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For the complete set of tools, check out our main Customer Community & Forum Platforms guide.

Customer Community Platforms for Nonprofits and Member Organizations
Albert Richer

Unpacking the Best Customer Community Platforms for Nonprofits: What Reviews and Research Really Say When it comes to choosing a customer community platform for nonprofits and member organizations, it’s essential to look beyond just flashy marketing. Customer reviews indicate that functionality and user-friendliness are among the top priorities; in fact, many consumers report that platforms with intuitive interfaces, like Mighty Networks, receive higher satisfaction ratings. Market research suggests that features such as customizable member profiles and robust analytics tools are often the game-changers that can enhance engagement and drive growth. Interestingly, industry reports show that while many organizations chase the latest trends, foundational aspects like reliable customer support and integration capabilities are what truly matter. For example, Vanilla Forums has a reputation for stellar customer service, which is frequently highlighted in expert analysis. And let’s be honest—who hasn’t wanted tech support on speed dial? Unpacking the Best Customer Community Platforms for Nonprofits: What Reviews and Research Really Say When it comes to choosing a customer community platform for nonprofits and member organizations, it’s essential to look beyond just flashy marketing.

Similar Categories
1
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
505
154
VOLUNTEER MAGNET
MOBILE-FIRST DESIGN

Hivebrite Nonprofit Community Platform

Hivebrite Nonprofit Community Platform
View Website
Hivebrite is a versatile and customizable platform made explicitly for nonprofits to engage supporters, streamline operations, and drive impact. Its robust tools cater to the unique needs of this sector, including donor management, fundraising, and volunteer coordination, while its app ensures accessibility and engagement for a mobile-first audience.
Hivebrite is a versatile and customizable platform made explicitly for nonprofits to engage supporters, streamline operations, and drive impact. Its robust tools cater to the unique needs of this sector, including donor management, fundraising, and volunteer coordination, while its app ensures accessibility and engagement for a mobile-first audience.
VOLUNTEER MAGNET
MOBILE-FIRST DESIGN

Best for teams that are

  • Large nonprofits and alumni networks requiring a fully branded, scalable private community.
  • Organizations needing enterprise-grade features like complex event management and donor engagement.
  • Groups seeking a highly customizable platform to foster professional networking and mentoring.

Skip if

  • Small nonprofits or community groups with limited budgets due to higher pricing tiers.
  • Teams seeking a simple, plug-and-play solution without a steep learning curve.
  • Organizations that do not need advanced features like white-labeling or complex data segmentation.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Hivebrite stands out for large nonprofits by successfully merging community engagement with enterprise-grade security and donor management. Research indicates it is one of the few platforms offering native integrations with Blackbaud and Salesforce while maintaining ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications. This makes it a secure, robust choice for organizations that need to mobilize donors and volunteers at scale, provided they have the budget for a premium solution.

Pros

  • All-in-one fundraising and community platform
  • ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certified
  • Native integrations with Blackbaud and Salesforce
  • Highly customizable branding and design
  • Trusted by major global nonprofits

Cons

  • High starting price (~$9,600/year)
  • Opaque pricing requires sales demo
  • Transaction fees on payments (~1.5%)
  • Steep learning curve for admins
  • Accessibility compliance issues reported
2
Expert Score
9.7 / 10
377
120
IMPACT DRIVEN

Benevity for Nonprofits

Benevity for Nonprofits
View Website
Benevity offers a specialized platform to connect nonprofits with potential supporters and donors. It addresses industry-specific needs by integrating workplace giving, volunteering, and granting programs from purpose-driven companies, thus broadening the reach of nonprofits and helping them to achieve their missions.
Benevity offers a specialized platform to connect nonprofits with potential supporters and donors. It addresses industry-specific needs by integrating workplace giving, volunteering, and granting programs from purpose-driven companies, thus broadening the reach of nonprofits and helping them to achieve their missions.
IMPACT DRIVEN

Best for teams that are

  • Nonprofits seeking access to corporate giving programs and workplace volunteer pools.
  • Organizations wanting to receive matching gifts and grants from Fortune 1000 companies.
  • Charities looking to increase visibility among corporate employees for fundraising.

Skip if

  • Nonprofits looking for a CRM or community platform to manage their own individual members.
  • Organizations needing immediate access to funds, as disbursement schedules can vary.
  • Groups seeking a tool to host their own private member forums or discussions.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Benevity is the premier gateway for nonprofits to access billions in corporate CSR funding. Research indicates that its unique 'volunteer rewards' feature, which monetizes volunteer hours, provides a revenue stream that competitors lack. While the monthly disbursement model introduces a delay, the trade-off is a highly reliable, consolidated payment system that simplifies reconciliation for organizations managing multiple corporate relationships.

Pros

  • Access to 900+ corporate partner giving programs
  • Free registration and profile creation
  • Volunteer rewards convert time into cash donations
  • Automated tax receipting reduces admin work
  • Consolidated monthly payments simplify accounting

Cons

  • Funds disbursed with 30-60 day delay
  • Cause support fees deducted from donations
  • No direct access to donor contact info
  • Strict verification process can be hurdles
  • Interface described as clunky by some
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
575
156
USER-FRIENDLY

Membership Toolkit

Membership Toolkit
View Website
Membership Toolkit is an all-in-one software suite designed specifically for nonprofits and member organizations. It provides tools for managing membership, communications, volunteers, and fundraising, addressing the specific needs of these organizations to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and maximize outreach efforts.
Membership Toolkit is an all-in-one software suite designed specifically for nonprofits and member organizations. It provides tools for managing membership, communications, volunteers, and fundraising, addressing the specific needs of these organizations to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and maximize outreach efforts.
USER-FRIENDLY

Best for teams that are

  • Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs), Booster Clubs, and HOAs run by volunteers.
  • Volunteer-led groups needing simple tools for directories, dues, and volunteer sign-ups.
  • Organizations requiring an easy-to-use mobile app for parents and members.

Skip if

  • Professional trade associations requiring complex continuing education (CE) tracking.
  • Large nonprofits needing advanced CRM capabilities and donor moves management.
  • Groups needing complex API integrations with other enterprise software.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that Membership Toolkit stands out for its robust 'all-in-one' architecture that specifically addresses the continuity challenges faced by volunteer boards. Research indicates that the integrated accounting module, which automatically feeds data from online sales and memberships into financial reports, significantly reduces the workload for treasurers. While the mobile app has documented limitations, the platform's ability to consolidate website management, directories, and financials into a single system makes it a powerful asset for organizations managing high volumes of families and funds.

Pros

  • Comprehensive all-in-one nonprofit management suite
  • Integrated accounting and financial reporting tools
  • Self-building directory reduces data entry
  • Excellent and responsive customer support
  • Transparent flat-rate annual pricing

Cons

  • Mobile app suffers from bugs and low ratings
  • Steep learning curve for new administrators
  • Interface described as clunky by some users
  • Communication tools feel outdated to some
  • Limited external integrations outside internal suite
4
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
562
97

Momentive Software | Leading Software for Nonprofits

Momentive Software | Leading Software for Nonprofits
View Website
A SaaS solution for Customer Community Platforms for Nonprofits and Member Organizations
A SaaS solution for Customer Community Platforms for Nonprofits and Member Organizations

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-to-large nonprofits and associations looking for a suite of integrated specialized tools.
  • Organizations needing specific connected solutions for fundraising, accounting (MIP), and membership.
  • Groups seeking a scalable technology ecosystem rather than a single point solution.

Skip if

  • Small organizations looking for a single, cheap, lightweight point solution.
  • Groups wanting a simple, free, open-source tool without sales consultations.
  • Nonprofits that do not require specialized fund accounting or complex fundraising software.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Momentive Software stands out by directly addressing the operational silo between fundraising and finance. Research indicates their 'Nonprofit Solution Suite' uniquely integrates the popular GiveSmart platform with the robust MIP fund accounting system, allowing for real-time visibility into how donations impact mission outcomes. While the accounting interface has legacy complexity, the documented security standards (SOC 2, PCI) and backing by TA Associates provide a stable, enterprise-grade foundation for growing organizations.

Pros

  • Integrated fundraising and fund accounting suite
  • SOC 2 Type 2 and PCI compliant
  • GiveSmart rated highly for event management
  • Scalable for mid-to-large nonprofits
  • Real-time financial reporting visibility

Cons

  • MIP interface described as antiquated
  • Support response times can be slow
  • Opaque pricing for accounting modules
  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Extra costs for training and modules
5
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
679
107
CUSTOMIZATION KING

Neon One Nonprofit Software

Neon One Nonprofit Software
View Website
Neon One is a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed for nonprofits and member organizations. It seamlessly integrates donor management, fundraising, memberships, events, and ticketing on a single platform, providing a unified and streamlined experience. This solves key industry issues such as donor engagement, fundraising management, and event organization.
Neon One is a comprehensive SaaS solution specifically designed for nonprofits and member organizations. It seamlessly integrates donor management, fundraising, memberships, events, and ticketing on a single platform, providing a unified and streamlined experience. This solves key industry issues such as donor engagement, fundraising management, and event organization.
CUSTOMIZATION KING

Best for teams that are

  • Small to mid-sized nonprofits moving away from spreadsheets to a unified system.
  • Organizations needing an all-in-one tool for fundraising, membership, and event management.
  • Nonprofits seeking a user-friendly CRM with built-in donor communication tools.

Skip if

  • Large enterprises requiring complex, custom-coded workflows and extensive API limits.
  • Very small groups with zero budget (though cheaper than Salesforce, it is not free).
  • Organizations needing advanced enterprise-level marketing automation.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Neon One stands out for its revenue-based pricing model, which uniquely aligns costs with organizational success rather than penalizing growth by charging per contact. Research indicates it is a robust 'all-in-one' ecosystem, combining CRM, event ticketing, and membership management with enterprise-grade security (SOC 2 Type 2). While the learning curve is noted in reviews, the depth of automation and native QuickBooks integration makes it a powerful operational hub for growing nonprofits.

Pros

  • Revenue-based pricing allows unlimited records
  • All-in-one suite includes events and membership
  • SOC 2 Type 2 and PCI Level 1 compliant
  • Native QuickBooks Online integration
  • Automated workflows for donor engagement

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Live support costs extra on base plans
  • Reporting interface can be complex
  • Mandatory implementation fees apply
  • Outdated interface elements reported by users
6
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
726
73
MEMBERSHIP MASTER
SCALABLE SOLUTION

YourMembership: Member Management Solutions

YourMembership: Member Management Solutions
View Website
YourMembership is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed specifically to help nonprofits and member-based organizations manage their operations more effectively. It offers a wide range of industry-specific features that enhance member engagement, improve retention rates, and boost revenue streams.
YourMembership is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed specifically to help nonprofits and member-based organizations manage their operations more effectively. It offers a wide range of industry-specific features that enhance member engagement, improve retention rates, and boost revenue streams.
MEMBERSHIP MASTER
SCALABLE SOLUTION

Best for teams that are

  • Small to mid-sized professional associations requiring an all-in-one management solution.
  • Organizations needing integrated membership, learning management (LMS), and community features.
  • Associations with small staffs that need to automate renewals and event registrations.

Skip if

  • Large enterprises requiring highly complex, custom-coded infrastructure.
  • Very small clubs or hobby groups with minimal budgets (e.g., under $5k/year).
  • Organizations that do not need career centers or learning management features.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows YourMembership excels at consolidating fragmented association tasks into a single, secure ecosystem. Research indicates it is particularly effective for small to mid-sized staffs who need to manage membership, events, and web content without juggling multiple login credentials. Based on documented features, its strong focus on security (PCI/GDPR) and integrated community tools makes it a reliable 'command center' for member engagement, despite some modernization needs in its interface.

Pros

  • All-in-one membership, events, and website platform
  • Built-in GDPR compliance and consent tools
  • Integrated Learning Management System (LMS) options
  • Scalable for small to mid-sized associations
  • Secure AWS hosting with redundancy

Cons

  • No public pricing transparency
  • Inconsistent support response times reported
  • User interface described as dated
  • Reporting tools can be trial-and-error
  • Limited accounting features for complex needs
7
Expert Score
9.3 / 10
456
76
INTEGRATION EXPERT
7
9.3

CiviCRM

CiviCRM
View Website
CiviCRM is a powerful open-source CRM purpose-built for nonprofits and member-based organizations. Its comprehensive suite of tools assists with management of donor base, memberships, and communications. The software's seamless integration with WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Backdrop further amplifies its efficiency for this industry.
CiviCRM is a powerful open-source CRM purpose-built for nonprofits and member-based organizations. Its comprehensive suite of tools assists with management of donor base, memberships, and communications. The software's seamless integration with WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Backdrop further amplifies its efficiency for this industry.
INTEGRATION EXPERT

Best for teams that are

  • Nonprofits and advocacy groups with access to technical developers or IT staff.
  • Organizations wanting a highly customizable, open-source solution without licensing fees.
  • Groups needing deep integration with CMS platforms like Drupal, WordPress, or Joomla.

Skip if

  • Small organizations with no technical expertise or budget for third-party hosting/support.
  • Teams wanting a 'plug-and-play' cloud solution with immediate vendor support.
  • Users who prefer modern, polished user interfaces over functional flexibility.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that CiviCRM offers unparalleled value for nonprofits by eliminating licensing fees and providing deep, native integration with CMS platforms like Drupal and WordPress. Research indicates that while the learning curve is steep, the ability to manage fundraising, events, and memberships in a single, self-owned system provides long-term data sovereignty and scalability that proprietary SaaS tools cannot match.

Pros

  • No licensing fees (Open Source)
  • Deep integration with Drupal/WordPress
  • Comprehensive nonprofit feature set
  • Full ownership of data
  • Highly customizable via extensions

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Outdated user interface
  • Requires technical maintenance
  • Resource-intensive hosting needed
  • Complex setup process
8
Expert Score
9.0 / 10
577
162

Member365

Member365
View Website
Member365 is a membership community platform specifically crafted for associations and nonprofits. It enables these entities to build an online community where members can engage, access exclusive content, and connect seamlessly. This platform addresses the unique need for robust membership management, engagement tracking, automated workflows, and integration capabilities in the nonprofit and association industry.
Member365 is a membership community platform specifically crafted for associations and nonprofits. It enables these entities to build an online community where members can engage, access exclusive content, and connect seamlessly. This platform addresses the unique need for robust membership management, engagement tracking, automated workflows, and integration capabilities in the nonprofit and association industry.

Best for teams that are

  • Small to mid-sized associations wanting to automate membership renewals and event registration.
  • Organizations run by small staffs or volunteers needing an all-in-one operational dashboard.
  • Groups needing a built-in member portal with workspaces and discussion forums.

Skip if

  • Large organizations requiring deep customization or enterprise-grade API integrations.
  • Nonprofits needing complex donor management beyond basic membership fees.
  • Users who find extensive settings menus overwhelming or difficult to navigate.

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Member365 effectively consolidates fragmented association tools into a single cohesive platform. Research indicates it is particularly strong for professional associations requiring built-in Continuing Education (CE) tracking and automated renewal workflows. Based on documented features, the modular pricing allows smaller organizations to access enterprise-grade features without paying for unused modules, although the additional cost for Zapier integration is a notable tradeoff.

Pros

  • All-in-one CRM and event management
  • Automated membership renewals and reminders
  • Built-in Continuing Education (CE) tracking
  • Mobile-friendly member portal (no app needed)
  • Modular pricing structure

Cons

  • Customer support responsiveness issues
  • Zapier integration costs extra ($99/mo)
  • Limited portal customization options
  • Setup fees apply
  • Occasional software bugs reported
9
Expert Score
8.6 / 10
581
70
FUNDRAISING POWERHOUSE
DATA DRIVEN

Salesforce for Nonprofits

Salesforce for Nonprofits
View Website
Salesforce for Nonprofits is a comprehensive CRM solution specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. It offers robust features for fundraising, marketing, program management, grantmaking, and volunteer management, making it a one-stop solution for nonprofits to streamline their operations, engage effectively with their community and drive their mission forward.
Salesforce for Nonprofits is a comprehensive CRM solution specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. It offers robust features for fundraising, marketing, program management, grantmaking, and volunteer management, making it a one-stop solution for nonprofits to streamline their operations, engage effectively with their community and drive their mission forward.
FUNDRAISING POWERHOUSE
DATA DRIVEN

Best for teams that are

  • Mid-to-large nonprofits needing a highly customizable, enterprise-level CRM and community platform.
  • Organizations with dedicated IT staff or a budget for implementation consultants.
  • Nonprofits requiring deep integration between fundraising, program management, and marketing.

Skip if

  • Small nonprofits with limited technical resources or budget for setup and maintenance.
  • Organizations needing a simple, out-of-the-box solution without complex configuration.
  • Teams that cannot afford the ongoing costs of third-party apps and developer support.

Expert Take

Salesforce for Nonprofits isn't just a CRM. It's a complete ecosystem that enables nonprofits to manage all aspects of their operations, from fundraising and grantmaking to volunteer management and community engagement. Its powerful data analytics tools provide valuable insights to make data-driven decisions, and the seamless integration with other Salesforce products makes it a comprehensive tool for nonprofits of all sizes. Industry professionals love it for its capability to streamline their workflows and enhance their community engagement.

Pros

  • Nonprofit-specific features
  • Seamless integration with other Salesforce products
  • 24/7 support
  • Advanced data analytics
  • Customizable dashboards

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • May be expensive for smaller nonprofits
  • Limited customization options

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 Hivebrite Nonprofit Community Platform
Yes No Contact for trial Yes Yes Yes Not specified Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 Yes Contact for pricing
2 Benevity for Nonprofits
Web-only Yes Contact for trial No Enterprise API only Email/Ticket only Not specified Custom integrations only No Free
3 Membership Toolkit
Web-only No Yes - 14 days No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Contact for pricing
4 Momentive Software | Leading Software for Nonprofits
Web-only No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Contact for pricing
5 Neon One Nonprofit Software
Web-only No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Contact for pricing
6 YourMembership: Member Management Solutions
Web-only No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations Enterprise plans only Contact for pricing
7 CiviCRM
Web-only Yes No No Yes No Not specified WordPress, Drupal, Joomla No Free
8 Member365
Web-only No Contact for trial No No Email/Ticket only Not specified Limited integrations No Contact for pricing
9 Salesforce for Nonprofits
Yes No Yes - 30 days Yes Yes Yes Both Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 Yes Contact for pricing
1

Hivebrite Nonprofit Community Platform

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
2

Benevity for Nonprofits

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Enterprise API only
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Custom integrations only
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Free
3

Membership Toolkit

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 14 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
4

Momentive Software | Leading Software for Nonprofits

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
5

Neon One Nonprofit Software

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
6

YourMembership: Member Management Solutions

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
Enterprise plans only
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
7

CiviCRM

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
No
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
WordPress, Drupal, Joomla
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Free
8

Member365

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
Email/Ticket only
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Limited integrations
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
9

Salesforce for Nonprofits

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 30 days
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Both
Popular Integrations
Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Contact for pricing

Similar Categories

How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

The "How We Choose" section for customer community platforms for nonprofits and member organizations outlines the methodology used to evaluate and rank products within this category. Key factors considered include platform specifications, available features, customer reviews, overall ratings, and the price-to-value ratio. Specific considerations such as ease of use, integration capabilities, support services, and community engagement tools were crucial given the unique needs of nonprofits and member organizations. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of product specifications, aggregation of customer feedback, and comparative research on ratings across multiple platforms, allowing for a well-rounded assessment of each product's strengths and weaknesses.

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 on community engagement features and user satisfaction.
  • Comparison methodology analyzes customer feedback and expert reviews to identify top-performing platforms for nonprofits.
  • Rankings based on analysis of specifications, integration capabilities, and support services tailored for member organizations.

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10

What This Award Means