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Organizing successful nonprofit events comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to event registration and online ticket sales. The frustration of managing attendees and ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved can hinder the impact of these initiatives.
Whether you're a small organization seeking free options or managing large-scale events with a comprehensive budget, this blog is your guide to finding the right solution for your nonprofit's event management needs.
In essence, nonprofit event registration software is your event-planning ally. It simplifies the entire process, from registration to expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of your event.
Beyond that, event registration tools assist in keeping tabs on attendees. If you're selling tickets, it streamlines the process, allowing people to purchase tickets online, akin to buying a movie ticket through a website.
The software can also send emails or messages to inform people about the event and remind them to attend. When the event ends, the tool generates a report on the event's achievements to provide insights into how things went.
Key features to consider when choosing event registration software
Choosing the right event registration software ensures a seamless and successful event for your nonprofit organization.
Here are key details and features to consider when deciding between popular event registration software options:
Multi-ticket forms
This feature allows organizers to set up and monitor event registrations across different types or tiers of tickets for a single event. For example, you can have regular, VIP, or student tickets, each with its own pricing and perks.
Group tickets
Group tickets enable attendees to purchase tickets together, usually at a discounted rate. This is great for events that people often attend as a group, like conferences or workshops.
Coupon codes
Coupon codes offer a way to provide discounts to specific attendees or groups. Organizers can create codes that participants can enter during registration to receive a reduced ticket price.
Early bird tickets
Early bird tickets are discounted for those who register early for an event. This feature encourages early registrations and helps organizers gauge interest in the event.
Attendee Lists
The attendee list feature provides organizers with all registered participants for an event. This list can be useful for planning, communication, and ensuring a smooth check-in process on the event day.
E-Tickets & QR codes
E-tickets are electronic tickets that attendees can receive via email after registering. QR codes on these tickets can be scanned for easy check-in at the event, enhancing efficiency and security.
Ticket limits and ticket types
This feature allows organizers to limit the total number of tickets available for an event and each ticket type. It helps manage capacity and ensures a controlled and enjoyable event experience.
Custom questions
Custom questions enable organizers to gather specific information from attendees during registration. This could include dietary preferences, t-shirt sizes, or any other details relevant to the event.
Tax receipting
For nonprofit organizations, the ability to issue tax receipts for ticket sales is crucial. This feature of your registration site automates the process of providing attendees with the necessary documentation for tax purposes.
Refund & cancellation of tickets
This feature allows organizers to set refund policies and manage ticket cancellations. Attendees can request refunds within specified timeframes, and organizers can handle cancellations efficiently through the software.
Flexible event types
Great event management tools allow nonprofits to host a virtual event, in-person event, or hybrid event.
In addition to offering a registration module, many platforms will also provide event management software to keep track of attendee details and contact information.
The top event registration software at a glance
Event registration software
Best for
Highlight feature
Pricing
Zeffy
Nonprofits who are looking for a 100% free option to manage their fundraising events
100% free (no platform fee - no transaction fee)
100% free
Eventbrite
Attendee discovery
Organizer app
Plans range from pay-as-you-go to custom pricing with (3.7% service fee + 2.9% processing fee) + $1.79 per transaction
Donorbox
Tax receipts
Autogenerated tax receipts
2.95% platform fee and up to 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction with Stripe or 1.99% + $0.49 with Paypal and Venmo.
Classy
Multi ticket forms
Secure ticketing and transaction
Platform fees start at $299 per license/month + 4% per transaction.
Ticketstripe
Group tickets
Ticket bundles
1.50% + $0.50 per ticket sold plus up to 3.49% + $0.49 in processing fees
Kindful
Attended list
Tracking and reporting
$199+/month, plus 1% fundraising platform fee on all online transactions, and up to 2.2% + $0.30 in processing fees
Donorperfect
Easy registration
Segmented invitations
Custom quote required, starting at starting at $99 per month plus 2.5% per transaction
Doubleknot
E-tickets and QR codes
Early bird ticketing
Not publicly listed.
1. Zeffy - Best free event registration software for all nonprofits
This means 100% in event-generated revenue equals $100 for your mission. With every other platform, donors give $100, and you get $97 or less.
Trusted by 10,000+ nonprofits throughout North America and rated 4.8/5 stars on Capterra by 250+ nonprofits, Zeffy was designed to help nonprofits do more for less.
Key features:
100% free fundraising tickets and solutions when other platforms charge 5% transaction fees on average + platform fees
Issuing tax receipts for ticket sales automatically
Unlimited and free support
Tap to Pay App for in-person sales on the day of the event
Scannable e-tickets
Accept all payment types
Discounts codes
Custom ticketing forms
Custom questions
Automated reminder emails and follow-ups
Donor management
Best for:
Nonprofits looking for a 100% free option to manage their fundraising events.
Because Zeffy doesn't charge nonprofits a cent and offers a full suite of other fundraising tools, such as donor management and peer-to-peer fundraising, this event registration software is designed for anyone looking to maximize their impact, save time, and raise money.
Cons:
Only available for registered nonprofits in the US and Canada
Zeffy pricing:
100% Free (no platform or transaction fees).
Costly platforms and hidden fees shouldn’t limit nonprofits. That’s why Zeffy is doing its part by offering equal access to the best fundraising technology.
Testimonial:
“I love how Zeffy has made my work life so much easier in many ways. I can manage my email list, send messages to different segments, tag individuals and their interests, sell tickets to events, collect membership fees, and track income and engagement throughout. Best of all, I can do all of this (and more) without having a portion of our income being snatched up by a supposed 'ally' of non-profit organizations.” — Maude S.
2. Eventbrite - Best event registration software for attendee discovery
Eventbrite is a versatile event ticketing platform known for its extensive reach and powerful event discovery tools. It connects organizers with a broad audience, making it ideal for promoting events and reaching a wide range of attendees.
Plus, this registration platform has a user-friendly interface and robust features like a customizable event registration page and an organizer app, Eventbrite is a common go-to solution for event professionals.
Pros:
Custom event pages for complex events
Easy checkout process
Robust reporting and registration data
Event app for nonprofit event organizers
Attendee discovery
Marketing tools
Cons:
Limited features available without hefty fees
Pricing that can outweigh the ROI of smaller events
Limited customer support (for premium customers only)
No receipts
Eventbrite doesn't offer other nonprofit tools
Best for:
Nonprofits looking to capture a wide audience with built-in discovery tools. Organizations with national audiences, for example, that want to cast the widest net possible. However, Eventbrite only offers event and ticket tools—nonprofits that need more features should check out Eventbrite alternatives.
Designed specifically for nonprofits, Donorbox simplifies the event process by offering customizable solutions—from event pages to ticket types.
Pros:
Autogenerated tax receipts
Custom event pages
Multiple payment processing options
Embeddable forms
Unlimited ticket types
Promo codes
Ticket QR codes
Cons:
Fees
Difficult ease of use
Best for:
Nonprofits that need a highly customizable dissolution, Donorbox is a great fit. This event registration software lets organizations create a tailored experience and offload event management burdens with automated receipts and multiple payment processing methods.
Pricing:
2.95% platform fee and up to 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction with Stripe or 1.99% + $0.49 with Paypal and Venmo.
4. Classy - Best event registration software for multi-ticket forms
Classy is an all-in-one fundraising platform recognized for its versatility and is particularly distinguished for its multi-ticket form feature. This capability allows organizers to set up various ticket tiers or types for a single fundraising event, accommodating diverse attendee preferences.
Plus, Classy's user-friendly interface and comprehensive suite of fundraising tools make it an excellent choice for organizations looking for a one-stop shop.
Pros:
Secure ticketing and transaction
Reporting and analytics
Social sharing
Custom ticketing pages
Cons:
Price
Best for:
Nonprofits looking to host a more complex event with multiple ticket types and customizable event pages.
Pricing:
Platform fees start at $299 per license/month + 4% per transaction
5. Ticketstripe - Best event registration software for group tickets
Ticketstripe focuses on streamlining event ticketing and provides a seamless experience for group ticket purchases. Packed with tons of online event registration software tools like timed tickets and ticket bundles, TicketStripe’s user-friendly interface and ticketing capabilities make it a standout choice for events.
Pros :
Custom event URL
Ticket bundles
Timed tickets
Custom registration forms and registration page
Discount codes
Cons :
Fees
Mobile app limitations
Limited payment methods
Best for:
Small nonprofits looking for a quick fix for running and managing events.
Pricing:
1.50% + $0.50 per ticket sold plus up to 3.49% + $0.49 in processing fees
6. Kindful - Best event registration software for attendee lists
Kindful (now a part of Bloomerang) is a robust CRM platform tailored for nonprofits, and it seamlessly integrates with CRM Bloomerang to enhance attendee list management. By integrating with Bloomerang, Kindful ensures that organizations can effectively track and manage event attendees within their broader donor management system.
This integration streamlines communication and relationship-building with event participants, providing a holistic view of supporter engagement.
Pros:
Tracking and reporting
Integrations
Ticket types
Cons:
Basic ticketing features only
Limited customization
Fees
Learning curve
Pay for additional customer support
Best for:
Nonprofits that already use Boomerang, enjoy their CRM capabilities, and want to build robust attendee lists.
Pricing:
$199+/month, plus 1% fundraising platform fee on all online transactions, and up to 2.2% + $0.30 in processing fees
7. Donorperfect - Best event registration software for easy registration
DonorPerfect is a comprehensive donor management and fundraising platform that provides a straightforward and user-friendly event registration process.
Recognized for its ease of use, DonorPerfect simplifies the online registration experience for organizers and attendees, making it an excellent choice for nonprofits seeking a hassle-free approach to event management.
Pro:
Segmented invitations
Data and analytics reporting
Accept one-time or monthly payments at registration
Manually enter offline payments
Cons:
Ease of use
Cost
Best for:
Organizations wanting to simplify the check-in process and registration.
Pricing:
Custom quote, starting at starting at $99 per month plus 2.5% per transaction
8. Doubleknot - Best event registration software for e-tickets and QR codes
Doubleknot is a comprehensive platform known for its capabilities in managing events and programs. A standout feature is its support for e-tickets and QR codes. This event website enhances the check-in process, providing event planners with efficient and secure methods for managing attendee access.
Pros:
Timed entry ticketing
Capacity control and early bird tickets
QR codes
Ticket booths for virtual attendees
Cons:
Limited fundraising features outside of tickets
Specifically for events with many attendees
No transparency around pricing
Best for:
Best for nonprofits that have a constant influx of event participants (museums, cultural centers, etc.) and need a solution for ongoing registration, ticket purchasing, and check-in.
Pricing:
Not publicly listed.
How JEVI raised $200,000—and saved $9,592—with Zeffy
JEVI initially discovered Zeffy while looking for a way to sell tickets to a crisis intervention training. Until then, the organization only accepted payment by cash or cheque for the events— inconvenient for their donors, and for their accounting team.
Since using Zeffy, the seamless online registration experience and full fundraising platform has helped JEVI save $9,592 in fees on nearly $200,000 raised!
“I love that all the money we raise goes directly to our mission,” Isa, committed organizer and self-financer of JEVI concludes. “We save a lot, but more than anything, it’s the team at Zeffy who makes the difference. They really listen to the organizations.”
Checklist: Questions to help you evaluate among the best event registration platforms
It’s important to evaluate event registration platforms and specialty tools based on your specific organization, goals for the coming years, and key factors that bring your events to life. While this article gives you a great starting point in your research journey, we encourage you to take some time with the following questions to ensure that your choice can scale with your organization.
Do you need custom forms to gather attendee information?
Do you want to carry your branding through to your registration form?
What options do you want to accept payments through (credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH, PAD, Checks, etc.)
Do you need an event website that accounts for different registration fees or types of event registrations (free events, paid events, live events, hybrid events, event sponsorships, etc.)?
Do you want to be able to add a donation option to the form?
Will you need to sync event attendance data and attendee contact information with your fundraising platform?
Do you plan to use a separate CRM or marketing tool, or need an all-in-one event management system?
How often do you want to send communications for your membership management strategy?
How much automation do you need to support attendee management?
Do you have event planners, or will team members in various roles need to use your event registration platform?
Do you need a check-in process for team members to use at live events?
How quickly do you need team members to adopt the platform?
How will you measure event performance?
How do you need dashboards to be set up to help you track event performance? (Ex. will free tickets and paid tickets need to be seen in different reports?)
Do you need real-time data updates?
What is your ideal cadence for tracking results?
How will you use data to inform future events?
Which event registration platform is best for your nonprofit?
Events are essential to fundraising success. Whether you are hosting a gala, an auction, or an in-person walk-a-thon, a streamlined and organized way to sell tickets, check in guests, and receive donations is essential.
Zeffy—the only 100% free fundraising platform, online ticketing software, and event registration software for nonprofits— is designed to help charities make as much impact as possible. Without any hidden fees and a whole suite of fundraising features in addition to event management—P2P fundraising, raffle tools, and more—Zeffy ensures that your nonprofit has all the tools it needs to succeed. For free.
11 Best Online Ticketing Software for Nonprofits (free and paid)
Find the best online event ticketing software for nonprofits. Compare the top options for selling tickets and managing registration for fundraising events.
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