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10 Best Free Donor Management Software Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best free donor management software:

If you're just getting starting with donor management, free tools can be a huge upgrade from manual ways of tracking generosity.

  • No more piecing together donation records from spreadsheets, emails, and old check stubs.
  • Forgetting to send thank-you notes is a thing of the past.
  • End-of-year giving report creation is refreshingly simple.

Most of us in mid-sized churches are juggling multiple roles, and donor management falls through the cracks without the right tools to anchor the process.

But that doesn’t have to be your story.

I’ve pulled together a list of free donor management tools that can simplify the whole experience—from tracking gifts to generating reports to nurturing donor relationships. They’re easy to use, surprisingly powerful, and—best of all—completely free.

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Best Free Donor Management Software Summary

While all of the donor management 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:

Best Free Donor Management Software Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best free donor management 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.

Best for event registration

  • Free trial available
  • From $25/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Qgiv is a fundraising platform designed for nonprofits, offering tools for donation management, event registration, and peer-to-peer fundraising. It serves nonprofits looking to enhance their fundraising efforts through user-friendly event registration and management features.

Why I picked Qgiv: Qgiv's free offering is ideal for event registration, providing essential tools to manage events efficiently. You can create custom registration forms and track attendees easily. The platform supports both online and in-person events, making it versatile for different types of gatherings. These features align with its USP of being best for event registration.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable donation forms that can be tailored to your specific fundraising needs. The platform offers detailed analytics and reporting to track the success of your campaigns. It also provides peer-to-peer fundraising tools, allowing supporters to create their own fundraising pages.

Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Google Analytics, Constant Contact, Facebook, Twitter, Eventbrite, Authorize.Net, and PayPal.

What's free? Qgiv offers a limited time free trial, allowing users to explore its features with some restrictions on advanced functionalities and user numbers.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Versatile for various event types
  • Detailed analytics and reporting
  • Supports online and in-person events
  • Customizable registration forms
  • Strong event registration tools

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Some setup complexity
  • Restrictions on advanced features
  • Limited trial period

Best for churches

  • Free trial available
  • Custom plan available
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Planning Center is a church management software designed for religious organizations, offering tools for service planning, member management, and event coordination. It helps churches manage their activities and communicate effectively with their congregations.

Why I picked Planning Center: Planning Center's free offering is tailored for churches, providing essential tools for managing services and events. You can organize your service schedules and coordinate volunteers efficiently. The platform supports member management, helping you keep track of your congregation's details. These features align with its USP of being best for churches.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include service planning, which allows you to organize and schedule church services effectively. You can also manage volunteer schedules and ensure smooth coordination. The software offers tools for event management, helping you plan and execute church events seamlessly.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Planning Center Online, Stripe, Google Calendar, ProPresenter, Worship Planning, SongSelect, Elvanto, and Facebook.

What's free? Planning Center offers a limited time free trial, allowing churches to explore its features with some restrictions on user numbers and functionalities.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good member management tools
  • Easy event management
  • Comprehensive service planning
  • Efficient volunteer scheduling
  • Ideal for church activities

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Some setup complexity
  • Restrictions on user numbers
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited trial period

Best for recurring donations

  • Free plan available
  • From $0/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

DonorBox is a fundraising software designed for nonprofits, providing tools for donation management and recurring giving. It caters to organizations looking to streamline their fundraising processes and enhance donor engagement through recurring donations.

Why I picked DonorBox: DonorBox's free offering is ideal for managing recurring donations, allowing you to set up and automate regular contributions easily. You can customize donation forms to match your organization's branding. The platform supports multiple payment methods, making it convenient for donors. These features align with its USP of being best for recurring donations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable donation forms that can be embedded on your website. The platform offers tools for managing donor profiles and tracking donation history. You can also access detailed analytics to assess the performance of your fundraising efforts.

Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Zapier, Double the Donation, Google Analytics, Apple Pay, and Plaid.

What's free? DonorBox offers a free-forever plan with essential fundraising tools, but there may be limitations on advanced features and customization options.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for nonprofits of all sizes
  • Detailed donor management tools
  • Customizable donation forms
  • Multiple payment methods supported
  • Strong recurring donation features

Cons:

  • Limited free plan options
  • Restrictions on customization
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited advanced features

Best for fundraising events

  • Free demo available
  • No startup or subscription fees
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

DoJiggy is a fundraising platform designed for nonprofits and community organizations. It helps users organize and manage fundraising events, offering tools for event registration, ticketing, and donation tracking.

Why I picked DoJiggy: DoJiggy's free version is tailored for fundraising events, offering essential features like event registration and donation management. You can easily set up and manage events without incurring extra costs. The platform provides customizable event pages, enabling you to create a unique experience for your donors. These features make it a great choice for managing and promoting fundraising events.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include event ticketing, peer-to-peer fundraising, and auction management. You can create branded event pages and track donations in real time. The platform also supports recurring donations, helping you maintain donor engagement.

Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Google Analytics, Facebook, and Twitter.

What's free? DoJiggy offers a free-forever plan with essential features for managing fundraising events, though it may have limitations on advanced functionalities compared to paid plans.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Recurring donation options
  • Supports peer-to-peer fundraising
  • Real-time donation tracking
  • Customizable event pages
  • Easy event setup

Cons:

  • Restrictions on free plan usage
  • Limited customization options
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited advanced features

Best for small nonprofits

  • Free plan available
  • From $49/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

Raklet is a membership and community management software ideal for small nonprofits. It offers tools for membership management, community engagement, and event organization. This platform is designed to help you manage donor information and improve engagement within your community.

Why I picked Raklet: Raklet's free offering is perfect for small nonprofits needing essential donor management tools. It includes features like membership management, CRM capabilities, and community engagement tools. You can also access a branded mobile app, which is a great fit for smaller teams. These features align with its USP of being best for small nonprofits.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include digital membership cards, a customizable website builder, and automated membership renewals. You can manage member data with CRM tools and engage your community with discussion boards. Raklet also supports event organization, making it easier to plan and manage events.

Integrations include Zapier, Mailchimp, PayPal, Stripe, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Eventbrite, Slack, Salesforce, and HubSpot.

What's free? Raklet offers a free-forever plan with essential features for small nonprofits, including membership management and community engagement tools. It has limitations on the number of users and features compared to paid plans.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Suitable for small teams
  • Numerous integration options
  • Branded mobile apps
  • Effective customer support
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Limited storage options
  • Basic features in free version
  • User limit on free plan
  • Costs for advanced features
  • Limited customization

Best for social fundraising

  • Free demo available
  • From $0/month

GiveButter is a fundraising platform designed for nonprofits and individuals, offering tools for donation management and campaign creation. It caters to users looking to enhance their fundraising efforts through social media and peer-to-peer engagement.

Why I picked GiveButter: GiveButter's free offering is ideal for social fundraising, providing tools that allow you to leverage social media to reach a wider audience. You can create engaging campaigns with multimedia content to attract more donors. The platform supports peer-to-peer fundraising, enabling supporters to share and promote your campaigns. These features align with its USP of being best for social fundraising.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable donation forms with the ability to add videos and images for more engaging campaigns. The platform offers real-time donation tracking and analytics to monitor your fundraising efforts. You can also use text-to-donate features to reach donors directly on their mobile devices.

Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Facebook, Twitter, Google Analytics, PayPal, Stripe, Zapier, and Eventbrite.

What's free? GiveButter offers a free-forever plan with no platform fees, but transaction fees may apply for certain payment methods.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for engaging younger donors
  • Effective peer-to-peer tools
  • Real-time donation tracking
  • Engaging multimedia campaign options
  • Strong social media integration

Cons:

  • Restrictions on customization options
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited advanced features
  • Transaction fees for some payments

Best for church donations

  • Free plan available
  • From $29/month

Continue to Give is an online giving platform designed for churches and religious organizations, offering tools for donation management and fundraising campaigns. It enables churches to collect donations both online and offline, making it easier for congregations to contribute.

Why I picked Continue to Give: Continue to Give's free offering is tailored for church donations, providing features like online giving pages and text-to-give options. You can manage donations with ease and engage your congregation effectively. The platform supports recurring donations, which is ideal for maintaining consistent contributions. These features make it a great choice for churches looking to enhance their donation processes.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include mobile giving, which allows donors to give directly from their smartphones. The software also offers fundraising thermometers to track progress visually. You can customize donation pages to match your church's branding and engage donors with personalized messages.

Integrations include QuickBooks, PayPal, Stripe, Salesforce, Google Analytics, Facebook, Twitter, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and Authorize.Net.

What's free? Continue to Give offers a free-forever plan with essential donation management features, though it may have limitations on advanced functionalities compared to paid plans.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for church use
  • Visual fundraising thermometers
  • Customizable donation pages
  • Supports recurring donations
  • Easy mobile giving

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Restrictions on free plan usage
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited advanced features

Best for personal campaigns

  • Free plan available
  • One transaction fee (2.9% + $0.30)

GoFundMe is a crowdfunding platform primarily used by individuals and small groups to raise money for personal causes and emergencies. It’s widely used by individuals who need to fundraise for personal needs, medical expenses, and community projects.

Why I picked GoFundMe: GoFundMe's free offering is ideal for personal campaigns with its user-friendly setup and no platform fees for organizers. You can easily create a campaign page and share it with your network. The platform supports quick withdrawals, allowing you to access funds as they come in. These features make it perfect for those needing to raise money quickly for personal needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a simple campaign setup, allowing you to create a fundraising page in minutes. The platform offers social media sharing tools to help you reach a wider audience. It also provides real-time donation tracking, so you can monitor your campaign's progress.

Integrations include Facebook, Twitter, PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Constant Contact.

What's free? GoFundMe offers a free-forever plan with no platform fees for organizers, but there are transaction fees for donations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Ideal for personal use
  • Real-time donation tracking
  • Easy sharing options
  • No platform fees
  • Quick campaign setup

Cons:

  • Restrictions on fund access
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited customization options
  • Transaction fees for donations

Best for donor engagement

  • Free demo available
  • From $39/month

Eleo is an online donor management software tailored for nonprofits, offering donor and contact management, gift tracking, and event management. It provides tools to enhance donor engagement and streamline communication with donors.

Why I picked Eleo: Eleo's free offering focuses on enhancing donor engagement through features like customizable web forms and communication tools. You can track gifts and manage donor information effectively. The free version supports setting up dynamic lists for targeted fundraising efforts. These features align with its USP of being best for donor engagement.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include event management, which helps you organize and track events efficiently. Customizable web forms allow you to capture donor information seamlessly. The communication tools enable you to reach out to donors with personalized messages.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, PayPal, Stripe, Salesforce, Google Analytics, Eventbrite, Facebook, and Twitter.

What's free? Eleo offers a limited time free trial, allowing users to explore its features with some restrictions on the number of users and functionalities.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for small nonprofits
  • Customizable web forms
  • Effective donor tracking
  • Strong customer support
  • Easy to navigate

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Restrictions on user numbers
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting features
  • Limited trial period

Best for zero fees

  • Free plan available
  • From $0/month

Zeffy is a donor management platform designed for nonprofits, offering tools for donation processing and campaign management. It caters to organizations looking to maximize their fundraising efforts without incurring additional fees.

Why I picked Zeffy: Zeffy's free version is unique for offering zero transaction fees, which means you keep all the donations you receive. You can create and manage campaigns easily without worrying about hidden costs. The platform supports various fundraising methods, allowing you to choose what works best for your needs. These features align with its USP of being best for zero fees.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable donation pages that can be tailored to fit your organization's branding. The platform offers tools for managing recurring donations, which helps maintain donor engagement. You can also access detailed analytics to track the success of your fundraising efforts.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Facebook, Twitter, Stripe, PayPal, Eventbrite, and Zapier.

What's free? Zeffy offers a free-forever plan with zero transaction fees, but there may be some limitations on advanced features and user numbers.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for maximizing donations
  • Detailed analytics tools
  • Supports recurring donations
  • Customizable donation pages
  • Zero transaction fees

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Restrictions on user numbers
  • Some setup complexity
  • Basic reporting tools
  • Limited advanced features

Other Donor Management Software

Here are some additional donor management 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:

  1. GivingFuel

    For unlimited forms

  2. Funraise

    For easy integrations

  3. Anedot

    For church fundraising

  4. Gyve

    For automated tithing

  5. MightyCause

    For nonprofit crowdfunding

  6. MonkeyPod

    For volunteer management

  7. Givelify

    For mobile giving app

Free Donor Management Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best free donor management software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like budget constraints and ease of use. 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:

  • Manage donor information
  • Track donations
  • Generate donation receipts
  • Create donor reports
  • Support online giving

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)

To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Customizable donation forms
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising tools
  • Mobile giving apps
  • Event management capabilities
  • Integration with social media

Usability (10% of total score)

To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Clear instructions
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Responsive design

Onboarding (10% of total score)

To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Step-by-step guides
  • Access to templates
  • Webinars and chat support

Customer Support (10% of total score)

To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 support availability
  • Access to live chat
  • Comprehensive help center
  • Email support
  • Community forums

Value For Money (10% of total score)

To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Features included in the free plan
  • Cost of upgrades
  • Comparison with competitors
  • No hidden fees
  • Transparent pricing

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)

To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Positive feedback on features
  • Ease of use ratings
  • Satisfaction with customer support
  • Value for money opinions
  • Overall user satisfaction

Related Reviews

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:

How to Choose Free Donor Management Software

Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from a free donor management software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider

Free offer scope
Check what's included in the free plan. Does it cover your basic needs without requiring immediate upgrades?

Scalability
Consider if the software can grow with you. Will it handle more donors and larger campaigns as your organization expands?

Integrations
Look for tools that connect easily with your existing systems, like email marketing or accounting software, to save time.

Ease of Use
Ensure the software is user-friendly. Can your team quickly learn and navigate it without extensive training?

Customization
Determine if you can tailor the software to fit your branding and campaign needs. Does it offer customizable forms and reports?

Support
Check the level of customer support available. Is there 24/7 assistance or helpful resources like tutorials and forums?

Security
Ensure donor data is protected. Does the software comply with data protection regulations and offer secure payment processing?

Reporting
Evaluate the reporting capabilities. Can you easily generate insightful reports to track and analyze donor activity and campaign success?

What Is Free Donor Management Software?

Donor management software is a tool that helps organizations track and manage donor information and donations. Free offerings typically include basic features with options for limited-time trials or forever-free plans with restrictions. 

Nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, and church managers often use these tools to maintain donor relationships and organize fundraising activities. Donation tracking, customizable forms, and reporting capabilities help with managing donor data, organizing campaigns, and analyzing fundraising success.

Features of Free Donor Management Software

Let’s go over the features commonly found in donor management software, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.

Typically Free Donor Management Software Features

  • Donation tracking: Helps you keep track of incoming donations and donor details, making it easier to manage finances.
  • Customizable forms: Allows you to create donation forms that fit your organization's branding and needs.
  • Basic reporting: Provides simple reports that help you understand donor activity and campaign performance.
  • Donor profiles: Stores donor information in one place, making it easy to access and update details.
  • Online giving: Enables donors to make contributions via your website, expanding your reach.
  • Email acknowledgments: Sends automatic thank-you emails to donors, enhancing donor engagement.
  • Mobile access: Lets you manage donor information on the go, offering flexibility to your team.

Typically Paid Donor Management Software Features

  • Advanced analytics: Offers in-depth insights and trends to help you strategize and optimize fundraising efforts.
  • Event management: Provides tools to organize and track events, enhancing your fundraising activities.
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising: Enables supporters to create their own fundraising pages, broadening your campaign's reach.
  • Integration with CRM: Connects with your existing CRM systems for a seamless flow of information.
  • Recurring donations: Automates regular contributions, ensuring consistent donor support.
  • Customizable dashboards: Allows you to tailor dashboards to display the most relevant data for your organization.
  • Multi-channel campaigns: Supports fundraising across various platforms, increasing your outreach potential.

Benefits of Free Donor Management Software

Implementing free donor management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Cost-effective solution: You can manage donors without spending money, freeing up funds for other priorities.
  • Enhanced organization: Keep all donor information in one place, making it easier to access and manage.
  • Improved donor engagement: Features like email acknowledgments help maintain relationships with your supporters.
  • Flexibility and convenience: Mobile access allows you to manage donations wherever you are, offering convenience to your team.
  • Increased reach: Online giving features enable you to accept donations from a wider audience, boosting your fundraising potential.
  • Basic insights: Access to basic reporting helps you understand donor behavior and campaign performance, guiding future efforts.
  • Customization options: Customizable forms let you tailor donation pages to fit your organization's needs and branding.

Costs and Pricing of Free Donor Management Software

I realize you came to this article looking for the best donor management 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 donor management software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Donor Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic donor tracking, simple reporting, and online donation forms.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthCustomizable donation forms, email acknowledgments, and basic analytics.
Business Plan$30-$75/user/monthAdvanced reporting, event management, and integration with CRM systems.
Enterprise Plan$100+/user/monthCustom dashboards, multi-channel campaigns, and dedicated customer support.

Free Donor Management Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about free donor management software:

Is there a free CRM for nonprofits?

Yes, there are free CRM options for nonprofits. These CRMs often provide basic donor management features, such as tracking donations and managing donor profiles. They’re ideal for smaller organizations with limited budgets that need to manage donor relationships effectively without incurring costs.

What software is used to keep track of donations?

Free donor management software is commonly used to track donations. These tools help you record donor information and track contributions over time. They provide essential donation tracking and reporting features, which are crucial for maintaining accurate financial records.

Can free donor management software handle recurring donations?

Some free donor management software solutions do support recurring donations. This feature allows you to set up automated contributions, ensuring a steady flow of funds from your supporters. It’s a valuable function for organizations looking to maintain consistent donor engagement.

How secure is free donor management software?

Free donor management software typically offers basic security features to protect donor data. However, it’s important to verify that the software complies with data protection regulations and provides secure payment processing to safeguard information.

Can I integrate free donor management software with other tools?

Many free donor management tools offer limited integrations with other software solutions. Check if the software can connect with your existing systems, like email marketing or accounting tools, to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

Are there limits on the number of donors I can manage with free software?

Free donor management software often has limits on the number of donors or contacts you can manage. These restrictions vary by provider, so it’s important to review the terms of the free plan to ensure it meets your organization’s needs.

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Joshua Gordon
By Joshua Gordon

Joshua Gordon is a lay-pastor, author, and editor of TheLeadPastor.com. Over the last two decades, Josh has worked closely with pastors and other christian leaders, helping them to sharpen and elevate their messages. Today, Joshua pastors at New Life Fellowship, a thriving church he helped plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.