The 23 Best Event Management Software for Nonprofits in 2024

Events are the lifeblood of nonprofits and associations.

Conferences are an opportunity for an entire member base to get together, experience the best of what an association can offer, and give the organization a chance to generate non-dues revenue.

Fundraising events are an invaluable opportunity to drive revenue and build community, whether they’re online or in person.

Online communities and ongoing virtual events let organizations build strong relationships with members and attendees from across the country or even the world.

However, without the right event management software for nonprofits, you risk:

• Reduced attendee engagement
• Poor event return on investment (ROI)
• Insufficient event data for future improvements

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.

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.

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:

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: 

1. 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.
2. 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!
3. Segmented email marketing: Send branded, personalized emails to everyone involved in your event, segmenting by language, registration status, payment status, and other key data!
4. 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.
5. 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!)
6. Networking and conversations: Facilitate connections with moderated group discussions, appointment booking, 1:1 messaging and video calls, and customized profiles.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. A+ Reviews: Check out the EventMobi reviews left by happy event profs on Capterra and G2!

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

Lumaverse

WildApricot

Accelevents

CharityEngine

Best Event Apps for Nonprofits

Mobile app builders are great for nonprofits that prioritize convenience in event management.

EventMobi

AppInstitute

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

RegFox

Mobilize

RSVPify

Tix

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

Eventbrite

ClickUp

StreamYard

Airmeet

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

Silent Auction Pro

Grassroots Unwired

Handbid

Snowball Fundraising

Double the Donation

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.