Best Free Church Giving Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
Managing a church's finances can be a challenge, especially when budgets are tight. You might be looking for ways to increase donations without spending more. That's where free church giving software comes in.
These tools can help you and your team handle donations efficiently, track contributions, and engage with your community all without breaking the bank. In my experience, finding the right solution can make a big difference.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for free church giving software. Each option has a free plan or trial, so you can test them out and see what works best for your needs. Let's dive in and find the perfect fit for your church.
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Best Free Church Giving Software Summary
While all of the church giving software in my list have free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for simple setup | Not available | Doesn’t have a lump-sum monthly cost but uses a per-transaction fee system at 3.0% + 30¢ (Credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal) or 0.3% + 30¢ (ACH/bank draft). | Website | |
| 2 | Best for mobile giving | Not available | From 1.99% + 39¢ per debit/credit gift OR 0.75% + 39¢ per ACH gift | Website | |
| 3 | Best for enhancing donor engagement | free plan available | from $0/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for up to 12 months free | Free plan available | From $15/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for app-based giving | Not available | Website | ||
| 6 | Best for up to 25 donors free | 60-day free evaluation period | Costs nothing during the initial year and $20/year for renewals, while DONATION Standard costs $100/year | Website | |
| 7 | Best for finance management | You can access a demo and request a free trial. | From $279/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for small to medium-sized churches | Not available | Website | ||
| 9 | Best for member management | 30-day free trial | from $9/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for unlimited donation forms | Free plan available | From $150/month (billed annually) | Website |
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ChMeetings
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Gracely
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Text In Church
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Free Church Giving Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free church giving software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you. While some of these tools offer a completely free version, others offer a free trial period. I’ve added a note about what’s free in each of my reviews.
Anedot is a versatile donation platform tailored for churches, nonprofits, and political campaigns, providing tools for online giving and donor management. It focuses on simplifying the donation process, making it accessible for organizations looking to increase their fundraising efforts.
Why I picked Anedot: The free offering includes an easy setup process, which is vital for churches wanting to quickly implement online giving. You can create customizable donation pages that align with your branding. The platform supports multiple payment methods, ensuring flexibility for your donors. Anedot's free version also offers basic donor management features, helping you keep track of contributions effortlessly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly dashboard that provides real-time insights into donation activities. You can set up recurring donations, allowing donors to give consistently over time. The platform also offers secure payment processing, ensuring your transactions are protected.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Google Analytics, Zapier, Constant Contact, Stripe, PayPal, Slack, and Microsoft Dynamics.
What's free? Anedot offers a free-forever plan with basic features and transaction fees apply.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple payment methods
- Customizable donation pages
- Simple setup process
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Transaction fees apply
EasyTithe is an online giving platform designed specifically for churches, providing tools to manage donations and engage donors effectively. It caters to churches of all sizes, offering features like donation tracking, custom reporting, and donor management.
Why I picked EasyTithe: The free offering includes mobile giving options, which are crucial for churches wanting flexibility in how donations are made. You can set up recurring donations, which helps in maintaining steady support. The platform also offers custom payment forms, allowing you to tailor your giving options. EasyTithe's free version supports multiple giving methods, enhancing accessibility for your congregation.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a centralized management system that organizes all contributions in one place. The dashboard provides real-time insights into giving trends, helping you make informed decisions. You can also create unlimited funds for different projects, ensuring financial transparency and organization.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Planning Center, Church Community Builder, Shelby Systems, ACS Technologies, PowerChurch, Fellowship One, and Logos.
What's free? EasyTithe offers a limited-time free trial, allowing churches to explore its features without initial costs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom payment forms available
- Offers recurring donation setup
- Supports mobile giving
Cons:
- Advanced features require upgrade
- Limited trial period
Vanco is an online donation platform tailored for churches, schools, and nonprofits, offering tools for online giving, mobile apps, donor communication, reporting, text-to-give, and event ticketing. It serves organizations looking to simplify payment processes and boost donor engagement.
Why I picked Vanco: The free offering includes tools for enhancing donor communication, which is crucial for organizations aiming to maintain strong connections with their supporters. You can utilize text-to-give options and mobile apps to provide flexible donation methods. The platform offers customizable donation pages, allowing you to align them with your brand. Vanco's free version also supports basic reporting features to track donations efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include event ticketing options that help you manage and sell tickets for church events. The platform generates tax receipts automatically, simplifying the process for both you and your donors. You can also set up recurring donations, ensuring steady support from your congregation.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Planning Center, Church Community Builder, ACS Technologies, Shelby Systems, Logos, Fellowship One, and PowerChurch.
What's free? Vanco offers a free plan with basic features and transaction fees based on payment type.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable donation pages
- Offers text-to-give options
- Enhances donor communication
Cons:
- Basic reporting in free version
- Some features need integration
Planning Center Giving is a church donation management tool designed for churches seeking efficient and affordable online giving solutions. It focuses on streamlining donation processes, helping churches manage contributions, and enhancing donor engagement.
Why I picked Planning Center Giving: The free plan allows churches to use the service for up to 12 months at no cost, which is crucial for those looking to transition from other platforms. You can benefit from low processing fees, making it cost-effective for managing donations. The platform also integrates with a comprehensive church management system, providing a unified solution for your church's needs. Its user-friendly interface ensures easy access to donation management features, helping your team operate smoothly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a custom app for flexible donations, which allows your congregation to give easily from anywhere. The platform provides detailed reporting tools to help you track and analyze donation trends. You can also manage donor information efficiently, ensuring accurate records and personalized communication.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Mailchimp, Planning Center People, Planning Center Services, Planning Center Groups, Planning Center Registrations, Twilio, and Zoom.
What's free? Planning Center Giving offers a 12-month free plan, subject to contract verification with an existing donation platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Low processing fees
- 12-month free usage
Cons:
- Free plan dependent on existing contract
- Advanced reporting requires paid plan
iChurch is a mobile app-based giving platform designed to help churches facilitate donations and connect with their congregation. It's ideal for churches looking to enhance their digital presence and provide convenient giving options through mobile devices.
Why I picked iChurch: iChurch offers a free plan that allows churches to set up app-based giving without any initial costs. The platform enables you to create a custom app for your church, which members can use to donate and stay connected. The free version includes features like event management and sermon streaming, making it versatile for engagement beyond donations. This option is perfect for churches aiming to integrate digital tools into their community interactions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include push notifications, which allow you to send updates directly to your congregation's devices. You can also manage events within the app, providing easy access for members to join and participate. The sermon streaming feature lets you share sermons and other media content with your community, extending your reach beyond physical attendance.
Integrations include Planning Center, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, YouTube, Vimeo, PayPal, Stripe, and QuickBooks.
What's free? iChurch offers a free-forever plan with basic features for app-based giving and community engagement.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for mobile engagement
- Sermon streaming capabilities
- Event management within the app
Cons:
- Limited support for free users
- No desktop application
DONATION is a donation management software tailored for small nonprofits and charities, providing tools for tracking donations, managing donor information, and generating receipts. It serves organizations looking to efficiently manage their donation processes without incurring high costs.
Why I picked DONATION: The free offering is ideal for small nonprofits, as it allows up to 25 donors without any charges. You can easily access donor details and track donations from anywhere with its cloud sync feature. Automated receipts simplify the process of acknowledging contributions, saving you time. Additionally, the software offers customizable reports, helping you analyze donation trends and make informed decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to issue year-end charitable giving receipts, which helps you maintain compliance with tax regulations. The software provides access to over 50 built-in reports, ensuring you have the information you need at your fingertips. Unlimited technical support is available, ensuring you can resolve any issues promptly.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Salesforce, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Constant Contact, Zapier, Slack, Stripe, and PayPal.
What's free? DONATION offers a free-forever plan for up to 25 donors, with a 30-day free trial on paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to customizable reports
- Cloud sync feature
- Automated receipt generation
Cons:
- Basic reporting in the free version
- Limited to 25 donors
Church Windows is a comprehensive church management software that caters to the administrative and financial needs of churches. It's designed for church administrators and finance teams looking to manage membership, contributions, and accounting efficiently.
Why I picked Church Windows: Church Windows offers a free demo that allows your team to explore its finance management features. The software provides tools for managing contributions, tracking financial records, and generating reports. The free demo includes access to features like budgeting and payroll, which is crucial for churches focused on detailed financial planning. This makes it a suitable choice for those needing robust financial management solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed accounting capabilities that help manage church finances effectively. The software also offers membership management tools to keep track of congregational data. Additionally, you can utilize the contribution tracking feature to monitor donations and generate giving statements.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Excel, and Word.
What's free? Church Windows offers a free demo, allowing users to explore its features before committing to a purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive contribution tracking
- Supports budgeting and payroll
- Detailed financial reporting
Cons:
- Basic support during demo
- Limited customization options
Donarius is a church management software tailored for small to medium-sized churches, focusing on donation tracking and member management. It enables churches to manage contributions, pledges, and donor communication effectively.
Why I picked Donarius: Donarius offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to explore its features at no cost. It excels in providing tools for tracking donations and managing member information, aligning with its USP for small to medium-sized churches. Features like automated donation entry and personalized communication with donors are available in the trial. You can also print tax receipts and offering envelopes, making it easier to manage church finances.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated donation entry, which simplifies financial management. You can create photo directories and manage pledges efficiently. The software also allows for personalized communication with donors, enhancing engagement.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Vanco, Tithe.ly, Pushpay, Square, and Authorize.net.
What's free? Donarius offers a 30-day free trial with no limitations on features, allowing full access to its functionalities during this period.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized donor communication
- Automated donation entry
- No monthly fees
Cons:
- Not ideal for large churches
- Basic user interface
ChurchTrac is a church management software designed for small to medium-sized churches. It offers features like member management, event planning, and contribution tracking to streamline church operations.
Why I picked ChurchTrac: The free plan provides solid member management capabilities, which is essential for churches looking to maintain their community without additional costs. You can track attendance and manage member information easily. It also includes basic accounting features to help you keep track of contributions and expenses. ChurchTrac's free version supports essential communication tools to keep your congregation informed.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include event planning tools that allow you to schedule and manage church activities efficiently. The software provides basic accounting features for tracking contributions and expenses. It also offers communication tools to send emails and texts to your congregation, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Planning Center, Stripe, PayPal, Google Calendar, Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.
What's free? ChurchTrac offers a free-forever plan with basic features and limitations on the number of users and storage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Includes basic accounting features
- Free plan supports small groups
- Comprehensive member management
Cons:
- Basic support in free plan
- No custom reports in free version
New Product Updates from ChurchTrac
ChurchTrac Adds Accounting Enhancements to Simplify Bookkeeping
ChurchTrac introduces streamlined fund-to-fund transfers, simplified account-to-account transfers, and a new Untracked account type for recording assets and liabilities. These updates reduce bookkeeping complexity while giving churches better visibility into their financial records. For more information, visit ChurchTrac's official site.
Donorbox is a versatile donation management tool used by churches, nonprofits, and other organizations to facilitate online giving. It helps users create customizable donation forms and manage recurring donations efficiently.
Why I picked Donorbox: The free plan includes unlimited donation forms, which is key for churches looking to engage their congregations without financial constraints. You can set up recurring donations, which is vital for maintaining consistent support. The platform also offers features like goal meters and donor management tools to help you track contributions. Donorbox's free version allows you to customize donation pages, making it suitable for churches of all sizes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include donation forms that can be embedded on your website, customizable goal meters to show fundraising progress, and donor management tools to keep track of contributors. You can also access analytics to gain insights into donation trends and optimize your campaigns.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, Zapier, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Google Sheets, Slack, Eventbrite, and Shopify.
What's free? Donorbox offers a free-forever plan with basic features and no monthly fees. However, transaction fees apply, and there are limitations on advanced features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable donation pages
- Easy to set up recurring donations
- Unlimited donation forms
Cons:
- Limited advanced features in free plan
- Transaction fees apply
Other Free Church Giving Software
Here are some additional church giving software options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:
- ChMeetings
For event scheduling
- SteepleMate
For small congregations
- One Church Software
For event-driven donations
- Tithe.ly
For text and online giving
- Breeze ChMS
For donor management
- PushPay
For mobile app donations
- ShelbyNext
For ACH and credit donations
Free Church Giving Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free church giving software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of use and donation tracking capabilities. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Collecting online donations
- Tracking donation history
- Generating donation reports
- Managing donor information
- Providing secure payment processing
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Text-to-give functionality
- Mobile app access
- Customizable donation forms
- Event registration capabilities
- Integration with accounting software
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Clear layout and design
- Responsive design for mobile devices
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Use of chatbots for guidance
- Availability of templates and resources
- Offering of webinars for new users
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat support
- Access to email support
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Availability of phone support
- Responsiveness of support team
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Comparison of pricing with competitors
- Features included in free plan
- Transparency of pricing structure
- Flexibility of pricing plans
- Cost-effectiveness of paid upgrades
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on ease of use
- Comments on customer support experience
- Reviews on feature effectiveness
- User recommendations and referrals
How to Choose Free Church Giving Software
Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from a free church giving software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Free Offer Scope | Check what features are included in the free plan. Ensure it meets your basic needs without hidden costs. |
| Scalability | Consider if the software can grow with your church. Look for options that support increasing donations and users as your community expands. |
| Integrations | Ensure the software integrates with tools you already use, like accounting software or email marketing platforms, to streamline operations. |
| Ease of Use | Look for a user-friendly interface that your team can navigate easily. A complicated system can lead to frustration and inefficiency. |
| Security | Verify the software’s security measures to protect donor information. Look for encryption and compliance with data protection regulations. |
| Mobile Access | Check if the software offers mobile access for donors. This can increase convenience and encourage more donations from tech-savvy congregants. |
| Support | Evaluate the availability and quality of customer support. Reliable support can help solve issues quickly and ensure smooth operation for your team. |
| Customization | Consider the ability to customize donation forms and communication. Tailoring these to your church’s branding can enhance the donor experience. |
What Is Free Church Giving Software?
Church giving software is a tool that helps churches manage donations and contributions. These tools often offer free plans or trials, allowing churches to test features without a financial commitment. Typically used by church administrators and finance teams, they provide value by simplifying donation tracking and donor management. Features like online donation processing, donor management, and reporting capabilities help churches efficiently manage finances and engage with their community.
Features of Free Church Giving Software
Let’s go over the features commonly found in church giving software, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.
Typically Free Church Giving Software Features
- Online donation processing: Allows churches to accept donations through their website, making it convenient for donors to give.
- Donor management: Helps track donor information and giving history to maintain strong relationships and encourage repeat donations.
- Basic reporting: Provides simple reports on donation trends and donor activity to aid in financial planning and transparency.
- Customizable donation forms: Offers the ability to tailor forms to match church branding, enhancing the donor experience.
- Mobile access: Enables donors to give via mobile devices, increasing accessibility and convenience for tech-savvy congregants.
Typically Paid Church Giving Software Features
- Advanced reporting: Delivers detailed insights into donation patterns and financial health, aiding in strategic decision-making.
- Event registration: Facilitates management of church events, allowing members to register and pay online, streamlining the process.
- Text-to-give: Allows donors to make contributions via text message, providing a quick and easy giving option.
- Integration with accounting systems: Connects donation data with accounting software for seamless financial management and reconciliation.
- Recurring donations: Enables donors to set up automated, regular contributions, providing churches with predictable income streams.
Benefits of Free Church Giving Software
Implementing free church giving software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost savings: With free plans, you can manage donations without incurring extra expenses, making it budget-friendly for small churches.
- Increased accessibility: Online donation processing and mobile access allow donors to give from anywhere, increasing the likelihood of contributions.
- Improved donor relationships: Donor management features help track giving history and maintain communication, fostering stronger connections.
- Enhanced convenience: Customizable donation forms and mobile access make it easier for donors to give, enhancing their experience.
- Data insights: Basic reporting provides insights into donation trends, helping your team make informed decisions about fundraising strategies.
- Trial opportunities: Free versions allow you to explore features and assess their fit for your church before committing to a paid plan.
- Engagement tools: Features like customizable forms and mobile access help engage your congregation, making participation more interactive.
Costs and Pricing of Free Church Giving Software
I realize you came to this article looking for the best church giving software options that are available for free. However, since free plans only offer limited features, there's a good chance you'll need to scale your plan up in the future.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in church giving software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Church Giving Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Online donations, donor management, basic reporting, customizable forms, and mobile access. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/ user/ month | Advanced reporting, recurring donations, text-to-give, event registration, and integration with tools. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/ user/ month | Detailed analytics, multi-user access, automated communications, custom branding, and priority support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100+/user/month | Full customization, dedicated account manager, advanced security features, API access, and premium support. |
Free Church Giving Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free church giving software:
Is the Tithe.ly app free to use?
The Tithe.ly app offers a free plan that allows churches to manage basic giving features without cost. However, for more advanced features like custom branding and additional integrations, there are paid plans available. It’s a great starting point if you want to explore mobile giving options without an initial financial commitment.
What is the free database software for churches?
Several free church management software options include database features, such as ChMeetings and ChurchTrac. These tools offer limited free plans that allow you to manage member information, track contributions, and organize events. They’re perfect for small churches looking to manage their operations without paying for advanced features.
How to keep track of church tithes?
Free church giving software often includes basic tithe tracking capabilities. You can record donations, generate reports, and monitor giving trends over time. These tools help you maintain accurate records and provide insights into your congregation’s generosity, all without spending on premium features.
Are there any hidden costs in free church giving software?
While many free church giving software solutions offer no-cost plans, it’s essential to understand any transaction fees that may apply. Some platforms charge fees per donation or require payment for certain integrations. Always review the terms to ensure you’re aware of any potential costs.
Can I integrate free church giving software with other tools?
Many free plans offer basic integrations with popular tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp. However, advanced integrations may require a paid plan. Check the integration capabilities of each software to ensure it meets your needs without additional costs.
How secure is free church giving software?
Security is a priority for church giving software, even in free versions. Look for tools that offer encryption, secure payment processing, and compliance with data protection regulations. Ensuring your donors’ information is safe is crucial, even when using a free plan.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching free church giving software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
