Quick Overview
- 1#1: Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT - Comprehensive cloud-based fund accounting platform with grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting tailored for nonprofits.
- 2#2: Sage Intacct - Scalable cloud financial management software featuring multi-entity fund accounting and nonprofit-specific compliance tools.
- 3#3: Aplos - User-friendly cloud accounting solution designed for small nonprofits and churches with fund tracking and donation management.
- 4#4: QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit - Powerful desktop accounting software with nonprofit edition for fund accounting, donor tracking, and Form 990 support.
- 5#5: MIP Fund Accounting - Robust fund accounting system offering advanced reporting, grant tracking, and compliance for mid-to-large nonprofits.
- 6#6: Cougar Mountain Denali Fund - Integrated fund accounting software with payroll and CRM for comprehensive nonprofit financial management.
- 7#7: AccuFund - Affordable, scalable fund accounting software focused on nonprofit budgeting, reporting, and multi-fund tracking.
- 8#8: Araize FastFund - Cloud-based nonprofit accounting platform combining fund management, CRM, and fundraising tools.
- 9#9: Fund EZ - Flexible fund accounting software supporting complex nonprofit structures and custom reporting needs.
- 10#10: SoftEdge Nonprofit+ - Modular accounting system providing fund accounting, payroll, and HR for nonprofits.
We ranked these tools based on a blend of nonprofit-specific functionality, usability, scalability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver comprehensive support for budgeting, grant management, reporting, and core financial workflows.
Comparison Table
Nonprofit fund accounting software is vital for managing restricted funds, ensuring transparency, and streamlining operations. This comparison table explores key tools including Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, Sage Intacct, Aplos, QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit, MIP Fund Accounting, and more, helping readers assess features, usability, and fit for their organization's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT Comprehensive cloud-based fund accounting platform with grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting tailored for nonprofits. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Sage Intacct Scalable cloud financial management software featuring multi-entity fund accounting and nonprofit-specific compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Aplos User-friendly cloud accounting solution designed for small nonprofits and churches with fund tracking and donation management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit Powerful desktop accounting software with nonprofit edition for fund accounting, donor tracking, and Form 990 support. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | MIP Fund Accounting Robust fund accounting system offering advanced reporting, grant tracking, and compliance for mid-to-large nonprofits. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Cougar Mountain Denali Fund Integrated fund accounting software with payroll and CRM for comprehensive nonprofit financial management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | AccuFund Affordable, scalable fund accounting software focused on nonprofit budgeting, reporting, and multi-fund tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Araize FastFund Cloud-based nonprofit accounting platform combining fund management, CRM, and fundraising tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Fund EZ Flexible fund accounting software supporting complex nonprofit structures and custom reporting needs. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | SoftEdge Nonprofit+ Modular accounting system providing fund accounting, payroll, and HR for nonprofits. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based fund accounting platform with grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting tailored for nonprofits.
Scalable cloud financial management software featuring multi-entity fund accounting and nonprofit-specific compliance tools.
User-friendly cloud accounting solution designed for small nonprofits and churches with fund tracking and donation management.
Powerful desktop accounting software with nonprofit edition for fund accounting, donor tracking, and Form 990 support.
Robust fund accounting system offering advanced reporting, grant tracking, and compliance for mid-to-large nonprofits.
Integrated fund accounting software with payroll and CRM for comprehensive nonprofit financial management.
Affordable, scalable fund accounting software focused on nonprofit budgeting, reporting, and multi-fund tracking.
Cloud-based nonprofit accounting platform combining fund management, CRM, and fundraising tools.
Flexible fund accounting software supporting complex nonprofit structures and custom reporting needs.
Modular accounting system providing fund accounting, payroll, and HR for nonprofits.
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based fund accounting platform with grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting tailored for nonprofits.
Unlimited fund segmentation and intelligent allocation engine for precise tracking of restricted/unrestricted funds across unlimited dimensions
Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT is a cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits, offering comprehensive tools for general ledger management, fund tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting compliant with FASB and GAAP standards. It excels in handling complex allocations for restricted and unrestricted funds, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll integration. Seamlessly integrated with Blackbaud's CRM and fundraising platforms, it provides real-time insights and automation to streamline nonprofit financial operations.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with unlimited segmentation and automated allocations
- Advanced reporting, dashboards, and compliance tools tailored for nonprofits
- Deep integration with Blackbaud's donor management and fundraising ecosystem
Cons
- High implementation and subscription costs
- Steep learning curve for non-experts
- Overkill for very small nonprofits with simple needs
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits with complex fund structures, multiple funding sources, and a need for integrated fundraising and accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually depending on organization size and modules.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseScalable cloud financial management software featuring multi-entity fund accounting and nonprofit-specific compliance tools.
Sophisticated award management module that automates grant tracking, drawdowns, and restricted fund compliance
Sage Intacct is a robust cloud-based financial management platform tailored for nonprofits, excelling in fund accounting with multi-entity and multi-dimensional tracking for funds, grants, and programs. It provides real-time reporting, dashboards, and compliance tools aligned with GAAP and FASB standards for nonprofit accounting. The software integrates with CRM systems and fundraising tools, enabling seamless donor and grant management for mid-to-large organizations.
Pros
- Advanced multi-fund and grant accounting with automated tracking of restrictions
- Highly customizable real-time reporting and dashboards
- Scalable multi-entity management for complex nonprofit structures
Cons
- Steep implementation process often requiring consultants
- Higher cost structure not ideal for small nonprofits
- Learning curve for advanced customization
Best For
Mid-sized to large nonprofits with complex grant portfolios and multi-entity needs requiring enterprise-grade fund accounting.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at approximately $15,000-$30,000 annually, depending on modules, users, and entities.
Aplos
specializedUser-friendly cloud accounting solution designed for small nonprofits and churches with fund tracking and donation management.
True fund accounting that enforces restrictions in real-time across transactions and reports
Aplos is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for nonprofits, churches, and small ministries, offering specialized fund accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds seamlessly. It combines donor management, online giving integrations, budgeting, payroll, and customizable reporting in one platform. Designed for non-accountants, it simplifies compliance with GAAP standards and generates audit-ready financial statements.
Pros
- Robust fund accounting with automatic restriction tracking
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-finance staff
- Seamless integrations with donation platforms like PayPal and Stripe
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics for large enterprises
- Pricing scales quickly with add-ons and users
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits and churches needing user-friendly fund accounting without a dedicated accountant.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Basic), $99/month (Pro), $159/month (Enterprise); billed annually with volume discounts.
QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit
enterprisePowerful desktop accounting software with nonprofit edition for fund accounting, donor tracking, and Form 990 support.
Class and location tracking enabling true fund accounting with detailed segmentation for grants and programs
QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit is a customized version of Intuit's flagship accounting software tailored for nonprofit organizations, providing fund accounting through class and location tracking to manage multiple funds, grants, and programs. It supports donor management, pledge tracking, batch transactions, and compliance reporting including IRS Form 990 preparation. Scalable for mid-to-large nonprofits, it integrates with payroll, CRM systems, and thousands of apps via the QuickBooks App Store.
Pros
- Robust class-based fund accounting for tracking restricted/unrestricted funds
- Advanced reporting with nonprofit-specific templates and 990 export
- Seamless scalability and integrations for growing organizations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
- Higher pricing without deep native grant or endowment management
- Limited encumbrance accounting compared to dedicated nonprofit ERP systems
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits seeking scalable, familiar accounting software with strong reporting for fund tracking and compliance.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$1,710/year for Silver (1 user, basic features); Gold/Platinum/Diamond tiers $2,500+ per user/year with advanced inventory/payroll; nonprofit discounts apply.
MIP Fund Accounting
enterpriseRobust fund accounting system offering advanced reporting, grant tracking, and compliance for mid-to-large nonprofits.
Multi-dimensional fund accounting engine that simultaneously tracks by fund, grant, program, and project in real-time
MIP Fund Accounting, offered by Community Brands, is a robust financial management solution tailored for nonprofits, specializing in fund-based accounting to track restricted and unrestricted funds accurately. It supports grant management, budgeting, payroll, and compliance reporting with features like multi-entity consolidation and audit trails. The software scales for mid-to-large organizations, integrating with other Community Brands tools for CRM and fundraising.
Pros
- Advanced fund accounting with unlimited funds and multi-dimensional tracking
- Comprehensive grant lifecycle management and compliance tools
- Highly customizable reporting and strong audit capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dated interface requiring training
- Complex implementation process
- Quote-based pricing can be expensive for smaller nonprofits
Best For
Mid-to-large nonprofits needing sophisticated fund accounting, grant tracking, and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $5,000-$20,000+ annually based on modules, users, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund
enterpriseIntegrated fund accounting software with payroll and CRM for comprehensive nonprofit financial management.
Unlimited fund and segment tracking with automatic allocation rules for precise nonprofit financial segmentation
Cougar Mountain Denali Fund is a robust, on-premise accounting software suite tailored for nonprofits, excelling in fund accounting, donor management, grant tracking, and compliance reporting. It supports unlimited funds and segments, handles complex pledge and recurring donation tracking, and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office tools. Designed for scalability, it serves organizations from small nonprofits to mid-sized enterprises needing detailed financial oversight.
Pros
- Specialized multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and segments
- Comprehensive donor and grant management tools
- Strong customizable reporting and audit trail for compliance
Cons
- On-premise only, lacking native cloud deployment
- Steep learning curve and complex setup process
- Higher upfront costs without modular low-entry pricing
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits requiring deep fund accounting customization and on-premise security without relying on cloud solutions.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $15,000+ for core modules, plus annual maintenance fees around 18-20% of license cost; additional modules extra.
AccuFund
specializedAffordable, scalable fund accounting software focused on nonprofit budgeting, reporting, and multi-fund tracking.
Advanced encumbrance accounting that automatically monitors budgets against grant restrictions in real-time
AccuFund is a specialized fund accounting software designed for nonprofits, enabling precise tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, grants, and donations in compliance with GAAP and FASB standards. It offers modular components including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and inventory management, with robust reporting tools for financial transparency. Ideal for organizations needing detailed fund-level accounting without the complexity of enterprise systems.
Pros
- Exceptional fund accounting accuracy with automatic restriction tracking
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards for nonprofit compliance
- Reliable customer support and training resources
Cons
- Outdated Windows-based interface lacks modern UI appeal
- Limited integrations with third-party CRM or donor platforms
- Perpetual licensing model may not suit budget-conscious small orgs
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits focused on precise grant and fund management with moderate technical needs.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licenses starting at $4,000-$6,000 per module plus 18-20% annual maintenance; custom quotes required.
Araize FastFund
specializedCloud-based nonprofit accounting platform combining fund management, CRM, and fundraising tools.
Automated restriction tracking and allocation across multiple funds with real-time compliance reporting
Araize FastFund is a cloud-based fund accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits, enabling precise tracking of multiple funds, donor restrictions, grants, and budgets. It combines core accounting functions with donor management, fundraising tools, and customizable reporting dashboards for streamlined operations. The platform supports compliance with GAAP and FASB standards, real-time financial insights, and integrations like payroll and online giving.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with customizable dashboards for quick insights
- Comprehensive fund accounting tailored to nonprofit needs including restriction tracking
- Strong integration of donor CRM and grant management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced features
- Limited native integrations with some popular nonprofit tools
- Reporting customization requires some setup time
Best For
Mid-sized nonprofits needing an all-in-one platform for fund accounting, donor tracking, and basic fundraising.
Pricing
Subscription tiers starting at ~$150/month for basic plans (up to 3 users), scaling to $500+/month for enterprise with more users and features; custom quotes available.
Fund EZ
enterpriseFlexible fund accounting software supporting complex nonprofit structures and custom reporting needs.
Unlimited fund tracking with automated allocation rules for grants and donations
Fund EZ is a Windows-based desktop accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits, excelling in fund accounting by allowing unlimited funds to be tracked separately with precise allocation for restricted and unrestricted resources. It includes core modules for general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, and grant management, along with customizable reporting for Form 990 compliance. While straightforward and cost-effective, it lacks modern cloud features and advanced integrations found in higher-ranked competitors.
Pros
- Outstanding value with one-time purchase and no subscriptions
- True multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds and easy allocations
- User-friendly interface with quick setup and learning curve
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows-exclusive) with no cloud or mobile access
- Limited integrations with donor management or CRM tools
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics and automation
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits needing simple, affordable on-premise fund accounting without ongoing costs.
Pricing
One-time licenses starting at $495 for basic edition, up to $1,995 for full modules; includes free updates and support.
SoftEdge Nonprofit+
enterpriseModular accounting system providing fund accounting, payroll, and HR for nonprofits.
Unlimited fund accounting capability with seamless grant and restricted fund tracking
SoftEdge Nonprofit+ is a Windows-based fund accounting software designed specifically for nonprofits, churches, and schools, providing tools for multi-fund tracking, donor management, and grant compliance. It handles core financial functions like general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and budgeting with FASB-compliant reporting. The software emphasizes customization and on-premise deployment for organizations preferring local control over their data.
Pros
- Strong multi-fund accounting with unlimited funds support
- Highly customizable reports and forms
- Includes built-in payroll and donor tracking modules
Cons
- Outdated interface with a steep learning curve
- Limited mobile/cloud accessibility compared to modern SaaS options
- Requires Windows environment and local installation
Best For
Small to mid-sized nonprofits or faith-based organizations comfortable with desktop software and needing robust on-premise fund accounting.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $2,495 for base edition, plus $995/year maintenance; modular add-ons extra.
Conclusion
The top 10 nonprofit fund accounting tools cater to varied needs, from comprehensive cloud platforms to user-friendly solutions, each designed to streamline financial management. Leading the pack is Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, a standout for its robust grant management, budgeting, and reporting tools. Sage Intacct and Aplos follow, offering strong scalability and simplicity as reliable alternatives, ensuring there’s a fit for organizations of all sizes.
Explore the power of the top-ranked Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT—its integrated features can boost your nonprofit’s financial efficiency and accuracy, making it a wise starting point for any fund management journey.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
