Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donation tracking, and automated 990 reporting.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - User-friendly accounting platform tailored for 501(c)(3) organizations with features for donation management, fund tracking, and financial reporting.
- 3#3: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Comprehensive fund accounting solution for mid-to-large nonprofits, integrating financials with donor management and grant tracking.
- 4#4: Sage Intacct - Robust cloud financial management system with advanced nonprofit fund accounting, multi-entity support, and compliance reporting.
- 5#5: MIP Fund Accounting - Powerful fund accounting software for nonprofits, providing granular tracking of restricted funds, budgets, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
- 6#6: Araize Nonprofit+ - Integrated nonprofit ERP with accounting, HR, and payroll tailored for 501(c)(3)s, emphasizing fund accounting and grant management.
- 7#7: AccuFund - Affordable nonprofit accounting software focused on fund accounting, multi-location support, and streamlined financial statements.
- 8#8: Cougar Mountain Denali Fund - Flexible fund accounting system for nonprofits, featuring unlimited funds, custom reporting, and integration with donor databases.
- 9#9: Xero - Simple cloud accounting software adaptable for small nonprofits with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking.
- 10#10: Oracle NetSuite - Scalable ERP platform with nonprofit accelerator for complex fund accounting, grant management, and multi-subsidiary operations.
Tools were ranked based on a focus on key features like fund accounting, compliance reporting, and donor tracking, paired with user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value to meet the distinct requirements of 501(c)(3) entities.
Comparison Table
For 501(c)(3) organizations needing robust accounting software, comparing functionality, cost, and usability is essential. This table examines key tools such as Aplos, QuickBooks Online Nonprofit, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, Sage Intacct, MIP Fund Accounting, and more, equipping readers to find the best fit for their organization’s specific requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donation tracking, and automated 990 reporting. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit User-friendly accounting platform tailored for 501(c)(3) organizations with features for donation management, fund tracking, and financial reporting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Comprehensive fund accounting solution for mid-to-large nonprofits, integrating financials with donor management and grant tracking. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Sage Intacct Robust cloud financial management system with advanced nonprofit fund accounting, multi-entity support, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | MIP Fund Accounting Powerful fund accounting software for nonprofits, providing granular tracking of restricted funds, budgets, and IRS Form 990 preparation. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Araize Nonprofit+ Integrated nonprofit ERP with accounting, HR, and payroll tailored for 501(c)(3)s, emphasizing fund accounting and grant management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | AccuFund Affordable nonprofit accounting software focused on fund accounting, multi-location support, and streamlined financial statements. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Cougar Mountain Denali Fund Flexible fund accounting system for nonprofits, featuring unlimited funds, custom reporting, and integration with donor databases. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Xero Simple cloud accounting software adaptable for small nonprofits with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Oracle NetSuite Scalable ERP platform with nonprofit accelerator for complex fund accounting, grant management, and multi-subsidiary operations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donation tracking, and automated 990 reporting.
User-friendly accounting platform tailored for 501(c)(3) organizations with features for donation management, fund tracking, and financial reporting.
Comprehensive fund accounting solution for mid-to-large nonprofits, integrating financials with donor management and grant tracking.
Robust cloud financial management system with advanced nonprofit fund accounting, multi-entity support, and compliance reporting.
Powerful fund accounting software for nonprofits, providing granular tracking of restricted funds, budgets, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
Integrated nonprofit ERP with accounting, HR, and payroll tailored for 501(c)(3)s, emphasizing fund accounting and grant management.
Affordable nonprofit accounting software focused on fund accounting, multi-location support, and streamlined financial statements.
Flexible fund accounting system for nonprofits, featuring unlimited funds, custom reporting, and integration with donor databases.
Simple cloud accounting software adaptable for small nonprofits with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking.
Scalable ERP platform with nonprofit accelerator for complex fund accounting, grant management, and multi-subsidiary operations.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based accounting software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donation tracking, and automated 990 reporting.
Native fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on multiple funds with grant-specific compliance.
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored specifically for nonprofits, churches, and 501(c)(3) organizations, offering fund accounting, donor management, and financial reporting compliant with GAAP standards. It streamlines donation tracking, budgeting, payroll, and online giving while providing customizable dashboards and automated bank reconciliations. Designed to handle the unique needs of mission-driven organizations, Aplos ensures accurate allocation of restricted and unrestricted funds without requiring extensive accounting expertise.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for restricted/unrestricted funds
- Integrated donor CRM and online giving tools
- Comprehensive reporting and 990-form generation
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons
- Limited advanced customization for very large enterprises
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits needing an intuitive, all-in-one solution for fund accounting and donor management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Basic), $99/month (Premium), $199/month (Unlimited) with add-ons like payroll at $39/user/month; enterprise custom pricing.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
specializedUser-friendly accounting platform tailored for 501(c)(3) organizations with features for donation management, fund tracking, and financial reporting.
Class and location tracking for detailed program/grant fund segregation with pre-built nonprofit chart of accounts
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for 501(c)(3) organizations, providing core features like class and location tracking to simulate fund accounting for multiple programs and grants. It supports donor management, event invoicing, expense tracking, and automated bank feeds, with built-in tools for Form 990 preparation and customizable nonprofit reports. As part of Intuit's ecosystem, it offers seamless scalability from small to mid-sized nonprofits with robust integrations for payroll and donor databases.
Pros
- Intuitive interface familiar to QuickBooks users with strong automation for bank reconciliations and invoicing
- Nonprofit-specific templates for reports, budgets, and Form 990 compliance
- Extensive app integrations including donor platforms like DonorPerfect and payroll via Gusto
Cons
- Fund accounting relies on class tracking workaround rather than true multi-fund ledgers
- Advanced features like payroll and payments incur extra fees
- Customer support can be inconsistent for complex nonprofit queries
Best For
Mid-sized 501(c)(3)s needing scalable general ledger accounting with nonprofit adaptations and broad integrations.
Pricing
Nonprofit discounts up to 30% off standard plans; Plus starts at ~$63/month (normally $90), Advanced at ~$168/month (normally $240), billed annually.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseComprehensive fund accounting solution for mid-to-large nonprofits, integrating financials with donor management and grant tracking.
Unlimited fund accounting segments for precise tracking of restricted, unrestricted, and grant-specific funds without add-ons.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based financial management platform designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, offering fund accounting, budgeting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and grant management tailored to 501(c)(3) compliance needs. It excels in multidimensional tracking for funds, programs, and projects, with robust reporting tools that meet FASB and GAAP standards. The software integrates seamlessly with Blackbaud's fundraising and CRM solutions like Raiser's Edge NXT, streamlining operations for nonprofits reliant on donor data.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with unlimited dimensionality for tracking restrictions and designations
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud's donor management and fundraising tools
- Advanced reporting and dashboards compliant with nonprofit standards like FASB
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring training
- High pricing that may not suit smaller nonprofits
- Limited out-of-the-box customizations without additional modules or consulting
Best For
Mid-to-large 501(c)(3) nonprofits integrated into the Blackbaud ecosystem needing sophisticated fund accounting and fundraising-financial alignment.
Pricing
Quote-based annual subscriptions starting at around $10,000-$15,000 for basic setups, scaling to $50,000+ for enterprises with multiple users and modules.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseRobust cloud financial management system with advanced nonprofit fund accounting, multi-entity support, and compliance reporting.
Multi-dimensional data tagging for precise fund accounting across unlimited dimensions like programs, grants, and donors
Sage Intacct is a robust cloud-based financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, including 501C3 organizations, providing advanced fund accounting, grant management, and donor tracking. It excels in multi-entity consolidation, automated revenue recognition, and compliance with FASB nonprofit standards like ASU 2016-14. With real-time reporting and customizable dashboards, it supports scalable growth for mid-to-large nonprofits handling complex funding sources.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting with multi-dimensional tracking for restricted/unrestricted funds
- Seamless integrations with CRM, payroll, and fundraising tools
- Strong compliance and audit-ready reporting for 501C3 requirements
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for smaller teams
- High pricing that may not suit very small nonprofits
- Lengthy implementation process requiring professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large 501C3 organizations with complex fund structures, multiple entities, and growth ambitions needing enterprise-level scalability.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$15,000/year for core modules, scaling with users, entities, and add-ons; custom quotes required.
MIP Fund Accounting
specializedPowerful fund accounting software for nonprofits, providing granular tracking of restricted funds, budgets, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
Advanced multi-fund accounting engine with automatic restriction tracking and encumbrance management
MIP Fund Accounting is a robust, enterprise-level ERP software tailored for nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations requiring precise fund accounting. It provides comprehensive tools for managing restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, budgets, payroll, and compliance reporting in line with GAAP, FASB, and GASB standards. With modular design, it supports complex financial operations including encumbrance accounting, fixed assets, and customizable dashboards for nonprofit-specific needs.
Pros
- Exceptional fund accounting with multi-entity and grant tracking capabilities
- Strong compliance and audit-ready reporting tools
- Scalable modules for AP/AR, payroll, and budgeting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated user interface
- High upfront costs and lengthy implementation
- Primarily on-premise with limited native mobile access
Best For
Mid-to-large 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public sector organizations handling complex grants, multiple funds, and strict regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $15,000+ for perpetual licenses or annual subscriptions, plus implementation fees based on modules and user count.
Araize Nonprofit+
specializedIntegrated nonprofit ERP with accounting, HR, and payroll tailored for 501(c)(3)s, emphasizing fund accounting and grant management.
Built-in CRM fully integrated with fund accounting for seamless donor tracking and restricted fund management.
Araize Nonprofit+ is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, providing fund accounting, donor management, budgeting, and grant tracking in a single platform. It supports compliance with FASB standards, IRS Form 990 reporting, and multi-entity management, making it suitable for small to mid-sized organizations. The software also includes CRM tools, payroll integration, and customizable dashboards for streamlined financial operations and fundraising.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with organization-based subscriptions
- Integrated fund accounting and CRM reduces need for multiple tools
- Strong compliance features for nonprofit GAAP and Form 990
Cons
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
- Limited advanced analytics for very large nonprofits
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits needing an all-in-one, cost-effective solution for accounting, donor management, and compliance.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for Basic plan (up to 5 users), $225/month for Standard, $375/month for Premium; organization-based with annual discounts.
AccuFund
specializedAffordable nonprofit accounting software focused on fund accounting, multi-location support, and streamlined financial statements.
Advanced multi-fund accounting engine that automatically tracks and reports on unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted funds
AccuFund is a robust, Windows-based accounting software tailored for nonprofit organizations, especially 501(c)(3)s, specializing in fund accounting, grant management, and donor tracking. It provides multi-fund capabilities, detailed reporting for FASB compliance, and integration with payroll and CRM systems. Ideal for organizations requiring precise allocation of restricted funds and comprehensive financial oversight.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting with unlimited funds and classes for complex nonprofit structures
- Strong grant lifecycle management and compliance reporting
- Reliable on-premise deployment with customizable dashboards
Cons
- Outdated interface lacking modern cloud-native features
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller organizations
Best For
Mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits with complex grant funding and multi-fund requirements needing robust, compliant accounting.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $5,000-$15,000 annually depending on modules and user count; perpetual licenses available with annual maintenance.
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund
specializedFlexible fund accounting system for nonprofits, featuring unlimited funds, custom reporting, and integration with donor databases.
Sophisticated multi-fund accounting engine that automatically tracks and reports on restricted, unrestricted, and temporarily restricted funds in real-time.
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund is a robust on-premise accounting software solution specifically designed for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, offering comprehensive fund accounting, donor management, grant tracking, and financial reporting tailored to nonprofit compliance needs. It supports multi-fund accounting with restriction tracking, pledge management, and integration with tools like Microsoft Office for enhanced reporting. Ideal for organizations requiring detailed oversight of restricted and unrestricted funds, it emphasizes accuracy in FASB-compliant statements.
Pros
- Advanced fund accounting with real-time restriction tracking
- Strong compliance tools for nonprofit reporting and audits
- Customizable dashboards and extensive reporting options
Cons
- On-premise deployment requires IT infrastructure and maintenance
- Dated user interface with a steeper learning curve
- Higher upfront costs without a cloud-based subscription model
Best For
Mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits needing sophisticated multi-fund accounting and grant management without relying on SaaS.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $5,000-$15,000 based on modules, plus annual support fees of 15-20% of license cost.
Xero
specializedSimple cloud accounting software adaptable for small nonprofits with bank reconciliation, invoicing, and basic fund tracking.
Automated bank feeds and reconciliation for quick donation and expense matching
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, offering features like invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and financial reporting that can be adapted for 501(c)(3) non-profits. It supports basic fund tracking through projects or tracking categories and integrates with donor management tools like Donorbox or Kindful. While not a dedicated non-profit solution, it provides scalable tools for small organizations handling donations, grants, and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with excellent mobile app for on-the-go access
- Unlimited users on all plans, ideal for volunteer-run non-profits
- Strong integrations with donor CRMs and payment processors
Cons
- Lacks native fund accounting and grant management features
- No built-in support for Form 990 or advanced non-profit reporting
- Customizations for non-profits require third-party apps
Best For
Small 501(c)(3) organizations with straightforward accounting needs and budgets under $50K annually.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) up to $78/month (Ultimate plan); annual billing discounts available, no user limits.
Oracle NetSuite
enterpriseScalable ERP platform with nonprofit accelerator for complex fund accounting, grant management, and multi-subsidiary operations.
Advanced multi-dimensional fund accounting that tracks expenses across unlimited funds, grants, and programs in real-time
Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for nonprofits through its Nonprofit Management solution, offering robust fund accounting, grant management, donor tracking, and compliance reporting for 501(c)(3) organizations. It provides real-time financial visibility, multi-entity support, and seamless integration with CRM and program management tools. Ideal for scaling nonprofits, it handles complex financial structures while ensuring adherence to FASB standards and IRS Form 990 requirements.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with multi-dimensional tracking for grants and programs
- Real-time dashboards and advanced reporting for nonprofit compliance
- Scalable cloud platform with strong integrations for CRM and donor management
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring professional implementation
- High cost that may overwhelm smaller 501(c)(3)s
- Customization can be time-intensive and expensive
Best For
Large and mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits with complex multi-fund operations and enterprise-level needs.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually plus implementation fees averaging $50,000-$100,000.
Conclusion
The top 10 501(c)(3) accounting tools offer exceptional options, with Aplos leading as the best choice, featuring cloud-based versatility, specialized fund accounting, donation tracking, and automated 990 reporting for nonprofits and churches. QuickBooks Online Nonprofit excels for its user-friendliness and focus on donation and fund management, while Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT stands out for integrating financials with donor and grant tracking, suitable for larger organizations. Together, these tools simplify compliance and financial oversight, ensuring organizations thrive.
Start with Aplos today to leverage its tailored features and experience the difference a purpose-built solution can make for your organization's success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison