If you work at a nonprofit, you probably wear a dozen hats, and that includes figuring out how to stretch every dollar. That’s where TechSoup comes in. It's a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits get the tools they need, like software and services, without the big price tags. Think of it as your behind-the-scenes partner that knows the nonprofit world and wants you to succeed.
One of the biggest wins through TechSoup? Access to QuickBooks. If managing your organization’s money feels like juggling in the dark, QuickBooks can make things easier. It’s accounting software that’s built for people who don’t speak “finance.” And when you get it through TechSoup, it’s way more affordable.
What is TechSoup and how does it support nonprofit organizations?
TechSoup is a nonprofit that’s all about helping other nonprofits do more with less. It started back in the 1980s with a simple goal, make technology easier and cheaper for nonprofits to access. Since then, it’s grown into a global network that supports organizations in over 200 countries.
So, what does TechSoup actually do? It connects nonprofits with donated and discounted software, hardware, and services. That means things like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and yes, QuickBooks, at a fraction of the regular cost. They work directly with companies that want to support social impact, then pass those savings on to you.
But it’s not just about tools. TechSoup also shares training, webinars, and learning materials to help you use those tools well. Whether you’re setting up a new system or just trying to stay secure online, they’ve probably got a guide for it.
Why tools aren’t enough on their own
Getting access to affordable tools like QuickBooks is a big win. But software alone doesn’t solve the deeper problems most nonprofits face. You still have to build relationships with donors. Keep up with communications. Set up systems that actually save time instead of adding more to your plate.
That’s where things get stuck.
Most nonprofit teams are small. You’re doing five jobs, and learning how to use new tools isn’t always at the top of the list. Even with QuickBooks or Microsoft 365 in place, many organizations still struggle to raise consistent donations, stay top of mind with supporters, or build campaigns that grow over time.
This is where Harness comes in. We don’t just hand you a fundraising platform and wish you luck. We work alongside your team to make sure you actually get results, more recurring donors, cleaner donor data, and fewer hours wasted on manual tasks. When the right tools meet the right support, things click.
Getting started with TechSoup
Signing up for TechSoup is easier than it might sound, and it’s totally worth it. If you’re part of a registered nonprofit, library, or church, there’s a good chance you’re eligible. TechSoup just needs to verify that you’re legit before unlocking their discounts.
First, you go to their website and create an account. Then you fill out a quick form with your organization’s info, things like your name, tax ID, and what kind of work you do. After that, TechSoup will check your details. This usually takes a few days, sometimes faster.
Once you’re approved, you can browse their catalog of products and services. It’s kind of like an online store, but instead of paying full price, you’ll see discounted rates that are specific to nonprofits. Some things are even free, depending on your eligibility.
TechSoup programs every nonprofit should know
TechSoup offers more than just discounted software, it runs a bunch of programs designed to help nonprofits grow and stay secure. These aren’t just nice extras. They’re built to tackle real issues that small teams often face.
One of the biggest programs is NGOsource. It helps U.S. grantmakers give to international nonprofits more easily by handling all the paperwork and validation. If you’re trying to partner with global funders, this can save a ton of time.
Then there’s the Digital Resilience Program. It focuses on cybersecurity, how to protect your organization’s data and systems. Nonprofits are often targets for scams and hacks, and this program teaches you how to stay safe.
Caravan Studios is another cool part of TechSoup. It builds custom tech solutions for nonprofits that need something more specific. Think mobile apps, platforms, or community tools created just for your mission.
You’ll also find TechSoup Courses, which are short, practical lessons that help you learn how to use tools like Excel, QuickBooks, and cloud services. They’re designed for busy teams and folks who didn’t go to school for IT.
Each of these programs is aimed at making your nonprofit stronger, whether that means smarter fundraising, safer systems, or better training for your team.
TechSoup and QuickBooks for nonprofits
If tracking donations, expenses, and budgets feels overwhelming, QuickBooks can really help. It’s one of the top accounting tools out there, and the good news is, you can get it at a huge discount through TechSoup.
There are a few versions, but most nonprofits go with QuickBooks Online. It’s cloud-based, so your team can access it from anywhere. You can use it to track grants, set budgets, send invoices, and pull reports for your board or funders, all in just a few clicks.
Through TechSoup, you’ll see options for both QuickBooks Online and desktop versions. The online one is usually the best fit for smaller or remote teams because it doesn’t require software installs or updates. TechSoup also gives you step-by-step instructions to set it up, plus extra guides if you get stuck.
QuickBooks was made with businesses in mind, but when you set it up right, it works really well for nonprofits too. You can organize by program, track restricted funds, and stay ready for audits or grant reports. It takes some learning at first, but once you’re in the flow, it makes financial work a lot smoother.
Best practices for nonprofits using TechSoup tools
Once you’ve got access to TechSoup’s tools, it helps to have a plan for making the most of them. These tools are powerful, but like anything, you get out what you put in.
Start by thinking about what your nonprofit really needs. Are you looking for better accounting? Safer systems? New ways to collaborate with your team? Don’t just grab everything, pick the tools that solve your biggest pain points first.
If you’re using QuickBooks Online, take time to set it up with the right categories and tags. That way, your reports actually make sense when it’s time to check your budget or apply for a grant. TechSoup has guides for this, and there are plenty of free videos and courses if you need more help.
Also, lean into their training resources. TechSoup offers short courses on everything from Microsoft Word to cybersecurity. Even if you’re not a “tech person,” these lessons are made to be simple and practical. They’re great for getting your whole team on the same page.
And don’t forget to check for software updates and new offers. TechSoup adds new partners all the time, so there might be tools you didn’t even know you had access to.
Real-world examples of nonprofit success
Sometimes the best way to understand the value of something is to see it in action. We've seen nonprofits use TechSoup and QuickBooks in ways that completely changed how they work, without stretching their team thin.
One small youth education nonprofit we worked with was drowning in spreadsheets. They didn’t have a full-time finance person, and monthly reports took days. After getting QuickBooks Online through TechSoup, they cut that time down to a few hours. Now, they can easily show their board where every dollar goes, and their funders are way more confident because the reports are clear.
Another nonprofit focused on food security used TechSoup to access Microsoft 365 and cybersecurity tools. They didn’t even realize how vulnerable their systems were until TechSoup’s resources showed them. Now they’re running on cloud-based tools, with automatic backups, and their volunteers can collaborate safely from home or the field.
And that’s just a couple of stories. Every organization is different, but when you use the right tools in the right way, it’s easier to focus on your mission instead of your tech problems.
Tools are just the start
Getting the right tools through TechSoup is a huge win, but tools alone aren’t always enough. That’s where Harness comes in. We’re here to help you turn your systems into real momentum for growth.
Let’s say you’ve got QuickBooks running smoothly. Great. Now what if you could match that kind of organization in your fundraising? With Harness, you can. We help nonprofits like yours build smarter donation pages, set up recurring gifts, and stay connected to supporters with built-in texting and engagement tools.
The best part? You don’t need a full-time fundraising team to make it work. We’ve supported hundreds of small and mid-sized nonprofits that needed to grow, but didn’t have the staff or budget to do it all themselves. Our tools and expert support make giving easy, for your team and your donors.
When you combine TechSoup’s software access with Harness’ fundraising solutions, you’re not just managing your nonprofit, you’re setting it up to thrive. If you’re ready to grow your impact without growing your workload, we’d love to be part of your team.
