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How is Zeffy free?
How is Zeffy free?
Zeffy relies entirely on optional contributions from donors. At the payment confirmation step - we ask donors to leave an optional contribution to Zeffy.
Save up to $10,000+ this year using these free tools and discounts built for nonprofits.
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. It’s the perfect answer to your search for “free stuff for nonprofits.”
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 2025!
Best CRM and Donor Management Software
Among free resources for nonprofits, Free CRM software is critical. You need to be able to manage your donors, your donations, and even your social media strategy. These tools can get super expensive, so you’ll want options that are free to you, helping support your cause.
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.
But for maximum community engagement, you need software that specializes in fundraising. It can provide valuable insights, raise awareness, help with your marketing efforts, and help you track your donations. And you can work with many platforms for free.
3. 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.
Want to bring it down even specifically? How about software designed specifically to help your silent auction?
5. 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
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
Email marketing is critical among your free resources for nonprofits. You’ll want to send out emails to your donors to raise funds, alert them of upcoming events, and even plan for video and audio conferencing.
7. 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
8. 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
Responsive Table
Tool
Free Plan Limits
Price (if paid)
Zeffy
Donorbox
Limited + fees
$139/mo + processing fees
100% free, no fees
Givebutter
Processing fees
% based
100% free, no fees
Zeffy
No limits
$0
✅
Free Tools for Marketing and Productivity
Free Graphics
To attract more donors, you’ll want a professional online video maker, a video editing tool, and a tool that enables nonprofits to improve their marketing efforts through clean, clear images. Here are your free options.
9. 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
10. 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
Social Media Marketing Tools for a Nonprofit Organization
After email marketing and web design, social media marketing tools are essential. You can create photo collages and post about volunteer opportunities and local events.
11. 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
12. 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 AI Software for Nonprofits
AI can be one of the most powerful free resources for nonprofits when it comes to managing fundraising campaigns. With automation and machine learning, users can manage an online database and enhance professional development, all while raising awareness and funds.
13. Zeffy AI Fundraiser + Grant Finder
With Zeffy, you can simply enter your cause and region in the grant finder bar, and our Grant Finder will locate several, and often dozens, of grants available to you, from the most popular to the most obscure.
And it’s completely free with zero limits on usage.
Salesforce's Einstein is an advanced CRM solution that enables users to use 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
15. Otter AI
Otter AI enables users to 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
Bonus:
By the way, Zeffy offers AI-powered tools built specifically for nonprofits, helping organizations discover funding opportunities and generate fresh fundraising ideas all for free. With Zeffy, you can:
Instantly find grants tailored to your mission with the AI Grant Finder
Keep every dollar you raise, with zero platform fees
Website Builders with a Free Plan or Trial
Before you even think about social media platforms, social media posts, and video ads, you need a website with multiple pages. You’ll want an online database, linked to Google Analytics, and it all starts with your website, and those can get super expensive. Fortunately, you can choose from companies that offer free stuff!
16. 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
17. Weebly
Weebly offers drag-and-drop functionality to create websites to improve online presence.
Zeffy gives nonprofits the ability to create free fundraising pages, donation forms, and event ticketing sites without paying hosting fees or transaction fees. With Zeffy, you can:
Build a donation or fundraising page for free
Set up event ticketing and raffles online
Create a customized fundraising website that collects 100% of the donations raised
Free Stuff and Discounts from Companies
Accounting Software
Another tool in your nonprofit library must be accounting software to track your expenses and donations. This will help you report your finances at the end of every year and review your reports to set new goals each year. Each of these options connects nonprofits to the accounting resources you need.
18. 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
19. 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
Top Free Event Management Software for Nonprofits
Among free resources for nonprofits, event management software will help you prepare for specific events.
When it comes to donor management, communicating with board members and assigning tasks, and even collecting free stuff, project management tools are critical resources for nonprofits.
22. 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
23. 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
Of course, you want to be able to store and maintain your files and all of your data. You also want to share that information with your collaborators. Fortunately, you can utilize these free resources for nonprofits from multiple options.
24. 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
25. 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
Yes, of course you want to be able to communicate with your volunteers, board members, and your committee members. Here are the free tools available.
26. 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
27. 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
Wait, you mean you can automate tasks for your nonprofit? Yes! You can.
28. 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
29. Make
Make is an automation platform that helps create customized workflows without technical knowledge.
If you’re looking for specific nonprofit templates, check out these options.
30. 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.
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.
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.
It is essential to show gratitude for donors' contributions. Your nonprofit can write personalized thank you letters to increase donor retention and build relationships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
40. 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.
41. 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.
42. 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.
43. 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.
44. 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%.
45. 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.
46. Bitly
Bitly has a Spotlight on Inclusion program that allows nonprofits to use its URL shortener, tailored QR codes, and other features for free.
47. 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.
Need help figuring out where to start? How to market? How to raise awareness? How to track finances? Which steps to take in which order? That’s what these free guides are for.
Nonprofit guides
48. 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.
49. 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.
50. 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
Take those guides one step further and take one of these free courses.
51. 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.
52. 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.
53. 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
You can even engage in audio conferencing in these free webinars and workshops.
54. 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.
55. 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
One of the first lessons you’ll learn in fundraising is the power of your network. But how do you start building that network? With one of these free resources.
56. 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.
57. 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.
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
Reading the right publications and subscribing to the right resources can help you learn and grow. It’s an excellent opportunity for professional development in the area of fundraising.
59. 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.
Register on Nonprofit Library for free to attend the live demonstrations or get access to nonprofit tools or service demonstrations to achieve mission success.
62. 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.
63. 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:
Why Use 20 Free Tools When One Free Platform Can Do 80%?
Here are some low-cost ways to advertise local nonprofit organizations:
Use free email marketing platforms to send newsletters and inform subscribers about fundraising activities.
Create a social media strategy using marketing tools to promote your NPO.
Share press releases in local media magazines, radio, newspapers, and online platforms like Newswire.
Attend local events and conferences to share the word about your cause.
Seek local grant opportunities and sponsors within the community.
Organize local events by sending invites.
To request donations for a nonprofit, follow these steps:
Research potential donors: Identify and learn about prospective donors who align with your mission.
Build relationships: Engage with donors through personalized communication and regular updates.
Craft a compelling case: Clearly articulate the need and impact of the donations.
Choose the right channel: Use direct mail, emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings based on donor preferences.
Be direct and specific: Make a clear, direct ask and specify how donations will be used.
Follow up and show gratitude: Thank donors promptly and keep them informed about the impact of their contributions.
Nonprofits can access free legal assistance through organizations like Lawyers Alliance, which connects nonprofits with volunteer attorneys who provide guidance on legal matters such as incorporation, tax compliance, and contract drafting.
When it comes to free resources for nonprofit fundraising, Zeffy stands out as the only 100% free fundraising platform. Zeffy provides a comprehensive software for managing donations, organizing events, and running fundraising campaigns without any platform or transaction fees.
With tools like customizable donation forms and automated tax receipts, Zeffy ensures that all your fundraising needs are met efficiently and at no cost to your organization.
Top 51 Companies Offering Nonprofit Discounts in 2024
Save big in 2024 with our curated list of the top 51 companies providing exclusive discounts to nonprofits. Explore the best deals for your organization now!
