Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Cloud accounting platform with nonprofit features like class and location tracking for fund management and compliance.
- 3#3: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud financial management system for nonprofits with advanced fund accounting, multi-entity support, and grant tracking.
- 4#4: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Comprehensive cloud fund accounting solution integrated with fundraising CRM for mid-to-large nonprofits.
- 5#5: Xero - User-friendly cloud accounting software with tracking categories for nonprofit fund accounting and bank reconciliation.
- 6#6: MIP Fund Accounting - Robust cloud-based fund accounting software designed for nonprofit financial management and regulatory compliance.
- 7#7: NetSuite - Cloud ERP platform with nonprofit-specific modules for fund accounting, grant management, and enterprise-scale operations.
- 8#8: FastFund Accounting - Cloud accounting solution for nonprofits featuring fund tracking, payroll integration, and customizable reporting.
- 9#9: Denali Fund - Cloud fund accounting software focused on nonprofit compliance, budgeting, and multi-fund management.
- 10#10: Wave - Free cloud accounting tool suitable for small nonprofits with invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting.
We ranked these tools based on key features like fund accounting, grant tracking, and CRM integration, alongside ease of use, quality, and value to ensure they meet the diverse needs of small to large nonprofits.
Comparison Table
Cloud-based accounting software simplifies financial operations for nonprofits, providing scalable and accessible tools. This comparison table breaks down top options like Aplos, QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, Xero, and more, outlining key features, pricing, and usability to guide organizations in choosing the right fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Cloud accounting platform with nonprofit features like class and location tracking for fund management and compliance. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud financial management system for nonprofits with advanced fund accounting, multi-entity support, and grant tracking. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Comprehensive cloud fund accounting solution integrated with fundraising CRM for mid-to-large nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Xero User-friendly cloud accounting software with tracking categories for nonprofit fund accounting and bank reconciliation. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | MIP Fund Accounting Robust cloud-based fund accounting software designed for nonprofit financial management and regulatory compliance. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | NetSuite Cloud ERP platform with nonprofit-specific modules for fund accounting, grant management, and enterprise-scale operations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | FastFund Accounting Cloud accounting solution for nonprofits featuring fund tracking, payroll integration, and customizable reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Denali Fund Cloud fund accounting software focused on nonprofit compliance, budgeting, and multi-fund management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Wave Free cloud accounting tool suitable for small nonprofits with invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting. | other | 6.2/10 | 5.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting.
Cloud accounting platform with nonprofit features like class and location tracking for fund management and compliance.
Scalable cloud financial management system for nonprofits with advanced fund accounting, multi-entity support, and grant tracking.
Comprehensive cloud fund accounting solution integrated with fundraising CRM for mid-to-large nonprofits.
User-friendly cloud accounting software with tracking categories for nonprofit fund accounting and bank reconciliation.
Robust cloud-based fund accounting software designed for nonprofit financial management and regulatory compliance.
Cloud ERP platform with nonprofit-specific modules for fund accounting, grant management, and enterprise-scale operations.
Cloud accounting solution for nonprofits featuring fund tracking, payroll integration, and customizable reporting.
Cloud fund accounting software focused on nonprofit compliance, budgeting, and multi-fund management.
Free cloud accounting tool suitable for small nonprofits with invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting.
Advanced fund accounting that automatically handles restricted/unrestricted funds and generates GAAP-compliant reports
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored specifically for nonprofits, churches, and mission organizations, offering fund accounting, donation management, budgeting, and financial reporting. It enables seamless tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, automated bank reconciliations, and compliance-ready reports accessible from any device. With integrations for payments and payroll, Aplos simplifies nonprofit financial management while ensuring adherence to standards like FASB.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for nonprofits with multi-fund tracking
- Intuitive interface and mobile accessibility
- Strong reporting tools for grants, donors, and compliance
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small organizations
- Limited advanced integrations with some CRM tools
- Occasional learning curve for complex setups
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and churches needing robust fund accounting and donor management without IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Starter, billed annually) up to $149/month (Advanced), with add-ons for payroll ($35+/month) and premium support.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud accounting platform with nonprofit features like class and location tracking for fund management and compliance.
Class and location tracking for granular fund and program-level accounting visibility
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit, widely used by small to mid-sized nonprofits for managing finances, tracking donations, and handling fund accounting through class and location tracking. It offers robust features like automated bank reconciliations, customizable reporting including Form 990 support, invoicing, payroll integration, and seamless mobile access from any device. While not exclusively designed for nonprofits, its scalability and extensive app marketplace make it adaptable for organizations needing reliable everyday accounting without heavy customization.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app for on-the-go access
- Class and location tracking ideal for fund and program accounting
- Extensive integrations with donor CRM tools and bank feeds
Cons
- Limited native support for advanced nonprofit features like grant tracking or encumbrances
- Payroll and advanced reporting require higher-tier plans or add-ons
- Steep learning curve for complex nonprofit setups without training
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits that need user-friendly, scalable general accounting with basic fund tracking and integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); nonprofit discounts and annual billing save up to 50%.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud financial management system for nonprofits with advanced fund accounting, multi-entity support, and grant tracking.
True multi-dimensional fund accounting that tracks transactions across unlimited dimensions like programs, grants, and locations simultaneously
Sage Intacct is a robust cloud-based financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, featuring advanced fund accounting, grant tracking, and donor management to streamline compliance and reporting. It offers multi-entity support, real-time dashboards, and customizable workflows that adapt to complex nonprofit structures. With strong automation for accounts payable/receivable and integrations with CRM systems, it ensures accurate financial oversight across multiple funds and programs.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting with multi-dimensional tracking for precise nonprofit compliance
- Extensive reporting and analytics with real-time dashboards
- Seamless integrations with nonprofit CRMs and payroll systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- Higher pricing suitable for mid-to-large organizations only
- Customization often requires partner assistance
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits with complex fund structures and multiple entities needing advanced compliance and reporting.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $15,000-$30,000 annually, depending on modules, users, and entities.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseComprehensive cloud fund accounting solution integrated with fundraising CRM for mid-to-large nonprofits.
Unlimited concurrent funds with automated allocation and grant tracking
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based fund accounting software tailored for nonprofits, enabling precise tracking of restricted funds, grants, endowments, and budgets. It offers comprehensive financial management tools including AP/AR, general ledger, payroll integration, and advanced reporting for compliance like FASB standards. Seamlessly integrates with Blackbaud's CRM and fundraising platforms for a unified view of finances and donor data.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited funds and multi-entity support
- Powerful reporting and dashboards for nonprofit compliance
- Deep integration with Blackbaud's fundraising and CRM tools
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller nonprofits
- Steeper learning curve for non-experts
- Limited flexibility for non-Blackbaud ecosystem integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits needing advanced fund accounting integrated with donor management systems.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10,000+ annually for base features, scaling with users, modules, and organization size.
Xero
enterpriseUser-friendly cloud accounting software with tracking categories for nonprofit fund accounting and bank reconciliation.
Unlimited users included in all plans, perfect for volunteer-heavy nonprofit teams.
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses but adaptable for nonprofits through tracking categories for fund segregation and budgeting. It offers automated bank feeds, invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and customizable reporting accessible from any device. While lacking native donor management or advanced grant tracking, it excels in general accounting with strong integrations to nonprofit-specific tools.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with excellent mobile app
- Unlimited users and seamless bank reconciliation
- Extensive app marketplace for nonprofit integrations
Cons
- No built-in fund accounting or donor/pledge tracking
- Reporting requires customization for nonprofit needs
- Payroll features limited to select countries
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing user-friendly general accounting with scalability and integrations to fundraising software.
Pricing
Plans start at $15/month (Early) up to $78/month (Ultimate) per organization; nonprofit discounts available via partnerships.
MIP Fund Accounting
specializedRobust cloud-based fund accounting software designed for nonprofit financial management and regulatory compliance.
Multi-dimensional fund accounting that automatically tracks and reports on restrictions across multiple funding sources
MIP Fund Accounting, offered by Community Brands, is a robust cloud-based solution designed specifically for nonprofits, providing advanced fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, and endowments with precision. It includes comprehensive modules for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and budgeting, ensuring compliance with FASB and GAAP standards. The software excels in customizable reporting and integrates seamlessly with other nonprofit tools like donor management systems.
Pros
- Deep fund accounting capabilities for complex nonprofit finances
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards
- Strong integrations with CRM and fundraising platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small nonprofits
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits needing sophisticated fund tracking, grant management, and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 annually, depending on modules, users, and organization size.
NetSuite
enterpriseCloud ERP platform with nonprofit-specific modules for fund accounting, grant management, and enterprise-scale operations.
Advanced multi-book accounting supporting multiple GAAP bases and fund restrictions simultaneously
NetSuite, powered by Oracle, offers a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform with a Nonprofit Cloud edition designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, providing fund accounting, grant management, donor tracking, and compliance reporting. It integrates financials with CRM, program management, and analytics to streamline operations across multiple entities and funds. The solution excels in scalability for mid-to-large nonprofits handling complex financial needs and regulatory requirements.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting with multi-entity and grant lifecycle management
- Highly customizable workflows and real-time dashboards
- Seamless integration with CRM, HR, and third-party apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost prohibitive for small nonprofits
- Requires IT expertise for optimal customization
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits requiring a scalable ERP with advanced fund accounting and integrated donor management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually for base modules, plus per-user fees (~$100/user/month), with nonprofit discounts available.
FastFund Accounting
specializedCloud accounting solution for nonprofits featuring fund tracking, payroll integration, and customizable reporting.
Automated grant lifecycle management with built-in compliance reporting and drawdown tracking
FastFund Accounting by Araize is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for nonprofits, providing specialized fund accounting, grant management, and compliance reporting to handle complex financial structures. It supports multi-fund, multi-entity operations, budgeting, forecasting, and automated workflows for accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliation. Designed for scalability, it ensures adherence to FASB and GAAP standards while offering real-time dashboards and customizable reports for nonprofit financial oversight.
Pros
- Specialized nonprofit fund accounting with multi-entity support
- Robust grant tracking and compliance reporting tools
- Cloud-based accessibility with strong data security and mobile support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Higher cost may not suit very small nonprofits
- Limited native integrations with popular CRM or donor management systems
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits managing multiple grants and funds that require dedicated compliance and reporting without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $495/month for up to 5 users (FastFund Standard), with tiers up to $1,495+/month for advanced features; custom quotes for enterprises.
Denali Fund
specializedCloud fund accounting software focused on nonprofit compliance, budgeting, and multi-fund management.
Sophisticated multi-fund accounting with automatic allocations and encumbrance accounting for precise grant compliance
Denali Fund from Cougar Mountain is a cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits, offering multi-fund tracking, grant management, donor CRM, and compliance reporting. It supports complex financial needs like encumbrances, allocations, and budgeting across multiple entities. The platform integrates payroll, AP/AR, and general ledger functions tailored to nonprofit standards such as FASB.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting with unlimited funds and encumbrance tracking
- Integrated donor management and grant tracking
- Comprehensive reporting and audit-ready financials
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be higher-end
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits with complex fund accounting and grant management needs seeking reliable, compliant cloud software.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $400-$1,000/month for cloud hosting depending on users/modules, plus one-time setup fees of $5,000+.
Wave
otherFree cloud accounting tool suitable for small nonprofits with invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting.
100% free unlimited accounting and invoicing with no transaction limits
Wave is a cloud-based accounting platform offering free invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and basic financial reporting, primarily designed for small businesses but usable by nonprofits for straightforward bookkeeping. It supports unlimited users and transactions without core feature costs, with mobile apps for on-the-go access. However, it lacks specialized nonprofit tools like fund accounting, donor management, or grant tracking, making it suitable only for very basic needs.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting and unlimited invoicing
- Intuitive, beginner-friendly interface with mobile app
- Automatic bank feeds and receipt scanning
Cons
- No fund accounting, grant tracking, or donor management
- Limited nonprofit-specific reporting and compliance tools
- Paid add-ons for payroll and payments restrict full functionality
Best For
Very small nonprofits or startups with basic bookkeeping needs who prioritize free, simple cloud accounting over advanced features.
Pricing
Free for accounting, invoicing, and reports; Payroll from $20/month + $6/employee; Payments via 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal cloud-based nonprofit accounting software requires aligning with an organization’s unique needs, and the top 10 reviewed tools deliver strong solutions. Aplos leads as the top choice, offering tailored features for nonprofits and churches, while QuickBooks Online and Sage Intacct stand out as exceptional alternatives—QuickBooks for its accessibility and Sage for scalability and advanced fund management tools. Together, these platforms empower nonprofits to manage finances efficiently and focus on their mission.
Begin your journey to streamlined financial operations by exploring Aplos, the top-ranked tool that combines user-friendliness with tailored nonprofit features to elevate your organization’s success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
