Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches with fund accounting, donation tracking, and financial reporting.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - Versatile accounting platform adapted for nonprofits and churches featuring customizable fund accounting, donor management, and seamless integrations.
- 3#3: PowerChurch Plus - All-in-one church management and accounting software that handles contributions, expenses, payroll, and budgeting for small to mid-sized churches.
- 4#4: ChurchTrac - Affordable church management system with built-in accounting for tracking giving, expenses, and generating compliant financial reports.
- 5#5: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Enterprise-level financial management software for large nonprofits and churches offering advanced fund accounting and grant management.
- 6#6: Sage Intacct Nonprofit - Robust cloud ERP solution for nonprofits with multi-entity fund accounting, compliance tools, and real-time financial insights.
- 7#7: ShelbyNext - Comprehensive church accounting software providing fund accounting, general ledger, payroll, and reporting for growing congregations.
- 8#8: CDM+ - Modular church database and accounting system supporting contributions, accounts payable, and financial statements for various church sizes.
- 9#9: Servant Keeper - Church management software with integrated accounting for handling donations, budgeting, and payroll in an easy-to-use interface.
- 10#10: The Master's Plan - Full-featured accounting software tailored for churches with fund tracking, payroll, and automated reporting to simplify financial management.
We ranked these tools based on their alignment with nonprofit and church requirements: prioritizing robust features like advanced fund management and compliance; user-friendliness and reliability; and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse organizational scales.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right accounting software is critical for nonprofit churches, as it must support unique needs like budget tracking, donor management, and regulatory compliance. This comparison table features tools such as Aplos, QuickBooks Online Nonprofit, PowerChurch Plus, ChurchTrac, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, and more, guiding readers to identify options that align with their church’s size, operational requirements, and budget. By analyzing key features, pricing, and usability, readers can make informed decisions to streamline financial tasks and focus on their mission.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches with fund accounting, donation tracking, and financial reporting. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit Versatile accounting platform adapted for nonprofits and churches featuring customizable fund accounting, donor management, and seamless integrations. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 3 | PowerChurch Plus All-in-one church management and accounting software that handles contributions, expenses, payroll, and budgeting for small to mid-sized churches. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | ChurchTrac Affordable church management system with built-in accounting for tracking giving, expenses, and generating compliant financial reports. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 5 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Enterprise-level financial management software for large nonprofits and churches offering advanced fund accounting and grant management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Sage Intacct Nonprofit Robust cloud ERP solution for nonprofits with multi-entity fund accounting, compliance tools, and real-time financial insights. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | ShelbyNext Comprehensive church accounting software providing fund accounting, general ledger, payroll, and reporting for growing congregations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | CDM+ Modular church database and accounting system supporting contributions, accounts payable, and financial statements for various church sizes. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Servant Keeper Church management software with integrated accounting for handling donations, budgeting, and payroll in an easy-to-use interface. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | The Master's Plan Full-featured accounting software tailored for churches with fund tracking, payroll, and automated reporting to simplify financial management. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches with fund accounting, donation tracking, and financial reporting.
Versatile accounting platform adapted for nonprofits and churches featuring customizable fund accounting, donor management, and seamless integrations.
All-in-one church management and accounting software that handles contributions, expenses, payroll, and budgeting for small to mid-sized churches.
Affordable church management system with built-in accounting for tracking giving, expenses, and generating compliant financial reports.
Enterprise-level financial management software for large nonprofits and churches offering advanced fund accounting and grant management.
Robust cloud ERP solution for nonprofits with multi-entity fund accounting, compliance tools, and real-time financial insights.
Comprehensive church accounting software providing fund accounting, general ledger, payroll, and reporting for growing congregations.
Modular church database and accounting system supporting contributions, accounts payable, and financial statements for various church sizes.
Church management software with integrated accounting for handling donations, budgeting, and payroll in an easy-to-use interface.
Full-featured accounting software tailored for churches with fund tracking, payroll, and automated reporting to simplify financial management.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits and churches with fund accounting, donation tracking, and financial reporting.
True nonprofit fund accounting that automatically tracks restricted and unrestricted funds across all transactions
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits and churches, providing specialized fund accounting, donation management, budgeting, and financial reporting tools. It supports multiple funds, automated bank reconciliations, and compliance with nonprofit standards like FASB. The platform integrates online giving, payroll, and CRM features to streamline church operations. Overall, it simplifies complex nonprofit finances into an intuitive dashboard.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting perfect for churches and nonprofits with multiple restricted funds
- Seamless integration with online giving platforms like Tithe.ly and donor CRM
- Robust reporting and dashboards for easy compliance and decision-making
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for very small churches
- Steeper learning curve for advanced custom reporting
- Limited third-party payroll integrations compared to general accounting software
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches and nonprofits needing compliant fund accounting with donor management in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Basic), $99/month (Plus), $149/month (Pro), $199/month (Enterprise); annual discounts available.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
enterpriseVersatile accounting platform adapted for nonprofits and churches featuring customizable fund accounting, donor management, and seamless integrations.
Class and location tracking for multi-fund accounting without needing separate modules
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform from Intuit, adapted for nonprofits like churches with features for fund accounting, donor tracking, and compliance reporting. It uses class and location tracking to manage multiple funds, pledges, and restricted donations, while integrating bank feeds, invoicing, and payroll. Ideal for organizations needing scalable financial management without full specialization in nonprofit-only tools.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with mobile app access
- Strong bank reconciliation and automation
- Robust reporting including Form 990 support
Cons
- Fund accounting relies on class/location workarounds
- Higher pricing may strain small church budgets
- Limited built-in donor CRM compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits seeking reliable, general-purpose accounting with nonprofit customizations and Intuit ecosystem integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $75/month for Plus (nonprofit discounts available), up to $200/month for Advanced; annual plans offer savings.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedAll-in-one church management and accounting software that handles contributions, expenses, payroll, and budgeting for small to mid-sized churches.
Lifetime telephone support and free lifetime updates included with purchase
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based church management software suite with specialized accounting tools tailored for non-profit churches, including fund accounting, contributions tracking, payroll processing, and general ledger management. It supports detailed financial reporting compliant with non-profit standards, donor-restricted fund tracking, and integration with membership and attendance modules. Ideal for on-premise deployment, it emphasizes affordability and long-term support without recurring fees.
Pros
- Lifetime free updates and phone support with no subscription required
- Robust fund accounting with donor-restricted tracking and non-profit compliance
- Comprehensive church-specific features like detailed contribution statements and budgeting tools
Cons
- Primarily desktop software with limited cloud or mobile accessibility
- Dated user interface that may feel clunky compared to modern SaaS alternatives
- Fewer third-party integrations and automation options
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking cost-effective, on-premise accounting software with strong fund management and lifetime support.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $289 for base version, with modular add-ons up to $1,000+; free trial available.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable church management system with built-in accounting for tracking giving, expenses, and generating compliant financial reports.
Fund accounting system optimized for multiple church funds and restricted donations
ChurchTrac is a cloud-based church management platform with integrated accounting software designed specifically for non-profit churches. It provides fund accounting, general ledger, budgeting, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, and donation tracking, all tailored to church financial needs. The software also includes member database management, online giving, event scheduling, and attendance tracking for comprehensive church operations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans
- User-friendly interface suitable for non-technical staff
- Church-specific fund accounting and donation management
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Scalability challenges for very large congregations
Best For
Small to medium-sized churches needing an affordable, all-in-one management and accounting solution.
Pricing
Starts at $37/month (Essentials, 50 people) up to $159/month (Enterprise, unlimited people); annual discounts available.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseEnterprise-level financial management software for large nonprofits and churches offering advanced fund accounting and grant management.
Unlimited fund accounting with automated tracking of restricted/unrestricted funds and donor-designated giving
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based accounting solution designed specifically for nonprofits, including churches, offering robust fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and budgeting capabilities. It excels in handling restricted and unrestricted funds, generating compliance-ready financial reports, and providing real-time dashboards for financial oversight. The software integrates seamlessly with Blackbaud's ecosystem, such as Raiser's Edge NXT for donor management, making it ideal for organizations needing holistic financial and fundraising tools.
Pros
- Advanced fund accounting tailored for nonprofit compliance and FASB standards
- Powerful reporting and customizable dashboards with real-time insights
- Seamless integration with Blackbaud CRM and fundraising tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High subscription costs with custom pricing
- Limited flexibility for very small organizations or simple needs
Best For
Mid-sized churches and nonprofits that require sophisticated fund accounting, detailed reporting, and integration with donor management systems.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and organization size; no public tiered plans.
Sage Intacct Nonprofit
enterpriseRobust cloud ERP solution for nonprofits with multi-entity fund accounting, compliance tools, and real-time financial insights.
Multi-dimensional tracking (e.g., fund, program, grant) for unlimited segmentation without custom coding
Sage Intacct Nonprofit is a cloud-based financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, including churches, with robust fund accounting to track donations, pledges, tithes, and restricted funds. It offers real-time dashboards, customizable reporting, and multi-entity support to ensure compliance with GAAP and FASB standards for nonprofit accounting. The solution scales for growing organizations while integrating with donor management and fundraising tools.
Pros
- Advanced multi-dimensional fund accounting for precise tracking of designations and restrictions
- Real-time reporting and dashboards for financial transparency
- Scalable multi-entity management ideal for multi-campus churches
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training or consultants
- High pricing may overwhelm small churches
- Limited built-in donor CRM, needing integrations
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches and nonprofits requiring enterprise-grade fund accounting and compliance features.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$15,000/year for base nonprofit package, plus $100-400/user/month and add-ons.
ShelbyNext
specializedComprehensive church accounting software providing fund accounting, general ledger, payroll, and reporting for growing congregations.
Advanced fund accounting engine that automatically tracks restricted/unrestricted donations and generates IRS-compliant Form 990 reports
ShelbyNext is a cloud-based church management software suite from Shelby Systems, offering specialized accounting solutions for non-profits and churches. It provides robust fund accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and detailed financial reporting tailored to ecclesiastical needs. The platform integrates seamlessly with membership tracking, online giving, and event management to streamline church operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive fund accounting with church-specific reporting and budgeting tools
- Seamless integration between accounting, contributions, and member database
- Strong customer support and training resources for non-profits
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Steep learning curve for new users without prior accounting experience
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger churches with multiple modules
Best For
Mid-sized churches and non-profits seeking an all-in-one system with deep accounting capabilities integrated into church management.
Pricing
Subscription-based modular pricing starting at around $100/month for core accounting, scaling with user count, records, and add-ons (custom quotes required).
CDM+
specializedModular church database and accounting system supporting contributions, accounts payable, and financial statements for various church sizes.
Advanced multi-fund accounting with built-in envelope system support for precise donation tracking
CDM+ by Elexio is a comprehensive church management software suite with robust accounting features tailored for non-profits and religious organizations. It provides fund accounting, general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and donor contribution tracking, all integrated with membership, attendance, and event modules. Designed for churches, it supports multi-fund budgeting, custom financial reports, and compliance with non-profit standards.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for church tithes and offerings
- Highly customizable reports and financial statements
- Integrated modules reduce need for multiple tools
Cons
- Outdated Windows desktop interface feels clunky
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Limited mobile/cloud accessibility compared to modern SaaS options
Best For
Mid-sized churches seeking reliable, on-premise accounting with deep church-specific financial tools.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licensing starting at $995 per module (e.g., Accounting), plus 18% annual maintenance fee; no subscription model.
Servant Keeper
specializedChurch management software with integrated accounting for handling donations, budgeting, and payroll in an easy-to-use interface.
Unlimited fund accounting designed specifically for church ministries and non-profit budgeting
Servant Keeper is a long-established church management software with specialized accounting modules tailored for non-profits and churches, handling fund accounting, contributions, payroll, and general ledger functions. It supports unlimited funds and budgets, making it suitable for tracking donations and expenses across multiple ministries. The software offers both on-premise and cloud deployment options, integrating seamlessly with membership and event management tools.
Pros
- Strong fund accounting tailored for churches with unlimited funds support
- Integrated church management features like contributions and payroll
- Reliable reporting and audit trails for non-profit compliance
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels outdated compared to modern competitors
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
- Limited mobile app functionality and integrations
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing specialized fund accounting combined with basic church management.
Pricing
Cloud subscriptions start at $39/month for basic plans, with on-premise licenses from $995 one-time; scales with users and modules.
The Master's Plan
specializedFull-featured accounting software tailored for churches with fund tracking, payroll, and automated reporting to simplify financial management.
Robust multi-fund accounting that seamlessly tracks designated giving, pledges, and expenses across unlimited funds
The Master's Plan is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for churches and non-profit organizations, providing fund accounting, contribution tracking, payroll, and budgeting tools. It supports multi-fund management essential for handling designated donations and general funds in religious settings. The platform emphasizes financial transparency and compliance with non-profit reporting standards through customizable reports and dashboards.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting for unlimited funds and sub-funds
- Unlimited users included in all plans
- Strong financial reporting and audit trail features
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steeper learning curve
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Payroll module requires additional setup and fees
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches needing affordable, church-specific fund accounting without complex integrations.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at $69/month for churches under 75 attendees, scaling to $299+/month for larger congregations; includes unlimited users and support.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools highlight specialized solutions for church accounting, with Aplos emerging as the top choice for its focused design and nonprofit-specific features. QuickBooks Online Nonprofit stands out for its versatile integrations and customizable fund management, while PowerChurch Plus excels as a comprehensive all-in-one system for small to mid-sized congregations. Each option addresses unique needs, ensuring a fit for diverse church sizes and operational styles.
Take the first step toward streamlined financial management—try Aplos today, the top-ranked tool, to simplify fund tracking, donation management, and reporting tailored to your church’s unique needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison