10 Best Project Management Software For Nonprofits Shortlist
Here are my picks for the best project management software for nonprofit organizations.
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Choosing the right project management software for your nonprofit organization is the best way to manage your limited resources, tight budgets, and dispersed teams. But where to start?
Here are my picks for the best project management software for nonprofits. I've drawn on my experience as a project manager to test and evaluate the most popular options to help you find the right fit for your nonprofit's unique needs.
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Compare Specs Side-By-Side
I’ve investigated each tool’s pricing and availability of free trials and demo versions. Here’s a side-by-side comparison.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for visual project management and collaboration | Free plan available | From $8/user/month | Website | |
2 | Best for cross-functional teams | 14-day free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
3 | Best for affordability | 14-day free trial | From $1.49/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website | |
4 | Best for cloud storage | 14-day free trial | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
5 | Best for centralized projects | 14-day free trial | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best for workflow automation | Free plan available | From $11.20/month (billed annually) | Website | |
7 | Best for task management | 7-day free trial | From $3/user/month | Website | |
8 | Best for tracking funding goals and managing budgets | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $7/user/month | Website | |
9 | Best for diagramming needs | Free plan + free demo available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
10 | Best for spreadsheet users | 30-day free trial | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Best Project Management Software For Nonprofits Reviews
Here’s my review of each top project management tool tailored for nonprofit organizations. Each review provides a detailed look at features, benefits, and specific use cases.
Miro is a collaborative online workspace designed to facilitate brainstorming, project management, diagramming, process mapping, and content visualization. It provides a suite of tools that enable teams to move from ideation to execution within a single platform.
Why I Picked Miro: Miro is a visual project management software that offers a variety of tools for nonprofits, including diagramming, process mapping, content and data visualization, and asynchronous collaboration tools. It provides an enterprise-grade workspace with a focus on security and accessibility, allowing teams to brainstorm and execute tasks in one place.
Miro is a popular choice for nonprofits, offering capabilities for strategizing and planning, designing customer-centric solutions, and developing products and services. It also allows for faster feedback cycles and automation for tedious tasks. Nonprofits can also benefit from a 30% discount on any paid plan, making it a cost-effective solution for managing projects and collaborating in real-time on an infinite canvas.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include visual project management tools, dynamic visual aids such as Miro Cards, Kanbans, and Flow Chart, product development workflows, and Miro Assist, an AI assistant that helps automate tasks and expand thinking during ideation and creation.
Integrations include Zoom, Google Workspace, Asana, Trello, Confluence, Jira, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Useful for distributed teams
- Offers a variety of built-in templates
- Users can create interactive presentations
Cons:
- Wide variety of features can be overwhelming
- Limited user controls and moderation
Nifty simplifies project management for cross-functional teams, integrating tasks, timelines, and communication in one place.
Why I Picked Nifty: I selected Nifty because it uniquely combines various project management tools into one cohesive platform, which is particularly beneficial for cross-functional teams. This integration of features distinguishes it from other software that may not offer such a complete solution.
Nifty is best for cross-functional teams due to its centralized approach. It facilitates effective collaboration and maintains project visibility for team members from different departments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, milestones, discussions, docs and files, and time tracking, all designed to enhance team collaboration and project oversight.
Integrations include Google Drive, Zoom, Slack, Dropbox, Trello, Asana, GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive user interface
- Multiple views for project tracking
- Centralized platform for various project aspects
Cons:
- Limited number of templates
- Lack of full integrations
Freedcamp is a versatile project management tool that caters to personal and professional needs. Freedcamp stands out as the best for personal because of its free plan. It includes unlimited projects, tasks, and storage, making it accessible for individual users managing personal projects or small teams.
Why I Picked Freedcamp: I chose Freedcamp for this list because it offers a large set of features without a hefty price tag. Its ability to handle unlimited users and projects at no cost differentiates it from other tools that often limit these aspects in their free versions. Additionally, Freedcamp's user-friendly interface and flexibility make it an excellent choice for individuals looking to organize tasks and projects efficiently.
Freedcamp is best for personal use because it provides a no-cost solution for individuals and small teams to manage their work. The platform's scalability and the inclusion of essential project management features in the free plan make it ideal for personal projects, freelancers, and small non-profit organizations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, time tracking, milestone setting, and file storage, all essential for effective project management. The platform also offers discussion boards for team communication, a calendar for scheduling, and an issue tracker to manage and prioritize issues effectively.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Zapier, Google Calendar, Outlook, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited projects, tasks, and storage even in the free plan
- User-friendly interface suitable for personal and small team use
- Wide range of integrations with popular tools and services
Cons:
- The free plan has a file size limit of 10MB, which may be restrictive for some users
- Some users may require additional training to fully utilize all features
Box is a cloud content management and file-sharing service for businesses. It's best for cloud storage because it offers a secure and scalable solution.
Why I Picked Box: I chose Box for this list due to its security features and ability to scale with the needs of nonprofit organizations. Its cloud storage capabilities also provide a centralized location for files.
Box is the best cloud storage option because it ensures the safety of sensitive data and enhances accessibility and collaboration across teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include secure file sharing, collaboration tools, workflow automation with Box Relay, and native e-signature capabilities with Box Sign. It also provides security measures such as data loss protection and compliance with industry regulations.
Integrations include Microsoft Office and Teams, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities with popular business tools
- Scalable storage solutions for various file types
- Robust security and compliance features
Cons:
- Some users report performance issues
- Poor user interface
ProofHub is a project management and team collaboration tool designed to centralize projects and simplify workflows. It is best for centralized projects because it offers features that allow teams to plan, collaborate, organize, and deliver projects efficiently in one unified space.
Why I Picked ProofHub: I chose ProofHub for the list because of its complete set of project management tools and flat pricing model, which is beneficial for teams wanting a centralized solution.
I believe ProofHub is best for centralized projects because it can combine various aspects of project management and collaboration in one place, reducing the need for multiple tools and platforms.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, Gantt charts, board view, table view, calendar, time tracking, discussions, proofing, and chat.
Integrations include Slack, Box, Dropbox, Google Calendar, Google Drive, One Drive, FreshBooks, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flat pricing with no per-user fee, making it cost-effective for teams of all sizes
- A comprehensive set of features for project management and team collaboration
- Wide range of integrations with popular tools to streamline workflows
Cons:
- The platform may have a learning curve for new users
- Some users may require more storage than the provided 15GB on the Essential plan
Podio is a versatile platform that simplifies project management by integrating content, conversations, and processes. It offers workflow automation, enabling teams to automate repetitive tasks.
Why I Picked Podio: I selected Podio for its distinctive capability to automate workflows, which is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to maximize efficiency. Podio's strength lies in its customizable workflows tailored to a team's needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include custom workspaces, task management, and data visualization tools.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Box, Zendesk, FreshBooks, Campaign Monitor, GoToMeeting, Harvest, and Google Calendar.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable to fit unique workflow needs
- Integrates with a wide range of other tools
- Offers a free version for small teams
Cons:
- Some users report occasional downtime
- Can be complex for beginners
nTask Manager is a project management tool designed to facilitate efficient task management.
Why I Picked nTask Manager: I chose nTask Manager for the list because of its task management capabilities, which stand out among other project management tools. Its ability to streamline task assignment, tracking, and prioritization makes it a valuable asset for any team.
nTask Manager provides a centralized platform for managing tasks. It also maintains productivity and ensures project success.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management, task management, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, team management, time tracking, meeting management, and risk management.
Integrations include Slack, Zoom, Google/Outlook calendar, and over 1,000+ apps accessible via Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free plan available for small teams.
- Over 1000+ app integrations.
- Comprehensive task management features.
Cons:
- Some users say it is difficult to use
- No refund policy
ClickUp is a comprehensive project management tool that offers a wide range of features to enhance work processes and improve collaboration among teams.
Why I Picked ClickUp: One of the most significant advantages of ClickUp is its ability to track funding goals and manage budgets effectively. Nonprofits often operate on tight budgets and need to account for every dollar spent. ClickUp's custom fields and formula features allow organizations to calculate donations, track hours spent on various tasks, and generate detailed reports for donors.
Another key feature that makes ClickUp ideal for nonprofits is its robust task and resource management capabilities. ClickUp simplifies processes with its drag-and-drop calendar view, which allows organizations to schedule volunteer tasks easily and share these schedules publicly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include document management, reporting and analytics, collaboration tools, automation capabilities, time tracking, and task and resource management.
Integrations include Slack, GitHub, GitLab, Webhooks, HubSpot, Everhour, Toggl, Harvest, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Outlook, Google Calendar, and Figma.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good time tracking capabilities
- Wide range of collaboration tools
- Customizable workflows
Cons:
- Platform can be hard to navigate at first
- Extensive features may be overwhelming for new users
Lucidchart is a cloud-based solution that allows teams to collaborate to create diagrams and visualize processes in real time. It is best for diagramming needs because it offers a range of features specifically designed for creating detailed and interactive graphs, flowcharts, and other visual representations.
Why I Picked Lucidchart: I chose Lucidchart for this list because of its intuitive interface and ability to encourage collaboration on visual projects. Its specialized features for diagramming set it apart from other project management tools. Lucidchart is best for diagramming needs because it can create and share complex diagrams, which is essential for visualizing project workflows.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include workflow diagrams, timelines, Gantt charts, scrum boards, and Kanban boards using custom templates. It centralizes project management processes, allowing for precise identification of tasks, roles, and responsibilities.
Integrations include G Suite, Microsoft Office, Confluence, Jira, Slack, GitHub, BambooHR, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Over 20 powerful integrations with industry-leading applications
- Extensive range of diagramming tools and templates
- Real-time collaboration capabilities
Cons:
- Free plan offers limited functionality
- Limited number of templates
Smartsheet enables project management and workflow automation, which is ideal for those familiar with spreadsheets.
Why I Picked Smartsheet: I selected Smartsheet because of its distinctive blend of familiarity with spreadsheets and advanced project management features. It stands out as the best for spreadsheet users due to its user-friendly interface, which many users find comfortable and easy to adopt.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a user-friendly spreadsheet interface, real-time collaboration tools, and powerful automation capabilities. It also provides various project views, including grid, Gantt, calendar, and card views.
Integrations include Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, Microsoft Project, Excel, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface similar to spreadsheets
- Enables real-time collaboration and workflow automation
- Offers multiple views and integrates with a range of tools
Cons:
- Limited number of templates
- Potential learning curve for non-spreadsheet users
Other Project Management Software For Nonprofits
Below is a list of additional project management software for nonprofits to check out if you didn’t find what you were looking for above.
- Keela
For volunteer & donor management
- Zoho Projects
For team collaboration
- Hive
For marketing teams
- ReptonPOD
For structured project phases
- Airtable
For database-driven projects
- Todoist
For personal task management
- Trello
For visual project planning
- Basecamp
For team communication
- Wrike
For scaling organizations
- Teamwork.com
For client work management
Related Project Management Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other project management tool reviews we've curated.
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
Project Management Software For Nonprofits Selection Criteria
When selecting the best project management software for nonprofits to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like limited budgets and the need for volunteer coordination. 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:
- Task and project tracking
- Team collaboration
- Document and file sharing
- Deadline and milestone management
- Reporting and analytics
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Grant and donor management integration
- Volunteer scheduling tools
- Nonprofit-specific budgeting and expense tracking
- Pre-built nonprofit project templates
- Community engagement and outreach tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered whether each tool has the following:
- An intuitive user interface
- A minimal learning curve for new users
- Mobile accessibility
- Customizable dashboards and workflows
- Quick and responsive system performance
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I looked for the following from each tool:
- Availability of training videos and tutorials
- Access to onboarding webinars and live training
- Interactive product tours for new users
- Pre-configured templates for nonprofit workflows
- Dedicated customer success resources
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered whether each tool offers the following:
- 24/7 support
- Access to live chat, email, and phone support
- Quick response time for critical issues
- A comprehensive knowledge base and self-help resources
- Community forums and user groups
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered whether each tool had the following:
- Availability of free or discounted nonprofit pricing
- Features included at various pricing tiers
- Scalability for growing organizations
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered whether customer reviews highlighted the following:
- Overall user satisfaction and ratings
- Common praises and complaints
- Trends in long-term user experience
- Quality of customer service interactions
- Testimonials from nonprofit organizations
How To Choose Project Management Software For Nonprofits
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Scalability | Choose software that grows with your nonprofit. Look for flexible pricing, the ability to add users, and features that support both small and large teams. |
Integrations | Make sure the tool connects with your existing systems, like donor management software, accounting tools, and email platforms, to streamline workflows. |
Customizability | Your nonprofit’s needs are unique. Look for software that lets you tailor workflows, dashboards, and reports to match your processes. |
Ease of Use | A complicated tool wastes time. Prioritize intuitive interfaces, minimal learning curves, and accessible training resources for your team and volunteers. |
Budget | Nonprofits often work with tight budgets. Seek software with transparent pricing, nonprofit discounts, and plans that balance cost and functionality. |
Security Safeguards | Protect donor and organizational data with robust security features, including encryption, role-based permissions, and compliance with data protection regulations. |
Collaboration Features | Your team needs to work together efficiently. Look for shared task lists, team messaging, and real-time file collaboration. |
Support & Training | Reliable support is essential. Check for 24/7 assistance, training materials, and a responsive customer service team to help your nonprofit maximize the software’s value. |
Trends In Project Management Software For Nonprofits
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different project management software for nonprofits vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Integration with fundraising platforms: Nonprofit project management software increasingly integrates with fundraising platforms. This allows you to track of fundraising efforts against project budgets and timelines. It's important as it bridges the gap between finance and project teams.
- Emphasis on volunteer management features: Software now often includes volunteer management features. These tools help nonprofits schedule, track, and communicate with volunteers efficiently. This trend is vital for organizations that rely heavily on volunteer workforces.
- Advanced reporting for grant applications: Better reporting features can help with your grant applications. You can generate detailed reports to support your funding requests, which directly helps you secure resources for mission-critical projects.
- Mobile accessibility improvements: Improvements in mobile accessibility are a notable trend. Nonprofit teams should be able to access project data and collaborate from anywhere. This is important for organizations with field-based projects or remote teams.
- Customization and scalability: Customization and scalability are becoming more sophisticated, and you can often tailor the software to your needs and scale as you grow. This trend is progressive as it allows for flexibility and long-term usability.
What Is Project Management Software For Nonprofits?
Project management software for nonprofits is a specialized tool designed to support the unique needs of charitable organizations in planning, executing, and tracking projects. It is used by nonprofit staff and volunteers to manage events, fundraising campaigns, and other mission-driven initiatives. It also helps you manage limited resources effectively.
Software features include task management, scheduling, resource allocation, and reporting capabilities to give you a clear overview of project progress, facilitate communication among team members, and help you make sure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Features of Project Management Software For Nonprofits
When selecting project management software for nonprofits, it's important to look for features that cater specifically to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Here are some key features to consider.
- Budget tracking: This feature allows you to monitor financial resources. Nonprofits must maintain transparency and make sure funds are used effectively in alignment with their goals.
- Task management: This feature provides a way to assign and follow up on tasks. It helps team members know their responsibilities and stay on track with their assignments.
- Collaboration tools: These tools facilitate communication among team members. For nonprofits, where teamwork is often pivotal, collaboration is essential for success.
- Time tracking: This feature lets the team record time spent on projects. Nonprofits must report on time allocation, especially when accounting for grant-funded activities.
- Reporting and analytics: This feature offers insights into project performance. Nonprofits can benefit from understanding their progress and making data-driven decisions to improve their impact.
- Donor management: This feature helps you track and engage with donors. Since funding is a nonprofit lifeline, managing donor relationships effectively is key to sustainability.
- Volunteer management: This feature helps coordinate volunteer efforts. Nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers, so managing their contributions efficiently is vital for operational success.
- Grant tracking: This feature helps you manage grant applications and awards. Staying on top of deadlines and requirements is critical for nonprofits that depend on grants.
- File sharing and storage: This feature allows for easy access to documents. Centralized document management helps you maintain consistency and organization.
- Customization: This feature lets you tailor the software to your needs. Every nonprofit is different, and the ability to customize the software makes sure it can adapt to specific organizational requirements.
Benefits of Project Management Software For Nonprofits
Here are five primary benefits that project management software for nonprofits can provide to users and organizations within the sector.
- Better collaboration: Using project management software, nonprofit teams can collaborate more effectively and share real-time information.
- Improved resource allocation: You can leverage project management software to track your resources and budget effectively, and make sure every dollar is spent wisely.
- Increased accountability: This software helps you assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress. This increases individual accountability and helps you make sure projects stay on track.
- Better reporting and analytics: Project management software can generate reports and analytics that help you make informed decisions, understand the impact of your work, and communicate results to stakeholders.
- Stronger fundraising efforts: Nonprofits can use project management tools to plan, execute, and monitor fundraising activities, which makes it easier to reach financial goals and sustain their operations.
Costs & Pricing of Project Management Software For Nonprofits
Below is a table summarizing the plan options and pricing for project management software suitable for nonprofits.
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free Option | $0 | Basic task management, limited users, essential integrations |
Basic/Starter | $5 - $10/ user/month | Task assignments, deadlines, file sharing, some integrations, limited storage |
Standard | $10 - $15/ user/month | Better collaboration tools, reporting, additional integrations, more storage |
Premium | $15 - $25/ user/month | Advanced reporting, time tracking, budget management, increased storage |
Enterprise | Custom Quote | Custom features, complete integrations, dedicated support, unlimited storage |
Project Management Software For Nonprofits Frequently Asked Questions
Can charitable organizations afford project management software for nonprofits?
Yes, many project management software providers offer special pricing for nonprofit organizations. Some even provide free versions with essential features, while others may offer significant discounts on their regular pricing plans.
Is it difficult to implement project management software for nonprofits?
The complexity of implementation will vary depending on the software you choose. However, many project management tools are user-friendly and come with support and training resources to assist you with the transition.
How can volunteers be managed using project management software for nonprofits?
Project management software can help you manage volunteers with features for assigning tasks, tracking their hours, and facilitating communication. Some software also offers mobile access, making it easier for volunteers to stay connected and informed.
Does project management software for nonprofits help with reporting and compliance?
Yes, project management software can help you with reporting on project metrics and outcomes. This data can be used to generate reports for stakeholders and make sure you’re compliant with funding requirements.
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