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Navigating HR in the nonprofit sector can be tough. You face unique challenges, from managing limited resources to ensuring compliance with regulations. That's where specialized HR services come in. They can help your team focus on what matters most—your mission.

I've reviewed various providers to give you a clear picture of what's available. In my experience, finding the right HR partner can significantly impact your organization's effectiveness. I'll guide you through the top options, highlighting what makes each one stand out.

You'll find a detailed look at providers who understand the nonprofit world, offering services that fit your needs. Let's explore how these HR services can support your goals.

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Best HR Services for Nonprofits Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top HR services for nonprofits selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Service Best For Trial Info Price
1

Best for Canadian nonprofits

Not available

Pricing upon request Website
2

Best for payroll solutions

Contact for trial information

Pricing upon request Website
3

Best for compensation consulting

Not available

Pricing upon request Website
4

Best for social enterprises

Contact for trial information

Pricing upon request Website
5

Best for strategic planning

Contact for trial information

Pricing upon request Website
6

Best for mission-driven focus

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
7

Best for financial advisory

Contact for trial information

Pricing upon request Website
8

Best for small nonprofit teams

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
9

Best for employee benefits

Contact for trial information

Pricing upon request Website
10

Best for compliance support

Not available

Pricing upon request Website

Best HR Services for Nonprofits Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR service providers for nonprofits that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for Canadian nonprofits

  • Pricing upon request

TSERGAS Human Capital provides HR consulting services tailored for non-profit organizations, with a focus on HR audits, workplace investigations, and interim HR support. Their primary client base comprises Canadian non-profits seeking to enhance talent acquisition and workplace culture.

Why I picked TSERGAS Human Capital: Their flexible prepaid HR packages, offering a discount for non-profits, make HR services more accessible for your organization.

The platform’s in workplace investigations and strategic HR planning help you maintain a compliant and efficient workplace. By focusing on talent acquisition and retention, they support your team's growth and stability.

Standout Services: TSERGAS Human Capital offers interim HR support, enabling you to manage HR needs without the need for permanent hires, ensuring cost-effectiveness. They also provide training and development programs that focus on enhancing employee skills and engagement, helping your team reach its full potential.

Target industries: Non-profit organizations, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and community services.

Specialties: HR audits, workplace investigations, interim HR support, targeted recruiting, and training and development.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strategic HR planning
  • Focus on talent acquisition
  • Expertise in workplace investigations

Cons:

  • Project timelines can shift last minute
  • No in-house help for conflict mediation

Best for payroll solutions

  • Contact for trial information
  • Pricing upon request

The Human Resource Consulting Group provides specialized HR and payroll solutions tailored for nonprofit organizations, with a focus on payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance. They mainly work with nonprofits, streamlining payroll and HR operations.

Why I picked The Human Resource Consulting Group: Their strong emphasis on payroll solutions, which integrates smoothly with HR services to ensure accurate and timely compensation.

The platform’s tailored approach to benefits administration helps you manage employee perks effectively, supporting retention. With a focus on compliance, they help navigate complex regulatory environments, thereby reducing risks to your organization.

Standout Services: HRCG provides customized HR solutions tailored to your organization's specific needs, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Their benefits consultation offers expert guidance on selecting and managing employee benefits, helping you attract and retain top talent.

Target industries: Nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and community services.

Specialties: Payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance support, customized HR solutions, and benefits consultation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customized HR services
  • Tailored benefits administration
  • Strong focus on payroll solutions

Cons:

  • Few alerts for missed time entries
  • Interface looks dated and clunky

Best for compensation consulting

  • Pricing upon request

Astron Solutions provides HR consulting and talent management services tailored for nonprofits, with a focus on Total Rewards and compensation strategies. They primarily serve small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations seeking to enhance employee performance and retention.

Why I picked Astron Solutions: Astron Solutions specializes in compensation consulting, offering tailored total rewards programs that align with your organization's goals.

The platform’s approach simplifies HR processes, making it easier for you to manage compensation effectively. With tools like Flare® for talent management and Finders Keepers™ for employee retention, they address key challenges in nonprofit HR.

Standout Services: Astron Solutions offers web-based talent management with Flare®, which helps streamline your HR processes and improve talent engagement. Additionally, their Finders Keepers™ strategy is designed to enhance employee retention, ensuring your team remains motivated and committed.

Target industries: Nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and community services.

Specialties: Total rewards consulting, talent management, employee retention, compensation strategies, and HR process simplification.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Employee retention strategies
  • Web-based talent management tools
  • Tailored total rewards programs

Cons:

  • No clear guidance after final report
  • Some tools look outdated online

Best for social enterprises

  • Contact for trial information
  • Pricing upon request

Mission Edge offers HR and financial services specifically designed for nonprofits and social enterprises, with a focus on financial management, HR support, and strategic advisory services. They primarily serve organizations focused on enhancing operational efficiency and expanding their mission impact.

Why I picked Mission Edge: Mission Edge specializes in supporting social enterprises by offering strategic advisory services that align with your mission-driven goals.

The platform’s financial management solutions help you maintain transparency and accountability, crucial for social impact organizations. By focusing on operational efficiency, they enable your team to achieve its mission objectives better.

Standout Services: Mission Edge’s back-office support handles administrative tasks, enabling your team to focus on core activities. They also offer impact measurement services to help you track and evaluate the effectiveness of your programs, ensuring your efforts lead to meaningful outcomes.

Target industries: Social enterprises, nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, and community development.

Specialties: Financial management, HR support, strategic advisory, back-office support, and impact measurement.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Transparent financial management
  • Strong strategic advisory services
  • Focus on social enterprises

Cons:

  • Doesn’t assist with union negotiations
  • Limited tech support for HR systems

Best for strategic planning

  • Contact for trial information
  • Pricing upon request

True North HR Consulting provides specialized HR services tailored to nonprofits, with a focus on strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. They primarily serve nonprofit organizations aiming to strengthen internal capabilities and improve strategic decision-making.

Why I picked True North HR Consulting: True North HR Consulting focuses on strategic planning services that align your organization's goals with actionable HR strategies.

Their leadership development programs help equip your team with the skills needed for effective management. By emphasizing organizational effectiveness, they help you achieve your mission more efficiently.

Standout Services: True North HR Consulting’s change management support helps your organization navigate transitions smoothly, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a seamless transition. Their talent management services also ensure you have the right people in the right roles, fostering a productive work environment.

Target industries: Nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and community services.

Specialties: Strategic planning, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, change management, and talent management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive talent management
  • Effective change management support
  • Strong leadership development programs

Cons:

  • Limited help on hiring logistics
  • Few templates for internal policies

Best for mission-driven focus

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Nonprofit HR provides specialized human resource services for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, with a focus on strategy, recruitment, and HR outsourcing. Their primary client base comprises sectors such as education, healthcare, and community development.

Why I picked Nonprofit HR: Their mission-driven focus sets them apart by providing tailored HR solutions that align with the unique goals of social impact organizations. They emphasize a partnership approach, helping you attract, develop, and retain talent effectively. Their services are designed to address societal challenges, making them a valuable partner for organizations with a strong mission focus.

Standout Services: Nonprofit HR offers HR outsourcing that allows you to manage HR functions without the overhead of an internal team, addressing the need for efficient resource management. Their recruitment services focus on finding candidates who align with your mission, enhancing your team's ability to achieve organizational goals.

Target industries: Education, healthcare, community development, social justice, and environmental advocacy.

Specialties: HR outsourcing, recruitment, strategic advisory, talent management, and equity promotion.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Emphasis on equity and diversity
  • Strong partnership approach
  • Focus on mission-driven organizations

Cons:

  • Some templates feel too corporate
  • Not flexible on contract terms mid-project

Best for financial advisory

  • Contact for trial information
  • Pricing upon request

Vault Consulting offers specialized HR services tailored to nonprofits and associations, with a focus on benefits administration, payroll processing, and employee relations. Their primary client base comprises organizations seeking to streamline their HR functions, allowing them to focus more on their missions.

Why I picked Vault Consulting: Vault Consulting offers tailored financial advisory services that integrate seamlessly with HR solutions, providing a holistic approach to managing your organization's resources. They combine benefits administration with payroll processing to ensure your team receives comprehensive support.

Their expertise in employee relations helps you maintain a positive work environment, aligning HR practices with organizational goals.

Standout Services: Vault Consulting provides pay equity studies that help ensure fair compensation within your organization, promoting a culture of equity and inclusion. Additionally, their HR assessments offer insights into your current HR practices, identifying areas for improvement and enhancing overall efficiency.

Target industries: Nonprofit organizations, associations, education, healthcare, and community services.

Specialties: Benefits administration, payroll processing, employee relations, pay equity studies, and HR assessments.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Promotes equity and inclusion
  • Comprehensive payroll services
  • Focus on financial advisory

Cons:

  • Slow follow-up on smaller issues
  • Not much help with team culture

Best for small nonprofit teams

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Smart HR, Inc. offers human resource services tailored for nonprofit organizations, encompassing HR outsourcing, consulting, compliance, and recruitment. Their main client base includes small to medium-sized nonprofits needing cost-effective HR solutions.

Why I picked Smart HR, Inc.: Smart HR, Inc. offers a team approach that combines generalist and specialist support, which is ideal for small nonprofit teams.

Their emphasis on mission-aligned HR practices helps you attract and retain values-driven talent. Cost-effective services typically cost 50% less than maintaining an in-house HR department, making them suitable for budget-conscious organizations.

Standout Services: Smart HR, Inc. emphasizes tailored recruiting strategies that align with your mission and culture, helping you attract values-driven talent. Their compliance services also focus on nonprofit-specific labor laws, ensuring your organization meets all necessary legal requirements.

Target industries: Education, healthcare, arts and culture, social services, and environmental organizations.

Specialties: HR outsourcing, compliance, recruiting, benefits administration, and mission alignment.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Experienced in compliance
  • Mission-aligned practices
  • Cost-effective HR solutions

Cons:

  • Sometimes misses smaller admin errors
  • Doesn’t handle recruiting in-house

Best for employee benefits

  • Contact for trial information
  • Pricing upon request

Emplicity offers HR outsourcing services tailored for nonprofit organizations, focusing on benefits management, payroll administration, and compliance support. Their main client base includes sectors such as behavioral health, churches, and medical services.

Why I picked Emplicity: Their focus on employee benefits management helps you provide competitive packages that enhance satisfaction and retention.

The HR Business Partner model offers tailored solutions to address specific organizational needs, improving overall productivity. Emplicity's dedication to managing HR tasks allows your team to concentrate on advancing your mission.

Standout Services: Emplicity provides a human resources information system (HRIS) that streamlines your HR processes, making data management more efficient and effective. They also offer online education and training services to empower your team with the necessary skills to thrive in their roles, enhancing organizational effectiveness.

Target industries: Behavioral health, churches, youth services, medical services, and social services.

Specialties: HR outsourcing, benefits management, payroll administration, compliance support, and training.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • HRIS for efficient data management
  • Online education and training
  • Focus on employee benefits

Cons:

  • Not great with part-time setups
  • Some delays with ID cards and docs

Best for compliance support

  • Pricing upon request

TriNet offers comprehensive HR solutions tailored for nonprofits, focusing on payroll, benefits, risk mitigation, and compliance support. They serve small to medium-sized nonprofit organizations that seek to manage their HR functions effectively.

Why I picked TriNet: TriNet's strong emphasis on compliance support helps you navigate complex regulatory requirements, thereby reducing potential risks to your organization.

They integrate risk mitigation strategies with payroll and benefits management, ensuring your team operates smoothly. By focusing on compliance, they provide a solid foundation for your HR operations.

Standout Services: TriNet offers risk mitigation services that help your organization identify and manage potential HR risks, providing peace of mind. Moreover, their benefits management solutions ensure your team has access to competitive benefits packages, supporting employee satisfaction and retention.

Target industries: Nonprofit organizations, education, healthcare, professional services, and technology.

Specialties: Compliance support, risk mitigation, payroll processing, benefits management, and HR technology solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Focus on HR technology
  • Competitive benefits packages
  • Comprehensive risk mitigation

Cons:

  • Too many reps switch mid-project
  • Portal layout can be confusing

Other HR Services for Nonprofits

Here are some additional HR service providers for nonprofits that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Helios HR

    For leadership development

  2. 501(c) HR Services

    For tax-exempt organizations

  3. Tulloch Consulting

    For small team HR support

  4. HR Resolutions

    For conflict resolution services

  5. BoardWalk Consulting

    For executive search expertise

  6. Nonprofit Resources

    For mission-focused HR services

  7. OperationsInc

    For flexible HR outsourcing

What Are HR Services for Nonprofits?

HR services for nonprofits are specialized human resource solutions designed to meet the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. They might offer things like:

  • Payroll processing and management
  • Benefits administration and support
  • Compliance and legal guidance
  • Talent acquisition and recruitment
  • Employee training and development

Nonprofit organizations, including their HR departments and leadership teams, typically seek out these services. They address challenges like managing limited resources, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing employee engagement.

HR Services for Nonprofits Selection Criteria

When selecting the best HR service providers for nonprofits to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included managing compliance with regulations and enhancing employee retention. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Services (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Payroll processing
  • Benefits administration
  • Compliance support
  • Talent acquisition
  • Employee training

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score): To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Leadership development programs
  • Strategic HR planning
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Change management support
  • Impact measurement services

Industry Experience (10% of total score): To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years of operation in the nonprofit sector
  • Range of nonprofit clients served
  • Expertise in specific nonprofit challenges
  • Partnerships with nonprofit organizations
  • Recognition in nonprofit industry publications

Onboarding (10% of total score): To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Speed of setup process
  • Clarity of onboarding instructions
  • Availability of onboarding support
  • Customization options during onboarding
  • Ease of transitioning existing processes

Customer Support (10% of total score): To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Expertise of support staff
  • Availability of dedicated account managers
  • Feedback from existing customers

Value For Price (10% of total score): To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing structure
  • Competitive pricing against similar providers
  • Range of services included in the price
  • Flexibility in pricing plans
  • Customer feedback on value for money

Customer Reviews (10% of total score): To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on service quality
  • Comments on ease of use
  • Customer loyalty and repeat use
  • Testimonials highlighting specific strengths

How to Choose an HR Services Provider for Nonprofits

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesEnsure the provider aligns with your mission and goals. They should support your strategic initiatives and help you achieve your nonprofit's objectives effectively.
Service Scope and SLAsVerify that the provider covers all necessary HR functions and offers clear service-level agreements. This ensures you know what to expect and can hold them accountable.
Support AvailabilityLook for providers that offer 24/7 support or dedicated account managers. Reliable support is crucial for addressing urgent issues quickly.
Costs and Pricing StructureEvaluate transparency in pricing and flexibility in plans. Ensure that there are no hidden fees and that the services align with your budget constraints.
Communication and ReportingThe provider should offer regular updates and clear communication channels. Effective reporting helps you track progress and make informed decisions.
Customization OptionsCheck if they can tailor services to your specific needs. Custom solutions ensure that the provider can tailor their services to your unique organizational needs.
Reputation and ReviewsInvestigate customer reviews and testimonials. Feedback from other nonprofits can provide insights into the provider’s reliability and effectiveness.
Technology IntegrationEnsure the provider’s systems integrate with your existing technology. Compatibility is key for smooth operations and data management.

Key HR Services for Nonprofits

When selecting an HR services provider for nonprofits, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Payroll processing: Efficiently manages employee payments and deductions, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
  • Benefits administration: Oversees employee benefits packages to enhance satisfaction and retention.
  • Compliance support: Provides guidance on legal and regulatory requirements to reduce risks.
  • Talent acquisition: Helps recruit and retain individuals who align with your mission and values.
  • Employee training: Offers development programs to improve skills and organizational effectiveness.
  • Strategic advisory: Aligns HR strategies with your mission-driven goals for better outcomes.
  • Impact measurement: Evaluates the effectiveness of programs to ensure meaningful results.
  • Change management: Assists in navigating organizational transitions smoothly to minimize disruptions.
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives: Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment, enhancing team collaboration.
  • HR information systems: Integrates technology to streamline HR processes and data management.

Benefits of HR Services for Nonprofits

Partnering with an HR services provider for nonprofits offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved compliance: Guidance on legal requirements helps you avoid costly penalties and ensure ongoing compliance.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction: Effective benefits administration boosts morale and retention rates.
  • Strategic alignment: Advisory services align HR strategies with your mission, driving better outcomes.
  • Efficient recruitment: Talent acquisition services ensure you hire individuals who share your organization's values.
  • Skill development: Training programs enhance employee skills, contributing to organizational growth.
  • Cost savings: Payroll and benefits management optimize resources, resulting in reduced unnecessary expenses.
  • Increased focus: By handling administrative tasks, providers allow you to focus on your core mission.

Costs and Pricing Structures of HR Services for Nonprofits

HR services for nonprofits typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Subscription-based: Regular payments provide continuous access to services.
  • Project-based: Fees are determined by the specific project scope.
  • Hourly rate: Charges are based on the number of hours worked.
  • Retainer: A monthly fee ensures ongoing access to services.
  • Per employee: Costs are calculated based on the number of employees served.

Key Factors That Influence HR Services for Nonprofits Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of HR services for nonprofits:

  • Customization needs: Tailoring services to fit unique requirements can increase costs.
  • Number of employees: Typically, more employees mean higher service costs.
  • Compliance standards: Adhering to specific regulations may require additional resources.
  • Service complexity: More complex services often come at a higher price.
  • Geographic location: Costs can vary based on where your organization operates.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

HR Services for Nonprofits: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about HR services for nonprofits:

How do I choose the right HR services provider for my nonprofit?

Selecting the right HR services provider requires evaluating your organization’s unique needs, budget, and objectives. Look for providers with experience in the nonprofit sector and a strong understanding of compliance regulations. Consider their service offerings, pricing structure, and customer support. It’s also helpful to read reviews and ask for references to gauge their reliability and effectiveness.

What should I expect during the onboarding process with an HR services provider?

During the onboarding process, you should expect the provider to assess your current HR setup and identify areas for improvement. They will likely gather information about your team, policies, and procedures. The provider should offer a clear plan for transitioning services and provide training or support to ensure a smooth start. Open communication is essential for addressing any concerns or questions you may have.

How can HR services help with compliance for nonprofits?

HR services can help your nonprofit stay compliant by keeping you informed about the latest regulations and requirements. They can assist with audits, documentation, and policy updates to ensure you meet legal standards. By managing compliance, HR services reduce the risk of fines and legal issues, allowing you to focus on your mission.

Can HR services providers help with employee retention in nonprofits?

Yes, HR services providers can help improve employee retention by offering competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment. They can conduct employee engagement surveys to identify areas for improvement and work with your team to implement effective retention strategies. By addressing employee needs, HR services can enhance satisfaction and reduce turnover.

What role do HR services play in strategic planning for nonprofits?

HR services play a crucial role in aligning your HR strategies with your nonprofit’s mission and goals. They can assist in workforce planning, leadership development, and performance management. By providing insights and recommendations, HR services help your organization make informed decisions that support long-term success and mission achievement.

Are HR services for nonprofits customizable to fit my organization's needs?

Many HR services providers offer customizable solutions to fit the unique needs of your nonprofit. They can tailor their offerings to match your specific needs, size, budget, and challenges. Discuss your requirements with potential providers to ensure they can adapt their services to your organization’s needs and provide the best support possible.

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Finn Bartram
By Finn Bartram

Finn is an editor at People Managing People. He's passionate about growing organizations where people are empowered to continuously improve and genuinely enjoy coming to work. If not at his desk, you can find him playing sports or enjoying the great outdoors.