Quick Overview
- 1#1: Aplos - Cloud-based nonprofit accounting software with built-in budgeting, fund accounting, and grant tracking for seamless financial management.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online Nonprofit - User-friendly accounting platform with nonprofit edition offering customizable budgeting, expense tracking, and donor reporting.
- 3#3: Sage Intacct - Scalable financial management software with advanced nonprofit budgeting, multi-fund accounting, and real-time reporting.
- 4#4: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Comprehensive fund accounting system providing sophisticated budgeting tools and financial controls for mid-to-large nonprofits.
- 5#5: MIP Fund Accounting - Robust fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with multi-entity budgeting and compliance reporting features.
- 6#6: AccuFund - Nonprofit-specific accounting solution featuring multi-fund budgeting, grant management, and audit-ready financials.
- 7#7: Cougar Mountain Denali Fund - Integrated fund accounting software with powerful budgeting, forecasting, and payroll tools for nonprofits.
- 8#8: Araize FastFund - Affordable all-in-one nonprofit ERP system including budgeting, accounting, and fundraising management.
- 9#9: Xero - Cloud accounting software adaptable for nonprofits with budgeting templates, bank feeds, and collaborative tools.
- 10#10: Wave - Free accounting software for small nonprofits offering basic budgeting, invoicing, and expense tracking.
We ranked tools based on key factors: robust budgeting functionality, user-friendly design, adaptability to multi-fund and grant management, compliance readiness, and overall value—ensuring each option balances power with accessibility for nonprofits of all sizes.
Comparison Table
Navigating nonprofit budgeting software can be complex, and this comparison table simplifies the process by evaluating top tools like Aplos, QuickBooks Online Nonprofit, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, and MIP Fund Accounting. Readers will gain insights into each platform’s unique features, pricing structures, and usability to determine which aligns best with their organization’s needs, empowering informed decisions for efficient budget management tailored to nonprofit goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aplos Cloud-based nonprofit accounting software with built-in budgeting, fund accounting, and grant tracking for seamless financial management. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Nonprofit User-friendly accounting platform with nonprofit edition offering customizable budgeting, expense tracking, and donor reporting. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Sage Intacct Scalable financial management software with advanced nonprofit budgeting, multi-fund accounting, and real-time reporting. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Comprehensive fund accounting system providing sophisticated budgeting tools and financial controls for mid-to-large nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | MIP Fund Accounting Robust fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with multi-entity budgeting and compliance reporting features. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | AccuFund Nonprofit-specific accounting solution featuring multi-fund budgeting, grant management, and audit-ready financials. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Cougar Mountain Denali Fund Integrated fund accounting software with powerful budgeting, forecasting, and payroll tools for nonprofits. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Araize FastFund Affordable all-in-one nonprofit ERP system including budgeting, accounting, and fundraising management. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Xero Cloud accounting software adaptable for nonprofits with budgeting templates, bank feeds, and collaborative tools. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Wave Free accounting software for small nonprofits offering basic budgeting, invoicing, and expense tracking. | other | 6.7/10 | 5.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 |
Cloud-based nonprofit accounting software with built-in budgeting, fund accounting, and grant tracking for seamless financial management.
User-friendly accounting platform with nonprofit edition offering customizable budgeting, expense tracking, and donor reporting.
Scalable financial management software with advanced nonprofit budgeting, multi-fund accounting, and real-time reporting.
Comprehensive fund accounting system providing sophisticated budgeting tools and financial controls for mid-to-large nonprofits.
Robust fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with multi-entity budgeting and compliance reporting features.
Nonprofit-specific accounting solution featuring multi-fund budgeting, grant management, and audit-ready financials.
Integrated fund accounting software with powerful budgeting, forecasting, and payroll tools for nonprofits.
Affordable all-in-one nonprofit ERP system including budgeting, accounting, and fundraising management.
Cloud accounting software adaptable for nonprofits with budgeting templates, bank feeds, and collaborative tools.
Free accounting software for small nonprofits offering basic budgeting, invoicing, and expense tracking.
Aplos
specializedCloud-based nonprofit accounting software with built-in budgeting, fund accounting, and grant tracking for seamless financial management.
Fund-specific budgeting with automated variance tracking and what-if scenario modeling
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting and financial management platform tailored specifically for nonprofits, churches, and faith-based organizations. It provides robust budgeting tools that support fund accounting, enabling users to create detailed budgets across multiple funds, track variances in real-time, and perform scenario planning. The software integrates seamlessly with donor management, payroll, and banking, offering a comprehensive solution for nonprofit financial oversight.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting and budgeting for nonprofits
- Intuitive interface with real-time dashboards and reporting
- Seamless integration with donor tracking and online giving
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small organizations
- Limited advanced customization for complex enterprise needs
- Fewer third-party app integrations than general accounting tools
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and churches needing an all-in-one platform for budgeting, fund accounting, and fundraising management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Essentials (billed annually), $99/month for Professional, and custom Enterprise pricing.
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit
specializedUser-friendly accounting platform with nonprofit edition offering customizable budgeting, expense tracking, and donor reporting.
Class-based budgeting that tracks expenses and revenues across unlimited funds, programs, and locations in real-time
QuickBooks Online Nonprofit is a cloud-based accounting platform customized for nonprofits, providing essential tools for fund accounting, donation tracking, grant management, and budgeting. It enables organizations to create and monitor budgets by class (fund/program), generate nonprofit-specific financial reports, and ensure compliance with standards like FASB. With seamless integration into Intuit's ecosystem, it supports multi-entity tracking and automated bank reconciliations tailored to nonprofit workflows.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with class and location tracking for precise budgeting across programs
- Nonprofit-optimized reports and dashboards for grant compliance and donor reporting
- Strong integrations with donor management tools like DonorBox and Classy
Cons
- Budgeting module lacks advanced forecasting and scenario planning compared to specialized tools
- Steep learning curve for users new to accounting software
- Higher cost for smaller nonprofits despite discounts
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits needing integrated accounting and budgeting with strong reporting for multiple funds and grants.
Pricing
Nonprofit discounts (30-50% off): Plus plan starts at ~$75/month (billed annually), Advanced at ~$140/month; custom quotes available.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable financial management software with advanced nonprofit budgeting, multi-fund accounting, and real-time reporting.
Multi-dimensional tracking that allows budgeting and reporting by unlimited dimensions like fund, program, grant, and location
Sage Intacct is a robust cloud-based financial management platform designed for nonprofits, featuring advanced budgeting tools, fund accounting, and grant tracking capabilities. It supports multi-dimensional analysis to monitor budgets across multiple entities, programs, and funding sources in real-time. The software integrates seamlessly with other financial modules for comprehensive nonprofit financial oversight and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Powerful multi-dimensional budgeting for tracking funds, grants, and programs simultaneously
- Strong integration with fund accounting and reporting for nonprofit compliance
- Scalable for mid-sized to large nonprofits with multi-entity support
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive ERP nature
- Higher pricing requires custom quotes, not ideal for small nonprofits
- Implementation often needs professional services or consultants
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits requiring integrated financial management with advanced budgeting across multiple funding streams.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $15,000-$30,000 annually depending on modules and users; quotes required.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseComprehensive fund accounting system providing sophisticated budgeting tools and financial controls for mid-to-large nonprofits.
Unlimited what-if budgeting scenarios with real-time integration to fundraising and grant data
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based financial management solution tailored for nonprofits, offering comprehensive fund accounting, budgeting, and reporting capabilities. It supports multi-entity budgeting, what-if scenario planning, encumbrance accounting, and seamless integration with fundraising tools like Raiser's Edge NXT. Ideal for organizations needing to track grants, donations, and restricted funds while ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards.
Pros
- Robust nonprofit-specific budgeting with multi-fund and grant tracking
- Deep integration with Blackbaud's CRM and fundraising ecosystem
- Advanced reporting and scenario modeling for financial forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High cost with quote-based pricing
- Overkill for small nonprofits with simple budgeting needs
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits requiring integrated fund accounting, budgeting, and donor management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10,000–$50,000+ annually based on modules, users, and organization size.
MIP Fund Accounting
enterpriseRobust fund accounting software designed for nonprofits with multi-entity budgeting and compliance reporting features.
Fund-based budgeting that natively handles restricted/unrestricted funds, grants, and donor designations with automatic compliance checks
MIP Fund Accounting from Community Brands is a comprehensive ERP solution designed specifically for nonprofits, offering robust fund accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting capabilities. It enables organizations to create and manage multiple budgets across funds, track encumbrances, and perform variance analysis while ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards like FASB. The software integrates budgeting seamlessly with general ledger, payroll, and grant management for holistic financial oversight.
Pros
- Powerful fund-specific budgeting with encumbrance tracking
- Seamless integration with nonprofit ERP modules like grants and payroll
- Customizable reports and dashboards for compliance and analysis
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires extensive training
- Custom pricing often makes it expensive for smaller nonprofits
- Implementation can take several months
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits needing integrated fund accounting and advanced budgeting for complex grant-funded operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on users, modules, and deployment (cloud or on-premise); annual costs typically start at $10,000+.
AccuFund
specializedNonprofit-specific accounting solution featuring multi-fund budgeting, grant management, and audit-ready financials.
Advanced multi-fund encumbrance budgeting that automatically tracks commitments against grants and budgets in real-time
AccuFund is a specialized fund accounting software designed for nonprofits, governments, and public sector organizations, providing robust tools for budgeting, grant tracking, and financial management. It supports multi-fund budgeting with encumbrance accounting, allowing users to create detailed, flexible budgets across programs and funds while ensuring compliance with nonprofit standards like FASB. The platform integrates budgeting with general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and reporting for comprehensive financial oversight.
Pros
- Strong multi-fund budgeting and encumbrance tracking tailored for nonprofits
- Excellent grant management and allocation capabilities
- Highly customizable reporting and compliance with FASB standards
Cons
- Dated user interface that may feel clunky compared to modern SaaS tools
- Steeper learning curve and lengthy implementation process
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be expensive for small organizations
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits and public agencies requiring robust, compliant fund accounting with integrated budgeting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$15,000 plus annual maintenance (15-20%), or SaaS subscriptions from $500/month depending on modules and users.
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund
specializedIntegrated fund accounting software with powerful budgeting, forecasting, and payroll tools for nonprofits.
True multi-dimensional fund accounting that tracks budgets across unlimited funds, programs, and grants in real-time
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund is a robust fund accounting software tailored for nonprofits, featuring integrated budgeting tools that support multi-fund, multi-entity budgeting and forecasting. It combines general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and donor management with advanced reporting for grant tracking and compliance with FASB standards. Designed for on-premise deployment, it provides nonprofits with detailed financial oversight and customizable dashboards to manage budgets across multiple programs and funds effectively.
Pros
- Specialized fund accounting with unlimited funds and grant management
- Powerful budgeting module with scenario planning and what-if analysis
- Comprehensive reporting and audit-ready compliance tools
Cons
- On-premise installation requires IT resources and lacks cloud flexibility
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits with complex multi-fund structures needing integrated accounting and budgeting.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $15,000-$30,000 for base system plus modules, with annual support fees of 15-20% of license cost.
Araize FastFund
specializedAffordable all-in-one nonprofit ERP system including budgeting, accounting, and fundraising management.
Unlimited fund and grant-specific budgeting with built-in encumbrance accounting
Araize FastFund is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits, featuring a dedicated budgeting module that supports multi-fund budgeting, real-time tracking of actuals versus budgets, and detailed variance reporting. It integrates seamlessly with fund accounting, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll modules to provide a unified financial management platform. Designed as a QuickBooks alternative, it helps nonprofits maintain compliance with grant requirements and donor restrictions through precise budget controls and customizable reporting.
Pros
- Strong multi-fund budgeting with automated variance analysis
- Real-time dashboards and customizable reports for nonprofit compliance
- Cloud-based with mobile access and no IT setup required
Cons
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with fund accounting
- Limited third-party integrations compared to larger platforms
- Pricing scales quickly for organizations with multiple users or modules
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing integrated fund accounting and budgeting without the complexity of enterprise solutions.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $495/month for basic plans, scaling to $1,500+/month based on users, modules, and organization size.
Xero
specializedCloud accounting software adaptable for nonprofits with budgeting templates, bank feeds, and collaborative tools.
Tracking categories for flexible budget allocation across programs or funds
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that provides general budgeting capabilities through tracking categories, bank feeds, and customizable reports, making it adaptable for nonprofit financial management. It excels in automation for invoicing, expense tracking, and reconciliations but requires add-ons or custom setups for nonprofit-specific needs like fund accounting. While not purpose-built for nonprofits, its integrations with tools like Donorbox or Classy enhance its utility for smaller organizations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile access
- Unlimited users and bank transaction imports
- Extensive integrations via app marketplace for donor tools
Cons
- No native fund accounting or grant tracking
- Nonprofit reporting requires customization or third-party apps
- Budgeting limited to tracking categories without advanced forecasting
Best For
Small nonprofits with simple budgeting needs seeking an affordable, user-friendly general accounting platform.
Pricing
Starts at $20 USD/month (Early plan) up to $70 USD/month (Ultimate); volume discounts and nonprofit eligibility for reduced rates.
Wave
otherFree accounting software for small nonprofits offering basic budgeting, invoicing, and expense tracking.
100% free unlimited accounting and invoicing with no user or transaction limits
Wave is a free cloud-based accounting platform primarily designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic financial reports. For nonprofits, it provides simple categorization for budgets and expenses but lacks specialized fund accounting or grant management tools. It's a no-cost entry point for basic financial oversight in small operations.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting with unlimited transactions and users
- Intuitive interface suitable for non-accountants
- Mobile app for easy expense tracking on the go
Cons
- No dedicated fund accounting or nonprofit-specific reporting
- Lacks grant tracking, donor management, or compliance features
- Advanced features like payroll incur additional fees
Best For
Very small nonprofits or volunteer-led groups needing free, basic expense and budget tracking without complex fund requirements.
Pricing
Free for accounting, invoicing, and reports; add-ons like payments (2.9% + 30¢ per transaction) and payroll ($20 base + $6/employee monthly).
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span a range of needs, from integrated ERP systems to affordable basics, with Aplos leading as the top choice, offering seamless budgeting, fund tracking, and grant management. QuickBooks Online Nonprofit excels with its user-friendly design and customizable tools for smaller organizations, while Sage Intacct stands out for its scalability and real-time reporting, making them excellent alternatives based on specific operational requirements.
Begin optimizing your nonprofit’s financial processes—start with Aplos to leverage its comprehensive features and enhance your budgeting efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison