The best event software for nonprofits will provide the tools you need to succeed from the start. No matter your nonprofit’s size, integrative event management software will help you raise the funds you need to achieve your mission. Find the software that fits your nonprofit’s unique goals, and improve your marketing and fundraising efforts with these software recommendations.
What Is Event Management Software for Nonprofits?
Event management software makes organizing fundraising events from beginning to end easy. This software can help your nonprofit’s events with:
- Building an event listing for your website
- Registration forms and ticketing
- Taking and tracking payments, registration, and donations
- Automating event emails: promotional, confirmation, and reminders
- Attendee tracking and reporting
- Creating a mobile app for your event
Every nonprofit has different event management software needs, and it’s important to work with software that gives you the tools you need for success.
Nonprofit-Specific Vs. General-Purpose Tools
As an event manager, you can save time and money with nonprofit event management software when planning and executing events.
The ability to automate your event communications and quickly process online payments gives you more time to focus on event logistics and secure sponsors. There’s a good chance you will need fewer employees for your event promotion, allowing your nonprofit to dedicate funds to other initiatives.
Event software also amplifies your events and gives your nonprofit credibility. You’ll be able to customize every aspect of your event promotion, from branded promotional emails to embedded registration forms on your nonprofit’s website.
Event management software will also improve the attendee experience at your nonprofit’s events. They’ll appreciate the ability to register and pay for the event online and receive quick communication through your automated messaging. Plus, with a mobile app, attendees will have a one-stop shop for everything about your event, with live updates and a clear schedule for the day.
Features to Look for in Nonprofit Event Software
From online registration and ticketing to marketing and communication tools, there are several features to consider when deciding on event management software. Consider your nonprofit’s needs. What are the event goals? Are you looking for software to execute a single event or a comprehensive system to host numerous events each year?
Each solution is unique, and the right event management software makes fundraising for your nonprofit easier. Check out the features below and list your must-haves when shopping for your software.
Online Registration and Ticketing
Make it seamless for your attendees to register for or secure tickets to your event online. With online registration and ticketing options, event management software eliminates the need to sell tickets manually. This will make it easy to track those who have registered for your event and segment them for your communications.
Payment Processing
The right event management software will make payment processing simple for your nonprofit. Look for software that can handle the transaction volume you will need for your event. From small events with few payments to process to large-scale events with many transactions, choosing the right software makes payment processing seamless.
Watch for hidden fees when processing payments to ensure you understand what you will earn per transaction. You’ll also want to ensure that payments or donations are secure through technologies such as encryption, PCI DSS, secure payment gateways, and other protocols.
Reporting and Dashboards
Using a comprehensive dashboard, you can run reports to gain insight into your fundraising efforts. Look for a dashboard interface that is easy to understand and allows you to set the number of users from your fundraising and marketing team as admins. No matter your nonprofit’s size, event software for nonprofits offers options.
Attendee Tracking and Management
Tracking and managing event attendees has never been easier with nonprofit event software. You can create a database of attendees and use integrated tools to maximize your fundraising efforts. Attendee tracking and management will give you better insight into who is supporting your nonprofit and how to reach your fundraising potential.
Marketing and Communication Tools
Reach your target audience easily with marketing and communication tools included with the event software you choose. Whether you are looking to send 100 text messages a month or run a comprehensive text and email campaign for your next event, most event software can be scaled to provide the communication capabilities your nonprofit requires.
Donor and Sponsor Management
Your nonprofit’s donors and sponsors are essential to its growth and success. With the right software in place to manage sponsors and donors, you will know who is donating to your cause, the total amounts, and the frequency of donations. Keep track of your sponsors and donors to strengthen these relationships and ensure continued support. Build rapport through effective communication and consistent acknowledgment of the support your nonprofit receives.
CRM/Membership Database Integration
Integrating all aspects of your marketing and fundraising efforts is vital to your nonprofit. Chances are, your nonprofit already uses software for membership management and your website. Having your event management software integrate with your existing software will save you a lot of time and headaches. For example, you can use your existing contact database to promote the event and expand your post-event marketing efforts with the new contacts you gain through integration.
Nonprofit Event Software at a Glance: Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Key Features | Pricing |
| WildApricot | Membership-based nonprofits that also run recurring events | Membership managementEvent registrationWebsite builderOnline paymentsEmail communications | 60-day free trial. Pricing starts at $63/month. |
| Bloomerang | Nonprofits wanting fundraising CRM with integrated event management | Donor CRMEvent registration Donor engagement trackingReportingEmail marketing | Plans start at $125/month. |
| CharityEngine | Mid-sized to enterprise nonprofits managing fundraising and events in one platform | Donation processingEvent managementPeer-to-peer fundraisingPayment processingMarketing automation | Plans start at $299/month. |
| Qgiv | Nonprofits focused on fundraising events and peer-to-peer campaigns | Event registrationAuction toolsPeer-to-peer fundraisingText donations Donation forms | Plans start at $25/month. |
| Cvent | Large organizations and conferences requiring advanced event logistics | Event registrationAgenda managementVenue sourcingAnalytics | Custom enterprise pricing. |
| OneCause | Gala, auction, and fundraising event teams | Mobile biddingAuctionsTicketingPaddle raisesEvent websites | Custom pricing. |
| GiveSmart | Organizations running fundraising events, auctions, and galas | Mobile biddingTicketingDonation formsLivestream fundraisingText-to-give | Custom pricing. |
| Handbid | Silent auctions and mobile fundraising events | Mobile biddingTicket salesLivestream supportDonor messaging | Custom pricing based on event needs. Packages from ~$1,396/event. |
| Snowball Fundraising | Small nonprofits seeking simple fundraising and event tools | Donation pagesEvent ticketingText-to-givePeer-to-peer fundraising | Free plan with 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. |
| Zeffy | Budget-conscious nonprofits seeking to minimize software costs | Donation formsEvent ticketingPeer-to-peer fundraisingVolunteer management | Free platform (payment processing model differs from many competitors). |
| Givebutter | Growing nonprofits wanting modern fundraising and events | Event ticketingDonation formsAuctionsLivestreaming supportCRM integrationDonor email and SMS communication | Free platform option with optional tips; processing fees may apply depending on payment options. |
| Eventbrite | Public-facing ticketed events with broad audience reach | Online ticketingEvent registrationAttendee managementSoftware integrations | Free events are free; paid events incur service fees. |
| DonorSnap | Small nonprofits needing affordable donor management with event support | Event registrationDonor CRM capabilitiesVolunteer trackingReporting | Subscription pricing (typically around $50/month). |
| Doubleknot | Museums, zoos, camps, and educational nonprofits managing programs and events | RegistrationMembershipsTicketingFacility schedulingWaiversReporting | Custom pricing. |
| A2Z Events | Associations and trade organizations managing conferences and expos | RegistrationExhibitor management Speaker management Floor plansSponsorship tools | Custom pricing. |
| Bizzabo | Large conferences, hybrid events, and enterprise experiences | RegistrationAgenda managementNetworkingEvent appsAnalyticsHybrid event tools | Plans start around $499/month. |
Best Event Management Software for Nonprofits
Choosing the best event management software for your nonprofit takes more than comparing feature lists. Every organization has different goals, budgets, staffing levels, and event strategies, so the right platform is the one that supports your team’s day-to-day work while creating a smooth experience for attendees, donors, volunteers, and sponsors.
Some platforms are designed specifically for fundraising events such as auctions and peer-to-peer fundraising, while others excel at membership events, conferences, or community outreach.
Aside from pricing, you should also consider ease of use, reporting capabilities, CRM integrations, customer support, and scalability.
Each of the following software options offers a diverse mix of features and strengths. Let’s review and find a solution that fits your organization’s unique needs and mission.
Best For Membership Organizations & Associations
WildApricot: WildApricot is an all-in-one cloud management software that runs every aspect of your nonprofit, including your events. Streamline your nonprofit’s next event with these features:
- A website builder with a built-in payment processor
- Online registration tools
- A fully searchable contact database
- Mobile event registration through the mobile app
- An emailing system with professionally designed email and newsletter templates
Best All-In-One For Donor Engagement
Bloomerang: A software option for nonprofits that puts donor engagement first. This is a build-your-own software platform that lets you choose the plan that best fits your event’s needs. Features include:
- A mobile app
- Donor database
- Marketing and engagement tools
- Event registration
CharityEngine: Good for nonprofits, both growing and enterprise. They are a one-stop donor management and fundraising tool. They have features like:
- Event and form creation
- Automated email communication
- Online attendee portal
- Online auction and registration
Qgiv: Qgiv is an integrated fundraising support platform that lets you build the software you need without paying for extras you don’t need. Features include:
- Easy event registration
- Text and auction fundraising
- Customizable reporting dashboard
- Online donation forms
Cvent: Make event budgeting easier with Cvent software, which provides event planning and marketing in one place. You can use Cvent for a single event or as a comprehensive platform for your nonprofit. This one comes with a learning curve.
- Automated workflows
- Ability to execute virtual, hybrid, or in-person events
- Capture leads and track ROI
- Event app
Best For Auctions & Galas
OneCause: OneCause values charitable fundraising, and aims to help nonprofits raise more money through its software. Utilize their auction features, which include:
- Virtual fundraising
- Mobile ticketing with QR codes
- Personal fundraising pages
- Live and silent auctions
- Mobile bidding
- Real-time scoreboards
GiveSmart: GiveSmart event management software for nonprofits offers options to help you meet your fundraising and event management needs. Whether your nonprofit focuses on donor management or fundraising, there are features you’ll love. Whichever model you choose, you get the same GiveSmart tools, support, and results.
- Mobile bidding and online auctions
- Ticketing and seating management
- Customizable event website
- Text messaging
Snowball Fundraising: Snowball Fundraising software is perfect for nonprofits focusing their event efforts on fundraising campaigns. They have various plans, starting at 0$ a month, with more features depending on your plan. Check out capabilities like:
- Text-to-give fundraising tool
- SMS and email
- Auctions with easy bidding
- Track donations and donor data
Handbid: Handbid is suited for mobile silent auctions. Pricing plans are customized per event and start around $1,400. These plans include features such as:
- Mobile bidding
- Ticket sales
- Item management
- Livestream support
- Donor messaging
Best Free & Low-Cost Options
Givebutter is free event management software for nonprofits, funded by donor and attendee tips, so that you can focus on your mission. Check out features like:
- QR code ticket scanning
- Peer-to-peer and team fundraising pages
- Payment processing
- Real-time auction updates and notifications
Eventbrite: Eventbrite is self-service, all-in-one event management software. Specifically great for ticketing, this software offers more with features like:
- Multiple ticket types
- Custom event pages
- Marketing tools like email and social media
- Online registration
DonorSnap: DonorSnap’s event management software for nonprofits focuses on managing your donors and contact database. Features you’ll love include:
- Email and text messaging
- Auction management
- Event registration and ticket sales
- Donor management
Zeffy: Zeffy is atip-funded option. Zeffy charges no platform fees and is funded through optional donor contributions. Budget-conscious nonprofits may consider this ideal, as features still include:
- Donation forms
- Event ticketing
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Volunteer management
Best For Recurring & Cultural-Org Events
Doubleknot: An option for zoos and museums, as well as for hosting recurring events. Use the same information from previous events for recurring registrants. Features include:
- Timed ticketing and admissions
- Custom forms, fields, and registration types
- Online and offline payment options
- Capacity and waitlist management
Best For Large Conferences & Trade Shows
A2Z Events: Great for larger organizations with more extensive fundraising events. Their event management software allows for an effortless event with tons of features, like:
- Attendee mobile app
- Attendee engagement and matchmaking
- Event registration and badge printing
- Sponsorship management
- Lead retrieval and attendance tracking
Bizzabo: Bizzabo offers a range of add-on features to fine-tune its software for your specific event management requirements. Some of their features include:
- Multi-day agenda management
- Branded event app
- Powerful integrations and apps
- Customizable event site builder
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Nonprofit
To choose the right event management software for your nonprofit’s needs, prioritize your requirements. Whether you are a small nonprofit looking to hold your first event and sell tickets online, or a large nonprofit with an extensive donor base, it’s important to learn which software options are available to you.
The right event management software will provide the features you want at an affordable price for your nonprofit’s budget. Planning and orchestrating your event is easier with the right software to stay organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best event software for nonprofits?
What features should nonprofits look for in event management software?
Is there free event software for nonprofits?
How much does nonprofit event software cost?
How do I choose the right event software for my nonprofit?
What WildApricot Can Do for Your Nonprofit’s Next Event
Here at WildApricot, we understand that your event management needs will be specific to your mission. We offer countless features to help you organize events and manage every aspect of your nonprofit! When everything is integrated and housed in a single database, you can automate most of your administrative tasks and focus on what really matters—serving your mission and making an impact in your community.
Try a 60-day free trial and see how WildApricot can help your nonprofit thrive and execute stellar events!
