Finding the best budget software for nonprofits can’t be avoided if you want to keep finances organized, transparent, and sustainable.The right tool streamlines operations, simplifies reporting, and makes every dollar go further.
Over the years, I’ve tested multiple platforms, from free options to enterprise-level solutions, and the one I consistently recommend as the best overall is QuickBooks Online for Nonprofits – it has the perfect balance between affordability, ease of use, and nonprofit-specific features.
In this guide, I’ll share the 17 best nonprofit budgeting tools, including free and affordable software that can help your organization stay financially healthy without stretching resources too thin.
What to Look for in Nonprofit Budget Software
Not all financial tools are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in how efficiently your organization operates. When evaluating nonprofit financial software or exploring different nonprofit budgeting solutions, here are the key features to prioritize:
- Ease of Use & Accessibility: Nonprofits rely on staff and volunteers with varying levels of financial expertise. A user-friendly interface that’s easy to learn makes everyone contribute without a steep learning curve. Cloud-based access is also essential so teams can collaborate from anywhere.
- Integration with Fundraising & Donor Management Tools: Budgeting doesn’t happen in isolation. The best platforms connect with fundraising software, donor databases, and CRM systems, making it easier to track income from donations, grants, and events alongside expenses.
- Affordable Pricing Models (with Nonprofit Discounts): Every dollar counts. Look for software that offers transparent pricing and, ideally, discounted plans for nonprofits. This ensures you get robust features without stretching limited resources.
- Reporting & Compliance Features: Nonprofits face unique reporting needs, from grant tracking to board presentations and IRS compliance. Strong reporting tools help maintain accountability and provide stakeholders with clear, trustworthy financial data.
- Scalability as Nonprofits Grow: A small community group today might expand into a multi-location nonprofit tomorrow. Choose software that can scale with your organization’s needs so you don’t outgrow it too quickly.
💡 Pro Tip: Many software providers don’t openly advertise nonprofit discounts—but they exist. Always ask if a nonprofit rate is available before making a purchase. Even well-known platforms like QuickBooks and Zoho offer hidden savings when you inquire directly.
17 Best Budget Software for Nonprofits (2025 Edition)
Below are some of the best nonprofit budgeting tools in 2025, starting with the one I recommend most:
1. QuickBooks Online for Nonprofits – Best for Accounting & Budgeting
QuickBooks Online remains the gold standard for nonprofits that want a reliable, all-in-one accounting and budgeting solution. The nonprofit edition is tailored for tracking donations, grants, and program expenses with ease. It is also a good product management software. Pricing starts around $30/month, with nonprofit discounts available.
Key Features:
- Fund accounting and donor tracking
- Custom nonprofit reports (e.g., Statement of Activities)
- Cloud-based collaboration
- Integration with fundraising and donor CRM tools
Pros: Trusted, scalable, strong integrations
Cons: May feel advanced for very small nonprofits
2. Aplos – Best for Nonprofits & Churches
Aplos budget software is built for nonprofits and churches, making it one of the most intuitive budgeting solutions for mission-driven organizations.
Key Features:
- Fund accounting made simple
- Built-in donation tracking and event management
- Payroll add-on and contribution statements
- Easy-to-use dashboards for volunteers and staff
Pros: Designed for nonprofits, user-friendly, all-in-one
Cons: More expensive than some alternatives for very small groups
3. Sage Intacct – Best for Advanced Reporting & Scalability
Sage Intacct budget software is ideal for larger nonprofits that need powerful reporting and compliance features. It’s a robust system that grows with your organization.
Key Features:
- Advanced budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Strong compliance and audit trails
- Multi-entity and multi-currency support
- Integration with fundraising and payroll systems
Pros: Enterprise-level features, excellent reporting
Cons: Higher cost, steeper learning curve
4. Wave Accounting – Best for Small Nonprofits on a Tight Budget
For nonprofits just starting, Wave Accounting offers a surprisingly strong free solution. While it doesn’t have every nonprofit-specific feature, it covers the basics of budgeting and accounting at no cost – 100% free.
Key Features:
- Free accounting and invoicing
- Expense tracking and receipt scanning
- Cloud-based and accessible from anywhere
- Paid add-ons available (e.g., payroll, payment processing)
Pros: Free, easy to set up, good for beginners
Cons: Lacks advanced nonprofit reporting, limited integrations
5. Zoho Books – Best for Affordable Automation Features
Zoho Books is an affordable alternative to QuickBooks, offering great automation tools for small to mid-sized nonprofits that want to streamline financial workflows.
Key Features:
- Automated workflows for invoicing and payments
- Budgeting and expense tracking
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go management
- Integrates with the Zoho suite (CRM, fundraising tools, email)
Pros: Affordable, automation saves time, strong integrations
Cons: Can be overwhelming if you only need basic features
6. Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT – Best for Enterprise-Level Nonprofit Budgeting
Blackbaud budget software is a leader for nonprofits, and Financial Edge NXT is its advanced budgeting and accounting platform. It’s designed for large nonprofits with complex financial structures.
Key Features:
- Fund accounting and grant management
- Advanced compliance and audit tools
- Powerful dashboards and reporting
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud’s fundraising suite
Pros: Extremely comprehensive, nonprofit-focused
Cons: Costly, not ideal for small nonprofits
7. Xero – Best for Simple, Cloud-Based Budget Tracking
Xero is a favorite among small to mid-sized nonprofits thanks to its clean design and simple budgeting features. It’s a strong alternative to QuickBooks for those wanting ease of use.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based accounting and budgeting
- Integration with 1,000+ third-party apps
- Expense claims and real-time collaboration
- Nonprofit discounts available through partners
Pros: Affordable, easy to learn, great integrations
Cons: Reporting is more limited compared to QuickBooks
8. MIP Fund Accounting
MIP Fund Accounting specializes in helping nonprofits meet compliance requirements, making it a strong fit for organizations dealing with grants or strict regulations.
Key Features:
- Advanced fund accounting and reporting
- Grant and project tracking
- Customizable financial statements
- Audit-ready compliance features
Pros: Strong compliance tools, detailed reporting
Cons: Higher cost, learning curve for new users.
9. FreshBooks
FreshBooks is well-known for its simple invoicing features, but it also includes budgeting and expense tracking, making it a solid choice for small nonprofits.
Key Features:
- Easy invoicing and payments
- Budgeting and expense management
- Time tracking for staff/volunteers
- Cloud-based and mobile-friendly
Pros: Simple, intuitive, affordable.
Cons: Limited nonprofit-specific reporting.
10. NonProfit+
NonProfit+ is a budgeting and accounting solution built on Microsoft Dynamics, offering customizable features for mid-to-large nonprofits with complex needs.
Key Features:
- Fund accounting and budget tracking
- Donor and grant management
- Deep integration with Microsoft tools
- Customizable workflows
Pros: Very flexible, integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem
Cons: Requires setup and customization, higher cost
11. MoneyMinder
MoneyMinder was designed specifically for volunteer-run organizations like PTAs, clubs, and small nonprofits. It’s lightweight but effective for basic budgeting.
Key Features:
- Simple budget and accounting features
- Easy reporting for boards
- Cloud-based with role-based access
- Affordable pricing
Pros: Extremely affordable, easy for non-accountants
Cons: Not suited for larger nonprofits
12. SlickPie
SlickPie budget software is a free, cloud-based option that’s perfect for small nonprofits needing only basic budgeting and accounting.
Key Features:
- Online invoicing and expense tracking
- Built-in “MagicBot” receipt data entry
- Free forever plan available
- Cloud-based, easy access
Pros: Free, simple to use, great for very small nonprofits.
Cons: Limited scalability, no nonprofit-specific features.
13. Budgyt
Budgyt software is designed specifically to simplify the budgeting process, especially for nonprofits managing multiple programs and departments.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use budgeting dashboards
- Collaborative features for staff/board
- Multi-department tracking
- Forecasting tools
Pros: Intuitive design, great for collaboration
Cons: Pricier than alternatives for small orgs
14. Martus Solutions
Martus Solutions focuses on collaborative and forward-looking budgeting, making it easier for nonprofit teams to work together on forecasts.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based collaborative budgeting
- Scenario planning and forecasting
- Real-time updates and dashboards
- Integration with accounting systems
Pros: Great for team collaboration, strong forecasting tools
Cons: Not ideal for very small nonprofits
15. Fund EZ
Fund EZ is a long-standing nonprofit accounting software that offers strong fund tracking and budgeting features.
Key Features:
- Fund and grant management
- Budgeting tools
- Donor contribution tracking
- Reporting for compliance
Pros: Nonprofit-focused, reliable, strong fund management
Cons: Interface feels a bit dated
16. AccuFund
AccuFund budget software is good for nonprofits that rely heavily on grant funding, offering robust fund and project management tools.
Key Features:
- Strong grant tracking features
- Budget management and forecasting
- Donor and payroll integration
- Compliance reporting
Pros: Excellent for grant-heavy nonprofits
Cons: Expensive for small nonprofits
17. Excel/Google Sheets with Templates (DIY Option)
Sometimes the simplest tools are the most practical. For very small nonprofits, Excel or Google Sheets with free nonprofit budget templates is enough.
Key Features:
- Fully customizable
- Free to use with templates
- Great for very small budgets or volunteer-run groups
Pros: Free, flexible, easy to get started
Cons: No automation, prone to human error, limited scalability
How to Choose the Right Budget Software for Your Nonprofit
With so many nonprofit budgeting solutions available, the key is finding one that truly fits your organization’s needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Match Features to Organization Size: A small community nonprofit might only need simple expense tracking, while a large multi-branch nonprofit may require advanced fund accounting, forecasting, and compliance tools. Don’t overpay for features you won’t use.
- Consider Integrations: Your budget software should connect seamlessly with donor management, payroll, and CRM platforms. Integrations save time and ensure data flows smoothly across systems, reducing duplicate work.
- Look for Nonprofit Discounts: Many software providers (QuickBooks, Zoho, Xero, etc.) offer discounted pricing for nonprofits, but you often have to ask. Always check before committing.
- Start with Free Trials: Before investing, test a few tools with free trials or demos. This helps your team evaluate ease of use, reporting quality, and overall fit before spending money.
💡 Pro Tip: Involve both your finance team and program staff in the decision-making process. If the software works for accounting but is too complex for program managers, adoption will suffer.
FAQs About Nonprofit Budget Software for Nonprofits
1. What is the best free budget software for nonprofits?
For small nonprofits on a shoestring budget, Wave Accounting is a great free option. It covers basic accounting and expense tracking without monthly fees. Google Sheets or Excel templates can also work for very small organizations.
2. What’s the difference between nonprofit accounting and for-profit accounting software?
Nonprofits require fund accounting, which tracks money by purpose (donations, grants, programs) rather than profit. They also need specialized reporting (e.g., Statements of Activities, grant reports, and donor tracking) that most for-profit software doesn’t provide out of the box.
3. Can small nonprofits just use Excel for budgeting?
Yes, many small or volunteer-led nonprofits use Excel or Google Sheets to manage their budgets. It’s free and flexible, but it lacks automation, integrations, and error-checking features found in dedicated nonprofit budgeting tools.
