Managing human resources in nonprofit organizations can be tricky because of limited resources. You’ll have to manage your workforce with fewer resources and more accountability.
Often, I’ve seen my peers in nonprofit organizations and sectors struggle to find HR solutions that align with their constrained budgets.
Inadequate human resources tools divert your focus from your core mission—serving the community. The inefficiency of mismatched HR tools can leave you feeling like you’re always playing catch-up, never entirely optimizing your organizational potential.
In collaboration with the ClickUp team, we have tested several HR software programs specifically designed for nonprofits.
We aimed to identify tools that automate mundane tasks and enhance volunteer and employee management systems. 🔍
What Should You Look for In HR Software for Nonprofits?
When evaluating HR software for nonprofits, I typically consider the following factors:
- Affordability: Choose software with a straightforward, cost-effective pricing structure. Nonprofits often have tight budgets, so it’s crucial to avoid unexpected fees or price escalations
- Grant and Fund Tracking: Select software that can track how employee hours and resources are allocated across different grants or funding sources
- Volunteer Management: Opt for HR software that integrates volunteer management, allowing you to track contributions, manage schedules, and maintain contact information
- Scalability: Ensure the HR software can adapt to growth or changes in your nonprofit, handling increases in employee numbers or program expansions without needing a system overhaul
- Donor Integration: For nonprofits working closely with donors, choose software that shares data with donor management systems to align workforce management with fundraising efforts and donor engagements
- Custom Reports: The software should allow you to create reports tailored for various stakeholders, such as board members, donors, and regulatory agencies, presenting data in the most useful formats for decision-making
- Ease of Use: Select software with an intuitive interface accessible to all staff members, regardless of their technical skills
The 10 Best HR Software for Nonprofits to Use in 2024
Here are the top 10 HR software solutions for nonprofits that can significantly enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve overall organizational management.
1. ClickUp
Best for HR project management
ClickUp is a top pick for nonprofit human resources teams because it’s customizable and great for managing projects. Its easy-to-use interface allows you to use templates to automate HR tasks like tracking employee metrics and customizing CRM tools.
With ClickUp’s HR teams feature, track recruitment, set up flexible talent management systems, and access many employee onboarding and management tools.
From pre-made employee handbooks and process documents to dashboards for performance and schedule tracking, ClickUp makes your HR operations easier and more efficient than ever.
Use ClickUp’s HR Knowledge Base template to help you maintain a centralized information source about your organization’s end-to-end employee data.
Access your HR policies and procedures in one place, and use the searchable feature to pull up several data categories instantly. This template’s architecture also saves time spent solving volunteer queries.
With ClickUp’s Employee Directory Template, you can keep all your employee information in one place. It lets you:
- Quickly find coworker contact info
- Keep records organized and accurate
- Track new hires, promotions, and other essential details
This template helps your team work better together, making everything easier and more efficient.
ClickUp best features
- Automation: Clickup allows you to automate task allocation triggers and notifications for your HR team to stay informed
- Performance tracking: You can monitor workload and volunteer performance through customizable dashboards and auto-generated reports
- Docs and wikis: Create wikis with nested pages and permissions to gate confidential information while also permitting specific HR members to edit in real-time
- Free integrations: Cost-free integrations with tools like Time Doctor, Slack, Loom, Toggl, GitLab, and 1000+ tools let you maintain a strong tech stack in one place
- Checklists and reminders: Prepare error-free systems with clear checklists available across documents, tasks, and other page views
ClickUp limitations
- Users may experience a notification overload unless properly configured
- Requires some time to integrate and customize as per specific HR needs fully
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $5 per Workspace member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 [9,510+ reviews]
- Capterra: 4.6/5 [4,107+ reviews]
2. Zoho People
Best for automating HR processes for nonprofits
Zoho People is an HR software that provides a full spectrum of services suitable for scalable and integrated HR solutions.
The cloud-based platform handles onboarding to termination pipelines, time-tracking, and performance assessments, making it a vital resource for HR automation in nonprofits.
However, Zoho People is feature-heavy and slightly technical for many HR freshers. The depth of customization options may be a steep ask for organizations since it would take time to leverage its complex build.
Zoho People key features
- Biometric device integration for attendance and time tracking
- Geo-fencing and IP restrictions ensure secure and location-specific employee clock-in
- Offers learning and development through an integrated Learning Management System [LMS]
- Customizable appraisal cycles aligning with nonprofit organizations’ objectives
Zoho People limitations
- The complex interface is often overwhelming
- Full utilization calls for comprehensive training
Zoho People pricing
- Standard: $9.6 per user/month billed annually
- Professional: $16.79 per user/month billed annually
- Enterprise: $28.79 per user/month billed annually
- Ultimate: $31.19 per user/month billed annually
Zoho People ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.4/5 (325+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (250 reviews)
3. Rippling
Best for unified employee and volunteer management in nonprofits
Rippling equips HR teams at nonprofits with comprehensive IT and operations support to reduce administrative overheads.
This tool simplifies management processes by integrating employee data across several departments, ensuring seamless data flow and enhancing HR functionality accuracy.
By centralizing employee and volunteer information, Rippling helps nonprofits manage their workforce more efficiently. This allows HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative tasks.
With Rippling, nonprofits can ensure their resources are effectively allocated, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness and impact.
Rippling key features
- Single sign-on (SSO) centralizes central system access control
- Streamlines IT operations in HR teams via automatic device setup and decommissioning
- Integrates with 500+ business applications for enhanced functionality
- Blends payroll directly with HR and benefits administration for easier management
Rippling limitations
- The interface isn’t the most intuitive
- Below-average customer support
Rippling pricing
- $8/month per user
- Custom pricing
Rippling ratings and reviews:
- Capterra: 4.9/5 (3,045+ reviews)
- G2: 5/5 (2,335+ reviews)
4. Gusto
Best for streamlined payroll and basic HR operations in nonprofits
Gusto is well-known for managing the complexities of payroll for small- to medium-sized nonprofit organizations. It offers basic HR tasks and automates tax calculations, filings, and administrative duties.
Furthermore, this HR software helps nonprofits with compliance alerts by reminding them to keep HR practices in line with laws.
Although it’s user-friendly and handles primary HR functions like talent management, attendance tracking, and workers’ compensation, it can be limiting for organizations searching for broader, more integrated HR solutions.
Gusto key features
- Pay employees through multiple payment methods like direct deposit and checks
- Includes tools and programs to support your team’s financial well-being
- Simplifies payroll processing with auto-calculations and tax filings
- Dedicated guidance and support for HR professionals
Gusto limitations
- Best suited for organizations operating within the U.S.
- It focuses mainly on payroll and is less comprehensive in other HR areas
Gusto pricing
- Simple: $40/month
- Plus: $60/month
- Premium: Custom pricing
Gusto ratings and reviews:
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (3,880 reviews)
- G2: 4.5/5 (2,000 reviews)
5. HR Partner
Best for simplified employee management in nonprofits
This HR solution is tailored for nonprofits seeking an easy-to-use solution without the challenges of larger systems.
You can streamline processes for collecting employee documentation, leave management, and several employee-centric features in a self-service portal on a cloud-based platform. What’s best is that you can collect e-signatures and centralize employee data in one location.
On the other hand, HR Partner may not offer comprehensive workforce analytics or integrated performance management systems. Larger nonprofits with complex HR needs might need to supplement HR Partner with additional tools to meet all their requirements.
HR Partner key features
- Manage job postings and track applicants across the hiring lifecycle
- Guarantees consistent onboarding experiences with customizable checklists
- Conduct and manage performance reviews directly within the platform
- Share policies, contracts, and handbooks securely
HR Partner limitations
- No mobile application
- Manual workarounds are needed since it lacks direct integration with payroll systems
HR Partner pricing
- Core: $52/month
- Premium: $65/month
- VIP: $94/month
HR Partner ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.6/5 (30+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (90+ reviews)
6. BambooHR
Best HR software for small-to-medium nonprofits
BambooHR is a detail-oriented data management platform that features on-demand pre-built reports and charts and a wide variety of HR analytics to help you make data-driven decisions.
Its features for gathering employee experiences and addressing inclusive HR issues give it a distinct advantage.
BambooHR is well-suited for organizations looking to enhance their HR processes with comprehensive data insights and analytics tools.
BambooHR key features
- Performance management systems let you customize appraisal cycles, goals, and employee feedback processes
- Full-featured mobile access allows managing HR services on the go
- Time-off tracking enables you to manage and approve leave requests with ease
- Users can automate and personalize onboarding experiences for new hires
BambooHR limitations
- Minimal integrations for custom fields
- Steep price increase recently with minimal addition of new features
BambooHR pricing
- Core: Custom pricing
- Pro: Custom pricing
BambooHR ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.4/5 (2,140+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (2,815 reviews)
7. BreezyHR
Best for recruitment and applicant tracking
BreezyHR specializes in improving the recruitment process, making it an excellent tool for nonprofits focused on expanding their teams. The software’s powerful applicant-tracking capabilities make finding and hiring top-tier talent a breeze.
From advertising your job offers to integrating with HRIS systems that convert qualified leads to in-review applicants and, finally, employees, BreezyHR’s interface is a great choice.
Additionally, BreezyHR helps enhance your HR goals by streamlining recruitment processes and providing essential tools.
BreezyHR key features
- Automated interview scheduling coordinates times between candidates and interviewers without manual intervention
- In-built screening abilities shortlist candidates via assessments and scorecards
- Candidate-sourcing features let you access several job boards and social media platforms
- Visual pipeline management allows dragging and dropping candidates through custom hiring stages
BreezyHR limitations
- It doesn’t integrate seamlessly with all HR systems
- Users aren’t permitted to open several job applications/resumes simultaneously
BreezyHR pricing
- Bootstrap: Free
- Startup: $189/month
- Growth: $329/month
- Business: $529/month
BreezyHR ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.4/5 (630+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,405+ reviews)
8. ADP Workforce
Best for integrated payroll and time-tracking for nonprofits
ADP Workforce is an HR software for nonprofits that permits quality payroll services via proactive error detection and payments across borders.
In addition to insights into payroll costs and trends, the tool has features for accurate timekeeping, performance review against market benchmarks, and 190+ reports for data-backed HR decisions.
You can also use ADP Workforce’s talent acquisition systems to track, engage, and hire top talent in your nonprofit’s niche, streamlining your human resource planning and maximizing efficiency.
ADP Workforce key features
- Detailed payroll services with tax compliance features
- Track and manage employee hours accurately before releasing payments
- Employee self-service portals empower individuals to manage their HR data
- End-to-end functionality on its mobile applications makes it easily accessible
ADP Workforce limitations
- Delayed and poorly trained customer service teams
- Occasional lags and slow loading periods
- Frequent errors and cache-clearing notifications
- Poor communication with users after platform updates
ADP Workforce pricing
- Custom pricing
ADP Workforce ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.4/5 (6,435+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.1/5 (3,395+ reviews)
9. Workday
Best for scalable solutions in larger nonprofits
Workday’s HR solutions are ideal for nonprofits’ HR platforms needing comprehensive human capital management, especially for larger not-for-profit businesses.
Its suite includes payroll and HR finance management, talent acquisition, advanced analytics, and employee feedback tools.
Additionally, Workday supports global workforce management and flexible organizational modeling, empowering your HR team to optimize HR activities effectively.
Workday key features
- Adaptive insights and business planning with real-time analytics and forecasting
- Robust security protocols ensure data integrity
- Employee and manager self-service streamline data management and accessibility
- Explain, review, and handle compensation benefits in one place
Workday limitations
- Data recognition can be challenging due to confusing navigation
- The user experience is not very intuitive
Workday pricing
- 30-day free trial
- Custom pricing
Workday ratings and reviews:
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (1,360+ reviews)
- G2: 4/5 (1,520+ reviews)
10. Deel
Best for global workforce management in nonprofits
Deel’s multi-currency support and global payroll management in 150+ countries make it a great nonprofit HR software for working with international vendors.
This tool is renowned for resolving the complexities of hiring and paying employees across borders.
Though these features are optimal for international operations, its niche focus on global workforce management may not suit nonprofits operating solely within domestic borders.
Deel key features
- Customizable contracts to meet country-specific requirements
- 24/7 customer support for global operations
- Local compliance is guaranteed for local employment laws and regulations
- Contractor payments are streamlined with automatic currency conversion
Deel limitations
- Limited accessibility of some features in Europe
- Primarily suitable for managing international teams
Deel pricing
- Free
- Engage: $20 per employee/month
- US Payroll: $19 per employee/month
- Payroll: $29 per employee/month
- US PEO: $79 per employee/month
- Contractor management: $49/month
- EOR: $599/month
Deel ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.8/5 (3,280+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (535+ reviews)
Empower Your Nonprofit Orgranizationswith the Right HR Software
Choosing the right HR software for nonprofits allows you to focus on priority tasks such as finding investors and achieving your organization’s social and communal goals. Effective HR software reduces the stress of HR operations, enabling you to retain employees and volunteers for long-term engagement.
Managing a large amount of employee and payroll data is an important part of a human resources manager’s day, and ClickUp can simplify this process for you.
Our human resource planning features ensure your HR staff allocates tasks and finances in sync with your nonprofit’s budgets.
Use our performance review templates to assess volunteer efficacy in investor acquisition, marketing, or awareness campaigns. Our free HR templates can be customized to track your HR goals as your nonprofit organization evolves.
HR processes can be enhanced by retaining top talent, creating effective employee handbooks, and selecting the best software. With ClickUp’s tools, you can seamlessly transition your nonprofit from standardized operations to growth-stage activities.
Sign up for ClickUp for free today.