12 best membership management software for nonprofits [2025 guide]

Your members play an important role in how your nonprofit organization operates. By communicating well and interacting often, you can keep them engaged as active participants.

Using membership management software for nonprofits makes it easier to store, organize, and analyze essential data. When you implement a suitable membership management solution, you can improve your organization’s efficiency and your members’ satisfaction.

What is membership management software?

Membership management software can simplify how you track, contact, and engage with members of your organization. With membership management software, your organization can:

• Automate repetitive, time-consuming processes.
• Consolidate and standardize member data. 
• Give members access to event information and resources.
• Track and analyze membership trends.
• Create and promote member-only events.
• Segment members for email marketing and newsletters.

A membership database for nonprofit organizations not only improves how you manage and use member data but also enhances how your members interact with you. Organizing member information, segmenting members by interest or activity, and automating the application and renewal process can help you target members more effectively for a more personalized experience.

Membership management tools are similar to donor management software. Where donor-specific solutions are geared toward attracting new donors and building donor relationships for fundraising, member management software promotes engagement, networking, and community among your organization’s members.

Looking for a solution for donor and member management? Software like Bonterra’s Fundraising & Engagement can help you strengthen your relationships with past, current, and potential donors while managing your memberships with intuitive tools and automation so you can focus on putting more good back into the world.

Top nonprofit membership software tools

Choosing the best membership management software means identifying your organization’s needs, assessing your current tools and processes, and determining your organization’s goals for future growth. 

Whether you’re looking for the overall best donor management software or want a dedicated member management solution, consider the following options.

1. Bonterra Fundraising & Essentials

Best for: Small to midsize nonprofits

Bonterra’s Fundraising & Engagement suite is the most comprehensive solution for managing members, donors, volunteers, and more. This software is designed to streamline your operations, deepen donor relationships, and drive fundraising success for small to midsize nonprofits.

Equipped with some of the best online fundraising tools, this enterprise-grade nonprofit solution will help you segment and target your members while increasing engagement and encouraging donations.

Bonterra’s complete nonprofit software solution has everything you need to organize donor information, plan and promote events, communicate with interested supporters, and generate detailed reports on member trends.

Key features 

• Detailed member profiles: Organize essential member details in comprehensive profiles within a secure database.
• Online fundraising: Customize member-specific donation pages, manage member dues, and encourage participation in fundraising initiatives.
• Engagement tools: Share fundraiser and event information via built-in email and text functionality.
• Event management: Create and promote member-only events, track attendance, and distribute tickets through the platform.
• Volunteer management: Track members’ interests, participation, and hours contributed.
• Detailed reporting and analytics: Gain actionable insights with real-time reports on member engagement and donation patterns.
• Automated processes: Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your administrative tasks while improving the member experience. 

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Custom pricing

Pricing varies by the following tier and at custom rates:

• Fundraising Essentials
• Bonterra Fundraising & Engagement Pro
• Bonterra Fundraising & Engagement Enterprise

2. Bloomerang

Best for: Small to midsize nonprofits

Bloomerang is a well-known provider of software solutions for nonprofit organizations. With Bloomerang’s membership management software, organizations can consolidate member data with automation supporting new member enrollment, member outreach, and other administrative tasks to gain deeper insights into member behavior and foster strong relationships.

While this user-friendly software can help organizations effectively track and organize member data, alternatives to Boomerang — like Bonterra — may offer more options for customization and reporting.

Key features 

• Comprehensive member profiles: Use past and current engagement to build relationships and loyalty.
• Automated processes: Automated applications, renewals, and receipt generation save time and improve the member experience.
• Generosity score: Assess members’ philanthropic habits and likelihood to contribute or participate in events or fundraisers.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Starts at $25/mo

3. CiviCRM 

Best for: Smaller, tech-savvy nonprofits with a limited budget

CiviCRM member management software is an open-source platform designed to help organizations manage member data. This free membership software for nonprofits offers a robust variety of tools, from highly customizable membership forms and automated processes to ongoing updates sourced from community users.

However, the learning curve for this software can be steep, and its interface is less intuitive and visually engaging than the other options on this list.

Key features 

• Open-source software: This system is free-to-use and versatile.
• Active community: Users actively contribute to ongoing updates, improvements, and support.
• Highly customizable: Tailor forms, automations, and reporting metrics with the right technical skills.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Free

4. DonorPerfect 

Best for: Nonprofits managing members and volunteers

DonorPerfect provides support for managing members, donors, and volunteers in one platform, with comprehensive profiles to track individuals’ skills, interests, languages, and relationships with other members.

Custom reports for members’ donations and volunteering activities can help organizations tailor their messaging practices and event planning for better engagement.

Key features 

• Email integration: Built-in Constant Contact email marketing tools are available with all DonorPerfect systems.
• Detailed profiles: Document members’ interests and skills to better target them for volunteering and fundraising opportunities.
• Custom reports: Analyze giving habits, volunteer hours, and engagement to inform future initiatives.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Starts at $99/mo

5. Glue Up 

Best for: Nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and other groups

Glue Up allows organizations to collect and organize member data for improved efficiency and engagement. With automated application and renewal processes as well as support for accepting donations and membership dues, Glue Up provides a streamlined backend experience for a range of organizations.

Key features 

• Automated processes: Automate workflows for member applications, renewals, reminders, and payment processing.
• Event management: Plan, promote, and manage in-person and online events with support for registration, ticket distribution, and attendance monitoring.
• Efficient messaging: Integrated email and social media messaging functionality makes it easy to communicate with members.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Starts at $2,500/year

6. GrowthZone 

Best for: Small nonprofits and other associations

GrowthZone features multiple tools to help organize member data, communicate with members via newsletter and direct messaging, and analyze member activity, including email open rates. This software may have a slower loading and processing speed than alternatives, making it a safer choice for smaller groups rather than growing organizations.

Key features 

• Membership tiers: Customize membership levels by type, tier, and pricing. 
• Detailed member directories: Grant members visibility and encourage community building and networking.
• Finance management: QuickBooks for nonprofits integration conveniently consolidates member and financial management.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Custom subscriptions starting at $3,985/year

7. Hivebrite 

Best for: Small to medium organizations with an engaged community

The online community membership management platform by Hivebrite allows organizations to engage and empower their members through private member groups, forums, and automation. Organizations that want to facilitate community engagement and discussion may appreciate this member-focused software.

Hivebrite offers an extensive list of features that may feel overwhelming at first, resulting in a more challenging learning curve.

Key features 

• Integrations and apps: Salesforce integration plus built-in email marketing with add-on apps provide further functionality.
• Member segmentation: Organize members into groups and subgroups for targeting with support for regional chapters.
• Networking: Encourage members to network with job boards, forums, and private groups.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Custom pricing at three tiers

8. MemberClicks 

Best for: Small associations with member and event management needs

MemberClicks combines helpful tools with automation in a convenient platform designed to primarily benefit small staff associations and chambers of commerce. 

Built to simplify membership management, event management, and communication, MemberClicks offers a host of automated tools for invoices, renewals, reminders, and emails to improve efficiency and engagement. 

Designed for organizations with limited staff, MemberClicks offers a streamlined, user-friendly interface with robust customer support.

Key features 

• Membership database: Personalized profiles allow members to customize their information with reports on activity and continued education.
• Automated processes: Automatic dues invoices, reminders, receipts, and reports simplify member management.
• Member rewards: Offer discounts, deals, or other bonuses to long-term or lifetime members.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Starts at $3,500/year

9. Memberplanet 

Best for: Small and growing organizations transitioning to digital tools

One of the more affordable membership management platforms, Memberplanet offers several tools to improve member onboarding with user-friendly forms and multiple payment options. The software also allows organizations to automate membership renewals and build a secure cloud-based member database with filters for event attendance, membership type, and more. 

Memberplanet may be less robust than other software, but it’s worth considering for organizations looking for a low-cost, straightforward solution to member management.

Key features 

• Easy onboarding: Fully customizable onboarding forms and emails ensure a seamless onboarding experience.
• Detailed analytics: Generate reports on donations, dues, survey responses, event attendance, email engagement, and more.
• Mobile-friendly: The software features an easy-to-use web interface and mobile app for members and administrators.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Free to $125+/mo

• Basic tier: Free
• Essential tier: $15/mo
• Pro tier: $45/mo
• Premium tier: $125/mo
• Enterprise tier: Fully custom pricing

10. Neon CRM 

Best for: Midsize associations and nonprofits 

The Neon CRM is for midsize organizations looking for an overhaul of their current membership management system. Neon CRM offers member, donor, communication, and fundraising management tools designed to streamline how you manage your information.

While the software presents a complete system for nonprofits and smaller associations, some users may find that it has too many options and features to fully utilize. Combined with limited functionality and customization in exchange for simplicity, Neon CRM may not be the best fit for all organizations. 

Key features 

• Self-service membership portal: Allow members to access and edit their information, make payments and donations, sign up for events, and more.
• Customizable automations: Personalize emails and automated workflows by member tier and activity.
• In-depth reporting: Track revenue, retention, and new member registrations with KPI widgets.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Varies by plan

• Essential tier: Starts at $109/mo
• Impact tier: Starts at $219/mo
• Empower tier: Starts at $439/mo

11. WildApricot 

Best for: Small nonprofits or associations who want member-exclusive features and an all-in-one solution

WildApricot is a cloud-based CRM with a host of tools for nonprofits and other organizations, including customizable applications to improve the member experience and a page builder for member-specific content.

Smaller organizations with growing contact lists may appreciate the affordable pricing, but limited customer support and reporting features may be a deterrent. 

Key features 

• Customizable membership applications: Tailored online forms simplify the application process with options for group memberships and different levels of membership.
• Online member database: Real-time updates ensure member data is accurate and accessible.
• Member-exclusive page builder: Create dedicated forums, blogs, and more for all members or specific groups.

Pros and cons 

Pricing: From $63 to $945/mo 

• 100 contacts: $63/mo
• 250 contacts: $78/mo
• 500 contacts: $147/mo
• 2,000 contacts: $252/mo
• 5,000 contacts: $462/mo
• 15,000 contacts: $556/mo
• 50,000 contacts: $945/mo

12. YourMembership 

Best for: Small member-based organizations

The YourMembership association management software (AMS) is designed to help small member-based organizations improve efficiency and member engagement. With built-in accounting features, YourMembership makes it easier for organizations to process and document expenses and payments.

This software allows organizations to streamline tedious processes with automated renewals and invoices and encourage member engagement through surveys, blogs, and networking opportunities. A user-friendly site builder promotes further engagement for new and existing members.

Key features 

• Website hosting and page builder: Create an attractive, intuitive website to engage members on desktop and mobile screens.
• E-commerce functionality: Support for online stores drives revenue through pledges, donations, and more.
• Built-in accounting: Securely accept and manage invoices, dues, donations, and other payments. 

Pros and cons 

Pricing: Custom quote upon request

Benefits of using membership management software

Adopting membership management software can save you time and energy while improving how efficiently you collect, organize, and utilize member data.

There are several benefits of using membership management software for nonprofits, including:

• Improved member engagement: Simplify and enhance how you communicate with members through automated email updates and event invitations, keeping them actively engaged without manual outreach.
• Streamlined processes: Using software for member management can make tedious processes like onboarding and editing account information easier for you and your members.
• Comprehensive reporting: Gain data-driven insights on member demographics and activity through nonprofit reporting software. Membership management platforms can help you analyze member data to inform your engagement strategies.
• Reduced manual work: Automated workflows can free up your team’s time to focus on higher-priority tasks. The right software can automate everything from data analysis of member activity to bulk email communication.
• Simplified fundraising: Membership management software can allow members and donors to make contributions through integrated payment processors, making it easier than ever to support your organization.

Tips for choosing the right membership software

Before you purchase any software, make sure you know what features you need and will actually use. Look for membership management software features that can enhance your organization by addressing the following:

1. Define your goals: Decide what you want to accomplish with this software, such as building stronger relationships, engaging members more consistently, or increasing how much you fundraise.
2. Identify your must-haves: Nonprofit software tends to include a wide range of features, so it helps to identify what you actually need, like a donor database for identifying and cultivating relationships, before you start searching. 
3. Consider integrations: If you use any other nonprofit software, look for options that would either integrate with or easily replace and improve on what you have. 
4. Prioritize ease of use: Even if your team is tech-savvy, choosing software that is easy to learn and use can save you valuable time and energy as you adopt a new platform.
5. Review pricing models: You can find a number of free membership software for nonprofits if you’re on a budget, but make sure you choose an option that provides the features and usability you need.
6. Consider scalability: Streamlining membership processes can lead to improved engagement and more successful fundraising, which can contribute to growth for your organization. Opt for a solution that can scale alongside your nonprofit’s membership base growth trajectory.

Improve member engagement with Bonterra

Using effective fundraising tools can encourage more donations, and engaging your members with targeted messaging and a straightforward user experience can foster long-term relationships.

The right membership management software for nonprofits can simplify how you organize, analyze, and use member data while streamlining the member experience. While there are several options available, Bonterra provides nonprofits with exactly what you need with select features customized for your organization.