Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based fund accounting and donation management software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Popular accounting platform with nonprofit-specific features like fund tracking, donor management, and Form 990 e-filing.
- 3#3: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud financial management system offering advanced fund accounting and grant tracking for nonprofits.
- 4#4: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Enterprise-grade fund accounting software integrated with fundraising CRM for large nonprofits.
- 5#5: MIP Fund Accounting - Robust fund accounting solution with strong compliance reporting and multi-entity support for nonprofits.
- 6#6: Araize FastFund - All-in-one nonprofit software combining fund accounting, payroll, and fundraising tools.
- 7#7: AccuFund - Affordable, user-friendly fund accounting software tailored for small to mid-sized nonprofits.
- 8#8: PowerChurch Plus - Comprehensive accounting and membership management for churches and small nonprofits.
- 9#9: Xero - Cloud accounting software with tracking categories and integrations suitable for nonprofit bookkeeping.
- 10#10: Wave Accounting - Free, simple invoicing and accounting tool ideal for very small nonprofits with basic needs.
These tools were selected based on nonprofit-specific features (e.g., grant tracking, Form 990 support), usability, scalability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse organizational sizes and operational demands.
Comparison Table
Effective nonprofit bookkeeping relies on tailored software, and our comparison table explores tools like Aplos, QuickBooks Online Nonprofit, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, MIP Fund Accounting, and more, outlining key features, pricing, and suitability for diverse organizational needs to help readers make informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based fund accounting and donation management software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Popular accounting platform with nonprofit-specific features like fund tracking, donor management, and Form 990 e-filing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud financial management system offering advanced fund accounting and grant tracking for nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Enterprise-grade fund accounting software integrated with fundraising CRM for large nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 5 | MIP Fund Accounting Robust fund accounting solution with strong compliance reporting and multi-entity support for nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Araize FastFund All-in-one nonprofit software combining fund accounting, payroll, and fundraising tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | AccuFund Affordable, user-friendly fund accounting software tailored for small to mid-sized nonprofits. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | PowerChurch Plus Comprehensive accounting and membership management for churches and small nonprofits. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | Xero Cloud accounting software with tracking categories and integrations suitable for nonprofit bookkeeping. | other | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Wave Accounting Free, simple invoicing and accounting tool ideal for very small nonprofits with basic needs. | other | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based fund accounting and donation management software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches.
Popular accounting platform with nonprofit-specific features like fund tracking, donor management, and Form 990 e-filing.
Scalable cloud financial management system offering advanced fund accounting and grant tracking for nonprofits.
Enterprise-grade fund accounting software integrated with fundraising CRM for large nonprofits.
Robust fund accounting solution with strong compliance reporting and multi-entity support for nonprofits.
All-in-one nonprofit software combining fund accounting, payroll, and fundraising tools.
Affordable, user-friendly fund accounting software tailored for small to mid-sized nonprofits.
Comprehensive accounting and membership management for churches and small nonprofits.
Cloud accounting software with tracking categories and integrations suitable for nonprofit bookkeeping.
Free, simple invoicing and accounting tool ideal for very small nonprofits with basic needs.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based fund accounting and donation management software specifically designed for nonprofits and churches.
True multi-fund accounting that automatically handles restricted/unrestricted fund tracking and allocation rules
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored specifically for nonprofits, churches, and ministries, offering fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds seamlessly. It integrates donor management, online giving, budgeting, and customizable reporting to meet FASB and GAAP compliance standards. Designed to simplify nonprofit bookkeeping, it replaces spreadsheets and legacy systems with intuitive tools for financial oversight and transparency.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for accurate tracking of grants and donations
- Integrated donor database with CRM-like features and online giving tools
- Robust reporting and dashboard for nonprofit-specific compliance and insights
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers may strain very small nonprofits' budgets
- Steeper learning curve for users new to fund accounting concepts
- Limited third-party integrations compared to general accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits, churches, and faith-based organizations needing comprehensive fund accounting and donor management in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (billed annually) for Essentials, $99/month for Premium, and $159/month for Advanced; custom enterprise pricing available.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
specializedPopular accounting platform with nonprofit-specific features like fund tracking, donor management, and Form 990 e-filing.
Class and location tracking for seamless multi-fund and multi-program accounting
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, enabling fund accounting through class and location tracking to manage multiple programs and grants. It supports donor tracking, pledge management, and automated bank reconciliations while generating essential reports like Form 990 and grant-specific financials. The software integrates with over 650 apps, making it suitable for streamlined operations in smaller to mid-sized nonprofits.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app access and real-time dashboards
- Robust automation for bank feeds, invoicing, and expense tracking
- Nonprofit-specific reports and customization for grants and donors
Cons
- Lacks true fund accounting with encumbrances and restricted fund balancing
- Payroll and advanced inventory require add-ons at extra cost
- Setup for complex multi-entity nonprofits can involve a learning curve
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing user-friendly bookkeeping with strong general accounting features and app integrations.
Pricing
Plans start at $30/month (Simple Start) with up to 30% nonprofit discount, up to $200/month (Advanced); billed annually for savings.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud financial management system offering advanced fund accounting and grant tracking for nonprofits.
Multi-dimensional data model enabling granular tracking across funds, grants, programs, and locations simultaneously
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management platform designed for nonprofits, excelling in fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, and donor restrictions. It automates bookkeeping processes, supports multi-entity management, and provides customizable reporting and dashboards for compliance and decision-making. As a scalable ERP solution, it integrates with CRM systems and payroll tools to streamline nonprofit financial operations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with multi-dimensional tracking for funds, programs, and grants
- Advanced reporting and real-time dashboards for nonprofit compliance and insights
- Scalable for multi-entity organizations with strong integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training or consultants for setup
- High pricing not ideal for small nonprofits
- Customization often needs professional services
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits with complex fund accounting needs and multiple entities requiring enterprise-level financial management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $15,000 annually, scaling with modules, users, and entities; requires quote.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseEnterprise-grade fund accounting software integrated with fundraising CRM for large nonprofits.
Unlimited fund accounting with advanced allocation and grant management tailored for nonprofit restrictions
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 capabilities. It excels in handling complex nonprofit financial needs like grant tracking, donor-restricted funds, and compliance reporting. The software integrates deeply with Blackbaud's ecosystem, including Raiser's Edge NXT for fundraising, providing a unified view of finances and operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with unlimited funds and sophisticated allocation rules
- Powerful reporting and dashboards for nonprofit-specific insights and compliance
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud CRM and fundraising tools
Cons
- High cost with custom pricing that can be prohibitive for smaller organizations
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- Limited flexibility for custom workflows outside the Blackbaud ecosystem
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits needing integrated financials, fund accounting, and fundraising management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on organization size and modules; typically starts at $5,000+ annually with additional fees for users and integrations.
MIP Fund Accounting
enterpriseRobust fund accounting solution with strong compliance reporting and multi-entity support for nonprofits.
Sophisticated multi-fund ledger that automatically segments and reports on restricted/unrestricted funds with full audit compliance.
MIP Fund Accounting, offered by Community Brands, is a comprehensive fund accounting software tailored for nonprofits, government agencies, and public sector organizations. It excels in managing restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, endowments, and compliance reporting with features like general ledger, AP/AR, payroll integration, and customizable dashboards. The solution supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, providing scalability for complex financial operations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting for tracking multiple restricted funds and grants
- Highly customizable reporting and audit trail for compliance
- Scalable for mid-to-large organizations with enterprise-level security
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated interface requiring training
- Higher pricing with custom quotes that may not suit small nonprofits
- Limited mobile accessibility and modern SaaS integrations
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits with complex multi-fund accounting and grant management needs that prioritize compliance over ease of use.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at approximately $5,000-$10,000 annually, depending on modules, users, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
Araize FastFund
specializedAll-in-one nonprofit software combining fund accounting, payroll, and fundraising tools.
Seamless integration of fund accounting with real-time donor and grant tracking in one dashboard
Araize FastFund is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits, providing fund accounting, donor management, grant tracking, and budgeting tools in a single platform. It automates financial workflows, generates compliance-ready reports, and supports multi-fund tracking to meet nonprofit-specific needs. The solution integrates CRM functionality with bookkeeping, helping organizations manage donations, pledges, and expenses efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with multi-entity support
- Integrated donor CRM and grant management
- Customizable reporting and dashboards for nonprofit compliance
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-user setups
- Steeper learning curve for advanced fund allocations
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing an all-in-one platform for bookkeeping, fundraising, and grant oversight.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at $125/month for Essentials (1 user), up to $350+/month for Premium plans; custom enterprise pricing available.
AccuFund
specializedAffordable, user-friendly fund accounting software tailored for small to mid-sized nonprofits.
Advanced multi-fund accounting engine that precisely handles donor restrictions, encumbrances, and inter-fund transfers
AccuFund is a specialized accounting software suite designed for non-profits and government organizations, focusing on fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds separately. It offers modules for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, and grant management to ensure compliance with FASB and GAAP standards. The platform supports multi-entity and multi-fund setups, providing detailed reporting for audits, donors, and boards.
Pros
- True fund accounting with unlimited funds and allocation rules
- Strong grant tracking and compliance reporting
- Scalable for multi-entity non-profits
Cons
- Outdated interface with a traditional desktop feel
- Quote-based pricing lacks upfront transparency
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
Best For
Mid-to-large non-profits with complex multi-fund structures and heavy grant management requirements.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; perpetual licenses or cloud subscriptions typically start at $5,000-$10,000 annually depending on modules and users.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedComprehensive accounting and membership management for churches and small nonprofits.
Fund accounting module that excels at tracking restricted donations and multiple ministry funds
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based desktop software suite designed primarily for churches and faith-based non-profits, offering integrated bookkeeping tools including fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and contribution tracking. It supports detailed financial reporting for non-profit compliance, such as handling restricted funds, donations, and Form 990 preparation. While comprehensive for religious organizations, it lacks modern cloud features and broad non-profit versatility.
Pros
- Strong fund accounting tailored for churches and non-profits with donation tracking
- One-time purchase model with no recurring subscription fees
- Integrated payroll and financial reporting for compliance
Cons
- Outdated desktop-only interface with steep learning curve
- No cloud access, mobile support, or modern integrations
- Primarily church-focused, less ideal for secular non-profits
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches or faith-based non-profits seeking affordable, on-premise bookkeeping without ongoing costs.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $495 for core accounting, up to $1,295 for full suite; optional annual support at 20% of license fee.
Xero
otherCloud accounting software with tracking categories and integrations suitable for nonprofit bookkeeping.
Unlimited users with real-time multi-user access for volunteer teams
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software primarily designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, payroll, and customizable reporting. For non-profits, it handles basic bookkeeping like donation tracking via invoices, expense categorization, and financial statements, but requires third-party integrations or custom setups for specialized needs like fund accounting or grant management. While versatile and accessible from any device, it lacks native tools for non-profit-specific compliance such as Form 990 reporting.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with automatic bank feeds for quick reconciliation
- Unlimited users and real-time collaboration
- Extensive integrations with donor tools like Donorbox and payroll apps
Cons
- No built-in fund accounting or multi-fund tracking essential for non-profits
- Lacks native donor management, pledge tracking, or Form 990 support
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans or add-ons, increasing costs
Best For
Small non-profits with straightforward bookkeeping needs seeking an easy-to-use cloud platform without complex fund management.
Pricing
Early ($15/mo), Growing ($42/mo), Established ($78/mo) billed annually; 30-day free trial, no nonprofit-specific discounts.
Wave Accounting
otherFree, simple invoicing and accounting tool ideal for very small nonprofits with basic needs.
100% free unlimited accounting with multi-user collaboration
Wave Accounting is a cloud-based, free accounting platform designed for small businesses and freelancers, providing tools for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and basic financial reporting. For non-profits, it supports simple bookkeeping with features like customizable categories and classes for segmenting expenses, but lacks specialized fund accounting, donor tracking, or compliance tools for Form 990. It's a viable starter option for very small organizations, though it may require workarounds for more complex nonprofit needs.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting with no limits on users, invoices, or transactions
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy access
- Unlimited bank connections and receipt scanning
Cons
- No native fund accounting or grant/donor management for nonprofits
- Limited reporting customization and no Form 990 support
- Transaction fees for payments (2.9% + 30¢) and add-ons like payroll
Best For
Tiny non-profits or volunteer-run groups with basic bookkeeping needs and zero budget for software.
Pricing
Core accounting and invoicing free; payments 2.9% + 30¢ per credit card transaction; payroll fees apply in supported countries.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase a range of strengths, with Aplos leading as the top choice due to its tailored focus on fund accounting and donation management for nonprofits and churches. QuickBooks Online Nonprofit follows closely as a popular option, offering robust nonprofit-specific features like Form 990 e-filing, while Sage Intacct impresses with its scalability and advanced grant tracking, making it ideal for larger organizations. Regardless of size or needs, there’s a solution here to streamline bookkeeping.
Begin your journey with Aplos to experience specialized tools that support your mission, or dive into your top alternative to discover the perfect fit for your nonprofit.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
