Key Takeaways
The average nonprofit uses 8-12 software tools. Most are underutilized, poorly integrated, and collectively costing more than realized. After more than 30 years helping nonprofits, the technology conversation I have most often is not "what should we add?" but "what can we simplify?"
The Software Stack
Tier 1: Essential
Tier 2: Important ($500K+ Budget)
- Project / Task Management
- Fundraising / Event Management
Quick Picks by Category
CRM: Little Green Light ($45/mo), Bloomerang ($119/mo), Salesforce (10 free licenses) Accounting: QuickBooks Online ($30/mo, 50% discount), Aplos ($59/mo fund accounting), Sage Intacct (enterprise) Email: Mailchimp (free to 500 contacts), Constant Contact ($12/mo), HubSpot (free tier) Projects: Asana (free to 10 users), Monday.com ($8/user), Trello (free), Notion (free) Online Giving: GiveButter (free), Classy (enterprise), Network for Good
Integration Strategy: Hub and Spoke
CRM as the hub. Every other tool integrates. Priority: CRM to online giving, email, accounting, events, volunteers. If a tool does not integrate, find one that does or establish manual sync.
Technology Budget
Plan to spend 3-5% of operating budget on technology. Under $250K org: $5K-$12.5K. $250K-$1M: $7.5K-$50K. $1M-$5M: $30K-$250K.
Tangible Takeaway
Audit what you have before shopping for new tools. List every subscription, who uses it, and integration status. Most organizations discover 2-3 redundant subscriptions, 1-2 unused tools, and at least one critical gap. Fix redundancies first.
Frequently Asked Questions
All-in-one or best-of-breed? For most small to mid-size nonprofits, a strong CRM plus 2-3 complementary tools is the right balance.
How do we get nonprofit discounts? TechSoup provides donated and discounted software. Google Workspace for Nonprofits is free. Apply with 501(c)(3) status.
When to switch from spreadsheets? Donor management: around 200 contacts. Accounting: around $100K annual revenue.
About the Author
Drew Giddings is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Giddings Consulting Group, with more than 30 years of experience in organizational development and strategic planning.
Contact Giddings Consulting Group to discuss technology strategy or capacity building for your nonprofit.
About the Author
Drew Giddings
Founder & Principal Consultant
Drew Giddings brings more than two decades of experience working with mission-driven organizations to strengthen their capacity for equity and community impact. His work focuses on helping nonprofits build sustainable strategies that center community voice and create lasting change.
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