At Communal, we see how vital events are for nonprofits in driving fundraising, engagement, and awareness.
While many nonprofits rely on well-known platforms, we've discovered several powerful event management solutions that offer unique features perfectly suited for nonprofit needs.
Drawing from our experience in the field, we'll share 5 non-profit event software tools that we recommend using in 2025 to help nonprofits streamline their event planning, enhance registration processes, and boost fundraising efforts - all while being mindful of budget constraints.
Let's not waste any time and dive right in.
1. Hi.Events
Hi.Events is a modern event management platform designed specifically for nonprofits and community organizations. Here's what makes it unique:
Pros:
- Open-source platform with full customization control
- No commission fees on ticket sales
- Comprehensive analytics and flexible ticketing options
- Embeddable widget for website sales
- Built-in messaging and check-in tools
Cons:
- Cloud version still in development
- Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
- Limited third-party integrations
- Longer setup time than alternatives
Our take:
Hi.Events is a great option for tech-savvy nonprofits looking for a customizable solution. Their open-source approach means you have full control over your event management platform.
2. Partiful
Partiful is a modern, user-friendly event management platform that's gained significant popularity for its simplicity and social features. Here's what makes it special:
Pros:
- 100% free platform with no paywalls
- Modern, customizable invitation designs
- Built-in polling for date selection
- Group messaging and text blast features
- Integrated payment collection (Venmo, Cash App, PayPal)
- GoFundMe integration for fundraising
- Photo album sharing capabilities
Cons:
- More focused on social events than professional fundraising
- Limited advanced ticketing features
- No dedicated nonprofit-specific tools
- Mobile-first approach may not suit all users
Our take:
Partiful is perfect for nonprofits organizing smaller, community-focused events. While it may not have all the advanced fundraising features of traditional nonprofit platforms, its modern interface and social features make it excellent for engaging younger donors and organizing community gatherings.
3. SignUpGenius
SignUpGenius is a versatile event management and volunteer coordination platform that has become a trusted solution for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Here's what sets it apart:
Pros:
- Easy-to-use volunteer recruitment and coordination tools
- Customizable sign-up forms with hundreds of design options
- Automated email and text notifications
- Money collection capabilities
- Flexible scheduling with start/stop dates
- Custom form fields for gathering participant information
- Enterprise options for larger organizations
- Integration capabilities with other platforms
Cons:
- Free version includes ads
- Some advanced features require premium plans
- Limited fundraising-specific features
- Basic design templates may feel dated
Our take:
SignUpGenius excels at organizing volunteers and coordinating group activities. Its straightforward interface and robust scheduling features make it an excellent choice for nonprofits that frequently manage volunteers, with additional enterprise features available for larger organizations.
4. Givebutter
Givebutter is a comprehensive fundraising platform that combines modern features with robust donor management capabilities. Here's what makes it notable:
Pros:
- Free base plan with extensive features
- Modern, user-friendly interface
- Multiple payment options (Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Built-in CRM and donor management tools
- Automated marketing and engagement features
- 24/7 customer support
- Extensive integration capabilities
- Mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons:
- Some advanced features require premium plans
- Transaction fees on the free plan
- Learning curve for complex features
- Limited customization on free tier
Our take:
Givebutter stands out for its modern approach to nonprofit fundraising. The platform offers an impressive suite of tools in its free tier, making it particularly attractive for growing nonprofits that need both fundraising and donor management capabilities in one place. Their Plus tier adds powerful automation and analytics features for organizations ready to scale.
5. Zeffy
Zeffy distinguishes itself with a unique 100% free model and comprehensive fundraising features. Here's what sets it apart:
Pros:
- Completely free platform with no transaction fees
- Full suite of fundraising tools (events, auctions, raffles)
- Donor management system included
- Tap-to-Pay feature for in-person donations
- eCommerce capabilities
- Membership management
- Customizable fundraising forms
- Optional donor-funded model
Cons:
- Newer platform compared to established competitors
- Limited third-party integrations
- Basic design templates
- May lack some advanced features of paid platforms
Our take:
Zeffy is an excellent choice for nonprofits looking to maximize their fundraising dollars. Their unique approach of covering all fees through optional donor tips means organizations keep 100% of their donations. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some paid platforms, its comprehensive feature set and zero-fee structure make it a compelling option for budget-conscious nonprofits.