Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting.
- 2#2: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Integrated financial management platform for nonprofits that combines fund accounting with fundraising and donor tracking.
- 3#3: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud ERP system with nonprofit modules for advanced fund accounting, grant management, and compliance reporting.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit - Robust accounting solution with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
- 5#5: MIP Fund Accounting - True fund accounting software for nonprofits providing multi-entity support, grant tracking, and detailed financial reporting.
- 6#6: Cougar Mountain Denali Fund - Comprehensive fund accounting system tailored for nonprofits with payroll integration and customizable dashboards.
- 7#7: Araize X3 Nonprofit+ - All-in-one cloud ERP for nonprofits featuring accounting, CRM, payroll, and project management tools.
- 8#8: AccuFund - Multi-fund accounting software for nonprofits and governments with strong audit trail and reporting capabilities.
- 9#9: SoftEdge Fund$EDGE - Flexible fund accounting solution for nonprofits emphasizing compliance, budgeting, and grant administration.
- 10#10: Fund EZ - User-friendly fund accounting software for small to mid-sized nonprofits with donation tracking and financial statements.
Tools were selected and ranked through a rigorous evaluation of specialized functionality (including fund accounting, grant management, and donor tracking), usability, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of nonprofit operations.
Comparison Table
Non-profits depend on tailored accounting software to manage finances with accuracy and compliance, and selecting the right tool is critical to operational success. This comparison table compares key features, strengths, and suitability across leading platforms such as Aplos, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit, MIP Fund Accounting, and more. Readers will gain clear insights to identify the software that best fits their organization’s size, budget, and specific financial requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Integrated financial management platform for nonprofits that combines fund accounting with fundraising and donor tracking. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud ERP system with nonprofit modules for advanced fund accounting, grant management, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit Robust accounting solution with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and IRS Form 990 preparation. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | MIP Fund Accounting True fund accounting software for nonprofits providing multi-entity support, grant tracking, and detailed financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Cougar Mountain Denali Fund Comprehensive fund accounting system tailored for nonprofits with payroll integration and customizable dashboards. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Araize X3 Nonprofit+ All-in-one cloud ERP for nonprofits featuring accounting, CRM, payroll, and project management tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | AccuFund Multi-fund accounting software for nonprofits and governments with strong audit trail and reporting capabilities. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | SoftEdge Fund$EDGE Flexible fund accounting solution for nonprofits emphasizing compliance, budgeting, and grant administration. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Fund EZ User-friendly fund accounting software for small to mid-sized nonprofits with donation tracking and financial statements. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting.
Integrated financial management platform for nonprofits that combines fund accounting with fundraising and donor tracking.
Scalable cloud ERP system with nonprofit modules for advanced fund accounting, grant management, and compliance reporting.
Robust accounting solution with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
True fund accounting software for nonprofits providing multi-entity support, grant tracking, and detailed financial reporting.
Comprehensive fund accounting system tailored for nonprofits with payroll integration and customizable dashboards.
All-in-one cloud ERP for nonprofits featuring accounting, CRM, payroll, and project management tools.
Multi-fund accounting software for nonprofits and governments with strong audit trail and reporting capabilities.
Flexible fund accounting solution for nonprofits emphasizing compliance, budgeting, and grant administration.
User-friendly fund accounting software for small to mid-sized nonprofits with donation tracking and financial statements.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches, offering fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting.
Sophisticated fund accounting that seamlessly distinguishes and reports on restricted vs. unrestricted funds across multiple accounts.
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits, churches, and faith-based organizations, offering fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds effortlessly. It integrates donor management, online giving, budgeting, and automated reporting including IRS Form 990 preparation. With bank reconciliation, payroll integration, and mobile access, it streamlines financial operations while ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards.
Pros
- Tailored fund accounting for nonprofits with automatic tracking of restrictions
- Integrated donor management and online giving tools
- Comprehensive reporting including Form 990 and custom dashboards
- Excellent customer support and intuitive mobile app
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features and multiple users
- Limited integrations with non-nonprofit-specific tools
- Initial setup may require some learning for complex fund structures
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and churches needing an all-in-one solution for fund accounting, donor tracking, and compliance reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Essentials, 1 user), $99/month (Advanced, 3 users), $199/month (Professional, 5 users); annual billing discounts available, enterprise custom.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseIntegrated financial management platform for nonprofits that combines fund accounting with fundraising and donor tracking.
Unlimited fund segmentation and automated grant allocation for precise nonprofit compliance
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, offering robust fund accounting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger functionalities. It excels in handling complex nonprofit financial structures like restricted funds, grants, and allocations with high accuracy and compliance. The software integrates seamlessly with Blackbaud's ecosystem, including Raiser's Edge NXT for fundraising, providing end-to-end visibility into financial and donor data.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with unlimited segmentation for restricted/unrestricted funds
- Powerful reporting and dashboards with real-time insights and customizable analytics
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud CRM tools for unified nonprofit operations
Cons
- High pricing that may be prohibitive for small nonprofits
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Limited standalone mobile app; relies on web interface
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits with complex fund accounting needs and existing Blackbaud fundraising tools.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$10,000 annually for basic setups, scaling with organization size and modules.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud ERP system with nonprofit modules for advanced fund accounting, grant management, and compliance reporting.
Multi-dimensional fund accounting that allows tracking across unlimited dimensions like programs, grants, and donors simultaneously
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management platform tailored for mid-market organizations, including non-profits, providing robust fund accounting, grant management, and donor tracking capabilities. It enables precise tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, automated grant lifecycle management, and compliance with nonprofit-specific standards like FASB ASC 958. The software offers multidimensional reporting and seamless integrations with CRM systems like Salesforce for streamlined fundraising operations.
Pros
- Advanced fund accounting with multi-dimensional tracking for complex nonprofit structures
- Comprehensive grant management tools including drawdown reporting and compliance tracking
- Powerful customizable dashboards and real-time reporting for donor and financial insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve and implementation requiring certified partners
- High pricing that may not suit small nonprofits
- Limited native nonprofit-specific templates out-of-the-box
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits with multiple funds, grants, and entities needing enterprise-grade scalability and integrations.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starts at around $15,000-$20,000 annually, scaling based on modules, users, and entities; quotes required.
QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit
enterpriseRobust accounting solution with nonprofit edition supporting fund tracking, budgeting, and IRS Form 990 preparation.
Nonprofit-specific Form 990 reporting and donor/pledge management with automated reminders
QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit is a robust, scalable accounting platform tailored for mid-to-large nonprofit organizations, enabling fund accounting through class and location tracking for multiple funds and programs. It offers specialized tools for donor management, pledge tracking, grant administration, and compliance reporting including Form 990 support. With advanced inventory, payroll integration, and customizable dashboards, it streamlines financial operations while integrating with hundreds of third-party apps.
Pros
- Powerful fund tracking via classes/locations with detailed nonprofit reporting
- Scalable for enterprise-level nonprofits with advanced inventory and payroll
- Extensive integrations and automation for streamlined workflows
Cons
- High pricing may not suit small nonprofits
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom setups
- Fund accounting relies on workarounds rather than native double-entry fund ledgers
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits with complex multi-fund operations needing scalable enterprise accounting.
Pricing
Starts at ~$1,341/year (Silver) to $2,996/year (Diamond) for the first user, plus ~$500-$800 per additional user annually; custom quotes available.
MIP Fund Accounting
enterpriseTrue fund accounting software for nonprofits providing multi-entity support, grant tracking, and detailed financial reporting.
Advanced encumbrance and grant tracking with real-time fund balance visibility across multiple entities
MIP Fund Accounting is a robust, enterprise-grade accounting software tailored for nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations managing grants and funds. It excels in fund accounting, enabling precise tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, multi-entity consolidation, and compliance with FASB, GASB, and OMB standards. The platform offers modules for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, and advanced reporting to support complex financial operations.
Pros
- Powerful fund accounting with donor restriction tracking
- Comprehensive grant management and compliance reporting
- Scalable for multi-entity organizations with strong customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface
- High cost unsuitable for small nonprofits
- Limited native integrations with modern CRM tools
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits and government entities needing advanced fund accounting and grant compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $10,000+ annually for core modules, scaling with users and add-ons; on-premise or cloud options available.
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund
specializedComprehensive fund accounting system tailored for nonprofits with payroll integration and customizable dashboards.
Advanced multi-fund accounting engine supporting unlimited segmentation by fund, grant, program, or project for precise non-profit financial tracking
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund is a robust, on-premises accounting software suite tailored for non-profit organizations, specializing in fund accounting, donor management, and grant tracking. It supports multi-fund and multi-entity structures, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and compliance reporting aligned with FASB and GAAP standards for non-profits. The software emphasizes customization and scalability for mid-sized non-profits handling complex financials.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting with unlimited funds and segments
- Integrated donor management, pledge tracking, and grant compliance tools
- Strong customizable reporting and audit trail for non-profit standards
Cons
- Primarily on-premises deployment limits remote access and cloud scalability
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve for new users
- High upfront licensing costs without flexible subscription options
Best For
Mid-sized non-profits with complex multi-fund accounting needs that prefer customizable, on-premise solutions over cloud-based SaaS.
Pricing
Quote-based perpetual licenses starting at $10,000-$25,000+ depending on modules, plus annual maintenance fees around 15-20% of license cost.
Araize X3 Nonprofit+
specializedAll-in-one cloud ERP for nonprofits featuring accounting, CRM, payroll, and project management tools.
Multi-dimensional fund accounting that segments by fund, program, grant, and department simultaneously
Araize X3 Nonprofit+ is a cloud-based accounting platform specifically designed for nonprofit organizations, offering fund accounting, grant management, donor tracking, and budgeting tools. It supports multi-entity operations, real-time financial dashboards, and compliance with FASB and GAAP standards for nonprofits. The software integrates payroll, expense management, and customizable reporting to streamline financial operations for mission-driven organizations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited funds and multi-dimensional segmentation
- Comprehensive grant lifecycle tracking from application to reporting
- Strong compliance reporting and real-time dashboards for nonprofit-specific needs
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small nonprofits
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger competitors
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits requiring specialized fund accounting and grant management with scalable cloud access.
Pricing
Subscription-based with custom quotes; starts around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with organization size and modules.
AccuFund
specializedMulti-fund accounting software for nonprofits and governments with strong audit trail and reporting capabilities.
Advanced encumbrance and grant lifecycle management for tracking restricted funds across multiple entities
AccuFund is a specialized fund accounting software designed for non-profits, governments, and public sector organizations, providing robust tools for multi-fund accounting, grant management, and donor tracking. It ensures compliance with FASB and GASB standards through features like encumbrance accounting, budgeting, and customizable reporting. The solution supports both on-premise and hosted deployments, making it suitable for organizations needing detailed financial oversight without enterprise-level complexity.
Pros
- Excellent multi-fund and encumbrance accounting tailored for non-profits
- Strong grant tracking and restricted fund management
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Limited native integrations with popular CRM or payroll systems
Best For
Mid-sized non-profits and government agencies requiring precise fund accounting and compliance reporting without needing full enterprise scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing with perpetual licenses starting around $5,000 plus annual maintenance, or subscription models from $4,000/year depending on modules and users.
SoftEdge Fund$EDGE
specializedFlexible fund accounting solution for nonprofits emphasizing compliance, budgeting, and grant administration.
Sophisticated multi-fund accounting engine that tracks restricted/unrestricted funds with seamless batch processing for donations
SoftEdge Fund$EDGE is a Windows-based desktop accounting software tailored for non-profits, churches, schools, and ministries, specializing in fund accounting and donor management. It handles multi-fund tracking, pledge fulfillment, budgeting, financial statements, and compliance reporting like Form 990 preparation. The solution supports batch transaction entry for donations and integrates with select payroll and banking services, making it suitable for organizations needing precise non-profit financial controls.
Pros
- Robust multi-fund accounting with automatic allocations
- Comprehensive donor and pledge tracking
- Strong reporting tools for non-profit compliance
Cons
- Desktop-only with no native cloud or mobile access
- Outdated interface requiring Windows environment
- Limited modern integrations compared to cloud competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits and faith-based organizations seeking affordable, on-premise fund accounting without needing cloud features.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $995 for basic modules, scaling to $5,000+ for full suites; annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
Fund EZ
specializedUser-friendly fund accounting software for small to mid-sized nonprofits with donation tracking and financial statements.
Unlimited fund tracking with automatic allocation rules for restricted donations
Fund EZ is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for non-profits, churches, and faith-based organizations, specializing in fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds separately. It provides tools for donor management, budgeting, invoicing, payroll integration, and customizable financial reporting compliant with non-profit standards like FASB. The platform emphasizes ease of use with real-time dashboards and mobile access, making it suitable for organizations without dedicated accounting staff.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Strong multi-fund tracking and allocation
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations (e.g., no native QuickBooks sync)
- Reporting lacks advanced customization compared to enterprise tools
- Scalability challenges for very large organizations with high transaction volumes
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits and churches seeking simple, cost-effective fund accounting without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 5 funds (billed annually), scales to $299+/month for unlimited funds and advanced features; free trial available.
Conclusion
Evaluating the best non-profit accounting software, Aplos leads as the top choice, boasting tailored features like fund accounting, donor management, and automated reporting that simplify operations for nonprofits and churches. Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT follows closely, offering a seamless blend of financial management and fundraising tools, while Sage Intacct distinguishes itself with scalable ERP capabilities, ideal for advanced needs. The trio sets a benchmark, with Aplos at the forefront, and the others serving as strong alternatives depending on specific organizational priorities.
Dive into Aplos today to unlock its intuitive tools and tailored support—your organization's financial success starts with the right software, and Aplos delivers.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
