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Managing HR can be a tough gig, and for a nonprofit, it can be even harder. You're juggling limited resources, compliance management, and finding the right talent. That's where HR software comes in. It helps simplify tasks, from payroll to employee management, so you can focus on your nonprofit's mission.

In my experience, selecting the right software can make a world of difference for your team. I've independently tested and reviewed various options to bring you a well-researched shortlist of the best HR tools for nonprofits.

In this article, you'll find my unbiased reviews of the best HR software for nonprofits, highlighting features that will suit your unique needs. Let's find a solution that fits your team and helps you achieve your goals.

Best HR Software for Nonprofits Summary

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

Best HR Software for Nonprofit Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR software for nonprofits that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for recruitment features

  • Free plan available
  • From $143/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Breezy HR is a recruitment-focused HR software designed for businesses seeking to optimize their hiring processes. It serves small to medium-sized organizations, offering tools to optimize candidate sourcing, tracking, and management.

Why I picked Breezy HR: Breezy HR excels in recruitment features, providing tools such as email templates and job descriptions that support your hiring process. The drag-and-drop pipeline management makes it easy to track candidates through different stages of the recruitment process. Automated interview scheduling saves your team time, ensuring a smooth interview process. Customizable career pages help you attract candidates who fit your nonprofit's culture and values.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include candidate scoring to help you evaluate applicants effectively. The video interviewing features allow you to screen candidates remotely. Team collaboration tools ensure your hiring team remains aligned.

Integrations include LinkedIn, HubSpot, WordPress, Slack, Google Calendar, Microsoft 365, Zoom, BambooHR, Salesforce, and QuickBooks

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Efficient interview scheduling
  • Customizable hiring workflows
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface

Cons:

  • Basic analytics options
  • Lacks some core HR functions

Best for all-in-one payroll/HR suite

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

Paycom is an all-in-one HR and payroll software designed for businesses of all sizes, with a focus on compliance tracking. It helps organizations manage payroll, HR tasks, and compliance requirements efficiently.

Why I picked Paycom: Paycom is known for its strong compliance tracking capabilities, which are important for organizations aiming to meet regulatory standards. The software offers a unified platform for managing payroll and compliance, reducing the risk of errors. Its compliance reporting tools provide insights into your organization's adherence to regulations. The document management system ensures that all necessary compliance documents are stored securely and are easily accessible.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include an employee self-service portal that enables your team to manage their own HR tasks, such as completing surveys and training. Its talent acquisition software and full-solution automations simplify the recruitment process. The performance management tool helps you evaluate and improve employee performance effectively.

Integrations are not publicly listed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Detailed compliance reporting
  • Unified HR platform
  • Efficient payroll processing

Cons:

  • Can be costly for small teams
  • Complex initial setup

Best for large-scale organizations

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

Workday is an HR management tool tailored for large-scale organizations, focusing on enterprise-level HR functions. It helps large teams manage payroll, talent, and workforce planning efficiently.

Why I picked Workday: Workday caters to large-scale organizations, offering a complete suite of cloud-based tools for managing complex HR needs. Its workforce planning feature allows you to forecast and manage staffing effectively. Its talent management software helps you attract and retain top talent to achieve your organization's goals. Payroll management ensures accurate and timely compensation for your team.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include analytics that provide insights into workforce trends. Performance management helps you evaluate and improve employee productivity. The learning management system supports continuous employee development.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, Slack, Google Cloud, Adobe Sign, Docusign, SAP, Oracle, IBM, and more.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Detailed workforce analytics
  • Strong talent management
  • Scalable for large teams

Cons:

  • Not ideal for small orgs
  • Requires technical expertise
  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4/5

ADP is an HR management tool focused on payroll integration for all types of organizations. It serves businesses looking to automate all or part of their payroll processes and helps to manage employee benefits efficiently.

Why I picked ADP: ADP excels in payroll integration, making it ideal for organizations needing efficient payroll management. It offers tools for automated payroll processing, reducing manual errors and saving your team time. Employee benefits administration provides a centralized way to manage and deliver benefits. The reporting capabilities give you insights into payroll and HR metrics, supporting informed decision-making.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include time and attendance software to help you manage employee hours. Talent acquisition tools support recruitment and onboarding processes. ADP's Workforce Manager helps your organization comply with regulations and laws.

Integrations include Sage, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Xero, BambooHR, Workday, Slack, and Google Workspace, and more. 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for growing teams
  • Extensive reporting options
  • Strong payroll capabilities

Cons:

  • The outdated interface and navigation can be frustrating
  • Complex setup process

Best for custom workflows

  • 30-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $1.25/user/month (billed annually)

Zoho People is an HR management software designed for businesses that require customizable workflows. It serves organizations of all sizes, automating HR tasks such as leave management and performance reviews.

Why I picked Zoho People: Zoho People offers custom workflows, allowing you to tailor HR processes to your nonprofit's needs. The leave management feature lets your team handle time-off requests efficiently. Performance appraisal tools help you assess and improve employee performance. Additionally, the self-service portal allows employees to manage their own HR-related tasks.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include a time tracker to monitor employee hours through automated timesheets. The onboarding feature simplifies the process of integrating new hires. Document management software helps you organize and store important HR files securely.

Integrations include Zoho CRM, Google Workspace, Paybooks, QuickBooks, Slack, Zapier, Adobe Sign, Docusign, Microsoft Teams, and Xero.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Secure document storage
  • Efficient leave management
  • Highly customizable workflows

Cons:

  • Lacks advanced recruiting tools
  • Some initial setup complexity

Best for employee self-service

  • Free demo available
  • From $10/employee/month

BambooHR is an HR management software designed for small to medium-sized organizations, focusing on employee self-service and HR automation. It helps teams manage time-off requests, employee records, and performance reviews efficiently.

Why I picked BambooHR: BambooHR excels in providing employee self-service features, making it easier for your team to manage their own HR tasks. The time-off management tool lets employees request leave directly, reducing administrative tasks. Employee record management centralizes all personnel data, making it accessible and organized. Performance management tools help you track and enhance employee performance with ease.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include an applicant tracking system that manages the core recruitment lifecycle. The reporting feature gives insights into HR metrics and trends. Onboarding tools help new hires integrate smoothly into your organization.

Integrations include Slack, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Xero, Zapier, Okta, Indeed, Zendesk, and LinkedIn, and more.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Centralized employee database
  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • Easy onboarding process

Cons:

  • Limited advanced reporting
  • Occasional system downtime

Best for benefits administration

  • Free account setup + free demo available
  • From $49/month + $6/person/month

Gusto is an HR and payroll platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on benefits administration. It helps manage payroll, employee benefits, and compliance, making HR tasks easier for your team to deal with.

Why I picked Gusto: Gusto excels in benefits administration, providing a thorough solution for managing employee benefits. The platform offers easy-to-use tools for health insurance, retirement plans, and more, helping to ensure your team gets the coverage they need. Payroll processing is integrated with benefits management, simplifying the overall HR workflow. Compliance support helps you adhere to regulations, reducing the risk of errors.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include automated payroll that calculates and files taxes for you. Time-tracking tools help you manage employee hours efficiently. The onboarding feature gives new hires a smooth start with your company.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Box, When I Work, Deputy, Clover, Expensify, Trainual, JazzHR, and more.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Beginner-friendly interface
  • Efficient onboarding tools
  • Strong compliance support

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Customer support can be slow

Best for small nonprofits

  • 14-day free trial + free plan available
  • From $2/user/month (billed annually)

TalentHR is a versatile HR tool designed for small nonprofits, focusing on simplifying HR processes. It caters to small business teams by providing key functions such as time-off and attendance tracking.

Why I picked TalentHR: TalentHR is user-friendly and tailored for small nonprofits, making it easy for you to manage HR tasks without the hassle. Its standout features include AI-powered tools, employee management, and people analytics, all of which help you efficiently handle HR operations. The tool's customization options let you adapt it to your nonprofit's specific needs. Additionally, its mobile accessibility ensures you can manage HR tasks on the go.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include time-off tracking that simplifies leave requests and approvals. Its employee management system helps you organize staff and optimize operations. People analytics provides insights to support decision-making.

Integrations include Google Calendar, Slack, Microsoft Office 365, WordPress, Zapier, and more.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Centralizes core HR tasks
  • Affordable, transparent pricing
  • User-friendly design

Cons:

  • Limited advanced features
  • Occasional lag or performance issues
  • 30-day free trial
  • From $3/employee/month

PurelyHR is an HR management platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, focusing on leave management. It helps teams efficiently manage employee time-off requests, attendance, and performance tracking without complicated spreadsheets.

Why I picked PurelyHR: PurelyHR is dedicated to leave management, offering a straightforward solution for tracking and approving employee time off. The platform's leave management feature simplifies the process of submitting and approving leave requests, saving your team time. Attendance tracking provides insights into employee punctuality and attendance patterns. Additionally, the performance tracking tool helps you monitor and evaluate employee productivity effectively.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include a time clock tool that captures employee working hours accurately. The document management system helps you store and organize important HR documents. Customizable alerts keep users informed of critical HR deadlines and tasks such as time-off requests.

Integrations are not publicly listed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Provides customizable alerts
  • Accurate attendance tracking
  • Efficient leave management

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large enterprises
  • Some core functionality can feel outdated

Best for midsize teams

  • Free demo available
  • From $9/employee/month

Namely is an HR software solution tailored for midsize businesses, offering an extensive suite for HR management. It helps manage payroll, benefits, and performance reviews, catering to the needs of growing teams.

Why I picked Namely: The payroll management feature ensures accurate and timely compensation for your team. Benefits administration simplifies the process of managing employee benefits. The performance review system helps you evaluate and enhance employee performance in order to align with your nonprofit's goals.

Standout features and integrations:

Features include customizable dashboards that let you organize HR tasks efficiently. Its time-off tracking software simplifies leave management for your team. Compliance management helps your organization adhere to regulations and standards.

Integrations include Slack, Zapier, Adobe Sign, Okta, and more.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Scalable for growing teams
  • Strong onboarding features
  • Efficient time-off tracking

Cons:

  • Requires technical support
  • Limited advanced analytics

Other HR Software for Nonprofits

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

  1. OnPay

    For simple payroll services

  2. Paycor

    For detailed analytics

  3. Cubework

    For workspace management

  4. PartnerHR

    For volunteer tracking

HR Software for Nonprofits Selection Criteria

When selecting the best HR software for nonprofits to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points such as budget constraints and compliance requirements. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage employee records
  • Track time and attendance
  • Process payroll
  • Handle benefits administration
  • Ensure compliance with regulations

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Volunteer management tools
  • Customizable workflows
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Mobile app access
  • Integration with third-party tools

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Responsive design
  • Customizable dashboards

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

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Extensive user manuals
  • Access to webinars
  • Onboarding support team

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 customer support availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Response time to inquiries
  • Availability of a knowledge base
  • Personalized support options

Value for Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexible subscription plans
  • Cost vs. feature offerings
  • Discounts for nonprofits
  • Transparency in pricing

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

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly reported issues
  • Praise for specific features
  • Feedback on customer support
  • Frequency of updates and improvements

How To Choose HR Software for Nonprofits

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityWill the software grow with your organization? Consider future staff increases and whether the tool can handle more users without a hitch.
IntegrationsDoes it work with your current systems? Check if it connects with your existing tools such as payroll, accounting, and communication platforms.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor the software to your needs? Look for flexible settings and options to match your organization's workflows and preferences.
Ease of useIs it user-friendly for all staff? Ensure the interface is simple enough for everyone to navigate without extensive training.
Implementation and onboardingHow smooth is the transition? Evaluate the vendor's support during setup and the resources they offer, such as tutorials and onboarding help, to make the switch easier.
CostDoes the pricing fit your budget? Compare the total cost, including hidden fees or additional charges, and look for nonprofit discounts.
Security safeguardsAre your data protected? Verify the software's security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to keep sensitive information safe.
Compliance requirementsDoes it meet regulatory standards? Ensure the tool complies with nonprofit-specific regulations and reporting requirements to avoid legal issues.

What Is HR Software for Nonprofits?

HR software for nonprofits is a tool designed to help nonprofit organizations manage their human resources tasks efficiently. These tools are generally used by HR professionals, managers, and administrators in nonprofit settings to handle tasks such as payroll, benefits, and compliance. Time tracking, employee record management, and reporting features help with organizing staff data, ensuring compliance, and managing day-to-day HR operations. Overall, these tools provide nonprofits with the ability to focus more on their mission by reducing the time spent on administrative HR tasks.

Features

When selecting HR software for nonprofits, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Payroll management: Automates payroll processing to ensure accurate and timely compensation for staff, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Time tracking: Monitors employee hours and attendance, helping with scheduling and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
  • Benefits administration: Manages employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, making it easier to provide complete packages.
  • Compliance tracking: Keeps your organization aligned with regulatory standards, reducing the risk of legal issues.
  • Volunteer management: Organizes volunteer information and schedules, enhancing engagement and efficiency in nonprofit operations.
  • Customizable workflows: Allows tailoring of HR processes to fit your nonprofit's specific needs and preferences.
  • Employee self-service: Empowers employees to manage their own HR tasks, such as updating personal information and requesting time off.
  • Document management: Stores and organizes important HR documents securely, ensuring easy access and compliance.
  • Performance management: Facilitates employee evaluations and goal setting, aiding in performance improvement and development.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with other tools such as accounting and communication platforms to create a unified system.

Benefits

Implementing HR software for nonprofits provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Time savings: Automating tasks such as nonprofit payroll processing and benefits administration reduces the time spent on manual processes, allowing your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
  • Improved compliance: Compliance tracking features help ensure your organization meets regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues tied to employee data management.
  • Enhanced employee engagement: Employee self-service portals empower staff to manage their own HR tasks, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
  • Better decision-making: Access to real-time dashboards, benchmarking tools, and detailed reports and analytics provides insights that support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Increased efficiency: Features such as time tracking and attendance management streamline workforce management, improving overall organizational efficiency.
  • Cost-effectiveness: By automating routine tasks, HR software helps reduce administrative costs, making it a cost-effective solution for nonprofits.
  • Scalability: Customizable workflows and integration capabilities ensure the software can grow with your organization, adapting to changing needs.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting HR software for nonprofits requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in HR software for nonprofit solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for HR Software for Nonprofits

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0/user/monthBasic employee management, time tracking, and limited reporting.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthEmployee self-service, payroll processing, and basic compliance tools.
Business Plan$25-$50/user/monthAdvanced reporting, benefits administration, and integration capabilities.
Enterprise Plan$50-$100/user/monthCustomizable workflows, dedicated support, and full compliance tracking.

HR Software for Nonprofits FAQs

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

What is the typical implementation time for HR software for nonprofits?

Implementation time varies but typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months. It depends on factors such as the size of your organization, the complexity of your current systems, and the level of customization needed. To speed up the process, prepare your data in advance and work closely with the software provider’s support team. They can guide you through the setup and help troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Do HR software solutions for nonprofits offer data migration services?

Yes, many HR software solutions offer data migration services to help you transition from your existing systems. These services can include transferring employee records, payroll data, and other critical information. It’s essential to verify if the software provider offers this service and if it’s included in the pricing plan. Some providers may charge additional fees, so clarify this before purchasing.

Can HR software for nonprofits help with volunteer management?

Yes, some HR software for nonprofits includes features to assist with volunteer management. These features can help you track volunteer hours, manage schedules, and store contact information. If volunteer management is a significant part of your operations, look for a solution that offers these capabilities. It can save your team time and improve your overall volunteer program.

Are there specific compliance features for nonprofits in HR software?

Yes, many HR software solutions include compliance features tailored for nonprofits. These features help you adhere to labor laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements specific to the nonprofit sector. When evaluating software, ensure it offers compliance tools relevant to your organization’s needs. Staying compliant reduces the risk of legal issues and penalties.

Can HR software for nonprofits integrate with fundraising or donor management tools?

Yes, some HR software solutions can integrate with donor or fundraising platforms. This helps nonprofits keep employee, volunteer, and donor data aligned across systems. Make sure the software offers integrations that match the tools your organization already uses.

Does HR software for nonprofits support grant reporting needs?

Many HR systems provide reporting tools that help track labor hours, staffing costs, and compliance data needed for grant reporting. This makes it easier to provide accurate information to funders. Look for a platform with customizable reports so that you can meet specific grant requirements.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching HR software for nonprofits, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

David Rice
By David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.

Interested in being reviewed? Find out more here.