vencru.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We analyze the user interface, mobile accessibility, and availability of support channels to ensure a smooth experience for non-accountants.
What We Found
The platform is designed for business owners rather than accountants, emphasizing a simplified user interface. It offers fully functional mobile apps for iOS and Android that support invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management on the go. Support is accessible via email, live chat, and WhatsApp, catering to immediate user needs.
Score Rationale
The high score is justified by the availability of comprehensive mobile apps and multiple direct support channels, including WhatsApp, which enhances accessibility for small business owners.
Supporting Evidence
The iOS app has a rating of 4.5, indicating positive mobile usability. 4.5... Vencru helps you save time and understand how your business is performing.
— apps.apple.com
Support options include priority chat and email support, with WhatsApp integration mentioned in app descriptions. Priority chat and email support.
— vencru.com
Mobile apps allow users to send invoices, track sales, and monitor inventory from smartphones. With Vencru's accounting mobile application, you can easily manage your business finances from your smartphone or tablet.
— vencru.com
We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the software, looking for transparent pricing tiers and the inclusion of premium features in lower-cost plans.
What We Found
Vencru offers highly competitive pricing, starting as low as $6/month for basic needs and scaling to $50/month for enterprise features. A free plan is available for very small operations. The pricing page is transparent, clearly listing limits on users, invoices, and products for each tier, making it an exceptional value for small businesses requiring inventory features.
Score Rationale
This category receives a near-perfect score due to the extremely low entry price point ($6/mo) and the inclusion of advanced features like inventory tracking that usually cost significantly more in competitor products.
Supporting Evidence
A free plan is available for basic bookkeeping needs. Just starting out? Get our free plan. $0/month... 15 invoices a month.
— vencru.com
The Enterprise plan is $50/month and includes unlimited users, invoices, and warehouse inventory management. $50/mth... 5 users per account. Unlimited invoices... Warehouse inventory management.
— vencru.com
The Basic plan starts at $6/month, including 50 invoices and 50 product tracks. $6/mth... 1 user per account. 50 invoices and/or receipts. Track 50 products or services.
— vencru.com
Pricing starts at $9.99/month, offering affordability for nonprofits.
— vencru.com
9.1
Category 5: Inventory & Multi-Entity Management
What We Looked For
We look for niche capabilities that allow businesses to manage stock across locations and handle multiple business entities under one account.
What We Found
Vencru stands out with advanced inventory features for its price class, including multi-warehouse tracking, barcode scanning, and expiry date monitoring. It also supports multi-entity accounting, allowing users to manage separate books for different businesses or store locations under a single login, a feature often reserved for ERP-level software.
Score Rationale
The score is high because these specific features (multi-warehouse, expiry tracking, multi-entity) are rare in low-cost accounting software, providing significant niche value.
Supporting Evidence
The software tracks product expiry dates to prevent wastage. Vencru's inventory and accounting software automatically tracks product expiry dates.
— vencru.com
Inventory features include tracking stock across multiple locations/warehouses and barcode scanning. Manage your warehouse inventory. Add multiple locations... Use a barcode scanner to upload inventory.
— vencru.com
Users can manage multiple businesses with separate accounting books under one login. Create unlimited businesses under one login. Maintain separate accounting books for each.
— vencru.com
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We examine the security protocols, encryption standards, and compliance measures in place to protect sensitive financial data.
What We Found
Vencru employs industry-standard security measures, including 256-bit SSL encryption for data in transit and hosting on AWS with redundant servers. They adhere to OWASP secure coding practices and conduct annual penetration testing. The platform also includes an audit trail feature to track user activities, which is critical for internal security and fraud prevention.
Score Rationale
The score reflects a robust security posture with documented encryption, AWS infrastructure, and proactive measures like annual penetration testing and audit logs.
Supporting Evidence
An audit log feature tracks user sessions and actions to prevent unauthorized activity. Vencru logs the IP address of every session... as well as the actions taken by your users.
— vencru.com
The company conducts annual penetration testing and follows OWASP guidelines. Our development team follows secure coding practices outlined by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)... we conduct annual penetration testing.
— vencru.com
Data is protected using 256-bit SSL encryption and stored on AWS redundant servers. Your data is encrypted using industry-standard 256-bit SSL encryption... store these backups on redundant servers using Amazon Web Services (AWS).
— vencru.com
Outlined compliance with data protection standards in security documentation.
— vencru.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
While marketed for non-profits, the software lacks a dedicated fund accounting module, relying instead on creating sub-accounts under Assets to track restricted funds, which is a manual workaround compared to specialized non-profit solutions.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
The product lacks verified reviews on major third-party platforms like G2, where the profile is unclaimed and has zero reviews, making independent validation of user satisfaction difficult.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Nonprofit+ is an industry-leading cloud bookkeeping platform specifically designed for nonprofits and associations. Built on the Acumatica platform, it addresses the unique financial management needs of nonprofit organizations with a host of specialized functionalities like fund tracking, grant management, and donor relations.
Nonprofit+ is an industry-leading cloud bookkeeping platform specifically designed for nonprofits and associations. Built on the Acumatica platform, it addresses the unique financial management needs of nonprofit organizations with a host of specialized functionalities like fund tracking, grant management, and donor relations.
SCALABLE SOLUTION
TOP RATED SUPPORT
Best for teams that are
Mid-sized to large nonprofits needing robust grant and fund management
Organizations already using the Acumatica ERP ecosystem
Entities requiring encumbrance accounting and budget checking
Skip if
Small organizations with low transaction volumes or limited budgets
Nonprofits that do not need full ERP functionality
Our analysis shows Nonprofit+ stands out by leveraging the enterprise-grade power of Acumatica while adding critical nonprofit logic that generic ERPs lack. Research indicates it excels in complex fund accounting, offering features like automated grant drawdowns and strict encumbrance accounting. Based on documented features, it is a robust solution for mid-to-large organizations that need to manage restricted funds and multi-entity operations without the limitations of entry-level software.
Pros
True fund accounting with restricted funds
Built on powerful Acumatica ERP platform
Unlimited user pricing model available
Automated grant drawdown and reimbursement
Real-time budget checking and enforcement
Cons
High starting cost around $675/month
Performance lags with large datasets
Complex implementation requires IT support
No transparent pricing on website
Steep learning curve for non-accountants
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.9/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
9.3
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle complex nonprofit needs like fund accounting, grant management, and encumbrance accounting.
What We Found
Nonprofit+ is a robust ERP built on Acumatica, offering true fund accounting, automated grant drawdowns, encumbrance accounting, and restricted funds management.
Score Rationale
The score is high because it extends a top-tier ERP (Acumatica) with deep, native nonprofit-specific functionality that exceeds basic accounting tools.
Supporting Evidence
The software supports automated grant drawdowns, including reimbursement and revenue recognition processes. Drawdown Process includes; Reimbursement, Restricted Revenue Release and Revenue Recognition.
— acumatica.com
Key features include Fund Accounting, Grant Management, Encumbrance Accounting, Budget Management, and Endowment Management. Key features, which help contribute to an enhanced audit trail, include: Fund Accounting. Grant Management. Encumbrance Accounting. Budget Management. Endowment Management. Program Management.
— nonprofitplus.net
8.9
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We assess the vendor's history, partnerships, and reputation within the nonprofit sector.
What We Found
Developed by Accounting System Integrators (ASI) with 25+ years of experience, it is a certified Acumatica Marketplace solution trusted by mid-sized nonprofits.
Score Rationale
The score reflects strong credibility through its Acumatica certification and long developer history, though it has fewer user reviews than mass-market competitors.
Supporting Evidence
It is an official solution listed on the Acumatica Marketplace. NonProfitPlus is Acumatica's dedicated nonprofit accounting suite... developed by ASI with nonprofits in mind.
— acumatica.com
Nonprofit+ is distributed by ASI, a company that has developed software solutions for nearly 25 years. NonProfitPlus is distributed by Accounting System Integrators, LLC (ASI), a New Haven, Connecticut-based company that has integrated and developed software solutions for nearly a quarter of a century.
— sendgrant.com
8.3
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We examine user feedback regarding ease of use, system performance, and implementation support.
What We Found
While users value the web-based access, there are documented complaints about system sluggishness with large datasets and complex implementation requirements.
Score Rationale
The score is impacted by reports of performance lag and the necessity for IT support during setup, which detracts from the user experience.
Supporting Evidence
Implementation can be difficult and may require dedicated IT support. Users report that NonProfitPlus can be incredibly difficult to implement and set up. If your organization does not have dedicated IT support... it is encouraged that you find someone who can.
— sendgrant.com
Users have reported that the tool becomes unresponsive or sluggish when processing high amounts of account data. The tool becomes unresponsive for end users to access due to sluggish computation processing caused by the high amount of account data.
— g2.com
8.0
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We analyze pricing structures, transparency, and cost-effectiveness for the target market.
What We Found
Pricing is not publicly listed, but third-party sources estimate a high starting cost around $675/month, making it expensive for smaller organizations.
Score Rationale
The score is lower due to the lack of transparent public pricing and a high entry price point that excludes small nonprofits.
Supporting Evidence
The software offers an unlimited user model, which can provide value for larger teams. With NonProfit+ you have unlimited users, so you can be more inclusive and grow unimpeded.
— nonprofitplus.net
Pricing is not clearly indicated on the website, but third-party sources cite a starting price of $675 per month for a five-user system. Although the NonProfitPlus website does not clearly indicate the price for its software, the starting price per month for a five-user system... is $675.00 per month.
— sendgrant.com
9.0
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to connect with other systems and its reliance on a broader platform ecosystem.
What We Found
Being built on Acumatica, it natively integrates with all Acumatica modules (CRM, Fixed Assets) and supports third-party integrations like Salesforce.
Score Rationale
The score is high because it inherits the extensive integration capabilities and API framework of the Acumatica ERP platform.
Supporting Evidence
Integration with Salesforce is supported through the Acumatica platform. Commercient SYNC for ACUMATICA and Salesforce CRM effectively integrates your ACUMATICA system with your Salesforce CRM.
— acumatica.com
The software integrates natively with Acumatica's Financial Suite, Time and Expense, and Fixed Assets modules. It empowers organizations through effective financial management and offers integration with Acumatica's Financial Suite, Time and Expense, Fixed Assets, and the Distribution Suite.
— icancloudapps.com
9.2
Category 6: Security, Compliance & Data Protection
What We Looked For
We assess features related to audit trails, fund restrictions, and role-based security access.
What We Found
The system provides rigorous audit trails, prevents commingling of restricted funds, and offers granular role-based access control for security.
Score Rationale
The score reflects the enterprise-grade security inherited from Acumatica combined with nonprofit-specific compliance controls like restricted fund management.
Supporting Evidence
It allows for restricted funds management to properly define funds and eliminate the commingling of cash. Restricted Funds Management. Properly define funds and eliminate the commingling of cash.
— nonprofitplus.net
The software includes enhanced audit trails to follow all incoming and outgoing cash flow. Enhanced Audit Trail. Follow all incoming and outgoing cash flow.
— nonprofitplus.net
Security and compliance features are outlined in Acumatica's published policies.
— acumatica.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Implementation is described as difficult, often requiring dedicated IT support or external consultants.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
QuickBooks Nonprofit Accounting is a SaaS solution tailored for nonprofits and associations, meeting their unique requirements for fund accounting. It streamlines handling of donations, grants, and financial transactions, making it an ideal choice for financial management in this industry.
QuickBooks Nonprofit Accounting is a SaaS solution tailored for nonprofits and associations, meeting their unique requirements for fund accounting. It streamlines handling of donations, grants, and financial transactions, making it an ideal choice for financial management in this industry.
Best for teams that are
Small to mid-sized nonprofits already familiar with QuickBooks
Organizations that do not require strict, complex fund accounting
Entities needing a widely supported solution with many integrations
Skip if
Organizations requiring true fund accounting without manual workarounds
Nonprofits needing built-in donor management or 990 reporting
Large entities with complex grant tracking and restriction requirements
Expert Take
Our analysis shows that while QuickBooks Online is not a dedicated nonprofit platform, its ubiquity and ecosystem make it a pragmatic choice for most organizations. Research indicates that its 'Class' tracking feature, while a workaround, sufficiently handles fund accounting for small to mid-sized nonprofits. We particularly value the TechSoup partnership, which makes this premium software incredibly affordable ($75/year). Its integration capabilities allow it to serve as a robust financial core connected to specialized donor management tools.
Pros
Industry standard used by most CPAs
Massive discount available via TechSoup
Huge ecosystem of integrated apps
Modern, accessible cloud-based interface
Strong general accounting features
Cons
Not true fund accounting software
Balance Sheet by Class has limitations
No native donor CRM features
Requires manual setup for nonprofits
Retail price is high without TechSoup
This score is backed by structured Google research and verified sources.
Overall Score
8.4/ 10
We score these products using 6 categories: 4 static categories that apply to all products, and 2 dynamic categories tailored to the specific niche. Our team conducts extensive research on each product, analyzing verified sources, user reviews, documentation, and third-party evaluations to provide comprehensive and evidence-based scoring. Each category is weighted with a custom weight based on the category niche and what is important in Cloud Bookkeeping Platforms for Nonprofits and Associations. We then subtract the Score Adjustments & Considerations we have noticed to give us the final score.
8.8
Category 1: Product Capability & Depth
What We Looked For
We evaluate the software's ability to handle core nonprofit financial tasks like grant tracking, budgeting, and functional expense allocation.
What We Found
QuickBooks Online adapts general accounting features for nonprofits using 'Classes' and 'Locations' to track funds and programs, though it lacks native fund accounting architecture found in dedicated nonprofit software.
Score Rationale
The score reflects robust general accounting capabilities and flexible reporting workarounds, but is capped below 9.0 due to the reliance on 'Classes' rather than true fund accounting structures.
Supporting Evidence
The software supports functional expense tracking (Program vs. Management vs. Fundraising) required for Form 990 via class tracking. You create a Class for each fund or program... tag every transaction with the appropriate Class, and run reports like 'Profit & Loss by Class' to see fund-specific activity.
— aplos.com
QuickBooks Online uses 'Classes' and 'Locations' to simulate fund accounting, allowing users to tag transactions for specific funds or programs. When using Fund Accounting in QuickBooks Online, you can use Class tracking and banking sub-accounts to track individual funds.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
Offers budget tracking and reporting capabilities tailored for nonprofits, enhancing financial oversight.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
Features nonprofit-specific tools for donation and grant management, as documented on the official QuickBooks website.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
9.4
Category 2: Market Credibility & Trust Signals
What We Looked For
We look for market dominance, user adoption rates, and trust within the nonprofit accounting community.
What We Found
QuickBooks is the industry standard with over 7 million users globally, widely supported by CPAs and offering a massive network of certified ProAdvisors familiar with the platform.
Score Rationale
The score is exceptionally high because QuickBooks is the default choice for most accountants and small nonprofits, offering unmatched stability and brand recognition.
Supporting Evidence
The platform is supported by a massive ecosystem of accountants and bookkeepers. Many small nonprofits choose QuickBooks Online because it's a lower-cost, familiar starting point. It's cloud-based, reliable, and widely used by bookkeepers.
— aplos.com
QuickBooks is widely considered the industry standard for small-business and nonprofit accounting, with a vast user base. Known as the industry standard for small-business accounting software... QuickBooks Online is the ideal choice for most small businesses.
— nerdwallet.com
8.9
Category 3: Usability & Customer Experience
What We Looked For
We assess the interface design, ease of navigation, and accessibility for volunteer treasurers or non-accountant staff.
What We Found
The cloud-based interface is modern and user-friendly, allowing remote access for distributed boards, though setting up nonprofit-specific workarounds requires initial expertise.
Score Rationale
Scores high for its intuitive, modern UI and remote accessibility, which are superior to legacy desktop systems, though the learning curve for nonprofit-specific configuration prevents a perfect score.
Supporting Evidence
Users appreciate the ease of importing data and navigating the system compared to manual spreadsheets. I find QuickBooks incredibly easy to use and navigate... It simplifies finding reports and overall financial management
— g2.com
QuickBooks Online offers a user-friendly design that is accessible from anywhere, unlike desktop alternatives. QuickBooks Online boasts a user-friendly, intuitive design... accessing your data with QuickBooks Online is easier and more convenient as all you need is a device with an internet connection.
— katanamrp.com
Intuitive interface designed to simplify financial management tasks for nonprofits.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
9.5
Category 4: Value, Pricing & Transparency
What We Looked For
We evaluate the cost-to-value ratio, specifically looking for nonprofit discounts and transparent fee structures.
What We Found
Through TechSoup, eligible nonprofits can access QuickBooks Online Plus for a $75-$80 annual admin fee, representing a massive discount off the standard retail price.
Score Rationale
This category receives a near-perfect score due to the TechSoup partnership, which makes premium accounting software accessible to nonprofits for a nominal annual fee.
Supporting Evidence
The TechSoup program offers significant savings compared to retail pricing. Instead of paying monthly for QuickBooks, eligible nonprofits pay a yearly admin fee—often less than the cost of a single month's subscription.
— givebutter.com
Eligible nonprofits can obtain QuickBooks Online Plus for an annual admin fee of roughly $75-$80 via TechSoup. QuickBooks Online Plus monthly Subscription which is currently costs $97.74; but through TechSoup, the nonprofit gets an annual subscription for $75.00.
— foothillsbookkeepingservices.com
Offers a starting price of $25/month with a free 30-day trial, providing cost-effective entry for nonprofits.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
9.6
Category 5: Integrations & Ecosystem Strength
What We Looked For
We examine the availability of third-party apps to fill gaps in donor management, fundraising, and payroll.
What We Found
QuickBooks has the largest integration ecosystem in the industry, seamlessly connecting with top donor management tools like DonorPerfect, Method:Donor, and Neon CRM.
Score Rationale
The extensive marketplace allows nonprofits to easily plug in specialized tools for donor management, effectively mitigating the platform's native limitations in that area.
Supporting Evidence
Method:Donor provides a deep 2-way sync specifically designed for QuickBooks users. Method's sync provides more than just a view of your QuickBooks data - your team is able to edit and add QuickBooks data... all from within Method.
— quickbooks.intuit.com
QuickBooks integrates with leading donor management platforms to sync financial data. Together, DonorPerfect and Intuit QuickBooks Online deliver a cloud-based donor management solution that allows nonprofits to automatically sync their gift data and expenses
— donorperfect.com
8.2
Category 6: Fund Accounting & Compliance
What We Looked For
We test for true fund accounting features like automatic fund balancing, restricted asset tracking, and Form 990 support.
What We Found
QBO relies on 'Classes' to simulate fund accounting, which can lead to unbalanced balance sheets by class and requires manual workarounds for restricted fund tracking.
Score Rationale
This is the product's lowest score because it lacks 'true' fund accounting logic (like automatic due-to/due-from entries) and struggles with complex restricted fund reporting without manual intervention.
Supporting Evidence
The system requires manual workarounds to track restricted funds effectively. This workaround allows basic fund segregation, but comes with significant limitations. QuickBooks Online's Balance Sheet by Class has limitations as well.
— aplos.com
QuickBooks Online cannot natively filter the Balance Sheet by Class accurately because header accounts are not linked to classes. You can't filter your balance sheet by class since headers aren't linked to classes... The headers (example: Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable) aren't sorted by the class you assigned them to
— quickbooks.intuit.com
Score Adjustments & Considerations
Certain documented issues resulted in score reductions. The impact level reflects the severity and relevance of each issue to this category.
Does not automatically generate IRS Form 990; users must manually map accounts or use external tax software.
Impact: This issue caused a significant reduction in the score.
Balance Sheet by Class reports are often inaccurate because 'header' accounts (like AR/AP) do not link to classes, preventing true fund-level balance sheets.
Impact: This issue resulted in a major score reduction.
The 'How We Choose' section for cloud bookkeeping platforms for nonprofits and associations outlines a meticulous research methodology focused on several key evaluation factors. Products were compared based on specifications, features, customer reviews, and ratings to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their value propositions. Specific considerations significant to this category included ease of use, integration capabilities, reporting functionalities, and customer support, which are crucial for organizations managing complex financial data. The rankings were determined by analyzing comparative data from user ratings and feedback, alongside a thorough assessment of price-to-value ratios, ensuring that the selected products meet the unique needs of nonprofits and associations.
Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.
Verification
Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of features tailored for nonprofits and associations.
Rankings based on an extensive review of user feedback and expert evaluations specific to cloud bookkeeping platforms.
Selection criteria focus on functionality, ease of use, and integration capabilities essential for nonprofit organizations.
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Score Breakdown
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Deep Research
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