Events and conferences are the lifeblood of nonprofits and associations. They present an invaluable opportunity to drive revenue and build community.
However, without the right event management software for nonprofits, you risk reduced attendee engagement, poor event return on investment (ROI), and insufficient event data for future improvements.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what nonprofit event management software is, outline considerations for deciding on a platform, and offer examples of the top options available through the following topics:
With the event management software market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030, it’s clear that an increasing number of organizations recognize that the right event tech can reduce the burden on event planners, increase event ROI, and make scaling your programming as easy as pie. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to adopt your own event management solution and unlock the benefits of this tool.
What Is Nonprofit Event Management Software?
Nonprofit event management software is a type of technology used to organize nonprofit events. These events may include annual association conferences, workshops, continuing education opportunities, or nonprofit fundraising events.
Types of nonprofit event management software include:
- End-to-end event management platform like EventMobi
- Conference apps (we have one of those, too!)
- Event registration software for nonprofits
- Silent auction software
- Fundraising event software
- Donation processing software, whether online or through texting
The right event management tool will cut administrative hours and minimize the event planning workload. You should be able to load your event information in bulk, use drag-and-drop functionality for added convenience, and get the key insights about your attendees that you need to attract sponsors.
What Should I Consider When Purchasing Nonprofit Event Software?
Before spending your valuable funds on a platform you’re uncertain about, consider the following:
1. Features
Many nonprofit event organizers need an event management solution that can help them:
- Build event websites and event apps
- Simplify event registration, ticketing, and attendee check-in
- Design badges for in-person events
- Customize event branding
- Run email marketing
- Host event maps
- Create agendas and schedules
- Facilitate networking
- Run virtual, hybrid and/or in-person events
- Encourage in-session engagement
- Keep event-goers up to date with notifications
- Manage sponsor, attendee, and speaker data and pages
- Get insights from event analytics and social media reports
- Send surveys and get feedback
- Share documents before, during, and after the event
- Support multi-language users
Think about which of these are must-have features for your organization and which are nice-to-haves.
Along with your must-haves, make sure your choice is scalable over time and can be extended with add-ons. Integration with third-party solutions can be a valuable feature, too!
2. Budget
While it would be great to have the world’s best event management software, you likely have an event budget to worry about. If you have financial restrictions, aim for must-have features over nice-to-have ones.
Moreover, make sure that you like the team at the software company that you’ll be working with. Choosing a more affordable software package from a company that doesn’t care about its customers will always be more expensive in the end. After all, you might go through the whole costly experience again in the future!
If you need to free up more dollars, free nonprofit event management software is there in a pinch.
Whatever your budget is, ask for a demo, and if in doubt, test the trial before buying.
3. Customer onboarding
The best event management software for nonprofits comes with impeccable customer onboarding.
After you sign up for their product, the software vendor should support your transition. Look for a vendor with the enthusiasm and resources that will get you set up for success! They should give you clear, detailed instructions on how to use their platform.
Ideally, your selected vendor will offer several onboarding services, like:
- Customer support for pressing issues
- Customer success for ensuring event success
- Account executives who’ll check in and make sure you have what you need
- Product tours and resources
- An in-depth help center or knowledge base
- An online user community
4. Customer support
Speaking of customer support, your vendor’s team should be able to troubleshoot technical issues and quickly fix them. Even better if you can find a vendor that offers customer support 24 hours a day, especially when you’re holding events.
When you’re in the demo process, make sure to ask the sales team for examples of how customer support has solved issues for existing customers.
5. Ease of use
The most intensive feature stack isn’t always the best fit. A less complex, super-usable platform will make it easier for your team to onboard, use, and be successful with your new nonprofit event software.
Make sure the people who’ll be using the platform are a part of the demo process. That way, they can give feedback on the usability before you make the purchase.
Need more evidence of ease of use? Check out online reviews, or ask to speak with an existing customer.
6. Comprehensive, integrated solutions
What’s worse than having no tools? Having too many tools, and none of them talk to one another!
No single tool will be able to do everything well. Look for a central tool that can handle most of your needs, and then complement it with additional software.
For example, EventMobi is nonprofit event software that’s built to help your staff run annual conferences, ongoing workshops and webinars, and host an online community. The software isn’t prepped to accept donations, though, so you’d also need fundraising event software or donation processing software if you’re looking to raise money!
Worst case, make sure that your disparate programs have an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows you to hardcode a connection between them.
7. In-person, virtual, or hybrid features
Do you hold in-person, virtual, and hybrid events? Or do you only hold in-person events but want the flexibility to do more? Look for a solution that can facilitate your events no matter which format they take and comes with tools (like gamification, notifications, live streaming, or document storage) that give you the flexibility you need to thrive in a new era of event planning.
8. Great reviews
The most trustworthy opinions about any kind of software come from its users. Software review websites such as Capterra or G2 are reliable sources of reviews.
For example, EventMobi has a 4.7/5.0 Ease of Use and Customer Service rating, which contributes to its overall 4.8 rating on Capterra. Take the time to read through reviews and ratings to get a clear understanding of which options act as the best event management software for nonprofits.
10 Reasons EventMobi Would Rock Your Next Nonprofit or Association Event
We’ve told you about the reviews, but what exactly can EventMobi do for your event?
When it comes to making these decisions, the more information, the better, so here are some key details about what EventMobi offers our users:
- Drag-and-drop event websites and apps: No design skills needed! Use Page Designer to build custom event websites and apps with drag-and-drop tools.
- Custom registration forms: Create custom online registration forms with unlimited fields, drop-down menus, and multiple-choice questions. You can even manage multiticket and consecutive registrations!
- Segmented email marketing: Send branded, personalized emails to everyone involved in your event, segmenting by language, registration status, payment status, and other key data!
- Sponsor benefits: Feature sponsors across your event with in-app banner ads, company pages, and sponsored notifications, and set them up with lead capture. You’ll also have all the analytics you need to report on your success.
- Gamification: Up attendee engagement, and drive more traffic to sponsors with gamification! Set up challenges that encourage your attendees to network, meet sponsors, share photos, and check in to sessions. (EventMobi even has a gamification design team!)
- Networking and conversations: Facilitate connections with moderated group discussions, appointment booking, 1:1 messaging and video calls, and customized profiles.
- Unlimited Events for year-round engagement: The EventMobi Experience Manager is ready to host events of all sizes and types, whether it’s a one-off, annual, or series of year-round events!
- Professional services to help you thrive: EventMobi’s Professional Services team helps hundreds of events welcome thousands of speakers, sponsors, and attendees every year with everything from project management, consulting, and one-on-one support for any kind of event.
- 13+ years of experience: Over more than a decade, EventMobi has supported tens of thousands of events around the world with easy-to-use software, award-winning customer support, and customer-centric product design.
- A+ Reviews: Check out the EventMobi reviews left by happy event profs on Capterra and G2!
With EventMobi, you can streamline the event management process and provide unforgettable event experiences for attendees and sponsors.
Best Event Management Software for Nonprofits
We’ve gathered a list of solutions for you to consider before taking the plunge with a purchase.
Remember: think about all the factors discussed above to make sure your choice matches your event goals and management process, and you’ll be on your way to success!
EventMobi
EventMobi is an end-to-end management platform to design, produce, and deliver amazing event experiences.
Pricing: Single-event, multi-event, and year-round subscriptions are available for event apps, virtual and hybrid event platforms, and our registration, website, and ticketing platform.
Best for: Event management for nonprofits and associations, public administration organizations, higher-education institutions, third-party event planning firms, and companies of all sizes
Top features:
- Engage attendees through gamification, live display, interactive event maps, and more.
- Encourage networking through one-on-one appointment booking.
- Skyrocket your sponsors’ ROI by featuring them on your event app, setting them up with lead capture, and offering helpful attendee analytics.
- Unlock access to an exceptional support team with the option for onsite support.
Lumaverse
Lumaverse is an umbrella brand that provides event management solutions for scheduling, volunteer and member management, event planning, and fundraising.
Pricing: Varies based on product
Best for: Clubs and member-based nonprofits who need to run events with many platforms
Top features:
- Share automatic reminders to keep attendees informed.
- Leverage ticketing and waitlisting tools.
- Send unlimited emails to your attendees.
WildApricot
WildApricot is a cloud-based event management platform to automate and support membership tasks.
Pricing: $60–$900 per month depending on the number of contacts
Best for: Small associations, nonprofits, and chapter-based organizations
Top features:
- Automatically list events in a calendar on your WildApricot site or existing website.
- Create custom registration forms with discounts and add-ons.
- Manage and check in attendees using a mobile app.
Accelevents
Accelevents is an event management solution to plan, execute, and analyze events at any scale.
Pricing: Contact sales
Best for: In-person, virtual, and hybrid events of all types and sizes
Top features:
- Mobile app for attendees to keep them engaged.
- Virtual hub where you can host online conferences, fairs, seminars, and workshops.
- Flexible event website builder to create branded event pages.
CharityEngine
CharityEngine positions itself as a nonprofit CRM focused on managing donor data on top of events.
Pricing:
- Standard: $350–$700 per month
- Professional: $700–$1500 per month
- Enterprise: contact sales
Best for: Medium to large nonprofits
Top features:
- Branded event pages with embedded registration and donation forms.
- Online user portal where attendees can access registration information, ticketing details, event maps, and parking information.
- Automated attendee communications powered by your event data.
Best Event Apps for Nonprofits
Mobile app builders are great for nonprofits that prioritize convenience in event management.
EventMobi
EventMobi is an app builder to create branded mobile event apps.
Pricing: Packages for branded and unbranded apps
Best for: Companies of all sizes, associations and nonprofits, public administration organizations, higher-education institutions, and third-party event planning firms
Top features:
- Easily check in attendees with QR check-in and digital badges.
- Boost engagement with live chat, live polls, surveys, and Q&A sessions.
- Build a year-round event community by using your app as a hub for helpful resources and sponsored content.
AppInstitute
AppInstitute is a no-code app maker for building mobile apps and promoting them.
Pricing:
- Starter: $67 per month
- Pro: $84 per month
- Reseller: $280 per month
Best for: Small and medium businesses, digital and creative agencies, and individuals
Top features:
- Ability to communicate directly with app users.
- Form builder so you can create registration and donation forms.
- Ability to upload images and videos for attendees to browse.
BuildFire
BuildFire is a no-code mobile app builder for iOS and Android with a developer SDK.
Pricing
- BuildFire Plus Professional Services:
- Premium: $5,000 for one month
- Signature: $7,500 for two months
- Enterprise: $15,000 for three months
- BuildFire App Development Platform:
- Growth: $159 per month
- Starter: $299 per month
- Standard: $424 per month
Best for: From small startups to mature enterprises
Top features:
- Easily create an event schedule within the app.
- Upload audio content to the media center.
- Share video content through YouTube and Vimeo integrations.
Best Event Registration Software for Nonprofits
Event registration is key to running a smooth event! Here are some event registration software options to explore for your next event.
Doubleknot
Doubleknot offers integrated event registration software for nonprofits and cultural organizations to manage ticketing, memberships, registrations, reservations, donations, and merchandise sales.
Pricing: Contact sales
Best for: Nonprofits and cultural attractions, such as museums and science centers
Top features:
- Ability to support recurring events.
- Custom forms including waivers, agreements, emergency contacts, and special needs information.
- Online and offline payment options.
RegFox
RegFox is a registration platform for events like conferences, camps, and classes.
Pricing: Flat fee of $0.99 + 1% per paid registrant, plus a credit card processing fee of 2.99%, capped at $4.99 per registrant
Best for: All sorts of events that need registration
Top features:
- Conditional logic to create attendee workflows, tracks, and pricing rules.
- Ability to brand your registration page to your organization in seconds.
- Exports and reports to help you analyze your event data.
Mobilize
Mobilize is event registration software for nonprofits to manage events and recruit volunteers.
Pricing: Contact sales
Best for: Mission-driven organizations
Top features:
- Easily add a variety of event types, such as single-shift events, recurring and multiple-shift events, virtual events, and in-person events.
- Send post-event feedback surveys via email or text.
- Give dedicated volunteers the power to host events on your nonprofit’s behalf.
RSVPify
RSVPify is an end-to-end event registration solution with an emphasis on managing invitations containing RSVP links.
Pricing
- Event Pricing:
- Free: up to 100 RSVPs
- Personal Events: $19 per month
- Professional Events: $39 per month
- Enterprise: contact sales
- Selling Tickets: $0.90 per ticket, item, or donation + 1.95%
Best for: Medium businesses and nonprofits
Top features:
- Customize event invitations by uploading your own design and auto-populating recipient details.
- Enable QR code check-in using RSVPify’s guest check-in app.
- Automate reporting to easily export attendance, fundraising, and attendee data.
Tix
Tix is a cloud-based event ticketing platform for box office and online ticket sales.
Pricing:
- Box Office Fee: $0.25 per ticket
- Online Fee: $1.00–$1.50 per ticket
- Call Center Fee: $3.50 per ticket
Best for: Small to large venues, promoters, and event organizers
Top features:
- Sell tickets through a variety of channels, including phone, fax, mail, box office, and online.
- Incorporate multiple seating options, such as reserved and general admission.
- Customize your ticketing solution to have the same look and feel as your website.
Best Free Event Management Software for Nonprofits
Not much room for software in the budget? You can use these free options for nonprofit event management:
Givebutter
Givebutter is an end-to-end fundraising event solution that covers everything from auctions, fundraising events, and payment processing to donor engagement and management.
Pricing: Free with donors paying optional tips (unless you prefer otherwise)
Best for: Small and medium nonprofits
Top features:
- Allow supporters to set up peer-to-peer fundraising pages to boost your fundraising event revenue.
- Sell physical and digital auction items with real-time bidding.
- Motivate attendees to get involved with live displays.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is an all-in-one event management platform with a special focus on ticketing and event discovery.
Pricing: Free ticket buyers pay the fees (unless you prefer otherwise)
Best for: Events of all kinds and sizes, such as concerts, festivals, meetups, conferences, and workshops
Top features:
- Use the Eventbrite Organizer App to check in attendees, sell tickets at the door, and track data.
- Launch Eventbrite Ads to promote your event.
- Send automated event notifications when people attend, follow, or like your events.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a project management solution with nonprofit and event management tools.
Pricing: Free for personal use
Best for: Nonprofit organizations and event planners
Top features:
- Create a public calendar to share events with your supporters.
- Develop custom forms to collect feedback on your event.
- Track your fundraising goals.
StreamYard
StreamYard is a web-based professional live streaming and recording studio.
Pricing: Free for individuals
Best for: Companies of all sizes and nonprofits
Top features:
- Hold webinars to engage event attendees.
- Record videos and podcasts to add to your event resources.
- Host live giveaway contests during event livestreams.
Airmeet
Airmeet is a webinar and online event hosting platform.
Pricing: Free for small events with up to 50 attendees
Best for: B2B SaaS companies
Top features:
- Pre-record webinars for your event audience.
- Analyze over 50 unique data points.
- Brand webinars to your organization.
Best Fundraising Event Software
Are you planning to collect donations at your event? Fundraising event software has dedicated functions to help support your cause!
OneCause
OneCause is an end-to-end fundraising event software solution for managing online fundraising events.
Pricing: Contact sales
Best for: Companies of all sizes and nonprofits
Top features:
- Analyze supporter activity and giving across events.
- Customize your sponsorship packages.
- Support auctions with item procurement and management, auction item image galleries, and AI-generated auction descriptions.
Silent Auction Pro
Silent Auction Pro is a fundraising event platform for managing online auction catalogs and other aspects of fundraisers.
Pricing:
- Mobile Pro: $899 per year + 2% of event proceeds
- Mobile Plus: $749 per year + 2% of event proceeds
- Bidsheet Pro: $649 per year + 2% of event proceeds
- Bidsheet Plus: $449 per year + 2% of event proceeds
Best for: Nonprofits of all sizes
Top features:
- Create custom event pages.
- Develop an online auction catalog with mobile bidding.
- Unlock access to your own personal event coach for support.
Grassroots Unwired
Grassroots Unwired is a mobile fundraising event software platform for in-person or event-based fundraising and advocacy.
Pricing: Contact sales
Best for: Companies of all sizes and nonprofits
Top features:
- Ability to brand the mobile app using your logo and colors.
- Real-time data sync with your CRM.
- Supports day-of check-in and registration.
Handbid
Handbid is a mobile fundraising event software solution dedicated to bidding and auction management.
Pricing: $1,396 per year, plus a credit card processing fee of 3.5% + $0.30
Best for: Companies of all sizes and nonprofits
Top features:
- Enable mobile bidding to engage your auction attendees.
- Automate the check-in process.
- Use mobile auction management to register guests, add and update auction items, process payments, communicate with attendees, and more.
Snowball Fundraising
Snowball Fundraising is an all-in-one fundraising platform.
Pricing:
- Essential: free, plus a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30
- Premium: $55 per month, plus a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30
- Professional: $85 per month, plus a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30
- Enterprise: $99 per month, plus a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30
Best for: Small and medium nonprofits
Top features:
- Leverage flexible ticketing options.
- Automate email or text notifications to outbid auction guests.
- Offer instant receipts and an online payment portal to streamline the auction checkout process.
360MatchPro
Double the Donation’s 360MatchPro solution helps facilitate corporate matching gift fundraising.
Pricing:
- Standard: starts at $999 per year
- Enterprise: custom pricing
Best for: Nonprofits and higher-education institutions
Top features:
- Unlock access to a comprehensive matching gift database and search tool so donors can assess their eligibility right from your donation page.
- Automate matching gift communications to streamline the process.
- Enable auto-submission so donors can send matching gift requests to their employers with a single click.
Choose the Right Event Management Software for Your Next Event
Event management software is key to creating a smooth and engaging event experience for your event attendees. By simplifying the planning process, streamlining attendee registration and engagement, and providing key analytics to track ROI, the best event management software for nonprofits can help your organization host an amazing event, whether in-person, online, or both.
