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Running a nonprofit is all about doing more with less. Whether you want to collect donations at a fundraising event, sell merchandise to raise money, or sell tickets at the door, having the right point-of-sale (POS) system can make a big difference.
While today’s supporters expect speed, flexibility, and convenience even in person, many nonprofits still rely on cash, checks, or basic online donation forms. A modern POS system makes it easy to accept spontaneous donations, sell merchandise and tickets on the spot, and provide tax-compliant receipts without creating extra admin work for your team.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top POS solutions for nonprofits, including affordable and simple options that don’t require expensive hardware. We’ll focus on tools that streamline sales and donation processing to save you time and money.
Why do nonprofits need a POS system?
For nonprofits, every interaction is an opportunity to connect, inspire, and raise support. But without a reliable point-of-sale (POS) system, you risk clunky processes that can turn donors off and stop them from completing a donation or purchase altogether.
What is the best point-of-sale (POS) system for nonprofits?
A Point of Sale (POS) system for nonprofits is specialized software that goes beyond being just a payment processing platform. Think of it as your organization's command center – it handles sales transactions, tracks donations, can accept multiple payment types, manages inventory, and even helps with donor relationships.
You can accept payments, but more importantly, you can collect in-person donations on the go without requiring cash or checks. All the features available with a POS help you organize donations or sales with digital receipts of every transaction, and typically offer an automatic deposit to your nonprofit’s bank account.
Unlike standard retail POS systems or credit card processors, nonprofit POS solutions are built with features that cater to the unique needs of charitable organizations:
It processes both traditional sales and charitable donations in one system
Accepts ACH transactions and credit card payments with a mobile card reader
Syncs up to donation forms for consistent donation experiences
Offers donor management tools to track giving history and relationships
Handles tax-deductible receipts automatically
Provides special pricing options for membership programs
Often includes event ticketing and registration features
Creates detailed reports for board meetings and grant requirements
We’ll cover how to choose the best POS system for your nonprofit, along with our top pick for nonprofits– Zeffy’s Tap to Pay.
How does a nonprofit POS differ from a retail POS?
Responsive Table
Nonprofit POS
Retail POS
Primary Purpose
Designed to process donations and sales while supporting mission-based goals
Designed primarily for product sales and inventory management
Donation Support
Built-in tools for one-time and recurring donations
May require workarounds or third-party tools for donation processing
Not included; must be created manually or with add-ons
Event & Ticketing Features
Often includes event registration and ticketing tools
Typically not built-in; designed for retail events or promotions
Fundraising Integrations
Syncs with online donation forms and fundraising tools
Rarely includes native fundraising integrations
Fee Structure
May offer lower or no fees (like Zeffy’s zero-fee POS)
Standard transaction fees apply
Hardware Requirements
Often hardware-free, mobile-first (like Zeffy’s Tap to Pay via smartphone)
Typically requires card readers, terminals, and checkout stations
Choosing the best POS systems for charity events and donations
Step 1: Identify how you can streamline operations
Your POS system should do more than ring up sales. It should help capture every opportunity to give, simplify event logistics, and reduce admin time. A POS allows you to raise money quickly and efficiently while staying focused on your mission.
Here are just a few ways nonprofits use POS systems to streamline their efforts:
Spontaneous in-person giving (no cash? No problem—accept tap-to-pay, cards, and mobile wallets)
Thrift store or gift shop sales with receipts and real-time inventory tracking
Fundraising events with tax-compliant receipts and integrated donation processing
Selling tickets at the door during community events or benefit dinners
Accepting online donations via the same system or app
Managing membership programs and recurring payments
Running silent auctions with quick, flexible payment options
Launching mobile fundraising campaigns with volunteers using smartphones
By simplifying transactions and eliminating extra steps, your POS system becomes an essential tool for boosting efficiency and saving your team time, both during and after an event.
Step 2: Evaluate top features of nonprofit POS systems
Not all POS tools are built for nonprofits. You need a system that reflects the complexity of your work and makes it simpler, combining mission-driven fundraising with efficient, professional operations. Here are the must-have features:
Donation tracking
Nonprofits often rely on both retail income and donor contributions. A nonprofit-friendly POS should process donations as easily as merchandise sales, and keep those donations separate for accurate reporting (including recurring payments). For example, at a community fundraiser, taking a donation right at the check-out table without switching apps makes capturing generosity in the moment easier.
Whether it’s a charity dinner, community clean-up day, or a museum benefit, events are a core part of nonprofit engagement. A built-in event feature saves time, reduces manual entry, and offers a seamless attendee experience. Selling event tickets on-site or online from the same dashboard can increase attendance and streamline planning for future events.
Tracking supporter history isn’t just for development directors; it’s crucial for meaningful engagement. Look for POS systems that integrate sales and donations with supporter profiles, enabling you to build long-term relationships. Knowing a guest who just bought a t-shirt also donates monthly allows your team to send a personalized thank-you note that reinforces loyalty.
When your POS is handling data and tracking for you, there’s far less admin work to tackle after an event or big sales day.
Automated, IRS-compliant donation receipts
When your system can automatically generate and send IRS-compliant tax receipts, it reduces the administrative burden on your team and ensures that supporters receive the necessary paperwork promptly. For example, someone who buys a raffle ticket at a pop-up booth instantly receives their tax-deductible receipt via email.
A payment processor that accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless options helps maximize donations and sales. Especially for community events or on-the-go fundraising, flexibility is key. At a mobile food stand during a park cleanup, being able to accept a tap-to-pay donation from a smartphone means never missing a contribution.
Important to note: With Zeffy's 100% free option, you can also avoid processing fees to keep all of your donations.
Many modern POS systems (like Zeffy) let you accept donations and sales directly from your smartphone—no expensive hardware or terminals required. This is a game-changer for volunteer teams at farmers markets or school events, where simplicity matters and budgets are tight.
Step 3. Make a choice that works best for your organization
When selecting a POS system, look beyond payment processing. The best tools help you grow stronger relationships with your supporters, demonstrate accountability to your board and funders, and streamline every part of the donation and sales process.
Choose a system that meets you where you are: cost-effective, user-friendly, mobile-ready, and fully integrated with your existing nonprofit tools. Whether planning your next major fundraiser or just looking to avoid missing out on walk-up donations, the right POS system should move with you, not slow you down.
Lean on Zeffy, the only 100% free POS & fundraising tool
Zeffy, North America's first and only 100% free fundraising software for nonprofits and Certified B-Corp, launched the first point-of-sale (POS) solution for nonprofits to deliver on features without the cost. Zeffy's Tap to Pay is the first—and only—free point-of-sale (POS) and credit card processing solution that enables nonprofits in the United States to accept in-person transactions.
If that sounds too good to be true, Thibaut Jaurou—Zeffy's co-founder and CTO, says that the current payment processing systems weren't made with nonprofits in mind, so they've never really worked for nonprofits. Zeffy was created to break the mold:
“For too long, the technology offered to nonprofits was way behind that of other, for-profit industries. Zeffy was founded to reverse that paradigm.”
Able to accept all payment types right from your iPhone—including all major credit cards, debit card payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay—Zeffy was trying to create the best POS solution for nonprofits. And, according to Daniel Stec, Y'all's President and Co-Founder, they succeeded:
“As a new nonprofit caring for our community, every penny counts. Zeffy has been an incredible partner along our journey, and now, with Tap to Pay, gives us even more freedom to be creative in that care. Tap to Pay made it so easy for us to sling those hotdogs at our event and feed the queer community in Indianapolis while raising money for our organization. We loved connecting with each person in a more personal way.”
Since day one, Zeffy has been working hard to get involved and support nonprofits while they work to make our world a better place. Developing Tap to Pay, the first donation POS system with 0% fees for nonprofit credit card processing, was a natural next step and the right thing to do. François de Kerret, co-founder and CEO, says it best:
“Zeffy's here to empower nonprofits to raise more by charging 0% in fees. We made this possible online, but nonprofits still had to purchase expensive devices and pay fees of 3% or more to accept in-person donations. Tap to Pay is a significant innovation for nonprofits that want to eliminate costs and replace in-person cash and cheque donations.”
$0 fees and 100% free donations/features for nonprofits
2.6% + 10¢ per transaction for in-person; 2.9% + 30¢ for online
2.29% + 9¢ per in-person transaction; 3.49% + 9¢ for invoicing
Hardware Needs
No hardware required; use your phone for Tap to Pay
Requires Square Reader or Register (starts around $49)
Requires Zettle Reader (starts around $29)
Automated Tax-Deductible Donations
Yes, automatic IRS-compliant receipts for donations
No, manual or via integration
No, manual or via PayPal interface
Donation Tracking
Built-in donation processing, tracks donor data
Primarily retail-focused, donation tracking possible with workarounds
Not tailored for donation tracking
Event Registration & Ticketing
Yes, included
Available with third-party apps or add-ons
Limited or not built-in
Donor Management
Integrated profiles and recurring donation tools
Requires integration (e.g., with CRM platforms)
Limited donor profile features
Reporting
Custom nonprofit reporting and insights
Standard sales and inventory reports
Basic reports
1. Zeffy - The best, 100% free POS for nonprofits
Zeffy is the only point-of-sale (POS) system built exclusively for nonprofits that charges zero fees—no software fees, no credit card processing fees, and no fees for any transaction type. It allows nonprofits to process donations, event tickets, and merchandise sales from a single platform, all without sacrificing a percentage of their revenue.
Key features for nonprofits:
No hardware needed - Zeffy’s Tap to Pay POS app that works directly from any iPhone (no card reader or terminal needed)
Supports credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
Automatically issues tax-deductible receipts for donations
Includes event ticketing, donor tracking, and CRM integrations
Provides easy-to-generate reports for board meetings or grant documentation
100% online and mobile-friendly with no software or setup fees
Considerations for nonprofits
Currently available only in the U.S.
Tap to Pay requires internet access and iPhone compatibility
Pricing & hardware needs
In-person and online donation processing fees: 0% (covered by voluntary donor contributions)
Hardware: None required—just an iPhone with Tap to Pay enabled
Monthly fees: $0
Hidden fees: $0
Feedback from other nonprofits
“Zeffy has been a great partner. Constantly offering suggestions on how to best use the platform. I have tried almost all of the features. I love that it keeps coming up with new things to support nonprofits. I saw it announced being able to take tap pay from your phone. That is amazing not to have to purchase another device.” - Athenia R, Executive Director
2. Square - POS for increased event sales and merchandise
Square is a widely used POS platform that offers a free app, easy setup, and flexible payment options. While it’s not specifically designed for nonprofits, many small to mid-sized organizations utilize it for event sales, merchandise, and occasional donations.
Key features for nonprofits
Free POS app with inventory tracking and sales reporting
Can accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Online store capabilities for selling branded items
Donation “workaround” via custom buttons or online forms
Digital or printed receipts
Considerations for nonprofits
No built-in donor management or tax-deductible receipt functionality
Donation tracking must be manually integrated or exported
Limited nonprofit-specific reporting or CRM integrations
Square fundraising pages and donor-specific flows require extra setup or third-party tools
Pricing & hardware needs
In-person processing fee: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
Online donation/store fee: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
Hardware: Optional Square Reader for magstripe ($10) or contactless + chip reader ($59); Square Terminal starts at $299
“I love how everything integrates into Square and when we have a feature that we would love to see Square is there to listen to us. Everything is so easy to set up and fairly easy to understand. What I love as well, is that we are able to easily pack up our POS for when we have off site events, which is very often during the summer months.” - Joseph B.
3. PayPal - POS for occasional donations
PayPal Zettle is a mobile POS solution that integrates seamlessly with PayPal accounts, making it easy for nonprofits already using PayPal to accept in-person payments. It’s free to use and straightforward, but not tailored to nonprofit needs.
Key features for nonprofits
Syncs with PayPal for easy access to funds
Accepts chip cards, contactless payments, Apple Pay & Google Pay
“What I like most about PayPal Zettle is its seamless integration with PayPal, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for managing payments both online and offline. The user-friendly interface, quick setup, and the ability to accept a wide range of payment methods enhance the overall experience for both businesses and customers. Additionally, the detailed analytics and reporting features provide valuable insights into sales performance, which is crucial for making informed business decisions.” - Ruksana B.
The best payment system for nonprofits is one that aligns with both your mission and your operational needs. Look for a system that can handle both sales and donations, offering tools such as donor tracking and tax-receipt automation, integrates with your fundraising efforts, and ideally keeps fees as low as possible.
Some platforms, like Zeffy, are specifically designed for nonprofits and offer 100% fee-free processing, which can significantly enhance your fundraising impact.
Square offers a free POS app and dashboard, but it’s not entirely free for nonprofits. At the same time, there is no monthly fee to use the software; Square charges processing fees on every transaction, typically 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions and 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions.
It also doesn’t offer built-in tools like donor CRM or tax-deductible receipts, so you may need to create manual workarounds or use additional software to meet your nonprofit's specific needs.
Yes—Zeffy is currently the only POS system that doesn’t charge any fees to nonprofits for in-person or online payments. That means 0% processing fees, no hardware requirements, and no monthly charges.
Optional donor contributions power Zeffy, so nonprofits keep 100% of every dollar raised. It's explicitly designed to support nonprofit operations, from fundraising to donor engagement.
