10 Best Membership Management Software for Nonprofits in 2026

Choosing membership management software for your nonprofit is a high-stakes decision. The wrong tool wastes staff time, frustrates members, and creates data headaches that take months to untangle. The right one automates renewals, keeps your member data in one place, and frees your team to focus on your mission.

We evaluated dozens of platforms and narrowed the list to the 10 best membership management software options for nonprofits in 2026. Each review includes real pricing, standout features, honest limitations, and who the software is best suited for.

What to Look for in Nonprofit Membership Management Software

Before diving into the reviews, here's what actually matters when evaluating membership management software for your nonprofit:

• Automated renewals: Members should be able to renew themselves online. Automated reminders before expiration are essential — manual renewal tracking is the #1 time sink for nonprofit staff.
• Integrated payments: When someone pays, their member status should update automatically. If you're still matching PayPal transactions to a spreadsheet, you're burning hours every week.
• One source of truth: A single member database that everyone on your team trusts. No more reconciling the membership chair's spreadsheet with the treasurer's.
• Self-service for members: Members should be able to update their own contact info, check their status, and renew without calling or emailing anyone.
• Reporting: You need to pull accurate member counts, renewal rates, and revenue numbers for board meetings and grant applications without manual counting.
• Pricing that fits nonprofit budgets: Many nonprofits operate on tight margins. Software costs need to make sense relative to the staff time they save.

The 10 Best Membership Management Software for Nonprofits

1. Communal

Best for: Community organizations, recreation centers, and nonprofits that need memberships, events, facilities, and volunteers in one system

Pricing: Starts at $100/month for up to 250 members. Scales based on member count. No per-transaction fees on memberships.

Key features:

• Automated membership renewals with configurable reminder schedules
• Digital membership cards for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet with QR code verification
• Self-service member portal for renewals, profile updates, and payment history
• Searchable member directory with privacy controls
• Integrated event management, facility booking, volunteer coordination, and donation processing with automatic tax receipts
• Family and household memberships with regional pricing support
• Stripe payments deposited directly to your bank account

Strengths: Communal is a true all-in-one platform. Rather than just handling memberships, it connects membership data to events, facility bookings, volunteer shifts, and donations. When a member registers for an event, their membership pricing applies automatically. When they donate, the tax receipt generates instantly. This eliminates the need for separate tools and the manual data syncing that comes with them. The Tuscany Sports Club, a volunteer-driven organization serving 500+ children, estimated roughly 10,000 hours saved compared to their previous manual processes after switching to Communal.

Limitations: Communal is built for community-oriented organizations (recreation centers, community leagues, sports clubs, cultural centers). It's not designed for trade associations or professional membership bodies that need credentialing features. Also, at $100/month starting, it's not the cheapest option — though the all-in-one nature means you're replacing several tools, not just one.

Best for nonprofits that: Run programs, manage facilities, coordinate volunteers, and process donations alongside memberships. If you're juggling 3-4 separate tools today, consolidating into Communal typically saves both money and significant staff time.

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2. Wild Apricot

Best for: Small to mid-sized associations and membership organizations

Pricing: Starts at $63/month. Free 60-day trial available.

Key features:

• Member database with contact management
• Drag-and-drop website builder with membership widgets
• Built-in payment processing (credit cards, ACH, recurring)
• Event management with registration forms
• Email communications and member directory
• Mobile app for iOS and Android
• Online store for merchandise

Strengths: Wild Apricot has been in the membership management space for years and has a mature feature set. The built-in website builder is useful for organizations that don't have an existing site. The integration ecosystem is extensive, connecting with over 1,000 platforms through Make (formerly Integromat). It's a solid all-around choice that handles the basics well.

Limitations: Wild Apricot can feel complex for organizations that just need straightforward membership management. The interface has accumulated features over the years, which means a steeper learning curve. Several users report that customization options are limited once you go beyond the standard templates. Organizations that already have a website may not need or want the built-in website builder. Volunteer management and facility booking are not core features.

Best for nonprofits that: Need a combination of membership management and website hosting, and want a well-established platform with an extensive integration ecosystem.

3. Bloomerang

Best for: Nonprofits focused on donor management that also need membership tracking

Pricing: Starts at $25/month.

Key features:

• Combined donor and member tracking in one CRM
• Engagement timeline showing all interactions per contact
• Multi-channel communications (email, direct mail, text)
• Automated renewals and member updates
• Customizable online membership forms
• Smart reporting with data-driven giving potential identification
• Integrations with DonorSearch, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp

Strengths: Bloomerang's strongest differentiator is its donor-centric approach. If your nonprofit's primary concern is fundraising and you also happen to have a membership program, Bloomerang connects both in one view. The engagement timeline gives you a complete picture of each supporter's relationship with your organization. The $25/month entry price is the lowest on this list for a paid tool.

Limitations: Bloomerang is fundamentally a donor management platform with membership features added on. If membership is your primary function (not fundraising), you may find the membership-specific features less developed than dedicated membership tools. It lacks facility booking, volunteer shift scheduling, and digital membership card features.

Best for nonprofits that: Are primarily fundraising organizations that also manage a membership program, and want one platform for both.

4. Zeffy

Best for: Small nonprofits with tight budgets looking for a free option

Pricing: 100% free. No platform fees, no transaction fees. Funded by optional donor contributions at checkout.

Key features:

• Customizable membership forms with multiple types
• Automatic renewal scheduling
• Digital membership cards
• Automatic tax receipt generation
• Integrated CRM for member contact management
• Accepts credit/debit, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Import/export capabilities

Strengths: Zeffy's pricing model is genuinely unique — it's completely free for nonprofits. There are no hidden fees, no per-transaction charges, and no feature limitations based on pricing tiers. For small nonprofits where every dollar counts, this removes a real barrier. Over 50,000 nonprofits use Zeffy, which suggests the model is sustainable. The core membership features (forms, renewals, receipts) work well for straightforward needs.

Limitations: "Free" comes with trade-offs. Zeffy adds an optional tip prompt for donors at checkout, which some organizations find awkward. The feature set is more limited than paid alternatives — you won't find facility booking, advanced volunteer management, or deep reporting capabilities. Organizations that outgrow Zeffy's capabilities face a migration, which always costs time. The platform is also more focused on Canadian nonprofits, though it works internationally.

Best for nonprofits that: Are early-stage or very budget-constrained, have simple membership needs, and want to eliminate software costs entirely.

5. Neon One (NeonCRM)

Best for: Growing nonprofits that need donor management alongside membership tools

Pricing: Starts at $99/month.

Key features:

• Member data tracking with offline interaction logging
• Customizable membership application forms with multiple tiers
• Member portal and searchable directory
• Automated workflows (thank-you emails, engagement-based outreach)
• Grant tracking and deadline management
• Seamless payment processing (credit/debit, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• 50+ integration partners

Strengths: NeonCRM offers a strong combination of membership and donor management with sophisticated automation capabilities. The workflow builder lets you create automated sequences — for example, when a member joins at a specific tier, they automatically receive a welcome series, get added to a segment, and trigger a task for staff follow-up. Grant tracking is a standout feature for nonprofits that rely on grant funding. The integration ecosystem with 50+ partners is robust.

Limitations: At $99/month for the base tier, Neon One is a meaningful investment. Several users report that the platform can feel overwhelming initially due to the breadth of features. It's designed more for traditional nonprofits (fundraising, grants, advocacy) than for community organizations that need operational tools like facility booking or program registration.

Best for nonprofits that: Need a CRM that handles both membership and fundraising with workflow automation, especially those that manage grants.

6. MemberClicks

Best for: Professional associations and chambers of commerce

Pricing: Starting at $4,500/year (approximately $375/month).

Key features:

• Membership database with tracking and segmentation
• Online payment processing with automated dues renewals
• Event management (registrations, scheduling, payments)
• Targeted email marketing campaigns
• Website builder or integration options
• Reporting and analytics

Strengths: MemberClicks is purpose-built for associations and membership organizations. The platform understands the association model — where members might be organizations rather than individuals. The email marketing tools are more sophisticated than what most membership platforms offer, with proper segmentation and campaign scheduling. It's been in the space for a long time and has deep domain expertise.

Limitations: The pricing is significantly higher than alternatives, starting at $4,500/year. This puts it out of reach for many smaller nonprofits. The platform is designed more for professional associations than for community organizations or charities. If you need facility booking, volunteer management, or donation processing, you'll need additional tools.

Best for nonprofits that: Are actually professional associations or chambers of commerce with the budget to match, especially where members are organizations rather than individuals.

7. CiviCRM

Best for: Technically capable nonprofits that want an open-source solution

Pricing: Free to download and use. Hosting and support costs vary — budget approximately $15-50/month for hosting, plus implementation costs.

Key features:

• Customizable membership management with automated renewals
• Contact database for supporters and volunteers
• Donor and contribution tracking
• Email campaigns and newsletters
• Event registration with payments
• Grant tracking and case management
• Open-source with full code access

Strengths: CiviCRM is the most flexible option on this list because it's open-source. You can customize everything. For organizations with technical staff or access to a CiviCRM consultant, this flexibility is powerful. There are no licensing fees, and you have complete control over your data. CiviCRM integrates with popular CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Backdrop), which means it can plug into your existing website infrastructure. The community of developers and implementers is active and helpful.

Limitations: CiviCRM requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain. If you don't have someone comfortable with web hosting, database management, and software updates, you'll need to hire a CiviCRM consultant or managed hosting provider — which adds cost. The user interface is functional but dated compared to modern SaaS tools. There's no native mobile app. While "free" is appealing, the total cost of ownership (hosting + implementation + maintenance) often exceeds that of a SaaS membership platform.

Best for nonprofits that: Have technical resources (in-house or outsourced), want maximum customization and data control, and are comfortable with the trade-offs of open-source software.

8. Glue Up

Best for: International organizations, multi-chapter associations, and event-heavy nonprofits

Pricing: Starting around $2,500/year. Custom pricing based on organization size and features.

Key features:

• AI-powered CRM with segmentation and engagement scoring
• Event management for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
• Membership automation (onboarding, renewals, communications)
• Private member communities and discussion boards
• Branded email campaigns and newsletters
• Mobile apps for administrators and members
• Multi-currency payment processing
• Workflow automation with drag-and-drop builder

Strengths: Glue Up stands out for organizations that operate across multiple locations or countries. Multi-currency support, multi-language capabilities, and chapter management features make it a strong choice for international nonprofits. The event management tools are particularly robust, supporting in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. The private community features (discussion boards, member networking) add a social element that most membership platforms lack. AI-powered engagement scoring can help identify members at risk of lapsing.

Limitations: Glue Up's pricing isn't transparent — you need to request a demo for exact costs. The platform is more association-focused than nonprofit-focused, so features like donation management and tax receipts aren't as developed. The breadth of features can make the platform feel complex for organizations with simple needs. If you're a local nonprofit without international operations, many of Glue Up's distinguishing features won't be relevant.

Best for nonprofits that: Operate internationally, manage multiple chapters, or run frequent events across different formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid).

9. JoinIt

Best for: Small organizations that need simple, affordable membership management

Pricing: $29/month for up to 500 members, plus 3% service fee on online transactions.

Key features:

• Membership CRM with custom fields
• Digital membership cards with phone storage
• Robust analytics with multi-criteria search
• Event check-in functionality
• Complimentary migration services
• Integrations with WordPress, Zoom, Zoho CRM, and Slack

Strengths: JoinIt takes a focused approach — it does membership management and does it simply. The $29/month price point is accessible, and the included migration services reduce switching friction. Digital membership cards are included without extra cost. The analytics and search capabilities are surprisingly strong for the price point. If you just need to manage who's a member, collect dues, and send basic communications, JoinIt handles that without overwhelming you with features you don't need.

Limitations: The 3% service fee on transactions adds up. On $50,000 in annual dues, that's $1,500 in fees on top of the monthly subscription. The feature set is intentionally limited — no volunteer management, no facility booking, no donation processing with tax receipts. Event management is basic. Integrations are limited compared to larger platforms. Organizations that grow beyond straightforward membership management will likely outgrow JoinIt.

Best for nonprofits that: Have straightforward membership needs, a small to mid-sized member base, and want simplicity over feature breadth.

10. Springly (formerly AssoConnect)

Best for: Small to mid-sized nonprofits, clubs, and associations in the early stages of digital transformation

Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $45/month for up to 250 contacts.

Key features:

• Comprehensive member profiles
• Online payment collection
• Email communications
• Online merchandise store
• Team collaboration and task delegation
• Campaign tools for fundraising
• QuickBooks integration

Strengths: Springly occupies a middle ground between free tools and enterprise platforms. The free plan lets organizations test the waters before committing. The interface is clean and modern, designed for non-technical users. The combination of membership management, basic fundraising, and an online store covers the core needs of many small nonprofits. The TechSoup partnership adds credibility in the nonprofit space.

Limitations: The contact limits on pricing tiers can become expensive as you grow — 250 contacts at $45/month means you'll quickly scale into higher pricing tiers. The platform is less well-known than competitors, which means a smaller community for support and fewer third-party integrations. Reporting capabilities are basic compared to tools like Bloomerang or NeonCRM. No facility booking or volunteer shift management.

Best for nonprofits that: Are transitioning from spreadsheets to their first real membership platform and want something approachable with room to grow.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Software for Your Nonprofit

The "best" membership management software depends on what your nonprofit actually does and where it struggles. Here's a practical framework:

Start With Your Biggest Pain Point

• If renewals are falling through the cracks: Every tool on this list automates renewals. The differentiator is how seamlessly renewal connects to payment processing and member status updates. Look for platforms where renewal, payment, and status update happen in one step — not three.
• If you're drowning in disconnected tools: Count how many separate systems you use today (spreadsheets, PayPal, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, SignUp Genius). If it's more than two, an all-in-one platform like Communal or Wild Apricot will save significant staff time by eliminating manual data syncing.
• If fundraising is your primary concern: Bloomerang or NeonCRM will serve you better than a general membership tool. They're built around the donor relationship, with membership as an extension of that.
• If budget is the overriding constraint: Zeffy (free) or CiviCRM (free, self-hosted) remove the software cost entirely. Just account for the trade-offs in features and the staff time required for workarounds.

Do the Real Math on Cost

Software cost is just one line item. The real calculation:

Scenario A: Free or cheap tools

• $0-29/month for software
• 15+ hours/month in staff time managing disconnected systems
• At $20/hour effective cost: $300+/month in labor

Scenario B: Integrated membership platform

• $100-150/month for software
• 5 hours/month in staff time
• At $20/hour effective cost: $100/month in labor
• Total: $200-250/month

The Big Apple Knitters Guild experienced this firsthand. Multiple volunteers were maintaining separate Excel files, leading to constantly out-of-sync records and duplicate payments. After consolidating into one system, "all volunteers now work from the same up-to-date database" — eliminating hours of weekly reconciliation work.

Run a Real Trial

Don't choose software based on feature lists alone. During your trial:

1. Import a sample of your actual member data (not test data)
2. Have your least technical team member try to add a member and process a renewal
3. Test the member-facing experience — sign up, renew, update profile
4. Generate the reports you actually need for board meetings
5. Check whether your specific membership structure works (family plans, tiered pricing, regional rates)

If your least technical team member can't figure it out, the rest of your team won't use it either.

What's Changed in 2026

The membership management software landscape has shifted meaningfully in the past year:

• All-in-one platforms are winning: Organizations are moving away from stitching together separate tools for memberships, events, and donations. The integration tax — the staff time spent moving data between systems — is too high for nonprofits with limited resources.
• Digital membership cards are standard: Apple Wallet and Google Wallet integration has moved from a nice-to-have to an expectation. Members want their card on their phone, not a plastic card in their wallet.
• Self-service is non-negotiable: Members expect to manage their own accounts. Platforms without a member portal — where members can renew, update info, and view history — are falling behind.
• Free isn't always cheaper: The rise of Zeffy has made "free" an option, but organizations are learning that the cheapest tool is the one that saves the most staff time, even if it has a monthly cost.

Final Recommendation

For most nonprofits that manage memberships alongside events, volunteers, or facilities, Communal provides the broadest coverage in a single platform. The all-in-one approach eliminates the disconnected tools problem that plagues most community organizations.

For donor-focused nonprofits where fundraising is the primary mission, Bloomerang offers the best value at $25/month with strong donor-membership integration.

For budget-constrained organizations with simple needs, Zeffy removes the cost barrier entirely and handles the basics well.

And for technically capable nonprofits that want full control, CiviCRM offers unmatched flexibility as an open-source platform.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is moving away from manual processes. Every hour your staff spends chasing renewals, reconciling spreadsheets, or manually entering data is an hour not spent on your mission.

Ready to see how an all-in-one platform works? Book a demo with Communal to see membership management, event registration, facility booking, and volunteer coordination working together.