Free stuff for nonprofits: Guide to tools and resources

We’ve been there. And we know how tough it can be to do more with less.

That’s why we put together this guide. It’s full of tools, resources, and services that are either completely free or built with nonprofit budgets in mind. We’ll walk you through what’s out there, whether you're managing fundraising, organizing events, designing social media posts, or just trying to stay organized day to day.

Some of these tools will save you money. Others will save you time. The best ones do both.

At Harness, we’re all about helping nonprofits grow. That means giving you smart tools that make giving easier, and backing it up with expert support when you need it.

Let’s dive into the best free stuff for nonprofits.

Free nonprofit technology and software essentials

When you're running a nonprofit, having the right tools can make all the difference, but paying for them shouldn’t be the reason you can’t move forward. Luckily, there’s a growing list of platforms offering powerful features completely free or with special nonprofit discounts. These tools help you stay organized, manage your team, and keep your data in one place, without blowing your budget.

Best CRM and donor management platforms with a free plan

Every nonprofit needs a simple way to track donors, send thank-yous, and see who’s been giving (and who might give again). That’s where a good CRM, customer relationship management tool, comes in.

Here are a few worth checking out:

• Bloomerang Lite – Built specifically for small nonprofits, Bloomerang Lite offers core donor tracking, engagement tools, and even some basic reporting, for free.
• HubSpot CRM – While not nonprofit-specific, HubSpot’s free plan gives you tools to manage contacts, emails, and even marketing automation. It works well for orgs just getting started.
• Bitrix24 – Great if you want more than just CRM features. It includes project management, communication tools, and a donor database, all in one place.

When you're choosing a CRM, think about more than just features. Does it feel easy to use? Can your team pick it up quickly? The goal is to spend less time managing data and more time connecting with supporters.

Free accounting software for nonprofits

Keeping your finances in order doesn’t have to mean paying for fancy software or hiring a full-time bookkeeper. There are several cloud-based tools out there that make it easier for nonprofits to track income, manage expenses, and stay audit-ready, without spending a dime.

Here are a few options that nonprofits often rely on:

• Wave – Completely free and surprisingly powerful. Wave lets you track donations, generate financial reports, and handle basic bookkeeping. It’s great for small organizations or those just getting started.
• Zoho Books (Free Plan) – Zoho offers a free version of their accounting software for businesses with under $50K in annual revenue. It includes invoicing, bank reconciliation, and expense tracking.
• ZipBooks – Another easy-to-use tool with a solid free plan that includes bookkeeping, invoicing, and some reporting.

If you’re using spreadsheets right now, these tools can feel like a huge step up, and once you get started, you’ll wonder how you managed without them. Just remember: even free tools work best when someone on your team takes the time to learn and maintain them regularly.

Project management tools for nonprofit teams

Running a nonprofit means keeping track of a lot of moving parts, events, campaigns, volunteers, reports, deadlines. Without a clear system, things can slip through the cracks. That’s where project management tools come in. They help your team stay organized, communicate better, and get more done (without the chaos).

Here are a few solid tools with free plans:

• Trello – Trello uses simple boards and cards to help you map out tasks, track progress, and assign responsibilities. It’s easy to learn and great for teams who like a visual layout.
• Asana – Asana is built for teams that juggle multiple projects. You can assign tasks, set due dates, and organize workflows, perfect for managing programs, campaigns, or content calendars.
• ClickUp – A more advanced option with lots of features packed into its free version. Use it for goal tracking, task lists, documents, and even time tracking.

Even if your team is small (or mostly volunteers), these tools can help everyone stay on the same page and reduce back-and-forth emails. You don’t need to use every feature, just start with what works, and build from there.

Free communication and collaboration platforms

Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, but keeping everyone connected can be tricky, especially if your team is spread across locations or juggling part-time schedules. Luckily, there are tools that make staying in touch and sharing info easy (and free).

Here are a few go-to options:

• Slack (Free Plan) – Slack lets your team message, share files, and create dedicated channels for different projects or departments. It’s a step up from email and makes communication feel faster and more organized.
• Google Workspace for Nonprofits – If you’re a verified nonprofit, you can get Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Meet, completely free. It’s one of the most useful bundles out there for teams that need to collaborate in real time.
• Microsoft Teams (Free Tier) – A solid option if your org already uses Microsoft tools. It offers chat, video calls, and file sharing, all in one place.

These tools aren’t just for big teams. Even small nonprofits can save hours each week by switching to platforms that keep everyone connected and reduce confusion.

Tools for managing fundraising and donor engagement

Fundraising is the heartbeat of most nonprofits. But managing it doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive. There are powerful tools out there that help you raise funds, track donors, and run events without eating into your budget. Some are completely free, while others offer nonprofit discounts that can stretch your dollars even further.

The key here is to find tools that do the heavy lifting so your team can focus more on building relationships, and less on chasing spreadsheets.

Free fundraising software and donation platforms

The best fundraising platforms make it easy for donors to give, and easy for you to manage it all behind the scenes. Some even come with built-in tools to boost recurring gifts, send automated thank-yous, and track campaign results.

Here are a few free (or truly low-cost) options:

• Zeffy – 100% free for nonprofits, with no transaction fees. It covers event ticketing, donation forms, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Give Lively – Another strong free option offering donation pages, text-to-donate, and event tools. You’ll need to be a U.S. 501(c)(3) to qualify.
• Harness – Harness offers intuitive fundraising tools that help turn one-time donors into recurring supporters. With features like SmartAsk™, donor profiles, and customizable giving forms, you get more than just a platform, you get a partner. Visit goharness.com to learn how we support nonprofits of all sizes.

These tools take the pressure off your team and give your donors a smooth experience from start to finish. And when giving feels easy, donors are more likely to come back.

Silent auction and event management tools

Fundraising events can bring in serious support, but planning them takes time, coordination, and the right tech. That doesn’t mean you need to spend big on software. Several platforms offer free options to help you run auctions, sell tickets, and manage guests with ease.

Here are a few to explore:

• BetterWorld – A totally free platform that lets you run online auctions, sell event tickets, and collect donations. It’s great for virtual or hybrid events, and their interface is easy to learn.
• Eventbrite (Free Tier) – If your event is free to attend, Eventbrite won’t charge you anything. You can set up registration, manage RSVPs, and even send reminders to guests.
• Zeffy – Also offers auction and ticketing tools with no fees for nonprofits, making it a go-to for small teams planning fundraisers.

These tools help you pull off polished, professional events, even if it’s your first time running one. And when your event runs smoothly, your donors are more likely to come back (and bring their friends).

Recurring donation tools with no monthly fee

One-time donations are great. But recurring gifts? That’s where real stability comes from. When supporters give monthly, you can plan ahead, grow programs, and spend less time starting from scratch with every campaign. The good news: there are tools out there that help you build this kind of consistent support, without charging you monthly fees.

Here are a few standouts:

• Donorbox (Free Tier) – Offers recurring donation options with a clean, mobile-friendly form. They charge processing fees, but the core platform is free to use.
• Give Lively – Includes recurring giving in their free donation tools, plus options for donors to manage their own giving schedules.
• Harness – With tools like SmartAsk™, Harness helps convert one-time donors into monthly supporters by showing them the impact of a small recurring gift. And with personalized donor journeys and automated follow-ups, your supporters stay engaged without extra effort from your team.

Recurring giving doesn’t have to be hard, or expensive. With the right setup, it can feel effortless for both your donors and your staff.

Free resources for nonprofit marketing and outreach

Getting the word out is just as important as doing the work. Whether you're promoting a campaign, sharing a story, or recruiting volunteers, strong marketing helps people understand your mission and why it matters. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to look professional and reach the right audience.

Here are some free tools and platforms that make nonprofit marketing a whole lot easier, and more effective.

Social media management and strategy tools

Social media is one of the fastest ways to connect with your community, but managing it takes time. These tools help you schedule posts, monitor engagement, and stay consistent, without needing to log in every day.

Try these free options:

• Buffer (Free Plan) – Lets you schedule up to 10 posts at a time across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Simple, clean, and great for small teams.
• Hootsuite (Free Tier) – A classic in the social media world. You can manage a few profiles and schedule content ahead of time. It’s a solid starting point for nonprofits new to social scheduling.
• Meta Business Suite – If you’re focused on Facebook and Instagram, this free tool from Meta helps you post, respond to messages, and track analytics in one place.

These tools can help you post smarter, not harder. And when your messaging is consistent, your cause stays top of mind.

Graphic design and image editing tools

You don’t need a graphic designer to make your nonprofit look polished. With the right tools, anyone on your team can create social posts, flyers, event banners, or email graphics that stand out. These platforms come with ready-made templates and easy drag-and-drop features, no design background needed.

Here are some top picks:

• Canva for Nonprofits – Canva offers its Pro plan completely free to verified nonprofits. That means access to premium templates, brand kits, and team collaboration tools. It’s one of the best values out there.
• Photopea – A free, browser-based image editor that works like Photoshop. Great for quick touch-ups or custom design work without downloading anything.
• Pixlr – Offers simple editing tools and design templates for graphics and photos. Good for small teams that need basic features in a clean layout.

With tools like these, you can tell your story visually, and make sure your materials look as professional as your mission is powerful.

Email marketing and outreach platforms

Email is still one of the most effective ways to keep your supporters in the loop. Whether you’re sharing impact stories, announcing an event, or asking for donations, a good email platform helps you reach more people, and look good doing it.

Here are a few email tools with solid free plans:

• Mailchimp (Free Tier) – Offers up to 500 contacts and basic automation tools. It’s user-friendly, with plenty of templates to get your emails looking sharp fast.
• Benchmark Email – A clean, easy-to-use platform with drag-and-drop editing and up to 500 subscribers on the free plan. Good for beginners.
• ConvertKit (Free Plan) – While not built specifically for nonprofits, it’s great for storytelling and personalized email journeys. Ideal if you want to grow an engaged audience.

These platforms help your team send professional, mobile-friendly emails without needing a design or tech background. Just write from the heart, and let the tools do the rest.

Free online courses and nonprofit professional development

Running a nonprofit means wearing a lot of hats. Sometimes you’re the fundraiser, the marketer, the program manager, and the grant writer, all in one day. The good news is, there are free courses and learning resources out there to help you and your team build the skills you need to do it all with more confidence (and less guesswork).

Whether you’re new to the sector or just looking to sharpen your skills, these resources are a smart way to grow, without spending your training budget.

Skill-building platforms offering free courses

These platforms offer a wide range of lessons, many designed just for nonprofits:

• NonprofitReady – Offers 500+ free courses on everything from fundraising and budgeting to volunteer management and board governance.
• Coursera & edX (Audit Options) – While not nonprofit-specific, you can audit many professional courses from top universities for free. Look for classes on leadership, communication, or social impact.
• Google Digital Garage – Free courses on marketing, productivity, and tech tools, useful for nonprofits looking to grow online.

These platforms are especially helpful if you’re a small team looking to level up without outside consultants or expensive workshops.

Nonprofit-specific webinars and certifications

Sometimes the best learning comes from people who’ve been in your shoes. Webinars and nonprofit-focused certifications give you access to that kind of real-world experience, without needing to travel or take time off.

Here are a few places to find quality nonprofit training:

• Donorbox Academy – Offers free webinars, tutorials, and guides focused on nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and digital strategy. Good for teams looking to sharpen their skills fast.
• Taproot Foundation – Hosts regular webinars on nonprofit leadership, board development, and working with skilled volunteers. They’re short, practical, and designed for small to mid-size orgs.
• TechSoup – Besides offering discounted software, TechSoup has a library of nonprofit-focused training, including free and low-cost certifications on topics like digital security, email marketing, and fundraising strategy.

These sessions are a great way to learn from experts, stay current on best practices, and connect with others facing similar challenges, all without spending your budget.

Grant writing and fundraising strategy education

Grants can be a lifeline for many nonprofits, but writing them well takes practice. And fundraising? It’s a lot more than just asking for money. With the right training, your team can learn how to build stronger cases, tell your story with clarity, and connect with the right funders.

Here are a few free ways to build those skills:

• Instrumentl’s Free Grant Writing Class – A step-by-step video series that walks you through how to write a compelling grant proposal. Great for beginners.
• Candid’s Learning Center – Offers free and low-cost training on fundraising, grant research, and nonprofit management. Formerly known as Foundation Center and GrantSpace.
• Donorbox Blog & Guides – Offers in-depth articles on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and campaign planning, written specifically for small and mid-size nonprofits.

You don’t need to be a pro writer to get funded, you just need the right tools, a clear message, and a little guidance along the way. These resources help you get there.

Free stuff and discounted products for nonprofit operations

Running your nonprofit isn’t just about programs and fundraising, it’s also about the everyday tools that keep things moving behind the scenes. From office supplies to software, there are tons of companies that offer free or heavily discounted products just for nonprofits. You just need to know where to look.

These resources can save you serious money, especially if your team is small and your budget’s tight.

Office supplies, hardware, and equipment

You don’t need the latest tech to do great work, but having reliable tools helps. Many nonprofits don’t realize they can get donated or discounted equipment just by asking or registering.

Check out these options:

• TechSoup – A trusted source for discounted laptops, printers, routers, and more from brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo. You’ll need to register your nonprofit, but it’s worth it.
• Good360 – Connects nonprofits with donated goods from major retailers, including office furniture, electronics, and hygiene supplies.
• Local corporate donation programs – Many big-box stores and office supply chains have local donation or discount programs. It’s always worth reaching out to managers directly.

If you’ve been getting by with hand-me-downs or outdated gear, these programs can give your team the upgrade it needs, without the big price tag.

Cloud-based software discounts and offers

From file storage to productivity tools, cloud-based software keeps your team connected and your work organized. And the best part? Many of the biggest names in tech offer these tools to nonprofits either free or at a major discount.

Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

• Google Workspace for Nonprofits – Get Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more, for free. It’s one of the most useful bundles for collaboration, especially if your team is remote or hybrid.
• Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits – Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. Eligible nonprofits can access cloud-based versions for free or at a deep discount.
• Slack for Nonprofits – Slack’s Pro plan is free for qualifying nonprofits, which gives you advanced messaging, search features, and integrations with other tools.

These platforms are built for teams on the move, and when they’re free or low-cost, there’s really no reason not to use them. You’ll save time, reduce confusion, and make collaboration feel way easier.

Free or discounted legal and financial advisory services

Legal and financial questions can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t have in-house experts. But nonprofits don’t have to figure everything out on their own. There are organizations that offer free or low-cost help, from setting up your 501(c)(3) to navigating tax season.

Here are a few trusted resources:

• Lawyers Alliance for New York – While NYC-based, they offer guidance and referrals for nonprofits across the country needing legal support on governance, compliance, and contracts.
• Taproot Plus – Matches nonprofits with skilled volunteers, including pro bono legal, HR, and finance professionals. You post what you need, and they help find someone to assist.
• Foundation Group – Offers affordable help with tax-exempt setup, annual filings, and nonprofit compliance. While not free, it’s significantly cheaper than hiring a private attorney.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem. These resources can help you build smart systems now, avoid common pitfalls, and feel more confident as your organization grows.

Website builders and donation pages for nonprofits

Your website is often the first impression people get of your organization. It should tell your story, build trust, and make it easy for visitors to support your cause. The good news? You don’t need to hire a developer or spend thousands to get a clean, professional site with built-in donation features.

There are several free (or nonprofit-discounted) tools that make it easy to build your site and start raising funds online, even if you’ve never built a website before.

Top website builders with a nonprofit free plan

These platforms offer drag-and-drop site builders, templates, and built-in support for donation buttons or forms:

• Wix for Nonprofits – Offers an easy-to-use builder and special plans for nonprofits. You can create a beautiful site, add donation buttons, and even run blog updates or event calendars.
• Weebly by Square – Simple interface, especially helpful if you’re also using Square for fundraising or merchandise sales. It’s a good fit for smaller orgs with basic needs.
• WordPress.com (Free Plan) – A solid option if you want full control over your content. You’ll need to explore a bit more to set up donations, but there are plenty of plugins available.

Even on free plans, these tools give you everything you need to launch a clean, donor-friendly website that works across devices.

Personalized donation pages that convert

A generic donation form can get the job done, but a personalized giving experience builds trust and encourages people to give more (and give again). The best platforms help you create donation pages that feel aligned with your mission, look professional, and make giving easy.

Here are a few tools designed to help your donation pages work harder:

• Give Lively – Offers customizable donation pages with storytelling elements, recurring giving options, and the ability to embed forms right on your site, all for free.
• Zeffy – Known for no transaction fees, Zeffy also offers branded donation pages that are simple to set up and mobile-friendly.
• Harness – At Harness, we help nonprofits build giving pages that connect. Our personalized donation forms reflect your brand, show impact amounts, and include features like SmartAsk™ to encourage recurring gifts. Want support building a donation experience that truly converts? Let’s do it together at goharness.com.

When donation pages are easy to use and emotionally connected to your cause, your supporters feel more confident, and more generous.

Networking, publications, and bonus resources

Sometimes, the best support doesn’t come from tools, it comes from people and shared knowledge. Whether it’s connecting with peers, staying up to date with nonprofit trends, or downloading ready-made templates, these resources can help you grow your reach and sharpen your strategy without adding to your workload.

These aren’t just “nice to have” extras, they’re real assets that keep your nonprofit moving forward.

Online communities and peer learning networks

It helps to know you’re not alone. These communities give you space to ask questions, share wins, and learn from others in the nonprofit world:

• Nonprofit Happy Hour (Facebook Group) – A casual, helpful space where thousands of nonprofit professionals share advice, job posts, and fundraising ideas.
• LinkedIn Groups for Nonprofit Professionals – There are dozens of active LinkedIn communities focused on everything from nonprofit marketing to board leadership.
• TechSoup Community Forums – A moderated space where nonprofits ask about tech tools, training, and nonprofit operations. Great for beginner questions.

When you connect with other nonprofit teams, you get more than advice, you get perspective, encouragement, and ideas that actually work.

Free subscriptions to nonprofit news and thought leadership

Staying informed doesn’t have to mean sorting through a pile of newsletters or paying for pricey subscriptions. There are plenty of free publications and blogs that keep you in the loop on trends, tools, and what’s working across the nonprofit world.

Here are some trusted places to keep learning:

• Stanford Social Innovation Review (Free Articles Section) – While full access is paid, they regularly share insightful free content on nonprofit strategy, leadership, and impact.
• Nonprofit Times – Covers the latest news, research, and analysis on the nonprofit sector. Their email updates are free and packed with helpful insights.
• Nonprofit Library – Offers downloadable resources like guides, templates, and checklists, all for free. Great for small teams who need practical help right away.
• National Council of Nonprofits – Shares policy updates, best practices, and sector trends. Their content is especially useful for executive directors and board members.

Making time to read, even just one article a week, can help your team stay sharp and ahead of the curve.

Templates and downloadable tools for nonprofits

Sometimes, starting from scratch isn’t the best use of your time. The good news? There’s a growing library of free templates, documents, and tools made just for nonprofits, designed to help you move faster and look more professional without reinventing the wheel.

Here are a few valuable (and free) resources to grab:

• Donation request letters – Pre-written templates to help you ask for support with clarity and confidence.
• Fundraising calendars – Monthly or quarterly planning tools that keep your campaigns on track.
• Nonprofit bylaws and board policy templates – Great for new organizations or those refreshing their governance docs.
• Thank-you letters – Thoughtful, customizable messages to help you show appreciation and boost donor retention.
• Annual report templates – Clean, easy-to-follow designs you can use to communicate your impact.
• Raffle ticket and event templates – Helpful for community fundraisers or small events that need a professional touch.

These resources free up your time so you can focus on your mission, not formatting documents.

Smarter tools for bigger impact

Nonprofits do big things with small budgets every day. The tools and resources in this guide are here to make that job a little easier, so you can spend less time searching for help and more time doing the work that matters.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game for years, there’s always room to simplify, improve, and grow. And you don’t have to do it alone.

At Harness, we’ve worked alongside hundreds of nonprofits to build smarter fundraising systems, streamline donor engagement, and create lasting impact. If you're ready for tools that not only save time but also raise more, we’re here to help.