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8 Awesome Directory Website Builders in 2026

Marlena Moore — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:53:29 +0000

One of the big reasons people join membership programs is to find a community — and what better way to create connections than by building an online member directory?

Don’t be daunted by the idea of building a website — the right directory website builder can make it easy!

There are a lot of options out there, so we’ve made you a list of our 8 favorite directory website builders for 2025.

Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of having a directory website and how to choose the right software for your organization’s needs:

What is a Directory Website?

Think of directory websites as a specialized online catalog. It offers a list of links to external websites and resources that connect back to a shared topic.

For example:

A member directory provides a place where members of an organization can network.
A business directory helps people find relevant businesses that can meet their needs.
A job directory connects employers with job hunters.

All of these directory examples could be useful for any membership organization — talk about a major perk for becoming a member!

Back in the day, many directories were on paper, but thanks to online directory software, people can now find what they’re looking for with the click of a button. The best directory website builder should have you set up in a matter of hours. Who doesn’t love some convenience?

Why Your Organization Needs a Membership Directory

As we briefly mentioned, directories add value to your membership program — but a membership directory, specifically, goes above and beyond!

Create Value for Your Members

Members are members because they care about your mission. Why wouldn’t they want to connect with others who feel the same? A luncheon or event offers a couple of hours to network, but a membership directory makes the perk last year-round!

Build Credibility for Your Organization

A membership directory doesn’t just help your members out—it also gives your organization a boost of credibility. Think of it this way: if everyone’s gathering at your water cooler, you’ve got to know what you’re talking about! And when people get useful news and updates from your directory, they’ll always consider your organization as a trusted source of industry content.

Build Website Authority Through Backlinking

Where there’s a link, there’s a way. If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of search engine optimization, or SEO, you should know that Google LOVES a backlink. By linking to credible external websites, you make your website look more valuable. It’s important to evaluate your SEO when considering backlinks.

This means your website will rank higher on all sorts of search engines, getting you more organic traffic. It’s essential to build trust with search engines, just like you do with your supporters!

What to Include in Your Website’s Directory

Curious about how to build a directory website that has all the information you need?

Here are the essentials:

Business name
Address and phone number
Opening hours
Membership directory photos and images
Video
A comprehensive description
Categories
A map listing
Reviews
Social links

If you’re looking for some solid website directory examples, check out these 5 options built using the WildApricot member directory template.

As the number one membership management software, WildApricot’s website builder has a directory template included to keep everything in one place.

What to Look For in a Directory Website Builder

Building a directory website shouldn’t be a chore! Your individual directory will depend on the needs of your organization, but there are a few must-haves to keep in mind.

The best directory website builder should include:

✅ Simple setup	You shouldn’t have to learn to be a web designer to build your online directory. A directory is meant to make your life easier, not harder.
✅ No coding needed	Build a website that looks good and works well without technical expertise, and without hiring an expensive website developer. Choose from a variety of website themes with many ways to make it your own.
✅ Preset essential pages	Imagine if you had to create a search page from scratch! There are some things that every directory needs — your website builder should take those into account from the start.
✅ Plugins and integrations	On the other hand, there are some specific needs you’ll find you have. A wide range of plugins and integrations will help you customize your directory.
✅ Easy system management	Keep in mind that your team will be doing administrative work on the backend. Your directory website builder should run smoothly on both the front and backend.
✅ Monetization	You might want to charge members for access to your directory. Ensuring it includes a built-in payment processing will make it easy to pay and get paid!
✅ SEO readiness	If your page is search engine optimized, or SEO optimized, both on- and off-page, it’ll be much easier to get clicks and track results. Look for a website builder that supports meta descriptions, image optimization and more.
✅ Reliable support	When you have questions about your online directory software (and it’s okay to have questions!), you don’t want to have to go hunting for help. The right directory website builder will come with a helpful and easy-to-reach support team.

Whether you choose to go with a paid or free directory website builder, don’t compromise on the essentials! Having these elements in place from the start will save you stress in the long run.

8 Powerful Directory Website Builders

A quick Google search will show you that there are tons of tech options for building directory websites. To save you some time, we’ve gathered our 8 favorites. Check out the features, pricing and subscription plans to see which one is best for your organization!

1. WildApricot

Best for small membership organizations

WildApricot is the #1 membership management software for small associations, nonprofits, clubs, state and local chapter organizations. Along with features like a website builder, a member database, and event management tools, we also have an easy-to-use member directory gadget! It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for tools to manage your membership as a whole rather than just creating a directory.

We’ve also shown exactly how to create a directory in WildApricot later on in this post — skip there now if you want to get started!

Features We Love

Drag-and-drop website builder
Customizable directory settings
Secure payment processing
Members-only areas
Free set-up guide
Integrations with WordPress and more

Pricing

60-day free trial, and then plans starting at $63/month.

2. MemberClicks

Best for medium-sized membership organizations

MemberClicks is a cloud-based membership software for associations, chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations. Its powerful features help you automate tasks, boost engagement, generate revenue and connect with your members in one central platform.

Both MC Professional and MC Trade help you easily set up business or individual member directories! This is definitely the best directory website builder for associations.

Features We Love

Built-in reports
Automated accounting tools
Job board
Personalized member profiles
Conference app

Pricing

Book a demo to see MemberClicks in action and get a quote.

3. Brilliant Directories

Best for member directories

Brilliant Directories is used by over 10,000 organizations, making it one of the most popular directory website builders out there. Its software supports member management, payment processing, SEO tools, website support and, most importantly, TONS of directory options.

Features We Love

Manages 100,000 members
Unlimited categories
Unlimited admin accounts
App-Ready for Android & iOS
Tons of themes
Source code access

Pricing

Free demo and 7-day free trial.

Monthly Plan: $145/month
Yearly Plan: $950/year
Lifetime Plan: $1,450

Additional add-ons are also available for purchase.

4. DirectoryEngine

Best for member payment options

If you want to build a directory website with WordPress, DirectoryEngine is a great option! This WordPress theme is highly customizable, and lets you make money by charging for listing submissions and ad space.

Features We Love

Built-in content blocks and widgets for front-end customization
Multiple payment plans for users
Local payment gateways
Super SEO-friendly
12 months of free updates and support included

Pricing

One-time payment of $89, with higher prices for more extensions. Demo available.

5. ListingProWP

Best for easy plugins

Another way to build a directory website with WordPress is by using ListingProWP! This theme is an end-to-end directory website builder that requires zero paid plugins. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to set up.

Features We Love

Easy set up
Highly advanced search system with live suggestions
Instant filtering options
Form builder
Ad management

Pricing

One time payment of $69.

6. Appy Pie

Best for affordability

If you’re looking to try something a little different, Appy Pie is an app builder that can be used for making a directory website. It’s simple to use, and can be launched in three simple steps: name the website, create the main pages and go live! It’s also one of the most affordable options on this list.

Features We Love

Very mobile friendly
Drag-and-drop interface—no coding required!
Responsive support team
SEO features
Many integrations

Pricing

Basic plan starts at $16/month.

7. Glue Up

Best for member engagement

Glue Up knows and loves associations, nonprofits, and chambers. It’s a platform that got its start offering event management technology before becoming a full-blown engagement platform. And maybe the coolest thing about Glue Up? Its platform is powered by AI and uses the data you already collect from members to help make membership management easier

Features We Love

Customizable search and filter
AI-powered CRM
Speed networking
Multi-chapter management
WordPress and social media integrations

Pricing

Pricing starts as low as $2,500 per year. Contact their sales team to get a quote.

8. GoClixy

Best for business directories

GoClixy is a business directory script you can easily add to your organization’s websites. Not only is it easy to set up and super SEO-friendly, but it also comes with an admin panel to customize your website with only a few clicks.

Features We Love

Responsive CSS design
Banner and adsense advertisements
Membership tiers
Supports multiple languages
Rewards for member referrals

Pricing

Starts with a one-time payment of $199 (they frequently offer discounts down to $89!). Demo available upon request, plus free first-time installation.

How to Make Your Directory Website in 5 Steps

Ready to get started? Here’s how to launch your directory website builder in 5 easy steps!

1. Choose Your Directory Niche

One key part of building a directory website is choosing your niche. Consider: do you want a space that’s for a specific industry, or based around a central location? Do you want it to be a members-only exclusive?

While it’s not so different learning how to build a business directory website versus a membership website, the needs for each site might be different. For example, an association membership directory might benefit from having search options for both organizations and individuals.

2. Plan Your Web and Listing Structure

Before you build a directory website, take some time to visualize what you want the final product to look like. Try drawing a wireframe (or using a wireframe app!) for both the site and the individual listings. Knowing your wants and needs will help you choose the best directory website builder for you.

Your website can either be simple or offer more complex features at different subscription plans. Just be sure it includes those must-have elements we mentioned earlier so Google doesn’t ignore you! The heftier a listing is, the more findable it’ll be for users and search engines.

3. Prep Your Brand Materials

Branding branding branding! When users visit your directory, they should immediately know that it’s YOURS.

Your online directory branding should include:

A directory name that’s tied to your organization
Your organization’s logo
A consistent color scheme & fonts

Keep the niche front and center. When people go to your directory, they should immediately know what it’s useful for and what makes it special!

4. Pick a Platform

Once you’ve got a solid idea of your wants and needs, it’s time to choose your directory website builder. Keep an eye out for platforms that offer demos or free trials—actually giving software a test drive is the best way to see how it feels.

Better yet, shop around and try a few platforms out. It always helps to know your options!

(Psst—we shared 8 of our favorite examples above, along with the features and perks of each!)

5. Build your website

This one’s pretty self-explanatory: build a directory website! Use your platform’s support features if you get stuck, and check in with other team members about how it’s looking along the way. Factor some troubleshooting time into your planning, and run the final product by your board of directors before you go live.

Create a Directory Website in 7 Steps with WildApricot

The best part about WildApricot’s website building software is how user-friendly it is! You don’t need coding experience to build, edit and customize your site – simply drag and drop elements onto any page. Plus we have tons of templates to choose from to get you started.

To build your new directory:

1.) In the main admin home page, navigate toAdmin > Website > Site pages.

2.) If you’re looking to house your directory on a new page, select Add page. If you already have an existing page, simply click Edit.

3.) On the left side panel click the Gadgets icon to display the list of available gadgets.

4.) Drag the Member Directory Gadget from the list and drop it where you want your directory to appear on the page. You can insert it into a section within a layout, or above or below a layout.

5.) Once your member directory gadget is in the perfect place, hover your cursor over it and click the Settings icon.

6.) Gadget Settings will be on the left side panel. Here you can customize your member directory settings like which members to show, search and filter options and the layout of your directory.

7.) Click Save to save the changes to the page.

6 Directory Website Examples to Inspire You

All of these directories were built with WildApricot’s software! Each highlights some of the customizations you can make to your directory, allowing you to showcase your organization’s branding and personality!

The Ladera Rancho Chamber of Commerce

Prince George’s Senior Provider Network (PGSPN)

The Evergreen Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce of Ladonia

Ambitious Women of Color Association

How to Build a Directory Website You’re Proud Of

Having an online directory is a fantastic way to add value to your membership program and build legitimacy for your organization. We hope this list has got you feeling ready to take the leap with your directory website builder!

And hey, if you’re looking for a little more support, sign up for a 60-day free trial with WildApricot. We’ll help you get your directory set up in no time, and show you everything else our membership management software can do for your organization!

The post 8 Awesome Directory Website Builders in 2026 appeared first on WildApricot.

Best Fraternity and Sorority Management Software: Why Your Greek Chapter Can’t Go Without It

Marlena Moore — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 23:25:14 +0000

A great fraternity or sorority is more than just a house – it’s lifelong friendships built on academics, philanthropy, networking and more. But running that house can be more work than you think. From managing member dues and events to recruitment week and alumni relations – you’ll need more than a spreadsheet.

If your chapter management is feeling impossible right now, sorority and fraternity management software is the answer to your chaos.

An all-in-one management software is a tool that can bring all of your activities into one place — saving you time and helping your chapter run more smoothly. Ultimately, this tech creates a better experience for your members, from rush all the way to alumni.

In this article, you’ll find:

The top features and a comparison of the best software options available today
The 4 essential questions to ask before choosing chapter management software
Tips for how to evaluate your chapter’s specific needs and pick the right tool

What is Fraternity Management Software?

Fraternity (or sorority) management software is an all-in-one platform where you can manage your members, create and promote events, collect dues and store key information about your chapter.

Many platforms also include built-in website tools that make it easy to share calendars, news, directories and create members-only areas. It’s a simple way to boost engagement and keep members informed about your college, local events or important chapter updates.

Beyond helping with events, membership management and a digital web experience, Greek management software also includes data privacy safeguards, so your members’ contact information and payment details are kept safe and secure.

Investing in a platform like this is an easy way to help your chapter grow. Making it easier for members to connect and for you to stay organized!

Key Features For Frat and Sorority Management Software

Choosing the right members-only software means looking for features that truly support your alumni and chapter leaders. Here are the essential tools that make a real difference with sorority and fraternity management:

Member Directory

A searchable membership database that helps alumni easily find and reconnect with each other. This helps build stronger community ties across your fraternal chapter, letting younger, newer members connect with your entire organization.

Here’s an example of a public membership directory used with WildApricot software:

Event Management

Tools that simplify event planning and execution. You can send invitations, track RSVPs and send reminders through email and push notifications – making events easier to organize and more successful. Management software will also enable you to create an events section on your website with event forms that sync registrations to member profiles in your contact database.

Communication Tools

Automate, schedule and send all your email blasts, texts, newsletters, chapter updates, philanthropic events and volunteer opportunities easily to your entire chapter. Using personalization and segmentation, your message will be sent to the right members at the right time. For example, if your fraternity is having a local meetup, you’ll only want to send the event updates to members with zip codes in the area.

Payment Processing

An easy and secure way for members to pay dues, make donations and enable renewal flexibility. Most membership management software allows you to accept donations and dues virtually, which lets members make payments on their preferred platform (mobile, desktop or in person).

Financial Management

Beyond payment collection, you’ll be able to create and download financial reports, enabling you to track dues, donations and other payments. Financial automation features enable you to automatically create invoices and receipts, simplifying your accounting efforts.

Tax Reporting

An easy way to handle IRS forms and required financial documentation to keep your tax-exempt status and stay compliant.

Content Sharing

A place to share newsletters, photos and chapter updates that keep your alumni informed and actively engaged with your fraternity or sorority. This is more than just a social media account. All your content is embedded on your website in one newsfeed – the hub of your organization. Plus, some tools (like ours here at WildApricot) allow you to connect your existing social accounts directly on your website.

The Alpha Tau Gamma Fraternity uses WildApricot for their chapter website. They utilize the newsfeed feature to share articles on their chapter activities, from fundraising campaigns and reunions to their philanthropic activities.

Custom Branding

Fraternal management software will enable you to personalize your website to reflect your chapter’s unique identity and create a cohesive member experience. Customize the colors, font, layout and logos to reinforce your brand identity across all pages of your site – even the gated, members-only section.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity uses WildApricot for their chapter website. It has a professional, sleek design that showcases their brand and mission.

Seamless Integrations

Connecting your chapter management software to other tools is essential – when everything works together, it saves you so much time. For example, WildApricot offers integrations with popular platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics, Zapier, WordPress, Discourse and more.

How to Choose a Chapter Management Software – Requirements and Considerations

Choosing the right fraternity or sorority management software is a strategic investment – and there’s a lot to consider before you make a choice!

Now that you know some of the key features to consider, here are some practical evaluation steps:

List your key workflows: dues collection, member database, recruitment, events, alumni, house corp invoicing, etc.
Prioritize pain points: where are you spending the most time/manual effort? Which features will deliver the biggest impact?
Match solutions to your budget and size: A small chapter may favor cost‑effectiveness and ease of use; a large chapter or national HQ may require enterprise‑level capabilities and integrations.
Pilot test and onboarding: Look for platforms with free trials, easy-to-understand demos, and helpful training tools or boot camps – all of this will help when you’re training chapter officers!
Check long‑term costs and scalability: Some tools may start cheap but increase fees or require expensive upgrades as you grow.
Review support and community: Vendor responsiveness and training materials are important, especially when officers cycle every year as in Greek chapters.
Look for chapter‑specific fit: You may want an alumni portal, attendance and points tracking, or campus integration tools.
Integration with existing systems: Does your chapter already use a payment processor, calendar system or national HQ database? Find a tool that works well with what you already have.

4 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing Chapter Management Software

Before we get into our top recommendations for sorority and fraternity management software, answer these 4 questions. Cost is only part of the equation, these queries should help paint a full picture when comparing different tools. The right chapter management platform should also scale with your needs. So, before committing, ask these four questions to find the best software for your chapter.

1. “How much time will it take to implement and train the team?”

Many chapter management tools require time‑consuming onboarding, including data migration and member training. A tool that takes weeks to set up can quickly become a burden. Choose software with a fast, user‑friendly setup and solid support.

Look for: average onboarding time, training resources so that you can set it all up yourself and reviews that mention user‑friendly chapter software.

2. “Can this platform grow with our chapter?”

Avoid outgrowing your tools. The best chapter software solutions are scalable, offering flexibility as your membership, events and responsibilities increase. Look for platforms that adapt to both current and future needs.

Think long‑term: Is this a short fix or a sustainable investment? What will my chapter need next year?

3. “Does this software integrate with our existing tools?”

Your chapter likely already uses systems for communication, finances or scheduling. The best chapter management platforms integrate easily with your existing tools, reducing errors and manual work.

Look for: integrations with payment systems, calendars, email tools and national HQ software.

4. “Does it protect our data and help us stay compliant?”

Managing a fraternity or sorority chapter means handling sensitive member information and complying with important privacy regulations.

Your software should help you:

Adhere to privacy laws like FERPA and GDPR that protect student and alumni data
Meet auditing and insurance requirements by securely managing data
Keep records accurate and up-to-date to reduce risk and protect member privacy
Balance effective data use with strong security practices

Ask about: data privacy, FERPA compliance, GDPR compliance and other security requirements.

By asking the four essential questions above and understanding your chapter’s needs, you’ll be better equipped to choose a software partner that empowers your fraternity’s or sorority’s leadership and members.

The 2025 Guide to Choosing Alumni Management Software + 10 Options

Marlena Moore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 02:10:30 +0000

Keeping alumni engaged shouldn’t feel overwhelming. If managing your alumni network involves chasing people across multiple spreadsheets, forgotten social media accounts and clunky email newsletters, then you need an alumni management software.

Imagine all your communication, events and data in one place. Alumni software eliminates most of the manual, tedious admin work, so you can focus on what’s important — your alumni (and letting you go support your school’s team at a game for once!).

In this post, we’ll go over:

What exactly is alumni management software
How to choose the right alumni software for you
10 of the top alumni management software options on the market today

Ready to streamline your operations and increase your alumni engagement? Let’s dive in.

What is Alumni Management Software?

Alumni management software enables organizations (typically universities and colleges) to stay in touch with their alumni, engage them through communications and events, and solicit donations.

Although most CRM (customer relationship management) systems can be used for this purpose, some options were created specifically with alumni in mind or are customizable to fit the specific needs of alumni managers.

Many of the alumni software options we list below are celebrated for their online network, not unlike a social media platform. This is a priority for many alumni associations, as an online community allows alumni to connect and interact with one another, share information and resources, and offer professional opportunities.

Additionally, a great alumni management platform should eliminate the need for your organization to invest in any third-party tools to manage your members. When choosing a platform, look for something that includes a website builder, an email marketing system, a contact database, an event registration module and payment processing capabilities. An all-in-one system makes the user experience better for everyone – centralizing admin tasks while giving members one location for everything.

That being said, most programs are highly customizable. When speaking with a software rep during a demo or pricing inquiry, discuss which features are a must-have for your alumni management.

The Most-Used Alumni Management Software

WildApricot is the #1 rated alumni association software used by hundreds of alumni organizations worldwide. You can try a free, 60-day trial of WildApricot and set up a professional-looking website with online event registration in just an afternoon.

Beyond its breezy set-up process, alumni programs rely on WildApricot for its comprehensive features:

Member database: attract, renew, search and manage alumni with ease in one central cloud-based database.
Event management: create and promote alumni events with simple online registration and calendars.
Online store: generate more revenue by selling physical merchandise or digital content online.
Automated communication tools: craft professional emails, send personalized text messages and track results.
Website builder: create a professional online alumni community with a simple drag-and-drop website editor.
Payment processing: securely accept dues and donations directly from your website, share progress toward your goals and generate financial records.
Integrations: connect hundreds of tools your alumni already love seamlessly with your WildApricot account

Sound like what you’re looking for? Start your free 60-day trial of WildApricot right now.

How to Choose the Right Alumni Software

Every school and university has unique needs for building and maintaining their alumni program, but there are a few things every team should keep in mind when choosing the right alumni management software.

WildApricot helps our all-volunteer alumni association share responsibilities for finances, membership, donations, communications, and website. Thank you for continuing to roll out features that make it easier for us to get it all done.

– Terry, Cornell Club of Washington D.C.

No matter what your goals are for your alumni program, you’ll want a system that brings security, convenience and simplified community engagement. When going through the software selection process, keep these strategies and tools in mind:

Create Seamless Alumni Experiences

Alumni programs include members of all kinds, from recurring donors and event champions to occasional participants. No matter how members like to interact with your alumni program, you’ll need an efficient system to keep operations running smoothly.

To save time and encourage every type of alumni engagement, look for alumni tracking software that offers both automation for your team and self-service options for your alumni. A strong alumni database management system, like ours here at WildApricot, will keep your program humming and provide a great user experience, allowing you to:

Customize member application forms – to seamlessly gather alumni contact info
Create multiple membership levels or types – to track different alumni types
Self-service member portals – alums can update contact info, register for events, pay dues and much more
Access your online alumni database – a digital member directory stored in the cloud and updated in real time
Provide exclusive content on members-only pages – so only your alumni are able to access it
Add a searchable alumni directory – so your alumni can reach out to each other

Connect and Engage Your Alumni Easily

Staying engaged with friends and maintaining connections with their community are among the main reasons students join alumni programs. Online communities have become and will continue to be important ways people find and interact with friends, job opportunities and more.

You may think – why not just use social media to manage your alumni relations? Well, Facebook groups may be an easy way to start your alumni network, but they can lack the security, scalability and capabilities of tech like an alumni CRM.

Be on the lookout for software that truly grows digital engagement amongst your alumni. With an exclusive online space, they’re encouraged to build strong relationships with one another and with your institution.

How WildApricot Helps Create an Alumni Community:

WildApricot allows you to add a discussion forum gadget to your site, so that members can post original messages and reply to other messages. This gives your alumni a place to congregate, collaborate and discuss ideas. It’s easy to set up as many discussion forums as you want and control access so that forums can be public or exclusive to members.

And if you and your alumni love the forums, you can add on the CommUnity product for even more tools that will encourage alumni connections.

Case Study: Building a Thriving, Engaged Community: How CommUnity Powers Member Connection and Action

Keep Email Communications Timely and Relevant

88% of email users check their inbox multiple times a day. It’s no wonder that email marketing is one of the most popular alumni engagement channels! But these days, it’s easy for alumni to unsubscribe or for your emails to get lost in the noise. That’s why it’s important to choose an alumni engagement platform with an email and contact database.

Being able to schedule and automate email blasts, newsletters, event promotions and fundraising campaigns allows you to save admin time and ensures your alumni get the right message at the right time.

How WildApricot Can Boost Email Engagement:

WildApricot’s email and communication tools help eliminate staff burnout and keep alumni opening your emails using features such as:

Detailed, filterable database searches that are easy to use and save
Customizable newsletter sign-up form you can publish on your website
Recipient lists that can be based on any criteria in your alumni database
Updated stats on email delivery, opens and clicked links
Automated email responses, reminders and confirmations

Make Giving a Breeze

“Easy” is the name of the game when it comes to encouraging alumni financial support. Even people who want to donate to their alumni programs can be deterred if your payment systems are outdated and hard to use.

You can increase alumni giving by choosing alumni donor management software that offers mobile-friendly payment options, automated and recurring payments, customizable invoices and receipts and best-in-class security.

How WildApricot Helps Alumni Give Seamlessly:

WildApricot empowers alumni to donate through their favorite channels, whether that’s via the mobile app, mobile site or website. It also helps your team manage donations more easily by:

Quickly and easily adding donation pages, in the same branding and style as the rest of your alumni website
Enabling recurring payments, so your team doesn’t have to worry about needing to do multiple campaigns
Creating automatic, customizable invoices and receipts for online transactions
Counting on WildApricot’s security to keep your alumni safe: Level 1 PCI DSS compliant
Tracking finances with built-in reporting and/or export to Excel and QuickBooks

Simplify Website Management

Even though 93% of higher education marketing and website specialists believe that improving the website experience would positively impact student success metrics like enrollment, engagement and retention — only 19% say their current experience is great.

This seems like a big contradiction, but it’s easy to see how it can happen to the best of alumni programs. Digital teams can be short-staffed. Budgets can be limiting. Plus, it can simply be hard knowing where to start. But these things can be overcome by finding a partner and platform with a website builder that allows you to easily connect your domain and add blogs and articles.

How WildApricot Builds Functional, Thoughtful Websites:

One of the best things about WildApricot?

You can build a website from scratch or embed WildApricot widgets on your existing site — without any coding!

Not only that, but you can easily make website building easy and effective by:

Adding blogs and news articles to keep your alumni informed
Utilizing drag-and-drop branded templates or accessing the HTML and CSS code so it’s easy for your team to build (even if they’re not technical)
Creating a mobile-friendly site,so alumni can access it from any device

Plan Events Alumni Can’t Miss

Events are always a major effort for alumni management teams, but the payoff is so worth it. After all, 64% of Fortune 500 executives credit alumni events as pivotal moments in their career trajectory.

Events often bring out the best in our teams. They are powerful ways for alumni to see how their connections and contributions impact your institution and their own lives. So it’s crucial to choose software that lets you easily handle everything from registration to follow-up communications — then all you have to do is plan the fun!

How WildApricot Offers Holistic Event Management

With WildApricot, you get event management that’s easy and drives engagement from the very beginning of planning through post-event communication and surveys.

Create detailed event listings with images, which automatically sync with your WildApricot events calendar and can be embedded on any webpage
Build online event registration forms to easily capture all the information you need, and include discounts and add-ons
Customize and schedule promotional and reminder emails to increase registrations
View registration payments in your database automatically to make bookkeeping a breeze
Boost event participation with our mobile conference app – actively engage alums during events with live O&A, polls, surveys, gamification and networking

Build Trust by Protecting Your Alumni’s Data

One of the simplest, yet most essential, ways to build trust in the digital world is to be able to securely store and access data. Using cloud-based software has many advantages for digital teams, including time-saving automation, real-time collaboration and cost savings.

And for your alumni, they’ll rest easy knowing that using a cloud-based, centralized software leads to fewer data breaches and greater privacy and security.

How WildApricot Helps Protect Your Data:

WildApricot is committed to being a partner in both membership engagement and security and compliance. We take privacy seriously – prioritizing the security of not only your website and its data, but your members as well.

Here are some of the highlights of WildApricot’s privacy and security policies:

Level 1 Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification
Traffic encryption (https) capability for online forms and data transferring
Secure hosting from Amazon Web Services (AWS)
24/7 infrastructure monitoring for all customer sites
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for administrative access
Configurable member privacy settings

Looking for a detailed breakdown? Check out this help article.

The Top 10 Alumni Management Software Options

Want to learn more about other alumni management systems? We’ve compiled a list of the most popular here so you can review your options.

1. Almabase

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Almabase is a complete solution for managing alumni programs. It combines features like email marketing, event registrations, branded website, online alumni directory and donation pages. Designed specifically with alumni in mind, Almabase creates an online network where alumni can find, connect and network with each other. The software does not have its own CRM database, but integrates with most database programs like Raiser’s Edge, Ellucian and Salesforce.

What we like: The network integrates with Facebook and LinkedIn and automatically updates when alumni change jobs or move cities, making it easier for them to stay up to date with each other’s news.

2. Alumni Channel

Pricing: one-time $350 setup fee, then an annual fee starting at $850/year, depending on the number of records (see details here)

Free Trial/Demo: free demo and 60-day trial

Alumni Channel combines a database and a website builder to help organizations manage and communicate with their alumni. It boasts all the standard features like an online directory, email marketing and payment or donation processing.

What we like: Alumni Channel also offers unique features like message boards where alumni can communicate with each other, a missing directory that lists alumni who are not yet on the platform and a social network integration, which allows members to embed their social profiles into their member profile.

3. Disciple

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Disciple is a mobile-first social platform designed for community building and is accessible on web, iOS and Android. It operates much like the social networks that alumni are already familiar with. The app’s Community Hub allows administrators to manage members in a database, publish scheduled content, analyze data and more.

What we like: From the perspective of alumni, Disciple looks and feels like a social network app and has all the features they are already used to. They can access an events calendar, watch live-streamed videos and get push notifications on their mobile device when the administrator publishes new content It’s also great if you want to offer additional content, like courses, to your alumni.

4. e2s Connect

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

e2s Connect from Engage2Serve is a complete alumni management solution that combines all the features of a CRM system with a social network where alumni can engage with each other. Alumni can join Communities based on graduation years or interests and form discussion forums, share knowledge and network professionally. On the CRM side, administrators have everything they need to fundraise, organize events, analyze data and share information with members.

What we like: e2s Connect has a Job Board where alumni can post jobs to share with fellow members and their networks. The module is complete with other tools that members might need to find a job, such as resume preparation help, market information, a searchable database of current postings and the ability to apply straight from the app.

5. Graduway

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Graduway is an alumni platform software designed to engage alumni at every step of the way, from mentoring them as students to connecting with them after they graduate and cultivating them as donors. It features a customized platform for alumni to engage with the organization and each other, complete with all standard capabilities such as an online directory, event management and analytics.

To note: Graduway does not include a member database, but integrates with most CRMs, including their preferred partners Raiser’s Edge NXT and Salesforce.

What we like: Graduway is focused on building connections, with features like integrated video and mentoring options.

6. Hivebrite

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Hivebrite’s value as an alumni engagement platform is in its focus on community. Administrators can design how alumni join and engage with their community, add customized content, manage events, send communications through email or app push notifications and help members network with each other and find professional opportunities.

What we like: Organization managers can create groups within their alumni community and enable group admins to lead, manage and moderate their respective groups — building an even stronger feeling of connection!

7. Raklet

Pricing: free basic plan; other plans start at $49/month (details here)

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Raklet is a membership management software used by a variety of organizations, which can also be used for alumni management. It creates an exclusive network where alumni can engage with your organization and with each other, while giving administrators all the capabilities of a comprehensive CRM system. Some of the features include donation processing, event management and targeted communications through various channels.

What we like: Raklet’s alumni network is designed to make it easy for members to mentor each other, share professional opportunities such as jobs and internships and form social connections through events, groups and discussions.

8. Vaave

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Vaave is an alumni management solution that boasts all the standard features alumni managers may need: member database, event management, donation processing, targeted communications and alumni networking resources. They also focus on providing corporate alumni management software, for organizations looking to connect their past employees.

What we like: Vaave enables alumni managers to easily identify alumni who are interested in helping the development of current students, as well as identify and acknowledge highly engaged or accomplished alumni.

9. Gradnet

Pricing: quote available upon request

Free Trial/Demo: free demo available

Gradnet bills themselves as an alumni engagement and fundraising platform, focusing on providing one place where alumni can connect as well as give back! They offer alumni management solutions like a member database and event registration along with a job board so that organizations can post opportunities that are specific to their alumni.

What we like: Another unique functionality they offer is an online voting tool, which makes it easy for alumni to have their say in your community.

10. WildApricot

Pricing: Plans start at $63/month, and are based on the number of contacts (more details here)

Free Trial/Demo: free 60-day trial

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention WildApricot again! In case you missed it earlier, WildApricot is alumni membership management software used by thousands of membership organizations. WildApricot’s most-loved features include a drag and drop website builder, a built-in emailing system, a mobile app, a member directory, a member-only area, and automated member payments and donations. WildApricot also has an open API, which allows you to customize the software to your specific needs.

What we like: WildApricot also includes an online store, so your organization can easily sell branded merchandise to help your alumni show their school pride.

We hope this run-through of the best alumni management software has helped you determine which option is right for you! Start your free 60-day trial of WildApricot now, or reach out to let us know if you have any questions about getting started.

The post The 2025 Guide to Choosing Alumni Management Software + 10 Options appeared first on WildApricot.

14 Best Club Management Software Tools That Save Time and Money

Marlena Moore — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:19:23 +0000

Managing a club is more than just fun and games; from tracking members and dues to event registrations and newsletters, it can become overwhelming – especially if you’re just using spreadsheets.

If you find yourself spread thin, wearing many hats and trying to deliver the best possible experience for your members, club management software might be for you.

Whether your club has 50 members or 5,000, it can transform the way you run your organization, allowing you to create memorable experiences, grow your membership and make every moment with your club count.

Modern club management platforms are incredibly versatile. From sports and hobby clubs to private or social organizations, you can customize tech to fit your organization’s unique needs.

In this post, we’ll go over:

What does club management software do
The benefits – for both you and your members
Features to look for when choosing a club management solution
How to choose the best club management system for your needs
14 of the most popular software options, plus which type of club they’re best suited for

Ready to modernize your club and provide a better experience for your members?

Let’s dive in!

What Is Club Management Software?

Club management software is an all-in-one solution that helps clubs grow their membership while saving time and money. It does this by automating administrative tasks for running a member-based organization and by offering tools and features that elevate the member experience. Think about all the emails you send – newsletters, event promotions, fundraising, volunteer opportunities – club management software can automate it for your club. Run a lot of events? Building registration forms, tracking attendees and sending out post-event surveys becomes simplified.

Whether you’re managing a private social club with exclusive memberships or a community-based hobby club, modern platforms help you save hours each week. Essentially, this is tech that allows you to organize, communicate and deliver more value to your members — all while cutting back on admin work. We’ll deep dive into the features to look for in club management solutions in the following sections.

Why Should I Use Club Management Software?

No matter what kind of club you run, club management software is there to make your job easier while boosting member engagement. Here are just a few of the benefits it can offer:

Faster Membership Growth

For many clubs, attracting new members is the greatest challenge. Thankfully, club management tools can help! Many offer a website builder and basic marketing features like email and text messaging tools, to help you spread the word about your organization and attract new members.

Increase Member Retention Rates

Club management tools are designed to help you engage with your members and give them the best experience possible by putting everything your members need in one place. With a professional website, members can learn about upcoming events, when you’re open to the public and much more, all from your homepage.

Many solutions also offer a members-only login that lets them access your gated resources, connect with other members, and easily update their profiles.

A great experience with your club brings members back to use your services or join your events, again and again!

For example, the Ski Bees Club’s website is full of great information about their organization. With a user-friendly design and eye-catching imagery, prospective and returning members can learn about what’s happening next, the benefits they offer and see members in action.

Saves Time — Lots of It

Club management tools can automate almost all of your administrative tasks, which means you can stop spending hours filing paperwork and chasing down payments and focus on what really matters: building relationships with your members.

“Because our club is short-staffed, WildApricot has been a lifesaver! It saves me over 20 hours a week and their support has been fantastic.” – Gary Rubens, Ski Club of Washington D.C.

Powerful Analytics

Wondering what type of events get the most attendance? Or what types of emails your members are most likely to respond to?

With comprehensive reporting tools, you can get valuable insights into your membership. Club management software can analyze which of your tactics are working best from email stats, event/meeting attendance, survey responses and more. This allows you to keep doing the activities your club’s members like best, without wasting time on the rest — it’s a win-win!

8 Must-Have Features To Look For in Club Management Software

The best club management software solutions include functionalities like:

Event management: registration forms, attendance tracking and promotional tools
Payment processing: securely take dues, renewals, donations, ticketing and more
Club website: easy-to-update with embeds like event calendar, social media and resource library
Communication tools: automate emails, text messages, newsletters and invoices
Contact database: Search, filter and update members, donors and subscribers
Financial tools: create and analyze reports on dues, donations, sales and event tickets
Mobile app: manage and communicate with members on the go

Below, we’ve also outlined which type of club these features matter most for.

Club Software Feature Summary Table

Feature	Description	Best For
Online Registration & Payments	Streamline event and membership signups, as well as dues collection	All clubs
Website Builder	Keep members informed and attract new ones	Social & private clubs
Automated Communications	Send newsletters, invoices and reminders	All clubs
Analytics & Reports	Track performance and trends	Growing clubs
Scheduling & Bookings	Manage classes, event, or facilities	Private and activity-based clubs
Access Control	Secure member-only access	Private or gated clubs
Mobile App	Manage and connect on the go	All clubs

📘 Still using Excel to manage your club? Here’s why it’s the perfect time to move past your club membership Excel template.

How to Pick the Right Club Management Platform For Your Club

Choosing the right club management software depends on your club’s size, type and goals – but it’s also about where your club is headed.

In today’s digital era, we’ve seen a massive transformation in how clubs operate. Embracing technology is more critical than ever for membership-based organizations to achieve major growth and success.

For example, many private and social clubs blend in-person and virtual experiences through hybrid memberships, digital access passes and automated scheduling tools. What once required manual coordination can now be managed from one dashboard.

These features help clubs deliver the seamless, member-first experience today’s audiences expect. What’s not to love?

As you evaluate platforms, ask yourself these questions to focus on the core features and considerations that will keep your club efficient, connected and ready for the next wave of digital growth.

1. What Type of Club Are You?

Private clubs often need access control, tiered memberships and exclusive communication tools that maintain a sense of prestige and privacy.
Social clubs might prioritize event management, community engagement and modern communication channels to keep members connected.
Hobby or volunteer clubs may prefer simple, affordable and easy-to-learn systems that reduce admin work for part-time organizers.

2. What’s My Budget?

Club management software can cost as low as $63/month for 100 contacts, but prices can increase from there depending on the features and functionality you need, as well as how many members you have.

Start with what fits your club today, but consider choosing software that can grow as your community expands. Plus, look for platforms that support integrations, so you’re not locked into a limited system as your needs grow. Be sure to look for any hidden setup fees, so you’re not surprised by a larger bill than expected.

3. How Easy Is It To Use?

Your software should be intuitive for everyone to use, whether they’re a club manager, a volunteer or a longtime member. A clean, easy interface reduces training time and boosts adoption. As Gaylen from East York Probus Club says,

“It really comes down to protecting your volunteers. It’s hard to get volunteers these days. Everybody’s got stuff going on. They want to participate, but they don’t want to get stuck doing grunt work.”

Read the full case study here.

This is particularly important if your club is volunteer-run or you only have a couple of paid staff members — you don’t want to have to spend too much time learning a complicated platform. Your club management software should also offer guides or help articles to help you learn how to use it on your own, so you can get up and running without relying on external support.

4. What Does It Integrate With?

Though software for club management is often a one-stop shop, you may have certain specific needs that it doesn’t cover — or perhaps you already have tools you love and don’t want to leave.

If your club uses multiple web, financial and email marketing tools, check if the software solution you’re evaluating has native integrations. The more your systems “talk” to each other, the less manual work you’ll have to do.

For example, WildApricot offers built-in integrations with QuickBooks, WordPress and popular payment gateways, so private and social clubs can automatically sync financial data, manage website updates and send targeted email campaigns without switching between multiple platforms. That kind of seamless connectivity saves hours every month and keeps your club’s operations running smoothly.

5. How Secure is It?

Strong data protection is non-negotiable in 2025. With rising privacy standards and greater use of online payments, choose a vendor that takes compliance and encryption seriously. Look for tools that comply with regulations such as PCI, GDPR and CCPA.

The Top 14 Powerful Club Management Software Tools in 2025

Now that you have these questions in mind, it’s time to start evaluating your options! The best club software for your organization will be the one that fits your exact needs. Below are 14 of the most popular, proven options for 2025 and beyond.

1. WildApricot

Best for: Small to medium private and social clubs looking for an all-in-one solution

WildApricot (that’s us!) is one of the most popular membership management tools out there. It can be customized to meet your club’s unique needs by automating and simplifying administrative tasks, allowing you to achieve your goals in less time!

Key Features:

Member login and searchable directories
Multiple membership levels and family/group discounts
Mobile app for members and admins to manage your club on the go
Online store with secure payment processing
Integrations with a wide range of widgets and tools
Event management tools to track RSVPs, send reminders and manage event details

Pricing: Starts at $63/month – plus a 60-day free trial is available

Try the #1 Club Membership Management Software Free

WildApricot is the #1-rated membership management software used by thousands of clubs worldwide. With your free 60-day trial of WildApricot, you can have your club set up with a professional-looking website and easy-to-search member database in just an afternoon.

While WildApricot is a top choice for modern clubs, especially those that don’t need additional facility management functionality, there are other options that cater to different niches.

2. MemberClicks

Best for: Larger clubs that need advanced reporting and communication tools

MemberClicks is a cloud-based platform designed initially for associations but is well-suited for mid-size to large clubs looking for more comprehensive data tracking on events, members, finances and more.

Key Features:

Membership database with detailed profiles
Automated online payments and renewals
Event registration and scheduling tools
Built-in communication tools for newsletters and campaigns
Website builder for new or existing sites
Advanced reporting and analytics for member insights

Pricing: Available upon request; free demo available

3. ClubExpress

Best for: Small to mid-sized private clubs and social organizations

ClubExpress offers a user-friendly, cloud-based system that helps you manage your club’s website, payments, and communication in one place.

Key Features:

Email communication and marketing
Membership database and payment tracking
Website builder with calendar integration
Event management tools
Mobile app for on-the-go access

Pricing: Starts at $0.42/member/month for up to 200 members with a $35/month hosting fee. The cost per member goes down if you have more members; demo available

4. Zen Planner

Best for: Private or fitness-based clubs that rely on scheduling and bookings

Zen Planner was built with gyms and studios in mind, but its flexibility makes it a great fit for any club that hosts classes, training sessions or member events.

Key Features:

Membership management and renewal tracking
Comprehensive scheduling and booking tools
Full-service billing and payment options
Website development support
Mobile apps for both staff and members
Advanced analytics and performance reports

Pricing: Plans start at $99/month, with the website being an additional cost as well as advanced marketing automation; demo available

5. Mindbody

Best for: Health, fitness and wellness-focused clubs

Mindbody is a trusted software solution for fitness studios, salons, and wellness centers. Its suite of management and marketing tools help clubs manage classes, appointments, and member engagement.

Key Features:

Booking and payment systems
Marketing automation tools
Virtual class platform for hybrid clubs
Gamification and rewards features
Branded mobile app
Integrated staff scheduling and payroll

Pricing: Starting at $99/month for their starter plan with limited features; demo available

6. Vagaro

Best for: Wellness, spa or small private clubs offering personalized services

Vagaro is a great option for clubs focused on clients. Their appointment booking, staff management and customer communication can be managed from one simple dashboard.

Key Features:

Appointment booking and calendar management
Email marketing and promotions
Payroll and finance tracking tools
Auto-renewal for memberships
Mobile app and web integration
Custom form builder for onboarding or feedback

Pricing: Starts at $23.99/month for clubs with one location and who only need one booking calendar; free trial available

7. Raklet

Best for: Social clubs, nonprofits and small community groups

Raklet combines community building with management tools. They’re scalable, offering various plans to fit your organization’s needs as you grow.

Key Features:

Email and text messaging
Private online community and forums
Built-in event management
Real-time analytics and dashboards
Social sharing tools for growth

Pricing: Free limited plan, with member management but no email or website; paid plans start at $49/month; demo available

8. Momence

Best for: Clubs, spas, dance schools and gyms running both in-person and virtual activities

Momence offers a modern, flexible approach to member management. It’s designed for hybrid clubs that want a balance between in-person and online programming.

Key Features:

On-demand video library and virtual class hosting
Course and event management tools
Lead generation and retention tracking
Secure online and in-person payments
Community posts and group management

Pricing: Available upon request; free trial available

9. Lightspeed Golf

Best for: Golf and country clubs looking for a modernized, unified system

Lightspeed Golf, as its name implies, is great for clubs that manage golf courses, restaurants, retail and staff all from one platform.

Key Features:

Customizable tee sheets
POS system for pro shops and dining
Marketing and sales tools
Mobile app for members
Analytics and reporting dashboards

Pricing: Upon request; demo available

10. EZFacility

Best for: Clubs with multiple facilities or rental spaces

EZFacility is ideal for clubs, gyms, personal training and sports facilities that need to manage space scheduling, memberships and payments.

Key Features:

Self-service member portal
Reporting and utilization tracking
Online registration and rentals
Invoicing and payment processing
Branded mobile app
League scheduling and management tools

Pricing: Available upon request; free trial and demo available

11. WellnessLiving

Best for: Fitness and health-focused private clubs

WellnessLiving is a full-service management platform that supports clubs, gyms, yoga studios and other organizations offering classes, appointments, and memberships, whether in person or online.

Key Features:

Email and SMS marketing
Online scheduling and bookings
Client and staff management tools
AI assistant for automating member interactions
Live and on-demand virtual classes
Payment processing and POS

Pricing: Starter plan starts at $69/month, with limited features; demo available

12. Hello Club

Best for: Private and gated clubs that need advanced access control

Hello Club is an all-in-one platform popular among racket sports, community and private clubs. Based in New Zealand, they offer a wide variety of features to keep members connected, process payments and execute events.

Key Features:

Member management
Booking and payment processing
Access control for gated facilities
Automated communication tools
Integrations with popular third-party apps

Pricing: Plans start at $36/month with 100 members; demo available

13. ClubEssential

Best for: Country clubs and luxury private clubs with complex member tiers

ClubEssential provides data-driven insights and is used by a wide variety of clubs. Their software focuses on data-driven insights to help you make decisions about your membership.

Key Features:

Mobile POS and CRM system
Membership analytics and forecasting tools
Banquet and event management
Digital payment options
Branded mobile app for members

Pricing: Available upon request

14. Jonas Club Software

Best for: Full-service clubs such as marinas, golf resorts, city clubs and hospitality-based organizations

Jonas Club Software offers a wide range of management tools designed for clubs that need to handle operations across multiple departments. Their standout features focus on the member experience and a custom mobile app.

Key Features:

Point of Sale and club accounting system
Mobile app for member engagement
Tee time and event scheduling
Activity and attendance tracking
Detailed financial reporting

Pricing: Available upon request; demo available

Try Club Management Software Today

When you’re looking for the best club management tool, focus on tech that will streamline your administrative tasks, improve your members’ experience and take your club to the next level. Digital transformation isn’t just for big businesses anymore – club management software is reshaping how modern clubs connect, grow and engage members.

When you’re ready to give club management software a try, check out WildApricot, the best all-in-one club management software! Try a 60-day free trial here.

Best of luck with your club membership!

The post 14 Best Club Management Software Tools That Save Time and Money appeared first on WildApricot.

The Ultimate Guide to Membership Management Software For Nonprofits [2025 Edition]

Marlena Moore — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:25:00 +0000

Tighter budgets, higher member expectations and evolving tech—oh my! Nonprofits are now under more pressure than ever to make a greater impact with less and less.

If you’ve landed here, you’re likely searching for a better way to handle reporting, outreach, marketing, databases, event planning and payments – all without burning out your team.

That’s where nonprofit membership management software comes in!

Whether you’re running a small nonprofit or a national charity, the right platform can help you save time, increase donations and build stronger connections with your members.

In this article, we’ll go over:

What membership management software actually does – and why it matters in 2025
The top features to look for (including AI-powered tools and automation)
How to choose the best platform for your nonprofit’s size, goals and budget
A comparison of eight leading tools for nonprofits and associations
Tips for a smooth implementation and better adoption by your team

By the end, you’ll understand everything you need to know about nonprofit membership management software so you can find the best solution.

What is Membership Management Software for Nonprofits?

Nonprofit membership management software is designed to help nonprofits efficiently manage, engage and grow their member base. It centralizes all member-related activities and data into one platform, allowing you to streamline administrative tasks and improve communication with your members. You might also hear it referred to as simply membership management software (MMS) or association management software (AMS).

Whatever the name it goes by, here are some of the key ways you can use it:

Store and collect information about your members, so you can focus on sharing the activities and updates that will interest them the most
Create a membership database for your nonprofit, so members can easily connect with each other and learn more about one another
Facilitate networking between your members, which you can highlight as a membership benefit
Gather and distribute materials to your members using built-in email and member portal capabilities
Track and collect membership dues – you can even automate them, limiting missed payments
Securely process donations and event payments, so you don’t have to rely on collecting fees at the door

The Biggest Benefits of Using Membership Management Software for Nonprofits

The top benefit that membership management software can offer your nonprofit?

Time savings.

“WildApricot saves me over 15 hours a week! It’s given our organization a professional membership service, includes an easy-to-use website and I love how it automatically charges our members’ credit cards for their renewals.”

–Rick Watson, President – Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

If you’re like many of the other nonprofits we talk to, you have very limited resources — but you still have to juggle an endless task list, from event reminders, payment due dates, reports and more.

Nonprofit management software can help automate and organize your many ongoing tasks, including time-consuming activities like:

Recordkeeping
Member communications
Data collection
Automated reminders for events, dues collection, and more
Payment processing
Subscription management
Reporting

This ultimately frees up your time, allowing you to focus on what matters most: creating more value for your members.

That’s really the other main benefit of membership software for nonprofits. Once you’re able to automate many of the manual tasks that are cluttering up your day, you can start focusing on the personalized touches that help bring more value to your members — ultimately growing your nonprofit and making a bigger impact on your mission.

That’s what Well-Read Mom, a nonprofit book club, found — By using WildApricot’s MMS and Text Messaging Service, they streamlined communication and boosted engagement. This shift led to a 35% growth, with text messages achieving a 98% open rate.

Read the full case study here.

Which Membership Management Software is Right for Your Nonprofit?

Choosing the right solution can transform operations – saving time, helping you fundraise and improving member engagement.

But with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Your ideal platform depends on your organization’s unique size, goals, budget and the features that matter most to your team.

In this section, we’ll break down the main types of membership management systems nonprofits use, along with the key pros and cons for each.

1. Spreadsheets

For brand new or grassroots organizations, spreadsheets are often the first step in managing members. Programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets allow you to store contact information, track renewals, and log interactions manually.

Pros

Free or low-cost: No upfront investment required, which is perfect for small or early-stage nonprofits
Flexible: You can create whatever fields or tabs you want
Familiar: Most people are comfortable using spreadsheet software, so there’s little to no learning curve

Cons

Manual: Everything from updating contacts to tracking renewals must be done by hand.
Error-prone: Without built-in logic or validation, data entry mistakes are common.
Limited growth: As your member list grows, spreadsheets become more complicated to manage and easier to break.

If you’re in this stage, templates can help you get started – but you’ll likely outgrow spreadsheets sooner rather than later.

Gaylen from the East-York Probus Club found exactly how impactful membership management software was on their volunteers’ lives—making operations not only smoother but infinitely more secure.

“Before, everyone would have to make up their own email list to invite people to a particular activity, then collect responses and find out who’s going to be there and deal with all that. So, there was a lot of manual work associated with that too. [WildApricot] is secure, efficient, and then some. You only have to enter an email address one time. It’s just slick. It’s really slick.”

-Gaylen, East York Probus Club

Read the full case study here.

2. Open-Source or Custom-Built Tools

Some tech-savvy nonprofits might want to explore open-source CRM platforms like CiviCRM or even build their own custom solution.

Pros

Customizable: Tailor the platform to your exact membership structure, events or reporting needs
Cost-effective: The software is sometimes free to use or license, but you’ll see costs associated with the internal development requirements needed to build

Cons

Technical expertise: You may need access to developers, either in-house or freelance, to implement and maintain your tech, which can become less cost-effective over time
Maintenance: Open-source software requires regular updates, bug fixes and security monitoring
Limited support: You’re often on your own when troubleshooting (unless you hire outside help)

This route can work well for larger, well-resourced nonprofits, but it’s generally not ideal for smaller teams.

3. Generic CRMs (Customer Relationship Management Tools)

Popular business CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot or Zoho can be adapted for nonprofit use, especially if you already use them for marketing or financial operations.

Pros

Professional features: These platforms offer powerful automation, reporting and contact management
Flexible setup: Many allow custom fields and workflows
Large ecosystem: You’ll find plenty of integrations, tutorials and consultants

Cons

Not built for membership: These tools were designed for business sales, not nonprofit member engagement
Steep learning curve: Staff may need significant training
Additional costs: Some features require paid add-ons or developer customization

If you already use one of these tools, adapting it might work. But for most nonprofits, there’s a better way.

4. Specialized Membership Management Software

This is software specifically designed for nonprofits and associations to manage members, renewals, events, emails, donations and more – all in one place. WildApricot (that’s us!) is one of the top examples in the nonprofit sector.

Pros

All-in-One: Combines membership, event and communication tools into one interface
Nonprofit-focused: Built to support the way nonprofits work, including managing volunteers, chapters or committees
Easy to use: Most are designed for non-technical users, so staff or volunteers can get up to speed quickly
Automation features: Set up automatic renewals, reminders and email communications to save time and reduce manual work

Cons

Fewer options: Compared to generic CRMs, there are fewer dedicated nonprofit membership platforms on the market
Cost: While more affordable than building your own solution, there is a monthly or annual fee

Donor Management vs. Membership Management

If your organization relies on donations and membership dues, you might be wondering: Do we really need separate membership management software, or can donor management tools handle it all?

Here’s the key difference:

Donor Management Software is designed to track contributions, cultivate major gifts and manage campaigns
Membership Management Software focuses on the lifecycle of member relationships, including sign-ups, renewals, benefits and engagement

(PS: WildApricot’s platform combines these elements, meaning that you can manage your membership while also cultivating donors and tracking donations! We’ll cover all of WildApricot’s software features plus other MMS options later in this blog.)

Questions For Nonprofits to Ask Before Choosing Membership Software

As you look through our list and decide which option is best for you, here are a few more questions to ask yourself before moving forward.

Question to Ask Yourself	Why it Matters
How many active members do you have?	Some platforms charge by the member, others by the contact, and others by which modules you want.
Do you run events – and what kind?	Some platforms have more extensive event management options than others, or integrate with event management software. Some also offer more support for hosting virtual events.
Will members log in to access benefits or content?	If member connections are important for your organization, and creating a private space matters, you might want to consider a platform that has more community-focused or forum-related features.
Do you rely on volunteers, or have dedicated staff?	If you’re a volunteer-led organization, you’ll likely need a platform that’s easy to set up yourself, with lots of online help to get you started. Nonprofits with more staff will likely have more time to devote to setup, as well as the budget to work with a platform that offers onboarding services and can offer a customized experience for your organization.
Do you need to manage both members and donors?	If the two categories are separate for your organization, you’ll need a platform that can easily handle different types of members on the backend.
How important is fundraising to your organization?	Some platforms won’t include as many fundraising features, like the ability to build a donation page, or the ability to process payments. If it’s something that matters to your nonprofit, you’ll need to focus on choosing a platform that can handle tracking donations as well as managing members.

Nonprofit Member Management Software Pricing

The cost of membership management software varies. With numerous software options, you’ll need to consider the number of contacts/members and which features you want. Depending on your needs, you could be looking at anywhere from $10/month to $100+/month. Some platforms will also charge extra for integrations, data migrations or support.

Later in this article, when we compare the 8 top vendors, you’ll see that some membership management software includes a free trial or demo before you commit. This flexibility allows you to explore the perfect fit for your organization.

12 Features to Look for in Nonprofit Membership Software

Before we dive into the top nonprofit software solutions, you’ll want to keep these key features a priority during your search.

These are the most common ones nonprofit organizations need for their operations. Plus, we’ve included some sample questions to keep in mind when perusing websites or talking to vendors.

Membership Applications

Simplify onboarding with mobile-friendly, customizable membership forms. A strong membership management system should let you:

Collect the exact member data you need
Offer multiple membership levels or tiers
Automate approvals, confirmations and welcome emails

Features like custom fields, conditional logic and integrated payment options reduce the administrative effort on your part.

The image above features the membership application form for the Australian Association for Graduate Employers (AAGE), which allows individuals to select the right membership level and enables the AAGE to easily capture the information needed to set a prospective member up for success.

Questions to ask:

How customizable is the application form (fields, logic, branding)?
Can applicants pay dues or fees directly within the application, and if so, what payment methods are supported?
Is there an option for automated follow-up sequences (e.g., onboarding tips, renewal reminders)?
How easy is it to go through the application process, both for prospective members when they’re applying and for our team when setting it up?

Membership Renewals

Automate your renewal reminders, invoicing and payments. When it comes to membership renewal reminders, a recurring billing or self-service option can reduce admin time.

Questions to ask:

Is it easy to set up membership renewals within the platform?
Can members be set to auto-renew?
Can reminder emails or other communications be sent out to members who haven’t chosen the auto-renewal option?

Membership Database (CRM)

Your nonprofit CRM should house all key member data, including contact info, activity history, event participation and giving. This centralized nonprofit membership database supports stronger relationships and smarter outreach.

Questions to ask:

What kind of data will our membership database track (event registrations, donations or just members)?
Does the system support our membership structure (tiers, chapters, corporate vs. individual, etc.)?

Members-Only Portal

Boost engagement with an online member portal that offers exclusive access to resources, discounts or forums. This feature helps demonstrate value and encourage renewals.

Questions to ask:

Does the platform offer a members-only space?
What form does it take—are there forum options or a private member database?
Can members update their own information and renew on their own?

Membership Directory

Enable networking with a searchable, customizable member directory. Let members manage their own profiles while giving them tools to connect and collaborate.

As in the example above from Upper Midwest Translators and Interpreters Association (UMTIA), site visitors can search their public membership directory to find an interpreter or translator to hire.

Want to keep your directory gated for members only? This is easily done in the back end of many membership management tools (like WildApricot!) to keep member information behind a members-only login.

Questions to ask:

Can our member directory be made accessible only to members?
Can I include all the fields my organization wants to highlight in the member directory?

Website Builder or Integration Widgets

Whether you’re building a new membership website or enhancing an existing one, your membership platform should make integration easy.

A seamless integration ensures your website works with with your membership management software, providing a smooth experience for both your team and your members.

Look for a drag-and-drop website builder if you need an all-in-one solution, or embeddable membership widgets (like forms, event calendars, member logins and directories) that can plug into your current site.

Questions to ask:

Does the tool include a website builder, or integrate with the one we’re already using?
Is it easy for my team to use to create new pages, or add elements to existing ones?
Am I able to easily get the site to match my branding, and make it easy for users to navigate?
Is the site (or the integrated elements) mobile-responsive on all devices?

Donor & Fundraising Tools

If you also raise funds, look for membership software with donor management features, such as donation tracking, automated receipts and campaign management. Many nonprofits benefit from having fundraising CRM tools built into the same platform.

Questions to ask:

Can you create customizable donation forms (branding, suggested amounts, impact statements)?
Is there a peer-to-peer fundraising or crowdfunding option, or does it integrate with one?
Is there an option to set up recurring donations for our frequent givers?
Is there a donor portal, so supporters can view their giving history and update info?
Can the platform generate tax receipts automatically?

Automation & Analytics

Automate repetitive tasks—like welcome emails, status updates and follow-ups—with workflow automation. Built-in reporting and analytics tools help you track retention, engagement and event performance to guide data-driven decisions.

Here’s a visual example of a WildApricot membership renewal workflow in the backend of our software:

Questions to ask:

What reporting and analytics capabilities are available (e.g., churn rate, engagement, lifetime value)?
How customizable are dashboards and reports?
How easy is it to export or visualize data for board reporting?
What processes can be automated (renewals, reminders, emails, status changes)?

Payment Processing

Integrated payment processing simplifies dues collection, event fees and donations. Look for tools that support credit cards, ACH and recurring payment options, with automatic receipts and financial reporting.

Questions to ask:

Can it handle recurring payments and multiple membership levels or donation types?
What kind of payment processing fees does it collect, and can donors choose to cover them?

Communications and Messaging

Since member communications are paramount for keeping members engaged, your nonprofit membership management tool should also allow you to contact members directly from the platform.

Questions to ask:

Can we email or message members directly from the platform?
Can we track communication history (calls, emails, meetings, etc.) by contact?
Does it support personalized messaging or segmentation for targeted outreach?
If we have more robust needs, does it integrate with other email or text messaging platforms?

Event Management

Most nonprofits run some type of event, so it’s crucial that your member management platform not only supports this but also makes it seamless. Depending on the kind of events you typically run, you’ll want to look for different integrations or needs. For example, a large conference might need slightly different functionality than a small weekly meeting.

Questions to ask:

Does the platform include event management functionality (such as registrations, payments and attendance tracking)?
How easy is it to create, publish and share an event with the system?
Can it support the type of events my nonprofit typically runs (such as online auctions, golf tournaments, etc), or does it integrate with platforms that do?

Security & Compliance

As privacy laws evolve and cyber threats become more sophisticated, strong data protection is no longer optional. Choosing a secure, compliant system protects your members—and your organization’s reputation.

Look for membership management software that offers encrypted data storage, secure logins and compliance with regulations such as GDPR, CCPA and new state privacy laws affecting nonprofits in 2025 and beyond.

Key features should include:

Role-based access so only the right people can access sensitive member or donor data
Automated data backups and recovery options
Consent and opt-in tracking for emails, renewals and data use

Questions to ask:

Can we create different user access levels for staff and volunteers?
How is member data stored and protected?
Is the platform compliant with GDPR, PIPEDA or other data privacy laws relevant to our organization?
Can we easily export our data if we switch systems later?

Support & Onboarding

Even the most user-friendly membership platforms benefit from reliable support, especially for teams with limited tech resources.

Look for software that offers:

Live customer service (chat, phone or email)
Step-by-step onboarding assistance
Training webinars and tutorials
A searchable knowledge base or help center

Your goal is to get up and running quickly, without needing in-house IT staff. That’s why responsive support can make all the difference.

Questions to ask:

What do other users say about the support and onboarding from this platform online?
What resources do they offer to help my organization do it ourselves?
What support options do they offer?

Integrations & Ecosystem

Choose a membership software that connects with tools you already use, like Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zoom and Google Workspace. This eliminates data silos and reduces manual entry.

Questions to ask:

What other tools does this platform integrate with, either directly or via API?
How easy is it to set up the integrations?

The 8 Best Membership Management Software Options for Nonprofits

There are many options in the membership management software space, each with its own feature set and focus. Here we’ve listed the most popular options, with notes on their features, pricing and what type of nonprofit they’re best for, to help you make the right choice.

1. WildApricot

Who it’s best for: small to medium staffed nonprofits who want to continue scaling their impact without a hefty price tag.

WildApricot is an all-in-one solution for membership organizations of all sizes. It can be customized to meet your nonprofit’s needs and has an easy-to-learn system paired with unlimited expert support.

Some of WildApricot’s features that can support your organization include:

Member database: Keep all of your member, volunteer and donor information organized and secure.
Website builder: Easily build a new website with our drag-and-drop editor or integrate WildApricot features on your existing website with widgets.
Payments: Accept and securely process payments through our built-in payment processor or utilize a variety of accepted third-party tools.
Event management: Create promotional event materials, build custom registration forms, track RSVPs, automate reminders and more for each event.
Email and contact database: Keep your contacts informed with automated emails and let your members connect with one another through a searchable membership directory.
Mobile app: Manage your membership needs on the go with a mobile app for both members and admins, available on both Android and iOS.
Online store: Increase your revenue by incorporating an online store for your members and other supporters.
Integrations: Sync your work to social media platforms, Google apps and other tools to make marketing, organization and more a breeze!

With a free 60-day trial and scalable plans starting at $63/month, WildApricot is the perfect option for taking your nonprofit to the next level.

2. MemberClicks

Who it’s best for: small to medium-sized nonprofits that want support growing their organization; members may be organizations rather than individuals.

MemberClicks is a cloud-based membership management software great for mid-sized to larger nonprofits, associations, and chambers of commerce.

Some of the features that make MemberClicks a good option for membership organizations include:

Membership database: Track and update member information.
Online payments: Automate dues renewals and centralize your accounting.
Event management: Manage registrations and schedule events all in one place.
Communication management: Develop targeted email campaigns and other marketing initiatives.
Website builder: Create a new website or integrate with your existing one.
Reporting and analytics: Gain insights into your organization.

Pricing depends on your organization’s size, and there are incentives for longer-term contracts. Demo is available upon request.

3. CiviCRM

Who it’s best for: larger organizations with access to some technical resources (either in-house or outsourced)

CiviCRM is a free, open-source membership and constituent management system built specifically for nonprofits, NGOs, and civic sector organizations. It offers a powerful, customizable platform without licensing fees.

Key features include:

Membership management: Automate renewals, track history, and set custom membership types.
Contact database: Store and manage detailed profiles for supporters, volunteers and members.
Donor and contribution tracking: Manage donations alongside memberships in one system.
Email and communications: Send mass mailings, newsletters, and event invitations.
Event registration: Manage event sign-ups and payments.
Grant tracking and case management: Tools designed for mission-based work.

Because it’s open source, CiviCRM is free to download and use. However, many CiviCRM users partner with someone for implementation or hire developers for setup, hosting and maintenance.

4. Glue Up

Who it’s best for: international or multi-chapter organizations

Glue Up is an all-in-one engagement platform designed for associations, chambers of commerce and other membership-based organizations. It’s not as focused on fundraising as some of the other options in this list, so it’s less suited for donation-focused nonprofits. It combines CRM, events, and community tools into a modern, mobile-friendly interface.

Key features include:

Membership management: Automate onboarding, renewals and communications.
Event tools: Run in-person, virtual, or hybrid events with built-in registration, ticketing and reminders.
Community engagement: Create private member communities and discussion boards to boost engagement.
Email marketing: Launch branded email campaigns and newsletters from within the platform.
Mobile apps: Dedicated apps for both administrators and members.
Invoicing and payments: Accept online payments and manage accounting within the platform.

Pricing is customized based on organization size and features needed.

5. Bonterra

Who it’s best for: mission-driven nonprofits focused on fundraising, volunteer management and social impact reporting

Bonterra is a comprehensive solution and has acquired many popular nonprofit tech over the years, notably EveryAction, Network for Good, Salsa and DonorDrive. While not a dedicated membership management system, it offers a wide range of tools to support membership-based fundraising and communication.

Key features include:

Fundraising and donor management: Manage fundraising campaigns, recurring giving and donor tracking.
Volunteer management: Schedule and track volunteer activities, sign-ups and hours.
Marketing: Create personalized emails and connect to social media accounts.
Grant and CSR management: Streamline corporate and foundation giving programs and impact reporting.
Case management: Manage programs, services and client outcomes with real-time data tracking.
Reporting and analytics: Access dashboards and impact reports to drive your fundraising efforts.

Pricing depends on the specific solutions chosen and is available upon request, with a free demo available.

6. Neon One

Who it’s best for: growing nonprofits looking for some donor management capabilities.

Neon One offers basic membership management tools for associations and nonprofits, with additional tools and features available depending on your plan.

Key features include:

Member data tracking: track every interaction a member has with your organization, on and offline
Customizable forms: build membership application forms with options to add types, levels and customize the design
Member portal and directory: help members easily connect with your team and with other members
Marketing and communication tools: set up workflows to automatically thank or reach out to members based on engagement
Grant tracking: stay on top of deadlines and funding requests to streamline the grant application process

Pricing starts at $109/month with a demo available upon request.

7. Fonteva

Who it’s best for: larger organizations that utilize Salesforce

Fonteva is an association management software built natively on the Salesforce platform, making it easy to transition if you’re already using their CRM.

Key features include:

Customizable reporting: Drag-and-drop report set up with a point-and-click dashboard creator
Event management: Build custom event websites with online registration and advanced ticketing
E-commerce: drive non-dues revenue with an online store and revenue accounting
Online community: connect members with message boards, with the ability for public and private communities
Online payments: Stripe-powered payment processing built into the system

Pricing and demo are available upon request.

8. Doubleknot

Who it’s best for: nonprofits with a physical location, such as zoos, museums or science centers.

Doubleknot is a membership management software designed for cultural organizations and nonprofits. They extend their capabilities beyond members with advanced ticketing and admission management.

Key features include:

Timed ticketing and capacity: reduce wait times and improve the visitor experience
POS and mobile sales: used to sell memberships, tickets and more in any location
Event management: create custom registration forms, manage ticket sales and waitlists
Fundraising and donations: track and manage fundraising efforts, whether it’s online, offline or with ticket purchases

Pricing and free demo available upon request

How to Get the Most Out of Your Membership Software: Our Top Tips

No matter which platform you choose for your nonprofit, there are a few tips for getting the most out of your software.

1. Membership Software Set Up

You’ll want to ensure your membership software is set up specifically for your organization. Identify information about your organization, such as:

Type of organization (e.g., club, association, chamber of commerce, etc.)
Your organizational goals (e.g., increase member retention rates by 25%)
Your organizational priorities (e.g., reducing administrative time)

Once you have a clear picture of what you need help with, you can decide which features make sense for your nonprofit.

For example, if you need help achieving your goal of increasing member retention rates by 25%, a software solution like WildApricot could be an excellent fit. Its features allow you to automate membership renewal reminders and enable members to set up recurring payments. Oh, and all while reducing administrative time in the process – sounds like a win-win!

2. Membership Levels or Tiers

The right membership management software will allow you to offer your members different membership levels. You can incentivize your members to be more involved or upgrade their memberships by offering different benefits for each tier.

For example, you can tier your membership levels with naming conventions such as Bronze, Silver and Gold. Depending on their tier, members may have access to certain perks such as exclusive content or discounts.

3. Integration with Other Tools

The point of membership management software is to make your life easier… but even the best software option will never truly be one-size-fits-all.

So, you’ll want to ensure it integrates with the other platforms you’re currently using.

For example, WildApricot offers a WordPress plugin, a single sign-on service and seamless integration with Integromat. This much-loved feature is a drag-and-drop tool that syncs with over 1,000 online apps, such as QuickBooks, Google apps and Facebook. See all of our integrations here.

The Best Membership Software for Small Nonprofits: WildApricot

With some platforms, you have to piece together different tools to get what you need. WildApricot was built to bring everything into one easy-to-use system — so you can manage your members, events, payments and website all in one place.

“We have used WA for over 10 years and find it to be the best association web host for our nonprofit. Customer service is available when you need them, the pages are easy to set up and the payment system deposits to our bank account daily making time management easier for me.”

–Beth, Arizona Chapter American Concrete Institute

Highlights beyond the software:

A user-friendly interface that’s easy to learn, even for non-technical staff
Unlimited expert support, so help is always available when you need it

Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing organization, WildApricot is an all-in-one solution that simplifies membership management. It’s considered Capterra’s #1 Membership Management Software, as well as:

Noteworthy: Donation Management Software
Noteworthy: Fundraising Software
Established Player: Association Management Software
Emerging Favourite: Event Management Software

WildApricot is consistently ranked among the top-rated nonprofit membership platforms on sites like Capterra, G2 and Software Advice. With hundreds of positive user reviews, it’s known for its ease of use, powerful automation and responsive customer support – making it a go-to choice for associations, clubs and small nonprofits.

The Road Ahead: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Overall, managing a nonprofit doesn’t have to mean juggling spreadsheets, chasing invoices or spending nights manually processing registrations. The right membership management software will help you simplify your administrative tasks and free up your time to create better member experiences.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Membership Management Software For Nonprofits [2025 Edition] appeared first on WildApricot.

Association CRM: Choosing One That’s Right For You + Our Top 11 Picks

Marlena Moore — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:18:55 +0000

From member payments to stewardship touchpoints to event registrations, associations big and small have a lot to track.

If you’re in charge of managing these processes, the right association CRM can quickly become your new best friend.

In this post, we’ll go over:

What an association CRM actually is
The difference between an AMS and a CRM, and how to decide which is best for your association
The top 12 association CRMs on the market today
An implementation guide to make it quick and easy for you to get started

Read on to find out everything you need to know about choosing the right CRM for your association!

What is an Association CRM?

An association CRM, also known as a membership CRM or association management software, is an all-in-one tool for managing your association’s administrative activities, specifically geared toward member-based organizations. It includes features spanning member payments, a website builder, a member database, event registration, and more. Two of the most commonly used are WildApricot and MemberClicks.

What’s The Difference Between an Association CRM, an AMS, and a CRM?

As we said above, an association CRM is the same as an AMS (association management software), a term you might be more familiar with.

A traditional CRM, on the other hand, stands for Customer Relationship Management, sometimes referred to as constituent relationship management in the nonprofit realm. These platforms focus specifically on managing your organization’s pipeline and conversions, rather than serving as an all-in-one platform — think tracking how someone who’s filled out a form on your site eventually becomes a donor, then integrating with the email platform you’d use to communicate with them. Two of the most well-known options are Salesforce and HubSpot.

To help break it down, here’s a helpful comparison table with all the differences:

Software	Association Management Software (AMS) or Association CRM	Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Primary User Base	Membership-based organizations looking to manage and engage members, run events, and process renewals and payments	Any organization looking to manage relationships and interactions with individual contacts; this can be members, but could also be donors, volunteers, prospects, or customers
Core Features	Managing membership operations: event registration, certifications, forums and finances (ie: dues/renewals/donations)	Contact management: tracking communication, engagement, marketing automation and sales/donation pipelines
Customizations	Configuration-based: fine tune existing set-up	Highly flexible: usually built from scratch
Technical Skill Needed	Low, most are ready “out of the box” for association needs	Moderate to high; developer may be needed
Integrations	Some, but not as important; designed to be a one-stop shop for associations, focused member needs (event, LMS, email etc.)	Extensive: designed to connect with a wide range of tools (marketing, sales, comms etc.) since it’s focused more specifically on one use case
Data Insights and Reporting	Focused around the member lifecycle: renewals and engagement. Might also contain information around donor management and fundraising if those capabilities are present.	Contact relationship: lead tracking and revenue insights.
Analytics and Reporting	Membership KPIs: renewals, event attendance, certifications	Data analysis: sales, donations, sponsorships, ROI, retention
Best for	Professional or trade associations Chambers of commerce Clubs and community orgs HOAs and condo associations Nonprofits	Businesses Coalitions Foundations Professional service orgs

Should Your Organization Use an AMS or CRM?

Our perspective is that most associations should use an AMS or a CRM for associations.

That’s because associations have specific needs around event registration, member engagement and fundraising, which an all-in-one platform like an AMS can support without needing your association to purchase more than one tool or worry about integrating multiple platforms.

However, there are a few scenarios in which a traditional CRM is the right choice for your association.

Here are a couple of questions to help you figure it out:

Question	AMS	CRM
What’s our core goal?	Managing everything: memberships, renewals, and events	Building and tracking relationships, donations and communications
How membership-driven is our organization?	Dues-paying members who need renewals, portals or tiered benefits	Contacts, leads or donors without formal memberships
What data do we need to manage?	A variety: memberships, donations, and events	Only communications, pipelines and engagement history
How much customization do we want to do?	We’re looking for a simple, out-of-the-box solution, that’s built for associations	We have a specific vision in mind, including flexible, custom workflows
What tools do we already use — and how do they integrate?	We’re moving off spreadsheets, and need an all-in-one platform that covers all our needs	Separate systems we already love (for events, payments, websites)
How many staff will use the system — and for what?	Multiple departments or roles (membership, finance, events) need access, to do different tasks	It will only be used by a small team for specific needs around member tracking

It ultimately comes down to one question.

Do you want an all-in-one platform that includes features like event registration, recurring payments and a website builder, along with your member database?

If so, choose an AMS or association CRM.

But if you’re looking specifically for a place to track contacts and how they convert to members, a CRM might be the right choice for you.

The bottom line is that the largest benefit of traditional CRMs is also where they fall short when it comes to their use by associations: they’re not customized for associations’ additional needs.

If, like many of the associations we hear from, you have a limited budget, an all-in-one platform like an AMS will likely suit you better since it eliminates the need to pay for multiple tools.

Top 11 Association CRMs Your Organization Can Choose From

Have we convinced you yet that an association CRM is the right choice for you?

If so, it’s time to learn more about the different options on the market.

Read on to learn about the 11 most popular association CRMs, what type of association they’re best suited for, how they’re priced, and some key features.

1. WildApricot

Pricing: Plans start at $63/month

Trial: Free 60-day trial available

Best for: Small to mid-sized associations, that are looking for a DIY tool to manage their members

Thousands of associations use WildApricot to manage their members every day. WildApricot has an open API that allows you to customize the software to your specific needs, plus integration with WordPress and QuickBooks. It also includes an online store, so your organization can easily sell merchandise and other items to supplement the revenue you get from membership fees.

Key features:

Drag-and-drop website builder
Built-in emailing system
Mobile app for members and admin
Membership database
Member portal with membership directory
Event management with customizable registration forms
Automated member payments and renewals

Given its ease of use, ability to customize and multiple features, WildApricot packs a lot of bang for its buck, making it an especially great choice for associations who are on a budget but still want to provide a lot of value for their members. Unlike many other membership CRMs on this list, there’s also no surcharge for additional features or setup fees — what you see is what you get!

Start your free 60-day trial of WildApricot now!

2. MemberClicks

Pricing: Available upon request

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Mid-sized trade and professional associations and chambers of commerce, looking for an all-in-one solution

MemberClicks builds integrated membership management software solutions specifically for small-to-midsize professional associations, trade associations and chambers of commerce. It’s an excellent choice for associations who want a little more help getting set up or have more robust reporting needs, as well as those who have organizations or businesses, rather than individuals, as members.

Key features:

Intuitive reporting and analytics tools
Learning management software
Event management
Job board software

3. ThreeSixty

Pricing: Available upon request

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Enterprise-level associations that also want to be able to manage front-desk processes and meetings through their AMS

ThreeSixty is a powerful, modular, and configurable membership management platform that empowers enterprise-sized, mission-driven associations.

The platform is particularly useful for managing finances and e-business on top of the usual member management tools.

Key features:

Marketing and communications tools
Inventory management
Certification programs
Analytics capabilities
Event registrations
Dues collection tools

4. Brilliant Directories

Pricing: Plans start at $145/month

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Organizations who care most about having a public-facing member directory

Brilliant Directories is a good option for larger associations looking for a website-focused solution and professional branding. The software lets you select a directory theme to easily launch a new member website. Users are able to sync the software with over 5,000 different apps for more streamlined administration.

Key features:

Website design assistance
Email marketing
Content publishing
Automated payments
Membership database

5. Glue Up

Pricing: Starts at $2,500/year

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Associations that care most about online community features

Glue Up is a centralized membership CRM that is focused on member insights and engagement. With their comprehensive data analytics and financial management, you can deepen your relationships with members while boosting revenue.

Key features:

Cloud contact database
Task management
Customizable dashboards
List segmentation
Revenue forecasting

6. Easy HOA

Pricing: Available upon request

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Homeowners’ associations that aren’t as focused on building community

As its name implies, Easy HOA is an association CRM with features tailored for homeowner associations, such as architectural requests and maintenance tracking. They’re less focused on providing an online community or on member engagement compared to others in this list, and are more focused on delivering a better back-office experience for HOA staff.

Key features:

Violation and request tracking
Centralized communications
Online payments and automated payment reminders

7. NonProfitEasy

Pricing: Starts at $280/month for their Donor Management Plus package, which includes member management functionality for up to 25K contacts

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Associations with a lot of fundraising needs

NonProfitEasy specializes in donor management. This can make it a great choice for associations whose members are also often donors, and who also want to track grants alongside their donations.

Key features:

Member management
Event registration and management, along with sponsorship reporting
Pledge and grant management
Crowdfunding

8. memberplanet

Pricing: Standard plans start at $50/month, plus payment processing fees. Enterprise prices are available upon request.

Demo: Video demo available on website

Best for: Associations with a limited budget that just want a simple platform

memberplanet is one of the least expensive association management platforms, making it a good choice for organizations who are ready to move away from managing their members in spreadsheets but don’t need all the bells and whistles other platforms offer.

Key features:

Survey tools
Email communications
Mobile optimization
Personalized donation pages
API integrations
Marketing automation

9. MemberLeap

Pricing: Starts at $230/month for up to 200 active records and their most basic set of features

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Associations that have a very specific set of features they are willing to pay for

MemberLeap can be used by associations, large or small, though features vary greatly between levels. Its higher plans include some specific features that other platforms don’t offer, like volunteer management and the ability to organize legislative campaigns. However, relative to other platforms, its lowest tier is quite expensive and doesn’t offer as much functionality (for example, event management isn’t included, and its mobile app is only included with the highest tier). We’d recommend it only if your association has very specific needs that are addressed by its more expensive plans, and you have the budget to match.

Key features:

Website content manager and web hosting
Call for proposals and abstract management
Volunteer management

10. StarChapter

Pricing: Starts at $103/month for 150 members and 1K additional contacts, with a $1,169 one-time setup fee

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Multi-chapter associations, where the parent organization wants one place to manage organizations

StarChapter is focused on serving multi-chapter organizations, primarily professional and trade associations in the United States and Canada. Its functionality is relatively basic, but it can be a good choice for multi-chapter organizations managed by a single parent organization or board, since their focus is on providing consistency across chapters.

Key features:

Event registration and management
Pre-designed website layouts, so that all chapters can have matching sites
eCommerce tools
Membership management tools

11. CiviCRM

Pricing: Free download option is available, paid starts at $15/month

Demo: Available upon request

Best for: Associations that don’t have much budget, but that do have technical resources

CiviCRM is an open-source association CRM — meaning the software itself is free, but you’ll need to pay a partner to set it up if you don’t have technical resources on staff. However, if you’re a truly DIY association and ready to handle hosting, setup, maintenance and support, this can be a great choice.

Key features:

Case management, in addition to the usual contact management
Email and SMS marketing
Event management and promotion
Peer-to-peer fundraising

How to Implement an Association CRM

Once you’ve selected one of these options, it’s time to start thinking about how you can set it up for your association.

Implementing any new software does take some time and planning, but the eventual time savings you’ll get are well worth it in the end!

Here’s a timeline of what to expect when adopting an association CRM, along with key considerations to keep in mind.

1. Define Goals and Requirements (2–4 weeks)

Before diving into the selection process, it‘s essential to determine why you want to select a new CRM for your association.

Define the outcomes you want with your new association CRM (better member engagement? More donations?)
List the must-have features your organization needs (a member database? A website builder?)

Of course, if you’re reading this article, you may have already completed this step!

2. Choosing Your CRM Platform (2–6 weeks)

Once you’ve outlined goals and agreed with stakeholders on what features you need, it’s time to research — if you need anything beyond this article, of course. We’ve already done some of the work for you here, but don’t forget to keep these considerations in mind as well:

How the platform integrates with your existing tech
Cost — both upfront, add-on, set-up, and staff time
Ease-of-use and support/training available
Alignment with your membership model

3. Data Audit and Preparation (3–6 weeks)

Auditing your financial and membership data is vital for success with a new CRM. You’ll want to do these steps before implementation to ensure a seamless transition:

Review current databases (Excel, AMS, email lists, etc.)
Clean and consolidate records (remove duplicates, correct outdated info and fill missing fields)
Define a data structure (how you’ll categorize members, sponsors and partners)
Decide on custom fields (membership tier, engagement score, etc.).

4. System Setup and Configuration (4–8 weeks)

We’re getting to the fun part! This is where you get to customize the CRM for your organization, making sure it’s a perfect fit for your needs. Here are some of the steps you’ll need to take:

Configure user roles and permissions
Set up contact categories, pipelines and fields
Integrate your email, website and event systems
Build automation workflows (welcome emails, renewal reminders, etc.)
Design dashboards and reports

5. Data Migration (1–3 weeks)

Once you’ve found the right CRM, cleaned up your data, and set up all your customizations, it’s time to take the plunge and migrate all your data over from your previous system. To make this process as seamless as possible, be sure to:

Test small batches to avoid massive fixes
After importing your data, ensure accuracy
Map all relationships (members → organizations → committees) correctly

6. Staff Training and User Testing (2–4 weeks)

Seeing success means your staff needs to have alignment and proper training. Ensure anyone managing the CRM and your contact data knows exactly what to do.

Train on navigation, search and workflow management
Walk through real scenarios (“how to log a call” or “how to send renewal reminders”)
Create documentation or quick reference guides for new staff or FAQs they may have

7. Launch and Continuous Improvement (Ongoing)

Once you go live with your CRM, the work isn’t done. Remember the goals you set in the beginning? Make sure your software is meeting these by:

Monitoring your association’s KPIs (member engagement, communication response, renewals, etc.)
Adjusting workflows and automation based on feedback
Scheduling regular reviews and updates with your team and board, gathering feedback and changing your processes as needed

We recommend evaluating your software yearly to ensure it’s meeting your needs and growing as you do.

Choose an Association CRM to Grow Your Membership Organization

Choosing the right association CRM is a win-win: it will help your staff avoid burnout by simplifying their operations, and it will improve your members’ experience by creating a space where they can come together and connect.

While selecting new software can feel overwhelming, we hope this piece has helped you understand which platform will best suit your organization and provided a quick overview of some top options and what to expect once you choose one.

And of course… signing up for a free 60-day trial of WildApricot is a great place to start!

The post Association CRM: Choosing One That’s Right For You + Our Top 11 Picks appeared first on WildApricot.

Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Software: the Best Options in 2025

Marlena Moore — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 23:26:49 +0000

I know one woman who runs her entire 1,500-member homeowner association by herself as a part-time staff member.

That’s because she leaves most of the work up to her Homeowner Association Software — it essentially runs the organization for her.

If you’re also a self-managed HOA and want an easier option to manage your homeowners’ association, it might be time to look into it as well.

Read on it find out how self-managed HOA software can help improve your homeowners’ association, your experience running it, and the experience of your members.

How Can I Improve My HOA?

Most HOA managers will agree that the biggest issue with their HOA is how much of their time it requires. They’re constantly chasing down payments, dealing with paperwork, and getting sucked into hours upon hours of administrative work. This leaves them no time to do what they actually set out to do — build a thriving and engaged community.

If this is you, there are three things you can do.

Automate your administrative tasks so you can have more time for more meaningful work.
Improve your member experience by serving them more efficiently and offering more benefits.
Engage your community with timely updates, communications, activities, and events.

This may sound like a lot, but here’s the good news: HOA software will help make all of this work a breeze. Investing in a software tool is like hiring a robot to do all the tedious administrative work for you. Not only will this leave you with more time, but your members will thank you, too! Thanks to HOA software, their experience will be much more smooth, efficient, and convenient. Both you and your members will finally have time to engage with each other, build connections, and help your community thrive.

What is Homeowner Association Software?

Homeowner Association Software, or HOA Software, is an all-in-one management tool comprised of a website builder, online contact database, communications system (email), finance & payment system, event platform, and more.

If you run a HOA, nearly all your administrative work can be eliminated by HOA Software, which can:

Keep your residents happier by giving them easy and secure ways to manage their payments, fees, and submit maintenance requests online.
Improve member communication through automated invoices, emails, newsletters, and maintenance requests.
Give you an easy to build and update HOA website where you can host a news section, notices, resources, member directory, an event calendar and more.
Maintain a full contact database that’s easy to search, filter, and update.
Provide you with simple financial reports and analytics.
Save money and time by automating many more administrative tasks.
Allow you to manage your HOA on the go through an HOA app, a mobile version of the software. Members can also use an HOA app to check the member directory and connect with other members.

What Features You Need to Look For in HOA Software

HOA software solutions vary greatly in the features they offer, and it can get overwhelming trying to decide how to spend your software budget wisely. While there are many special features to consider, here are the basic ones that every great HOA software should have.

1. Member Database:

You should be able to maintain a database of your members, their contact information, member profiles, roles, and preferences. It should also be easy to update their information, contact them, search through the database through different criteria, and track membership status and payments.

2. Member Portal:

Members should be able to log in through a member portal and update their information or get access to exclusive member-only content. This is also where you would communicate with members or allow them to communicate with each other through chats and forums.

3. Online Payment System:

With a comprehensive HOA software, your members should be able to easily and safely make payments online, in-person or over the phone. Allowing residents the option of self-service financial tools empowers them to automate and manage their dues and other payments, like late fees and community violations. Your HOA software should also keep track of who has paid their member dues and who is overdue, making it easier for you to send accurate invoices.

4. Communications System:

Your HOA software should make it easy to communicate with all your members at once, contact individual members, or lists filtered by specific criteria. After all, a great community association software supports various modes of communication — emails, letters, push notifications, etc — and keeps track of members’ communications preferences.

5. Event Management System:

You should be able to schedule events, maintain an online event calendar and manage attendees. Your members should be able to register for events, pay event fees and update their RSVP status easily in your HOA software.

6. Financial Tracking and Reporting:

Your HOA software should maintain accurate financial records and allow you to pull reports and analyze data at any time. Handling HOA accounting can get complex, especially with larger communities. Being able to pull up financial statements and filter by fields like homeowner, date and payment type is crucial for simplifying operations.

7. Manage Homeowner Requests:

In any community with property management, homeowners will have requests. HOA software should be able to accept these maintenance requests and enable the community manager to solve any issues in a timely manner. In their owner portals, residents need the ability to send their requests for things like general maintenance, emergency issues, landscaping, community violations and even neighborhood suggestions. Commonly, this will be done via online forms rather than communication tools like email to simplify and ensure the request is routed appropriately.

Try This Self-Managed Homeowner Association Software Free

WildApricot is the one of the highest rated HOA software tools and crosses off every single item on the above list. Every day hundreds of homeowner associations use WildApricot to completely manage their associations.

Start your free trial of WildApricot now. In just an afternoon you can have a full website and contact database setup to begin communicating with your residents and tracking their payments.

“WildApricot saves me over 15 hours a week! It’s given our organization a professional membership service, includes an easy-to-use website and I love how it automatically charges our members’ credit cards for their renewals.”

– Rick Watson, President – Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

If you’d like to compare more options, there are dozens of other self-managed HOA software solutions, perfect for every type of homeowner association.

Here’s a list of 10 options to consider.

I’ve sorted the list alphabetically and given you highlights of each tool’s major features and the cost, so you can focus on the solutions that suit your needs. Some of them focus solely on HOA websites, whereas others offer all-in-one HOA management solutions, which usually also include an HOA app.

Top 10 Outstanding HOA Management Software Options

1) AppFolio Property Manager

Price: Three different tiers – Core, Plus and Max. Pricing is based per-unit and quotes are available upon request.

Demo/Trial: Free demo available.

Best for: Large or professionally managed communities

AppFolio is an all-in-one HOA management software that enables architectural reviews, dues and assessment collection, violation tracking, board member approvals, bank integrations, and more. All these features are accessible through a web or mobile application.

Standout Features:

Text message communication
Email templates
Resident portal
Online maintenance requests
Performance insights

2) Bitrix24

Price: Free limited version, paid options start at $99/month

Demo/Trial: Demo available upon request

Best for: Budget-conscious HOAs that prioritize communication and task management tools

With Bitrix24, you can create an HOA member portal that includes opinion polling, email notifications, IM and group chat, and a photo gallery. You can also manage dues, communicate with your members via email, and submit online work requests.

Standout Features:

Mobile app
HOA directory
Private social network for homeowners
Interest groups
Videoconferencing

3) Buildium

Price: Starting at $58/month

Demo/Trial: Free 14-day trial, demo available upon request

Best for: Medium-to-large scale homeowners associations with financial management tools needs

With online member payments, maintenance request tracking, rental listing management, and full accounting functionality, Buildium is a comprehensive community association software solution for small to medium-sized homeowner associations.

Standout Features:

Retail cash payments
1099 eFiling
Property inspections
Renters insurance
Tenant screening

4) CINC Systems

Price: Pricing available upon request

Demo/Trial: Demo available upon request

Best for: Community association management firms with complex portfolios

CINC is reportedly the only software company in the industry that provides property management, integrated banking, and cloud account all in one tool. With CINC, you can manage online payments, maintain your member directory and calendar, submit and track work orders, and share your critical HOA documents.

Standout Features:

Mobile app
Violations management
Architectural review request management
Timely financial reporting

5) FRONTSTEPS

Price: Pricing available upon request

Demo/Trial: Free trial available, demo available upon request

Best for: Mid-sized HOAs who prioritize resident portals and community engagement

With FRONTSTEPS, it’s easy to build an HOA branded community website. Features include the ability to track violations, dues, online payments, work orders, and maintenance requests.

Standout Features:

Parking and visitor management
Package tracking
Digital bulletins and customizable newsletters
Text communications

6) HOA Express

Price: Free limited version, paid version starts at $15/month for up to 25 households

Demo/Trial: Free trial available, demo website available

Best for: Smaller or self-run HOAs with limited budgets

With HOA Express, you can build an attractive, affordable, mobile-friendly website for your HOA. You’ll be able to update your website quickly and easily, send email blasts, and facilitate forum discussions. Your members can also pay their dues online.

Standout Features:

Automated letter mailing
Custom surveys
Resident directory
Visitor tracking

7) ONR App

Price: Starting at $2,200/yearly

Demo/Trial: Free trial available, demo available on website

Best for: Communities with residents wanting a modern, mobile-first experience

ONR App is perfect for larger communities. Their community association management software has a beautiful and modern look, their digital portals are full of features to make management easier. Build a website for your community and allow residents to make online payments, digitally vote, book amenities, submit work orders, view a community calendar and receive communication from management. You’ll also be able to view condo stats and manage staff tasks in their all in one software.

Standout Features:

Mobile app
Data migration
Online voting
Free unlimited support

8) PayHOA

Price: Starts at $49/month

Demo/Trial: 30-day free trial available

Best for: Small-to-medium HOAs looking for automation and online payment options

PayHOA prides itself on being a 100% online software to manage your community. You can easily automate all your tasks through their portals and easily communicate with your residents. They have simple and intuitive dashboards that allows residents to easily pay their dues, request maintenance, report violations and communicate with management.

Standout Features:

Online, automated payment and reporting
Manager, board and member portals
Email, text and phone support
Custom forms

9) Vinteum Neigbrs

Price: Starting at $.70 per unit/month

Demo/Trial: Free demo available upon request

Best for: Community-focused HOAs needing easy resident communication and engagement tools

With Vinteum Neigbrs, you can build a website and a mobile application, communicate with residents via text messages and emails, manage amenity reservations, and register users so they can access community documents.

Standout Features:

Incident reporting system
Automatic voice calls
Email log
Mobile app

10) Yardi Voyager

Price: Pricing available upon request

Demo/Trial: Demo available upon request

Best for: Large-scale or developer-run associations at the enterprise level

Yardi Voyager is a browser-based solution for managing homeowner associations. Their community association management system features a single integrated database with tools to track ownership and HOA charges, calculate fees, collect payments, monitor maintenance, enforce bylaws, and more.

Standout Features:

Automated workflows
Fees calculator
Maintenance, inspection, and violation tracking system
Board member management system

BONUS: WildApricot

Price: Start at $63/month

Demo/Trial: Free 60-day trial

Best for: Small or volunteer-led homeowners’ association who prioritize community and events

Hundreds of homeowner associations use WildApricot for managing their memberships. Features include a drag and drop website builder, a built-in emailing system, a mobile app, a member directory, a member’s-only area and automated member payments and renewals.

Standout Features:

Website builder
Online payments
Mobile app
Free, unlimited support
Open API so you can customize the software to your specific needs

Additional Resources:

How to Start an HOA in 13 Steps: Top Strategies, Key Documents & FAQ

16 HOA Rules and Regulations You Need to Know + Real Examples

How to Effectively Write and Update Your HOA Bylaws

14 Tips for Writing Your HOA Newsletter (+ Free Template!)

The 15+ Best HOA Websites

The post Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Software: the Best Options in 2025 appeared first on WildApricot.

Best Nonprofit CRM Software: 13 Tools That Simplify Fundraising and Engagement

Daria Knupp — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:55:10 +0000

Running a nonprofit can feel like spinning plates while herding cats. Between staff, donors, volunteers, board members, sponsors and events, there is always too much going on. If you are still relying on spreadsheets, sticky notes and your memory, chances are good things are slipping through the cracks.

That is why nonprofit CRM software exists.

The best nonprofit CRM is so much more than a glorified donor list. It acts as mission control. It remembers birthdays, tracks donations, automates thank-yous and even predicts who is most likely to give again. It turns chaos into calm and data into action.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn:

What a nonprofit CRM really is
Why you need one in this environment
Six smart questions to ask before you choose
Seven must-have features
Thirteen of the best nonprofit CRMs worth checking out
Key trends to watch
Pitfalls to avoid

Grab your coffee and let’s get started.

What Is a Nonprofit CRM?

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. For nonprofits, it really means Constituent Relationship Management.

Think of it as your organization’s brain. A nonprofit CRM is the central hub where you keep track of all your relationships. Donors, volunteers, members, sponsors and event attendees all live in one place.

Here is what you can track through a CRM:

• Donation history and gift amounts

• Contact details and communication preferences

• Volunteer hours and roles

• Event registrations and attendance

• Membership renewals and dues

• Personalized member notes like “loves dogs” or “prefers phone calls over emails”

But today’s CRMs go far beyond storage. They automate thank-yous, flag donors who may be at risk of lapsing, segment lists for targeted campaigns, sync with fundraising tools and generate reports that show what is working. It’s like going from a flip phone to a smartphone. Once you have it, you will wonder how you ever survived without it.

Pro Tip: Think of your CRM as an extra staff member who never sleeps, never forgets and always has the data you need at their fingertips.

Why You Need a Nonprofit CRM

Still clinging to Excel? That may be costing you time, money and donors. Spreadsheets can help you start, but they simply cannot keep up with the complexity of managing relationships at scale and here’s why:

Time is precious. Every hour you spend digging through spreadsheets is an hour you are not talking to donors. A good CRM streamlines data entry, reporting and acknowledgments so staff can spend less time clicking and more time connecting.

Money matters. A nonprofit CRM is not just another line item. It is an investment. Missing touchpoints with donors can mean losing real dollars. A single lapsed donor alert could save a major gift.

Retention is everything. The average first-time donor retention rate is under 25 percent. That is brutal. A CRM helps you fight those odds with personal, timely, consistent outreach. Better retention means stronger revenue.

Example Scenario: Imagine a volunteer-turned-donor who gives $100 once. Without a CRM, you might send a thank-you and move on. With a CRM, the system reminds you of their birthday, prompts you to invite them to volunteer again and nudges you when it is time to ask for a recurring gift. Fast forward a year, and that $100 donor is now giving $25 every month and attending your events. That is the power of structured relationship management.

Six Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Nonprofit CRM

Before you sign up for a demo, ask these six smart questions. The answers will help you set realistic expectations and choose a CRM that best suits your nonprofit’s needs.

1. Who is going to use it?

Some CRMs charge per user, others allow unlimited logins. Create a list of everyone who currently needs access and will require it in the future, so you are not surprised by unexpected added costs.

2. What do we need to track?

Do you only need donor records? Or is your nonprofit also tracking volunteers, events and memberships? Knowing this upfront prevents you from paying for extras or missing key features.

3. Is it easy to use?

If the system feels clunky, staff will avoid it. Look for a simple, intuitive design and ask about mobile access so your team can pull up donor info on the go.

4. How fast can we launch it?

Data migration takes time. Ask about onboarding help and setup support so you know how long it will take to get fully operational.

5. What is the real cost?

The license fee is only part of the bill. Factor in training, support and add-ons to get a realistic picture of total cost.

6. Does it integrate?

Your CRM should connect with your fundraising, email, finance and event tools. Without integrations, you risk reverting to spreadsheets and wasting the time and money adopting a CRM.

Bonus Question: What will success look like in a year?

Decide now what “winning” means, whether that is improved retention, more recurring donors or less staff time on admin. Clear goals help you measure ROI.

Seven Must-Have Features

The bells and whistles are nice, but here are the features that matter most:

Ease of use

If your staff cannot figure it out quickly, they will not use it. Look for a clean design and simple navigation.

Centralized database

Donors, volunteers, members and sponsors should all be in one place so you can see the full picture of each relationship.

Automation

Thank-you emails, tax receipts, reminders and reports should run automatically, saving staff time and reducing missed follow-ups.

AI insights

Modern CRMs predict which donors are most likely to give or lapse, enabling you to act with greater timing and strategy.

Segmentation

Send the right message to the right audience. A donor who came to last year’s gala should get a personal invite to this year’s.

Mobile access

Your team should be able to update records and check information from anywhere, not just at a desk.

Integrations

The CRM should talk to your fundraising, email, finance and event tools. Without that connectivity, you will be stuck re-entering data.

Real Talk: The best CRM makes your life easier, not harder. If it feels like extra work, keep looking.

13 Best Nonprofit CRM Options

Now for the fun part: the tools nonprofits are buzzing about this year. Each one has its strengths, quirks and standout features.

1. WildApricot – Best for all-in-one membership orgs

If you are looking for a CRM that is more than just a donor database, WildApricot is a strong contender. It’s a comprehensive membership management platform built to reduce repetitive administrative tasks, allowing your team to focus on your nonprofit’s impact.

Highlights: Website builder, online payments, member directories, communications system, invoicing, payment processing and event registration. Everything is in one place so you do not have to juggle multiple platforms. Check out all the features here.

Cool Feature: WildApricot even includes an online store, so your nonprofit can easily sell merchandise, event tickets or other items to bring in extra revenue.

WildApricot is especially handy for small to midsize membership organizations that want an all-in-one system to simplify operations. Interested? You can get started with a free 60-day trial.

2. MemberClicks – Best for associations

While WildApricot is perfect for many small organizations, MemberClicks is designed specifically for associations and midsize membership-based nonprofits that need more specialized solutions.

Highlights: Association management system, membership CRM, event management tools, communications and optional add-ons such as job boards and learning management systems. MemberClicks helps associations save time, strengthen communities and grow revenue.

Cool Feature: MemberClicks offers networking and community features such as private member circles, job boards and learning modules that help associations deliver more member value.

If your nonprofit runs on memberships and needs tools tailored to associations, MemberClicks can provide the structure and flexibility you need to grow.

Interested? Learn more about how MemberClicks can support your association and help you focus on what matters most.

3. Blackbaud – Best for big budgets and big missions

Blackbaud is the heavyweight in the nonprofit CRM world. It is designed for large organizations like universities, hospitals and global charities that need serious fundraising power. It can handle complex campaigns, multi-channel communications and massive donor databases. The flip side? It comes with a steep price and a learning curve, so it is best suited for nonprofits with the budget and staff to support it.

Highlights: Advanced fundraising tools, wealth screening, detailed reporting, grant and gift management and robust analytics.

Cool Feature: Predictive modeling that uses data to identify high-value donors and suggest cultivation strategies.

If your nonprofit has a large team and major giving goals, Blackbaud is built to scale with you. It is not the simplest tool on the list, but for big missions with big budgets, it is a trusted choice.

4. Salesforce for Nonprofits – Best for customization fans

Salesforce is the most customizable CRM available. With the Nonprofit Success Pack, you can tailor it exactly to your needs. The platform integrates with nearly everything, making it extremely flexible. The catch is that customization can take time, and many organizations need dedicated staff or consultants to get the most out of it.

Highlights: Thousands of integrations, workflow automation, robust dashboards and detailed donor profiles.

Cool Feature: The AppExchange marketplace, which offers plug-ins for fundraising, marketing, volunteer management and more.

Salesforce is not plug-and-play, but for nonprofits that want complete control and flexibility, it is hard to beat. If you have IT support or the budget to hire consultants, it can grow with your organization indefinitely.

5. Bloomerang – Best for keeping donors around

Bloomerang’s mission is donor retention. While many CRMs help you track gifts, Bloomerang focuses on helping you keep your supporters year after year. Its dashboard is simple, colorful and focused on the numbers that matter most. Retention reports show you trends at a glance, so you can take action before donors drift away.

Highlights: Engagement scoring, email marketing tools, donor segmentation, customizable reports and sector benchmarking.

Cool Feature: The donor retention meter, which works like a loyalty gauge to show how well you are retaining donors over time.

Bloomerang is especially popular with small to midsize nonprofits that want something easy to use but powerful enough to move the needle on retention. If you care about long-term relationships over quick transactions, this one is worth a closer look.

6. DonorPerfect – Best all-in-one sidekick

DonorPerfect is the jack-of-all-trades CRM. It covers donor management, online giving, event planning and reporting in one system. Nonprofits like it because it is reliable and adaptable without being overwhelming. The interface is approachable, and the tools are flexible enough for organizations of many sizes.

Highlights: Unlimited online donation forms, prospect research tools, automated receipts and segmentation features.

Cool Feature: Custom donor tags that let you label supporters with categories like “monthly donor” or “attended gala,” making it easy to build targeted lists for outreach.

If you want one system that does a bit of everything without the complexity of enterprise software, DonorPerfect delivers. It is especially strong for mid-sized organizations that need all-in-one functionality.

7. Neon One – Best for growing nonprofits

Neon One is designed for nonprofits that are ready to level up from spreadsheets but not quite ready for enterprise-level systems. It combines donor management, fundraising and event planning in one. The interface is modern, and the integrations make it easy to connect with your existing tech stack.

Highlights: Campaign tracking, modern donor profiles, online fundraising pages, event registration tools and reporting.

Cool Feature: Built-in event management that makes it easier to plan galas, golf outings or hybrid events without juggling multiple platforms.

Neon One is a sweet spot for growing nonprofits that need more power but still want an intuitive experience. It strikes a balance between affordability and capability.

8. Virtuous – Best for automation nerds

Virtuous is built around automation and responsive donor journeys. Its tools help you deliver the right message at the right time without adding extra work for your staff. This makes it especially appealing to teams that want to nurture donors systematically and build stronger long-term relationships.

Highlights: Automated workflows, AI-assisted insights, predictive analytics, advanced segmentation and detailed reporting.

Cool Feature: Virtuous donor journeys automatically trigger personalized outreach across email, text or direct mail, helping your team engage donors at the moment they are most likely to respond.

If your team wants to save time and personalize outreach without hiring more staff, Virtuous may be the tool that makes it happen. It is a good match for mid-sized nonprofits with growing donor bases.

9. Keela – Best hub for smaller teams

Keela is designed with small to midsize nonprofits in mind. It is an all-in-one hub that blends project management, donor communications and fundraising tools in a way that is approachable but still powerful enough to scale.

Highlights: Personalized campaign tracking, built-in reporting, volunteer management, automatic duplicate detection and data cleanup tools and integrations with popular fundraising and finance platforms.

Cool Feature: Keela’s smart insights help teams act on their data, from spotting lapsed donors to managing campaigns more efficiently, all without requiring technical staff.

Keela is a great choice for teams that want everything in one place without piecing together multiple systems. It is especially strong for smaller teams that juggle multiple hats.

10. DonorBox – Best for fast setup and modern giving features

DonorBox CRM combines donor management, recurring giving tools and crowdfunding features in one streamlined platform. Smaller nonprofits like it for how fast you can get up and running and how polished the donor interface is.

Highlights: Donor profiles, recurring giving, donation pages, simple segmentation and analytics

Cool Feature: Built-in peer-to-peer and crowdfunding tools, so you don’t need a separate platform.

It’s beneficial for nonprofits that want to launch modern campaigns quickly, without the need for heavy setup or IT support. If you need a simple system that works out of the box, DonorBox is one of the fastest ways to launch professional fundraising campaigns.

11. Little Green Light – Best for small budgets

Little Green Light proves that affordable does not have to mean basic. It’s cost-effective and packed with functionality for small nonprofits that want to ditch spreadsheets.

Highlights: Event tracking, pledge management, customizable forms and built-in mail merge.

Cool Feature: TechSoup offers discounts that lower Little Green Light’s already affordable price, making it one of the most budget-friendly CRMs around.

It is a practical choice for schools, churches and community groups that want powerful donor management without enterprise complexity. If your nonprofit is small but mighty, Little Green Light gives you professional tools without draining your budget.

12. Bonterra – Best for fundraising plus advocacy

Bonterra, which now includes Salsa CRM, combines donor management, fundraising and advocacy in one platform. It is designed for nonprofits that need to track supporters, run campaigns and mobilize advocates while keeping all their data in one place.

Highlights: Donor and supporter profiles, role-based access, fundraising and campaign management, integrated advocacy tools, communications and detailed reporting.

Cool Feature: Bonterra makes it simple to connect fundraising with grassroots action through built-in advocacy campaigns, so you can inspire donors to give and take action on the issues that matter most.

If your nonprofit does both fundraising and policy work, Bonterra gives you the tools to influence and inspire.

13. Givebutter – Best free option

Givebutter is modern, fun and free to start. It is popular with younger donors and smaller nonprofits that want something social and approachable.

Highlights: Crowdfunding tools, peer-to-peer fundraising, campaign pages and supporter feeds.

Cool Feature: Donor walls and supporter feeds that celebrate gifts like social media shoutouts, turning giving into a community event.

It is especially appealing for nonprofits that thrive on social engagement and want to make giving a fun and interactive experience. Givebutter is perfect if your nonprofit wants a tool that is simple, social and affordable. The free option makes it an easy starting point.

CRM Trends to Watch

CRMs are evolving quickly, and nonprofits that adapt will have an advantage. These tools are no longer just databases. They are becoming partners that guide strategy, streamline operations and strengthen donor relationships. Here are the trends shaping how nonprofits use CRMs today.

AI everywhere

More systems now predict donor behavior, suggest ask amounts and flag at-risk supporters. This helps you act at the right time instead of relying on guesswork.

Mobile-first design

Staff expect to manage everything from their phones. Mobile dashboards and apps make it easier to update records, check reports or engage donors on the go.

Donor journeys

CRMs are shifting from simple storage to shaping supporter experiences. Automated sequences can thank new donors, invite them to events and guide them toward recurring giving.

Hybrid events

CRMs are adding tools for both in-person and online participation. This makes it easier to track registrations, attendance and engagement across formats.

The end of spreadsheets

Free and low-cost CRMs are replacing Excel even for small nonprofits. Centralizing data reduces errors and saves time.

What this means for you: A CRM should help you understand donors more deeply. If it only stores names and addresses, it’s already outdated.

Pitfalls to Avoid

A CRM can be a game-changer, but only if it is used wisely. Many nonprofits stumble by treating it as just another piece of software instead of a long-term investment in relationships. Knowing the most common mistakes upfront helps you avoid wasted time, staff frustration and disappointing results.

Over-customizing

Too many custom fields or workflows make systems hard to use. Start simple and add features only as needed.

Undertraining staff

If staff aren’t trained, adoption will lag. Allocate sufficient time for onboarding and refresher training so that the system becomes second nature.

Ignoring integrations

Without connections to fundraising, email or accounting tools, you risk data silos and duplicate work. Choose a CRM that integrates easily.

Neglecting data hygiene

Messy imports and inconsistent entry create unreliable reports. Clean your data before migration and set clear rules for how new records are added.

Final Thoughts

A nonprofit CRM is not just software. It’s your secret weapon for building stronger relationships, saving time and raising more money. The right donor management system helps you fill empty seats, send timely thank-yous and keep donors coming back. Missed follow-ups and lapsed donors cost nonprofits real dollars. The best nonprofit CRM helps close those gaps and makes your mission thrive.

Overall: Test a few. Ask questions. Choose the one that makes your team say, “Wow, this really makes things easier.” At the end of the day, easy is exactly what your nonprofit needs.

The post Best Nonprofit CRM Software: 13 Tools That Simplify Fundraising and Engagement appeared first on WildApricot.

The BEST Online Payment Processing for Nonprofits in 2025: Our Top 17 Picks

Marlena Moore — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:40:00 +0000

Having a secure payment processor is something your donors will value. Setting high security standards for your online payment processor will build donor trust with your organization.

If you’re collecting donations via credit card or ACH, you’re being trusted with peoples’ hard-earned money and personal information. The last thing you want to do is have that trust broken by a security breach!

The best payment processor for nonprofit security should:

Be PCI compliant. This is the baseline for safety when it comes to data security. PCI compliance comes in at four levels depending on how many yearly payments you process. Make sure your processor supports the compliance level you need!
Have fraud protection features. Fraudulent payments are a real issue when it comes to online transactions! Research your payment processor to see how extensive the fraud protection features are. For example, a payment gateway checks that donations aren’t coming from robots, and BIN (Bank Identification Checking) makes sure the donor bank accounts are legitimate.
Come with encryption. You know how spy movies will scramble and unscramble secret codes? That’s exactly what encryption does! Keep your donors’ data safe so only people with the online key can read it.

Curious about WildApricot’s online payment processing tools? Check out our help article: Online payments

Safety is truly the number one concern of donors! While a funky donate page might turn off some of your donors, risky security features will stop ALL donations in their tracks.

Integrate with your site

A good payment processor should always integrate smoothly with your nonprofit donation website. Once it’s time for your donors to pay, the processor should fit with your branding—think matching colors and fonts!

If the payment processor seems out of place, donors might worry that they’ve been redirected to somewhere risky. As we mentioned, people are rightfully afraid of security breaches. If your payment processing is integrated with your site, donors will feel safer completing their transaction.

Integrate with your fundraising tools

Donations don’t just go through your donation page! If you’re fundraising, chances are you’re using multiple fundraising tools to communicate with donors and market your campaign.

Make sure your nonprofit payment processing works for things like:

Text-to-donate software
Crowdfunding platforms
Ticketing software for events
Mobile payments throughMobile devicesMobile App

Every avenue you use should be covered by your payment processor. This will make it easy to calculate your online donations in one place.

Integrate with your donor CRM

Your nonprofit’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is what helps you foster donor stewardship. Fundraising doesn’t end when you’ve hit your goals for a single campaign—the next step is growing and nurturing donor relationships.

The ideal payment processor will help you gather donor information that can be entered into your CRM system. Even a simple name and an email address gives you a way to communicate moving forward.

This allows you to:

Send donor-specific newsletters
Share when you’ve reached milestones and goals for fundraising
Send thank you messages to donors
Reach out to lapsed donors and rebuild the relationship

When donors feel connected to your organization, they’re more likely to keep giving. Better yet, they’re more likely to set up recurring donations, or even volunteer!

User-friendly UX

From finding the donate page to inputting credit card information, every step of the giving process should be smooth and easy. If donating becomes frustrating, people are far less likely to follow through.

UX, or “user experience,” is exactly what it sounds like! If the experience of giving is seamless, your donors will focus on how good it felt to give rather than how tedious it was to donate.

Reporting

You shouldn’t have to hunt down the details of how much money you’ve raised. Payment processing for nonprofits should come with regular, easy-to-read reports that you can download with the click of a button.

We talk a lot about how giving should be easy for donors—but receiving should also be easy for you!

Scheduled or Recurring Payments

Recurring donations are essential to turning donations into a steadier stream of revenue. Your payment processor should be able to process recurring, pre-scheduled donations without any work on your part.

If people change their donations from one-time to monthly (woohoo!) then your processor should also be able to manage that change without a hitch!

Types of Payment Accepted

In a perfect world, your organization would be able to accept any type of payment your donors have. Whether your donors prefer a debit card transaction, credit card transaction or ACH transaction.

When considering your payment processing platform, choose the one that allows you to collect donations from as many places as possible. You don’t want to miss out on donations on a technicality.

Keep in mind there are a lot of different banks and credit card options out there – being able to be flexible on card type or bank will make the donation process easier for donors.

Customer Support

Look, technology is complicated. Sometimes things break, and sometimes supporters just aren’t super familiar with the internet.

Make sure your payment processor has real live people available in case of emergency. Whether it’s a phone number or a live chat box, your donors should be able to access support when they need it. An FAQ is great, but it doesn’t always cut it.

Good customer service from your payment processor is what will keep frustrated emails out of your inbox!

Donation receipts

Many people collect their donation receipts for tax reasons—especially if those donations are on the larger side. A huge part of payment processing for nonprofits is making sure the essentials go out without extra work on your part.

Check that your processor sends out those receipts right away so you don’t have to worry about it. This is an easy way to cross off a key step of donor management.

WildApricot is a donor management software which has exactly this feature built into its payment processing! Simple, secure and with seamless integration, we’ve got you covered from the first click through the final report. Plus, our membership management software will take care of your donors after the transaction is made.

The Three Main Credit Card Processing Options for Nonprofits

The three main options to accept credit card payments for nonprofits are through a third party payment processor, a merchant account or software that also processes payments. I’ve outlined what you can expect from each of them below.

1. Third Party Payment Processor

Typical Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Usually no other fees.
Customers may recognize the name if you use a widely accepted payment processor (we’ll share our recommendations later in this article), but there are fewer opportunities to brand it with your identity.

If your nonprofit is expecting a low volume of monthly transactions (less than a hundred), you might want to choose a third-party payment processor.

Set up is relatively quick, but transaction fees are higher since you’re paying a third party to process transactions via their own merchant account.

Keep in mind, third party payment processors will limit your ability to accept credit card payments in person. You’ll need some sort of hardware like a card reader or POS for these transactions.

2. Merchant Account

Typical Fees: 2.15% + $0.25 per transaction. Set up/monthly fees vary.
Merchant accounts enable you to accept offline payments and donations via a hand-held credit card reader.

For organizations with a very high volume of in person monthly transactions (hundreds or more), it might be easier to choose a merchant account. While transaction fees for a Merchant Account are typically lower than a Third Party Payment Processor, it takes a little more time to set up your account.

With a merchant account, you’ll need a credit card processor to accept offline payments. Your options will be a credit card terminal, a credit card swiper or manually enter payments via a virtual terminal.

Credit Card Terminals vs. Credit Card Swipers vs. Virtual Terminals

After setting up your merchant account, the payment processing solution you choose can help you get the appropriate hardware. But of the 3 types of credit card processors, which is right for your nonprofit?

Credit Card Terminals

A credit card terminal is the same tech you’re used to using at most retail stores. It’s a simple card reader that customers can insert, swipe or tap their card against to pay.

Models can be wired or wireless – both have their pros and cons. Wired terminals are much more likely to remain connected even in the case of an internet outage, whereas wireless terminals are much lighter and more portable. Unfortunately, both can be more difficult to connect to other software providers, like fundraising software, and are more expensive than a card swiper.

Credit Card Swiper

With that in mind, you may want to consider using a credit card swiper. These lightweight devices can easily be attached to a phone or tablet. Simply download the app associated with your payment processor, purchase a card swiper from them and you’re good to go!

Virtual Terminal

Finally, if you don’t mind entering credit card numbers manually, you can also simply use a virtual terminal. This is basically the same as the donation page on your website — it allows you to enter the card details into a form and then charge them online.

However, if you need to process a lot of transactions, it can be incredibly time-consuming. Further, individuals may not feel comfortable letting someone else type in their CVV and credit card number.

3. Credit Card Processing Through Software

Typical Fees: Vary based on the software you select. Payment processing fees will be comparable to those for a merchant account.
A more robust solution, credit card processing through software is when your technology includes payment processing along with their other features.

Some of the most popular among nonprofits are fundraising software, which include functionality like donor management and peer-to-peer fundraising. All-in-one solutions go beyond just fundraising, providing other tools such as a website builder, online store and event registration.

One example of all-in-one software is our tech – WildApricot. If you’re looking for an option that includes a website builder, online store, event registration and more, you can check out our free trial to see if it’s right for your organization. We’ll go over our features and other great providers in the next section – highlighting fees, their key strengths and potential disadvantages.

Best Online Nonprofit Payment Processors

Now that you know the must-haves of online payment processing for nonprofits, here are the BEST options we’ve found:

	Best For	Standout Feature	Fees Starting At	Integrates Directly with WildApricot?
Personify Payments by WildApricot	US Membership-based orgs	Built in-platform – no 3rd party tools needed	2.9% + $0.30	Yes
Square	Online and in-person payments	Point-of-Sale tools	2.6–2.9%	No
Stripe	Tech-savvy and global orgs	Custom integrations	2.9% + $0.30	Yes
PayPal	Smaller or newer orgs	Easy set up and trusted brand	1.99% + $0.49	Yes
iATS Payments	Established nonprofits using CRMs	Exclusively for nonprofits + nonprofit support	2.8% + $0.30	No
Donorbox	Recurring donations	Donor management	2.95% – 3.95%	No
8am AffiniPay	Canadian-based Membership organizations	Next-day deposits and recurring billing	2.9% + $0.30	Yes
CharityEngine	Mid-to-large orgs with custom CRM	All-in-one fundraising platform	2.5%-3%	No
Authorize.Net	Large orgs that need security	High security that can manage high volume	2.9%	Yes
Paypal Enterprise Payments (Formerly Braintree)	Orgs that value customization	International and high volume capabilities	2.9% + $0.30	Yes
Venmo	Fledgling orgs with young donors	Mobile-giving – easy-to-use with QR codes	1.9% + $0.10	No
Clover	Payment versatility	Many POS (Point-of-Sales) tools	2.3% + $0.10	No
Snowball	Mobile-focused giving	Text-to-Give capabilities	2.9% + $0.30	No
Bloomerang Payments	Nonprofits using CRMs	Integration capabilities	3.2% + $0.30	No
Funraise	Brand-focused organizations	Donors covered processing fees	2.9% + $0.30	No
GoFundMe Pay (previously Classy)	Large fundraising efforts	Diverse fundraising campaigns	2.4% + $0.30	No
Givebutter	Free payment processor	Flexible payment options	2.9% + $0.30	No

WildApricot — Best for All-in-One Donations, Events + Memberships

Hey there, it’s us! Personify Payments and 8am AffiniPay are WildApricot’s integrated payment processing systems and are considered some of the best alternatives to Paypal out there.

PCI-Compliant Payment Processor
Avoid the Payment System Servicing Fee (PSSF)
Seamless checkout integration with your website, including one-click checkout
Automatic membership renewal and recurring donation payments are supported
One-stop support through our WildApricot Support Team
Process payments from over 95% of countries around the globe
No long-term contracts

Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (3.5% + $.30 per transaction when using American Express), with zero set up or monthly fees.

Personify Payments was built SPECIFICALLY for nonprofit donations and is available for US clients. For Canadian nonprofits, we recommend 8am AffiniPay. Not part of North America? No worries! WildApricot is integrated with multiple of the third-party payment processors we list below.

If you like how we manage payments, just wait until you see what we can do for membership management. WildApricot can help you set up your website, build your donor database, communicate with donors and more!

Square — Best for On-Site Payments

Square is an easy to set up processor that allows you to accept donations online, in-person, through a payment link or with social media buttons.

Pros: Free POS tools and simple setup

Cons: Limited donor management or CRM features

Pricing: These are the processing fees with their free plan, the fees will vary based on your plan!

In-person: 2.6% + $0.15

Online: 3.3% + $0.30

Stripe — Best for Adding to Your Website

Stripe payment processing for nonprofits supports credit card and ACH payments in over 135+ different currencies across 195 countries.

Pros: Highly flexible and integrates with most systems

Cons: Requires technical setup; no donor CRM

Pricing: The fee rates vary if manually entered, the payment method is international and if currency conversion is required. If you’re a registered nonprofit, and 80% of your transactions are tax deductible donations.

Standard Rates: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Registered Nonprofit Rates: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction in the U.S.

ACH Direct Debit payments: 0.80% and up to $5 per transaction.

Paypal — Best for Getting Started Quick

Paypal is one of the most well-known payment processors out there—though it does require donors to set up a Paypal account to donate.

Pros: Easy to set up and trusted globally

Cons: Limited customization and slower transfers

Pricing: Some 501(c)3 organizations can qualify for reduced rates, be sure to check if your nonprofit is qualified when using this platfor

Standard Rates: 2.9% + $0.49 per transaction

Confirmed charity rates: 1.99% + $0.49

iATS Payments — Best for Integrating into Your CRM

iATS Payments is an online payment processor that can be integrated with tons of nonprofit software companies.

Pros: Built specifically for nonprofits; strong CRM integrations

Cons: Not plug-and-play; setup required via partner platforms

Pricing:

Credit Card Rates: between 2.49% and 3.2%, depending on the card type.

ACH Rates: Flat fee of $0.26 per transaction

Donorbox — Best for Recurring Payments

Donorbox is great for organizations who need a detailed look at their donors. Their donor data management is built into the platform, enabling you to make stronger relationships with donors and supporters.

Pros: Custom donation forms and donor data tools

Cons: Adds a 1.5% platform fee on top of processor fees

Pricing: 1.5% platform fee + Stripe/PayPal fees

Standard Rates: 2.95% to 3.95% per transaction

CharityEngine — Best for Custom Donor CRM Plan

CharityEngine is designed to take care of payment processing for nonprofits specifically, and comes with many online donation tools.

Pros: Combines CRM, fundraising, and payment processing in one

Cons: Expensive and has a steep learning curve

They have a variety of packages based on your projected contact and email volume starting at $450-700/month. To get a quote, you can contact CharityEngine here.

Authorize.net — Best for Hyped Up Security

Authorize.Net is a well-established payment processor owned by Visa. Its advanced fraud protection features are a must-have if security is your top priority!

Pros: Excellent fraud protection and reliability

Cons: $25/month gateway fee and technical setup required

Standard Rates: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction along with a monthly fee of $25.

PayPal Enterprise Payments (Formerly Braintree) — Best for Teams with Development Capabilities

PayPal Enterprise Payments, formerly known as Braintree, is a processor from Paypal that offers more advanced functionality and flexibility than their classic payment processor.

Pros: Accepts PayPal, Venmo, cards, ACH and wallets in one gateway

Cons: Requires developer setup and separate CRM

Pricing: Standard card and charity pricing is below, extra fees may be added for international cards, non-USD currency, American Express and more.

Standard Rates: 2.89% + $0.29 per transaction

Charity Transaction Rates: 2.19% + $0.29

Venmo — Best for Fledgling Organizations

Venmo is the #1 most affordable option for payment processing for nonprofits. If you’re looking to get attention from a younger group of donors, you can set up a Charity Profile to use Venmo for nonprofits!

Pros: Easy, familiar and fast mobile giving

Cons: Minimal donor data; must connect through PayPal

Pricing: For every donation of $1.00 of more, Venmo charges the below rate to the charity

Standard Rates: 1.9% + $0.10 transaction fee per donation received

Clover – Best for Payment Versatility

Clover offers payment processing for tap, dip, swipe, cash and checks, making it a versatile processor for many organizations. They offer a multitude of POS systems from handheld devices to countertop terminals.

Pros: Excellent in-person tools for fundraising events – terminals, handheld readers and registers

Cons: Hardware-dependent – to get the most value, you need Clover’s POS devices, which can be costly

Pricing: Full pricing can be given when having a conversation with sales, but their standard rates start as low as

Standard Rates: 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction

Snowball — Best for Mobile-Friendly Giving

Snowball Fundraising is a donation software with advanced productivity tools, and specializes in features like text-to-give and auction management.

Pros: All-in-one donation, event, and text-to-give system

Cons: Limited donor management and customization

Pricing: Varies based on the plan you choose.

Standard Rates: Start at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Bloomerang Payments — Best for Nonprofits Using CRMs

Bloomerang payments accepts payment from all sorts of sources, and has a built-in tool to ask donors to cover transaction fees. They specialize in their integration with Bloomerang CRM and other fundraising tools.

Pros: Seamless integration with donor tracking and reports

Cons: Only available to Bloomerang users

Pricing: Varies based on whether you’re using their CRM or just Fundraising Tools

Credit and Debit Rates: Starts at 3.2% + $0.30 per transaction

ACH Rates: 1.8% + $0.30 per transaction

Funraise — Best Brand-focused organizations

Funraise offers a multitude of customizable donation forms, allowing for a better donor experience and brand-identity. Bonus, about 90% of donors will cover transaction fees, making it a great choice for budget-conscious nonprofits.

Pros: Beautiful, modern donation pages and great integrations

Cons: Higher platform fees for advanced features

Pricing:

Credit and Debit Rates: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

ACH Rates: 1.0% + $0.30 per transaction

GoFundMe Pay (previously Classy) — Best for Nonprofits Using CRMs

GoFundMe Pay, previously Classy, is great for nonprofit organizations with large goals and multiple fundraising campaigns. Their tech makes it easy to implement recurring giving, peer-to-peer fundraising and event fundraisers.

Pros: Enterprise-level campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising

Cons: Expensive and best suited for larger budgets

Pricing:

Credit and Debit Rates: 2.4% + $0.30 per transaction

PayPal and Venmo Rates: 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction

Donations made directly on GoFundMe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction

GiveButter — Best Free Payment Processor

GiveButter makes it their mission to make fundraising available for nonprofits at a low cost. They have a free version of their tech with a multitude of accepted payment types. Once tips are enabled, most donors choose to cover transaction costs. If disabled, the fee is deducted from the donation, making it a cost-effective processor.

Pros: 0% platform fees (donor tipping model)

Cons: Limited customization without paid upgrades

Pricing:

Standard Rates: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

ACH Rates: 1.9% +$0.30 per transaction

FAQ

What’s the Average Donation Processing Fee?

Depending on the payment processor and the credit card, these fees are usually between 2-3% plus $0.30-$0.50 per transaction.

Do Nonprofits Pay Credit Card Processing Fees?

Yes, nonprofits pay credit card processing fees.

Many nonprofits actually ask donors if they’d be willing to cover those fees! Include a note on your donation page about why these fees are there, and make the ask. GoFundMePro actually found that donors are opt to cover fees 33% more often when asked!

What Type of Payment Processor Security Should I Look for?

The #1 thing is to make sure that your payment processing option is PCI compliant. As we mentioned above, looking for things like encryption and fraud protections is also essential.

Some fraud protections include:

VPNs (virtual private networks)
Payment gateways
IP Blocking

Again, a bunch of these are detailed in PCI compliance requirements—if your processor says it’s PCI-compliant at the level you need, you’re good to go. Remember, donors want to know that you have a secure payment processing system!

What is Payment Fraud?

Payment fraud is when someone steals a person’s private information (such as their credit card number) and uses it for false or illegal transactions. This can be done through hacking, or simply by tricking somebody.

You know those suspicious texts from strangers claiming to be the IRS? That’s an example of a scam where someone’s trying to commit payment fraud!

Can CashApp be used for nonprofits?

Yes, nonprofits can use CashApp. However, there’s not a huge benefit beyond how quick it is to accept transactions through your business account.

Since CashApp is used for quick transactions between peers, it won’t help with things like collecting donor information or sending out receipts. Plus, donations aren’t tax deductible.

Can Nonprofits Take Venmo?

Yes, nonprofits can take Venmo! Scroll up for some more details on what that looks like.

Is Venmo Free for Nonprofits?

Venmo is not free for nonprofits, but it’s very affordable. There are no processing fees for receiving donations for the first 30 days. After that, Venmo charges a 1.9% + $0.10 fee to receive funds.

If you’re just starting up and looking to save costs, Venmo could be the way to go!

Is CashApp or Venmo Better for Nonprofits?

If you’re trying to decide between CashApp and Venmo for nonprofits, Venmo is probably the way to go. It’s familiar to lots of people, is backed by Paypal and now has a Charity Profile option to offer additional support.

Is Paypal or Venmo Better for Nonprofits?

Using Paypal for nonprofits is a trusted way to go. It’s well-established and offers detailed reports, but it also asks donors to create a profile before giving. While plenty of people have these accounts, it could be a turn-off for new donors!

Venmo, on the other hand, is great for fast, small transactions. It’s great for reaching younger donors, but is generally used more often for small transactions between peers.

Choose the online payment processor that fits the kind of donations you expect you’ll be receiving!

Can Zelle be used for Nonprofits?

Zelle is used for donations to the American Red Cross, but is currently not recommended for nonprofits. The Wells Fargo website says: “For your protection, Zelle® should only be used for sending money to friends, family, or others you trust.”

Made a donation to the American Red Cross and need a tax receipt? Look here!

Best use a different processor for now!

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Zelle for Donations?

Pros:

Zero transaction fees
Donations are instantly transferred
Familiarity among donors

Cons:

Donor data limitations – Cannot track donations or automatically give tax receipts
No integrations with fundraising platforms
Not all banks allow Zelle for nonprofit use
Not compliant with nonprofit standards

Using the Best Nonprofit Payment Processor

While setting up nonprofit payment processing is necessary, it doesn’t have to be scary! Working with the right online processor is what will bring your donation goals into reality. Explore your options, and remember to choose what’s right for YOUR organization.

All that’s left is to get started!

The post The BEST Online Payment Processing for Nonprofits in 2025: Our Top 17 Picks appeared first on WildApricot.

Website & Technology Resources And Guides | WildApricot Blog

8 Awesome Directory Website Builders in 2026

What is a Directory Website?

Why Your Organization Needs a Membership Directory

Create Value for Your Members

Build Credibility for Your Organization

Build Website Authority Through Backlinking

What to Include in Your Website’s Directory

What to Look For in a Directory Website Builder

8 Powerful Directory Website Builders

1. WildApricot

2. MemberClicks

3. Brilliant Directories

4. DirectoryEngine

5. ListingProWP

6. Appy Pie

7. Glue Up

8. GoClixy

How to Make Your Directory Website in 5 Steps

1. Choose Your Directory Niche

2. Plan Your Web and Listing Structure

3. Prep Your Brand Materials

4. Pick a Platform

5. Build your website

Create a Directory Website in 7 Steps with WildApricot

6 Directory Website Examples to Inspire You

How to Build a Directory Website You’re Proud Of

Best Fraternity and Sorority Management Software: Why Your Greek Chapter Can’t Go Without It

What is Fraternity Management Software?

Key Features For Frat and Sorority Management Software

Member Directory

Event Management

Communication Tools

Payment Processing

Financial Management

Tax Reporting

Content Sharing

Custom Branding

Seamless Integrations

How to Choose a Chapter Management Software – Requirements and Considerations

4 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing Chapter Management Software

1. “How much time will it take to implement and train the team?”

2. “Can this platform grow with our chapter?”

3. “Does this software integrate with our existing tools?”

4. “Does it protect our data and help us stay compliant?”

Top 5 Software Solutions for Fraternities and Sororities

1. WildApricot

2. OmegaFi

3. ChapterBuilder

4. Greek Connect

5. Togetherwork Fraternal

Make Fraternity and Sorority Chapter Management Easier with WildApricot

The 2025 Guide to Choosing Alumni Management Software + 10 Options

What is Alumni Management Software?

The Most-Used Alumni Management Software

How to Choose the Right Alumni Software

Create Seamless Alumni Experiences

Connect and Engage Your Alumni Easily

Keep Email Communications Timely and Relevant

Make Giving a Breeze

Simplify Website Management

Plan Events Alumni Can’t Miss

Build Trust by Protecting Your Alumni’s Data

The Top 10 Alumni Management Software Options

1. Almabase

2. Alumni Channel

3. Disciple

4. e2s Connect

5. Graduway

6. Hivebrite

7. Raklet

8. Vaave

9. Gradnet

10. WildApricot

14 Best Club Management Software Tools That Save Time and Money

What Is Club Management Software?

Why Should I Use Club Management Software?

Faster Membership Growth

Increase Member Retention Rates

Saves Time — Lots of It

4 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing Chapter Management Software