Nonprofits fight tooth and nail to make a difference with limited resources. There's a goldmine of free tools and resources to be tapped. We've rounded up 67 of the best freebies to help you work smarter, not harder.
From powerful software that'll streamline your day-to-day activities to ready-made templates to make your marketing pop, this guide has everything you need to level up your nonprofit game. Get ready to save funds and make a bigger difference in 2024!
67 free resources that every nonprofit needs in 2024
Best CRM and donor management software
Top AI software for nonprofits
Website builders with a free plan or trial
Free document editing and graphics
Social media marketing tools for a nonprofit organization
Top free event management software for
Task and project management for nonprofits
Automation software with free plans
Free coupon codes for nonprofits
Free webinars and workshops for nonprofit organizations
Free networking opportunities for nonprofits
Free publications and subscriptions
Companies offering nonprofit discounts
Free resources for nonprofits FAQs
Free CRM and donor management software
Free AI software
Free website builder software
Free document editing and graphics software
Free form-building software
Free accounting software
Free fundraising software
Free silent auction software
Free email marketing software
Free social media marketing software
Free event management and registration software
Free task and project management software
Free file-sharing software
Free communication software
Free automation software
Free templates for nonprofits
Free coupon codes for nonprofits
Free guides for nonprofits
Free courses for nonprofits
Free webinars and workshops
Free networking opportunities for nonprofits
Free publications and subscriptions
Tools offered by TechSoup for nonprofits
Companies offering nonprofit discounts
Best CRM and donor management software
1. Zeffy
Designed for any nonprofit looking to improve its donor relationships, Zeffy is 100% free nonprofit fundraising software with tools for managing donors and fundraisers.
How can you use it?
- Integrate with other funding and event tools
- Manage donor relationships
- Manage memberships
- Create custom data reports
2. Donorbox
Donorbox is an easy-to-use platform for nonprofits to collect and track donations online.
How can you use it?
- Track donor communications
- Create custom alerts and notifications
- Send and track donations and receipts
Top AI software for nonprofits
3. Einstein (Salesforce)
Salesforce's Einstein is an advanced CRM solution that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance donor management and optimize fundraising strategies.
How can you use it?
- Build highly personalized customer journeys
- Use predictive and generative marketing AI
4. Otter AI
Otter AI helps transcribe and organize important donor meetings for accurate documentation.
How can you use it?
- Summarize meetings and write notes
- Write follow-up emails and notes
Website builders with a free plan or trial
5. Wix
Wix is a user-friendly website builder offering customizable templates and features to create professional websites.
How can you use it?
- Build your website
- Build a mobile app
- Create a blog
6. Weebly
Weebly offers drag-and-drop functionality to create websites to improve online presence.
How can you use it?
- Build an online store
- Integrate email automation into a website
- Create a gallery
Free document editing and graphics
7. Google Suite
Google Suite offers collaborative document editing in real-time. Google for Nonprofits gives free access to Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Calendar. Google Ad Grants program allows nonprofits to get $10,000 per month of free ads.
How can you use it?
- Upload documents into one place
- Collaborate on the same document (Google Docs and Google Sheets)
- Use live chat to work with team members
8. Canva
Canva is an online graphic design tool for nonprofits to create stunning designs and visual content.
How can you use it?
- Build websites
- Build proposals
- Create social media graphics
Free form-building tools
9. Jotform
JotForm provides an intuitive interface to create and manage online forms for event registrations, surveys, and donation collection.
How can you use it?
- Create an online donation form
- Create event registration forms
10. Survey Monkey
SurveyMonkey is a versatile online tool for creating surveys and receiving feedback from donors, volunteers, and community members.
How can you use it?
- Capture insights to drive outreach and programming decisions
- Simplify the donation process
Accounting software
11. Zoho
Zoho Books is an accounting software to manage finances, track expenses, and generate detailed financial reports.
How can you use it?
- View major finances
- Asses cash flow
12. Wave
Wave offers tools for accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning services for nonprofit financial management.
How can you use it?
- Manage receipts, record payments, and reconcile accounts
- Send bill and invoice reminders
Free fundraising software
13. Zeffy
Zeffy is a free all-in-one platform that helps changemakers make more impact for less. Nonprofits can use different tools to empower their teams, organize fundraisers, and raise more funds.
How can you use it?
- Raffles and online raffles management
- Completely free online fundraising (plus no payment processing fee)
- Customizable donation pages
- Peer-to-peer campaign management
14. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is another crowdfunding platform that helps people overcome financial challenges with the community’s help.
How can you use it?
- Reach a global audience
- Take advantage of social media fundraising
- Create a crowdfunding campaign
Free silent auction software
15. Zeffy
Zeffy is an all-in-one silent auction platform for nonprofits to amplify their fundraising efforts. Its straightforward and powerful interfaces allow nonprofits to organize and run silent auctions. Unlike other platforms, which offer images per item or bidder notifications for an extra charge, Zeffy’s full suite of features is free.
How can you use it?
- Use pre-built email templates to notify winners
- Set a start date and close data of bidding
- Easily customize your silent auction form with brand elements
- Automated post-auction process to charge the winning bidders
- Easily collect payments from auction winners
- Monitor bids in real-time
- Outbid notifications to keep bidders engaged
- Options to pay with cash
16. BetterWorld
BetterWorld is one of the top auction and crowdfunding platforms. Nonprofits can benefit from its free lifetime access to funding tools to run live or silent auctions.
How can you use it?
- Send automated reminder emails
- Use the image library to design a beautiful auction
- Contact bidders directly through text messages and notifications
- Design donor forms
Free email marketing software
17. Zeffy
Zeffy is an all-in-one fundraising platform offering multiple tools for nonprofits - including email marketing.
How can you use it?
- View stats like open rate, clicks, and unsubscribes
- Set up automated reminder emails
18. VerticalResponse
VerticalResponse is an email marketing tool that creates and sends newsletters, updates, and fundraising appeals.
How can you use it?
- Enables users to create email campaigns
- Send automatic emails
Social media marketing tools for a nonprofit organization
19. Buffer
Buffer simplifies social media management and scheduling across different platforms to maintain a consistent online presence.
How can you use it?
- Plan and publish content for all social media channels
- Repurpose content
- Schedule content
20. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management platform that enables nonprofits to schedule posts and engage with their audience.
How can you use it?
- Gain insights through social listening tools
- Manage paid and organic content
Top free event management software for nonprofits
21. Zeffy
Zeffy is the only 100% free event registration software for nonprofits, allowing them to organize virtual, in-person, or hybrid events.
How can you use it?
- E-ticketing tools with automatic tax receipts
- Unlimited and free support
- Donor management
22. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is an event ticketing platform that organizes and promotes events. For more options, check out these Eventbrite alternatives.
How can you use it?
- Create custom event pages
- Offer an easy checkout process
Task and project management for nonprofits
23. Trello
Trello is a visual project management tool that organizes tasks and allows users to collaborate on projects with ease.
How can you use it?
- Automate tasks and workflows
- Get organized on fundraising initiatives, tasks, etc
24. Monday
Monday.com is a work operating system that helps manage projects, track progress, and enhance team collaboration.
How can you use it?
- Visualize entire donation pipelines
- Manage grant applications
File-sharing tools for nonprofits
25. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud-based tool for file-sharing and storage. It helps nonprofits collaborate on projects, share files, and access resources online.
How can you use it?
- Store and protect files
- Collaborate with team members
26. Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based platform that shares files and makes daily operations speedy, easy, and hassle-free.
How can you use it?
- Store files and share them with multiple staff members
- Collaborate with teams and integrate with Google apps
- Share folders with the executive directors and other board members.
Communication
27. Slack
Slack is a messaging and collaboration platform that makes it easy for nonprofits to stay connected and share updates.
How can you use it?
- Instant message or send audio and video clip
- Access an organized space for file sharing
28. Workplace by Facebook
Workplace by Facebook provides a secure and collaborative space for nonprofits to communicate, share documents, and build a sense of community among team members.
How can you use it?
- Create a knowledge library
- Create specific work groups
Automation software with free plans
29. Zapier
Zapier is an automation tool for connecting apps and automating workflows. It helps nonprofits establish smooth workflows and save time.
How can you use it?
- Build processes faster
- Streamline CRM data
30. Make
Make is an automation platform that helps create customized workflows without technical knowledge.
How can you use it?
- Lead generation
- Offer a seamless onboarding experience
Free templates for nonprofits
31. Donation letters
Donation letters allow nonprofits to secure funds for causes and missions. Zeffy’s guide to donation letters can ensure you do not miss any funding opportunities.
32. Sample fundraising calendar
This fundraising plan is a blueprint for your nonprofit's fundraising approach. Our template will help you organize your ideas and write clear descriptions to create a fundraising plan.
33. Nonprofit bylaws template
Nonprofits must follow several rules and regulations. The bylaws help create internal rules to ensure the smooth functioning of the nonprofit, including board members' roles and responsibilities.
34. Thank you letters
It is essential to show gratitude for donors' contributions. Your nonprofit can write personalized thank you letters to increase donor retention and build relationships.
35. Annual report templates
Annual reports help bring transparency and accountability to power your fundraising efforts. They give you a clear idea about your current activities and impact while setting plans and vision for the future.
36. Raffle ticket templates
Raffle tickets are a crucial fundraising method to invite supporters and raise funds. Use the templates to customize these tickets to suit your fundraiser’s needs.
Bonus templates
- Nonprofit grants proposal template: Use these templates to ensure compelling nonprofit grant writing to secure funds from external sources like community development grants, corporate grants, etc.
- Marketing plan templates: Plan and execute effective marketing campaigns with these marketing templates.
- Event planning checklist: Run better events with event planning checklists and templates, turning fundraiser events into success.
Free coupon codes for nonprofits
Nonprofit tech/Software discounts
37. Adobe Creative Cloud
Nonprofits can access discounts on Adobe Creative Cloud's All Apps plan. They get 60% off the first year at $19.99/month or $239.88/year. After the first year, enjoy a 40% discount on standard rates unless you cancel.
38. Bitly
Through the Spotlight on Inclusion program, 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access Bitly’s tools for free. This includes URL shorteners, tailored QR codes, etc. It enables users to manage their online links and increase their digital presence.
Office supplies
39. Staples
Staples offers discounts for members of group purchasing organizations, providing savings on over 1,500 commonly used items, bulk purchases, and digital printing. Nonprofits can join CoAction for free to access these benefits.
40. Office Depot
Nonprofits can save up to 75% on over 93,000 products at Office Depot through a free program. Ideal for your printing, cleaning, and office needs, you can shop online or in any Office Depot store.
Travel and accommodation
41. American Airlines
American Airlines supports eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, offering AAdvantage® mileage certificates for in-kind contributions. They extend opportunities for employee volunteerism through the Do Crew program and monetary donations directly to nonprofits.
42. Hotel Engine
Hotel Engine helps nonprofits save up to 60% on lodging for donors, board members, and the community. The platform is free for nonprofits, making travel easier and more affordable.
Free guides for nonprofits
Nonprofit guides
43. Zeffy’s Blog
The resources on Zeffy’s blog walk you through the entire process of setting up a nonprofit organization, fundraising ideas, donor engagement, event planning, and more. All the guides, checklists, and fundraising tools are 100% free for nonprofits.
44. Innovative Nonprofit
Innovative Nonprofit's guides offer insights and practical tips on running an organization effectively. For example, you can access free guides on how to retain and grow your donor base.
45. HubSpot
HubSpot is a great resource for finding guides for nonprofits covering topics from marketing to planning and reporting. Its content library includes all the free resources available anytime for nonprofits to enhance their overall mission impact.
Free courses for nonprofits
45. Nonprofit management
- Coursera: A well-known and trusted platform for online learning, Coursera offers tailored online courses for nonprofit management. While it does not offer any specific discount for NPOs, you can still find many free nonprofit-related courses.
- edX: Top universities like Harvard and MIT collaborate with edX to offer management courses, including nonprofit-specific. No special discount is available for nonprofits, though you can access any free courses on leadership, social impact, fundraising, and grant writing.
- Nonprofit Ready: Free platform for learning and resources, especially for nonprofit professionals. It covers topics like fundraising, volunteer engagement, and other critical skills and strategies necessary for running a successful nonprofit organization.
46. Digital marketing
- Grow with Google (formerly Google Digital Garage): Google’s free digital marketing courses are perfect for nonprofits looking to enhance their online presence. With the learnings on social media, email, SEO, and online advertisement marketing, nonprofits can reach more people and amplify their impact.
- HubSpot Academy: HubSpot is a free platform to learn about digital marketing, content creation, social media strategies, etc. The courses are available on demand, and nonprofits can use them to learn how to build more effective campaigns to promote their cause.
47. Financial management
- University of Illinois Chicago: The University of Illinois Chicago offers online courses for nonprofits, and these courses help increase your financial proficiency. The course on financial management is available for $550 and can help nonprofit staff new to finance and leaders responsible for NPOs’ financial decisions.
Free webinars and workshops for nonprofit organizations
48. Leadership training
- Nonprofit Learning Lab: Offers free webinars for nonprofits covering topics like marketing, nonprofit tech, equity, inclusivity, etc.
- Nonprofit Leadership Center: The platforms allow you to access on-demand webinars to help nonprofits improve their leadership and team management strategies and functions.
49. Technology adoption
- TechSoup: Not just a webinar and training resource, TechSoup is a great platform for nonprofits to access tech offerings and the community. Access all valuable resources on innovative tech and nonprofit tools to amplify their impact.
Free networking opportunities for nonprofits
50. Online communities
- Nonprofit Hub: Nonprofit Hub offers an online platform for working and networking with other nonprofit professionals. You can post questions, ask for feedback, and engage with fellow changemakers.
- Idealist: Idealist provides a platform for nonprofits to connect, collaborate, find volunteer opportunities, and hire staff.
- Meetup: Best online platform to join meetup groups in your area or within your nonprofit's field of interest. It allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.
51. Social media platforms for nonprofit organizations
- Facebook: Look for Facebook groups dedicated to nonprofit professionals or causes similar to yours. These groups often share resources and networking opportunities.
- LinkedIn: Join the LinkedIn groups to connect with other nonprofit professionals, build your network, and spread the word about your mission.
52. Conferences and meetups
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP): The renowned association offers web-only membership with discounts on conferences and meetings.
- Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): The NTEN membership is available at discounted prices for the Nonprofit Technology Conference and other events. You can become a member for as low as $25 for a year.
Free publications and subscriptions
53. NonProfit Times
The online newspaper NonProfit Times offers insights and tips on fundraising, accounting, managerial issues, and human resource management. A subscription is required for print and digital publication.
54. Stanford Social Innovation Review
Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) is a quarterly magazine and website that publishes research and ideas on social issues and innovations.
55. Nonprofit Library
Register on Nonprofit Library for free to attend the live demonstrations or get access to nonprofit tools or service demonstrations to achieve mission success.
56. National Council of Nonprofits
The invite-only membership of National Council of Nonprofits will give you insights and reports on emerging issues in the nonprofit sector.
57. TechSoup for nonprofits
TechSoup provides tools and services to help nonprofits enhance their technological capabilities and achieve their missions more effectively. Here are the main offerings:
Technology solutions
TechSoup offers a tech marketplace where registered nonprofits can purchase discounted tech tools and services. It covers over 375 products from 100 leading tech companies. Some of these are:
- Intuit Quickbooks
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Norton
Global validation services
TechSoup offers data validation services to verify nonprofits. This helps donors and grant organizations make informed decisions with confidence. It covers legal compliances and regulations across 236 countries.
Other notable programs
GuideStar International: Provides reliable NGO data to promote transparency.
NGOsource: Simplifies the Equivalency Determination (ED) process for the US grantmakers.
Companies offering nonprofit discounts
58. Zeffy
Zeffy is a free, comprehensive fundraising platform for nonprofit organizations with tools like:
- Event Ticketing
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Donor management
- Online auctions
59. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is a crowdfunding site that allows individuals and nonprofits to run donation campaigns within their networks. US-based nonprofits can raise funds for free, paying only a processing fee.
60. Atlassian
Atlassian helps build productivity and collaboration tools for software development for better collaboration. Nonprofits can access cloud subscriptions with a 75% nonprofit discount on the list price.
61. Salesforce
Salesforce for Nonprofit offers customized CRM solutions. Eligible nonprofits can register for the Power of Us program to get the first ten users for free.
62. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a user-friendly CRM software for nonprofits with tools like donor segmentation and email automation. Nonprofits can get a discount of 20% for its CRM solution.
63. Wix
Wix helps design and manage without coding knowledge. Eligible charities can access a discount of 70% on a premium Wix subscription for two years.
64. Campaign Monitor
Campaign Monitor is an email builder offering 100+ email templates and more exclusive email marketing features. The platform offers a nonprofit discount of up to 15%.
65. PayPal
PayPal helps nonprofits accept donations through credit card payments or PayPal accounts. Eligible nonprofits can get a reduced price of 1.99% + $0.49 per donation.
66. Bitly
Bitly has a Spotlight on Inclusion program that allows nonprofits to use its URL shortener, tailored QR codes, and other features for free.
67. Zapier
Zapier helps create smooth, automated workflows and connect apps like Salesforce CRM, Microsoft Teams, and Zendesk. Nonprofit organizations can get a 15% discount on Zapier’s paid plans, which start at $19.99/month.
