Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits to track donations, expenses, and restricted funds with ease.
- 2#2: CDM+ - Comprehensive church management system with advanced fund accounting for budgeting, general ledger, and multi-fund tracking.
- 3#3: Shelby Systems - Robust accounting solution for churches featuring fund accounting, payroll, and financial reporting for growing congregations.
- 4#4: PowerChurch Plus - All-in-one church software with fund accounting modules for handling contributions, expenses, and financial statements.
- 5#5: Church Windows - Desktop-based church accounting software supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and integration with church management tools.
- 6#6: Realm by ACS Technologies - Cloud platform for churches with integrated fund accounting, giving, and financial dashboards for streamlined operations.
- 7#7: ParishSOFT - Parish accounting software designed for fund management, collections, and reporting compliant with church financial standards.
- 8#8: ChurchTrac - Affordable church management software including fund accounting for donations, expenses, and budget oversight.
- 9#9: Breeze ChMS - Simple cloud-based church tool with basic fund accounting to track giving, budgets, and reimbursements efficiently.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Adaptable general accounting software customized for nonprofits and churches to manage funds, donations, and Form 990 reporting.
We ranked tools based on specialized fund accounting features, user experience, integration potential with broader church management needs, and overall value, ensuring a selection that balances functionality and practicality for diverse church sizes and workflows.
Comparison Table
Effective church fund management depends on the right software, and this comparison table examines top tools including Aplos, CDM+, Shelby Systems, PowerChurch Plus, Church Windows, and additional options, highlighting key features to help readers identify the best fit for their organization's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits to track donations, expenses, and restricted funds with ease. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | CDM+ Comprehensive church management system with advanced fund accounting for budgeting, general ledger, and multi-fund tracking. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Shelby Systems Robust accounting solution for churches featuring fund accounting, payroll, and financial reporting for growing congregations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | PowerChurch Plus All-in-one church software with fund accounting modules for handling contributions, expenses, and financial statements. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Church Windows Desktop-based church accounting software supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and integration with church management tools. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Realm by ACS Technologies Cloud platform for churches with integrated fund accounting, giving, and financial dashboards for streamlined operations. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | ParishSOFT Parish accounting software designed for fund management, collections, and reporting compliant with church financial standards. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | ChurchTrac Affordable church management software including fund accounting for donations, expenses, and budget oversight. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Breeze ChMS Simple cloud-based church tool with basic fund accounting to track giving, budgets, and reimbursements efficiently. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Adaptable general accounting software customized for nonprofits and churches to manage funds, donations, and Form 990 reporting. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits to track donations, expenses, and restricted funds with ease.
Comprehensive church management system with advanced fund accounting for budgeting, general ledger, and multi-fund tracking.
Robust accounting solution for churches featuring fund accounting, payroll, and financial reporting for growing congregations.
All-in-one church software with fund accounting modules for handling contributions, expenses, and financial statements.
Desktop-based church accounting software supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and integration with church management tools.
Cloud platform for churches with integrated fund accounting, giving, and financial dashboards for streamlined operations.
Parish accounting software designed for fund management, collections, and reporting compliant with church financial standards.
Affordable church management software including fund accounting for donations, expenses, and budget oversight.
Simple cloud-based church tool with basic fund accounting to track giving, budgets, and reimbursements efficiently.
Adaptable general accounting software customized for nonprofits and churches to manage funds, donations, and Form 990 reporting.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting software tailored for churches and nonprofits to track donations, expenses, and restricted funds with ease.
Sophisticated fund accounting engine that automatically allocates transactions to multiple designated funds with drill-down reporting
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for churches and nonprofits, offering robust fund accounting to track designated funds, donations, and expenses with precision. It integrates donor management, online giving tools, budgeting, and customizable reporting to streamline church financial operations. Designed specifically for religious organizations, Aplos ensures compliance with nonprofit accounting standards while providing real-time insights via intuitive dashboards.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds for precise tracking
- Seamless integration with online giving and donor management for streamlined operations
- Powerful reporting and dashboards with real-time financial insights
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may be costly for very small churches
- Advanced features require some initial learning curve
- Limited customization in payroll compared to enterprise solutions
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits needing an all-in-one solution for fund accounting, donor tracking, and online contributions.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Basic (up to 250 transactions), $99/month for Pro, $159/month for Advanced; annual discounts available.
CDM+
specializedComprehensive church management system with advanced fund accounting for budgeting, general ledger, and multi-fund tracking.
Relational database core that seamlessly links financial transactions to individual member profiles, contributions, and attendance for unparalleled donor stewardship.
CDM+ by CDM Digital is a long-established, on-premise church management software suite with robust fund accounting at its core, designed specifically for religious organizations handling complex multi-fund finances. It offers comprehensive general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, payroll, and contribution tracking, all integrated with membership, attendance, and event management modules. Highly customizable and scalable, it supports churches needing detailed financial reporting and donor relationship management without relying on general-purpose accounting tools.
Pros
- Unlimited funds and sub-funds with advanced allocation and budgeting tools
- Deep integration between accounting, contributions, and membership data for holistic church management
- Highly customizable reports and queries tailored to nonprofit compliance needs
Cons
- On-premise installation requires IT resources and maintenance
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Quote-based pricing can be opaque and higher upfront for full modules
Best For
Mid-to-large churches or multi-campus ministries requiring scalable, integrated fund accounting with strong data customization and security.
Pricing
Modular pricing is quote-based, typically $2,000–$10,000+ initial license depending on modules, plus annual support fees around 15-20% of license cost.
Shelby Systems
enterpriseRobust accounting solution for churches featuring fund accounting, payroll, and financial reporting for growing congregations.
Advanced fund accounting engine supporting complex nonprofit structures with automated allocations and audit-ready trails
Shelby Systems offers robust church management software with a strong emphasis on fund accounting tailored for nonprofit religious organizations. It enables tracking of unlimited funds, detailed contribution management, budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting compliant with church-specific needs like FASB standards. Additional modules integrate member database, attendance, and event management for comprehensive church operations.
Pros
- Powerful multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds
- Highly customizable financial reports and dashboards
- Seamless integration with church management tools like member tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- Pricing can be high for smaller churches
- On-premise version requires IT maintenance
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches requiring enterprise-level fund accounting and full church management integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; cloud subscriptions start around $250/month for basic plans, with on-premise perpetual licenses from $5,000+ plus annual support.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedAll-in-one church software with fund accounting modules for handling contributions, expenses, and financial statements.
Unlimited multi-level fund accounting with seamless integration of donor contributions directly into financial ledgers
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based desktop software suite designed specifically for churches, offering comprehensive fund accounting alongside membership, contributions, and attendance tracking. It supports multi-fund general ledger management, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and customizable financial reporting tailored to nonprofit church needs. The software emphasizes data security and on-premises control, making it suitable for organizations preferring local installation over cloud solutions.
Pros
- Robust multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds
- Perpetual license model for long-term cost savings
- Strong reporting and church-specific financial tools like designated giving tracking
Cons
- Outdated interface with a steeper learning curve
- Desktop-only (Windows), no native mobile or cloud access
- Limited third-party integrations compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking affordable, on-premises fund accounting with integrated church management features.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license from $595 (basic) to $1,495 (full suite), plus optional annual support at ~20% of purchase price.
Church Windows
specializedDesktop-based church accounting software supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and integration with church management tools.
Unlimited multi-fund general ledger with automatic allocation and church-specific nonprofit compliance reporting
Church Windows is a longstanding desktop-based church management software suite with robust fund accounting capabilities tailored for nonprofit religious organizations. It excels in handling multi-fund general ledgers, contributions tracking, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and detailed financial reporting compliant with church accounting standards. While primarily Windows-only, it offers modular add-ons for comprehensive church operations beyond just accounting.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and sub-funds
- Strong financial reporting and budgeting tools customized for churches
- Reliable integration with member contributions and payroll modules
Cons
- Outdated desktop interface lacks modern cloud or mobile access
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Module-based pricing can add up quickly for full functionality
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches preferring on-premise software with deep fund accounting needs and minimal reliance on internet connectivity.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licenses starting at $495 per module (e.g., Accounting Pro at $995) plus $295-$595 annual support; no subscription model.
Realm by ACS Technologies
enterpriseCloud platform for churches with integrated fund accounting, giving, and financial dashboards for streamlined operations.
Advanced multi-fund accounting with real-time donor tracking and allocation across integrated church systems
Realm by ACS Technologies is a cloud-based church management platform with integrated fund accounting software tailored for nonprofit religious organizations. It handles church-specific financial needs like multi-fund tracking, donor-restricted giving, budgeting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and customizable financial reports. The system integrates seamlessly with membership management, online giving, and engagement tools for a unified view of church operations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited funds, sub-funds, and donor restrictions
- Strong integration with giving, payroll, and church database for streamlined workflows
- Comprehensive reporting and audit trail features compliant with church financial standards
Cons
- Higher pricing that may strain smaller church budgets
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants due to depth of features
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches needing an all-in-one platform that combines fund accounting with membership and engagement tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based subscription starting around $150/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+/month based on church size, users, and modules.
ParishSOFT
specializedParish accounting software designed for fund management, collections, and reporting compliant with church financial standards.
Seamless diocesan financial integration and automated compliance reporting for Catholic parish standards
ParishSOFT is a comprehensive parish management software suite tailored primarily for Catholic churches, with robust fund accounting capabilities including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and contribution tracking. It enables detailed fund management for multiple church accounts, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with diocesan standards. The system also integrates family databases, sacramental records, and online giving to provide an all-in-one solution for parish operations.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for church-specific needs like multiple funds and donor tracking
- Strong integration with diocesan systems and online giving platforms
- Comprehensive reporting for budgets, contributions, and compliance
Cons
- Outdated user interface that can feel clunky and requires significant training
- Limited customization options and scalability for very large parishes
- Primarily geared toward Catholic dioceses, less ideal for other denominations
Best For
Catholic parishes seeking an integrated solution for fund accounting and full parish management with diocesan reporting compliance.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on parish size and modules selected; typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000+ annually, with quotes available upon request.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable church management software including fund accounting for donations, expenses, and budget oversight.
Unlimited funds with automated contribution allocation and donor-specific tracking
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software with built-in fund accounting capabilities designed specifically for small to mid-sized churches and nonprofits. It enables tracking of contributions across unlimited funds, expense management, budgeting, and customizable financial reporting compliant with church accounting standards. The platform also integrates membership database, attendance tracking, event scheduling, and online giving for streamlined church operations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing scalable for small churches
- User-friendly interface with intuitive fund tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Dated user interface in some areas
- Limited advanced accounting automation
- Support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches seeking an integrated, budget-friendly solution for basic fund accounting and overall management.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month (Essentials) for up to 100 people, $97/month (Standard), $197/month (Premium); online giving and check writing are additional add-ons.
Breeze ChMS
specializedSimple cloud-based church tool with basic fund accounting to track giving, budgets, and reimbursements efficiently.
One-click batch processing for deposits with automatic fund allocation and real-time dashboard balances
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that provides straightforward fund accounting tools tailored for churches, including contribution tracking, fund allocation, batch deposit entry, and basic financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with member giving and online payments, allowing churches to monitor income by fund without complex setups. While not a full-fledged accounting suite, it handles essential church fund management like pledges, expenses, and year-end reports efficiently for smaller congregations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Flat-rate pricing that's affordable for small churches
- Seamless integration of giving tracking with fund accounting
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like accounts payable/receivable or payroll
- Reporting customization is limited compared to dedicated software
- No native general ledger for complex multi-entity tracking
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing simple, integrated fund accounting without a steep learning curve or high costs.
Pricing
Flat rate of $72/month (billed annually) or $89/month, unlimited users and records, no contracts.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
enterpriseAdaptable general accounting software customized for nonprofits and churches to manage funds, donations, and Form 990 reporting.
Class and location tracking for segregating and reporting on multiple church funds
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit, adapted for nonprofits including churches, using class and location tracking to manage multiple funds like tithes, missions, and building campaigns. It supports donor invoicing for pledges, expense allocation across funds, bank reconciliations, and generates standard nonprofit reports such as profit & loss by class and Form 990 schedules. While versatile for general bookkeeping, it requires custom setup to handle church-specific fund accounting effectively.
Pros
- Robust cloud access and mobile app for anytime fund tracking
- Strong integrations with bank feeds and donor management apps
- Nonprofit-specific reports and 990 tax form support
Cons
- Class tracking is not true fund accounting and can become cumbersome with many funds
- Lacks built-in church member database or automated pledge/tithe tracking
- Higher cost for add-ons like payroll compared to dedicated church software
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches already familiar with QuickBooks that need general accounting with basic multi-fund capabilities.
Pricing
Nonprofit edition based on Plus ($90/month) or Advanced ($200/month) plans with discounts available; additional fees for payroll and apps.
Conclusion
While each of the reviewed tools brings unique strengths, Aplos shines as the top choice, excelling in its tailored focus on church fund tracking and ease of use. CDM+ stands out with comprehensive management capabilities, and Shelby Systems proves ideal for growing congregations with robust accounting features. Together, these options cater to diverse needs, but Aplos leads as the most accessible and effective for streamlined fund management.
Don’t settle for less—explore Aplos today, the top-ranked tool, to simplify your church’s financial tracking and ensure every fund is managed with precision and clarity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
