Independently tested ranking
Best Email Marketing Software for Nonprofits in 2026
We compared 10 email marketing tools for nonprofits on ease of use, donor and fundraising features, automation, free plans and real cost as your supporter list grows.
- Tools compared
- 10
- With a free plan
- 6 of 10
- Median entry price
- $12/mo
- Average rating
- 4.3
On this page
- Quick answer
- Our top picks
- Key takeaways
- What is email marketing software?
- Comparison table
- The 10 best email marketing software for nonprofits
- Best email marketing software by need
- What to look for
- How much email marketing software for nonprofits cost
- How we ranked them
- How to choose email marketing software
- FAQ
- About the reviewer
- Related rankings
What is the best email marketing software for nonprofits?
The best email marketing software for nonprofits in 2026 is Mailchimp for most small organizations, Constant Contact for nonprofits that run events and want phone support, MailerLite for tight budgets, Givebutter for free fundraising with donor email built in, and Brevo for large lists you email occasionally. MailerLite's Comfort plan starts at $12 a month for 500 subscribers, and Mailchimp, MailerLite, Brevo and Givebutter all have free plans.
Our top picks
Best overall
Mailchimp
The easiest all-in-one email tool for small nonprofits, with a free plan, forms, landing pages and surveys on every plan.
Paid plans from $8.89/mo (Essentials, 500 contacts)
See why we picked itBest on a budget
MailerLite
A free plan, A/B testing on every plan and paid plans from $12 a month make it the best value for small lists.
Paid plans from $12/mo (Comfort)
See why we picked itBest free fundraising option
Givebutter
A free, tip-supported platform that puts donation forms, events, a donor CRM and email in one place.
Paid plans from Free (processing fees apply)
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Mailchimp is the easiest all-round pick for small nonprofits, with a free plan for 250 contacts and paid plans from $8.89 a month.
- If you want donations, events and donor email in one place, a fundraising platform like Givebutter (free core platform) or a donor CRM like Bloomerang can replace a separate email tool.
- Most email tools charge by contact count, so a big list of past donors gets expensive. Brevo prices by emails sent, which suits a few large appeals a year.
- Clean your list before you pick a plan. Removing supporters who have not opened in a year can drop you into a cheaper tier.
- Some vendors offer nonprofit pricing on request that is not shown on their pricing page, so ask sales before you pay list price.
What is email marketing software?
Email marketing software for nonprofits is a tool that lets charities, foundations and community groups send newsletters, fundraising appeals, event invitations and thank-you emails to supporters, and track who opens, clicks and gives. The best email marketing software for nonprofits also keeps supporter lists clean and segmented, automates welcome and follow-up emails, and stays affordable as the list grows.
Nonprofit email has different needs from business email. You are writing to donors, volunteers, members and advocates, often with a part-time team and a small budget. Look for an easy editor, a free or low-cost plan, sign-up forms and landing pages, segments by giving history, and ideally a link between email and donations, whether through a donor CRM, a fundraising platform or integrations.
Best email marketing software for nonprofits compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mailchimp |
Most small nonprofits | Yes (250 contacts) | $8.89/mo (Essentials, 500 contacts) | ★4.1 |
| 2 |  Constant Contact |
Events and hands-on support | No (free trial) | $12/mo (500 contacts) | ★4.1 |
| 3 | MailerLite |
Low-cost newsletters | Yes (250 subscribers) | $12/mo (Comfort) | ★4.6 |
| 4 | Givebutter | Fundraising plus donor email | Yes (free, tip-supported) | Free (processing fees apply) | Not yet reviewed |
| 5 |  Brevo |
Big lists, infrequent sends | Yes (300 emails/day) | $9/mo (Starter, 5,000 emails) | ★4.4 |
| 6 | Bloomerang | Donor retention | No (demo) | Custom quote | Not yet reviewed |
| 7 | Action Network | Advocacy and petitions | Yes (basic tools) | Custom (partner account) | Not yet reviewed |
| 8 |  ActiveCampaign |
Donor-nurture automation | No (14-day trial) | $15/mo annual (1,000 contacts) | ★4.5 |
| 9 |  GetResponse |
Webinars and landing pages | Limited, after trial | €13.12/mo annual (1,000 contacts) | ★4.2 |
| 10 | Zoho Campaigns | Zoho CRM users | Yes (limited) | Priced by subscribers | Not yet reviewed |
Our rating comes from MakeSuccessOnline's hands-on reviews. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026.
The 10 best email marketing software for nonprofits in 2026
Nonprofits need three kinds of tools: easy email platforms, fundraising platforms with donor email, and donor CRMs with email built in. We ranked the best of each by how well they serve a small team with a tight budget.
#1Best overall for most nonprofits
Mailchimp
An easy all-in-one email tool with forms, landing pages, surveys and automation flows, priced by contact count.
- Paid plans from
- $8.89/mo (Essentials, 500 contacts)
- Free plan
- Yes (250 contacts)
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized nonprofits that want one easy email tool
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Mailchimp is the email tool many nonprofits already know, and it is still the easiest to hand to a volunteer or a new communications hire. The drag-and-drop editor and templates make a monthly newsletter, an event reminder or a year-end appeal quick to build, and the free plan covers a list of up to 250 supporters.
Beyond email, you get sign-up forms, landing pages and surveys on every plan, which is useful for volunteer sign-ups or feedback after an event. The Standard plan adds branching automation flows, so you can run a welcome series for new donors and a separate path for volunteers. Expect the bill to rise steadily as the list grows.
Key features
- Forms, landing pages and surveysEvery plan includes sign-up forms, landing pages and surveys, so you can collect newsletter sign-ups, volunteer interest or event feedback without another tool.
- Automation flowsBuild welcome series and follow-ups for new supporters. Essentials allows flows of up to 4 steps; Standard allows up to 200 flows with branching for donors, volunteers and members.
- SegmentationBasic segments on all plans, with advanced and predictive segments on Standard, so a lapsed-donor appeal does not go to people who gave last week.
- Integrations300+ integrations, including Stripe, Square, WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Salesforce, Canva and Zapier, to pull supporters in from your website and payment tools.
- Social postingPost to social channels from the same account on every plan, which helps a small team announce a campaign everywhere at once.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 250 contacts, 500 sends/mo (250/day), 1 seat, Mailchimp branding, no scheduling |
| Essentials | $8.89/mo | 500 contacts, 3 seats, scheduling, branding removal, A/B testing, 4-step flows, 24/7 email and chat support |
| Standard | $13.31/mo | 500 contacts, 5 seats, up to 200 branching flows, generative AI, send time optimization, predictive segments |
| Premium | $266.30/mo | 500 contacts, unlimited seats and audiences, phone and priority support, multivariate testing |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Prices shown are for 0 to 500 contacts and rise with list size. Mailchimp is running a 50% off offer for the first 12 months on paid plans.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy for volunteers and non-technical staff
- Free plan for small lists
- Forms, landing pages and surveys on every plan
- Large integration library, including Stripe and Square
Cons
- Price rises quickly as your supporter list grows
- Essentials flows are limited to 4 steps
- Free plan is tight: 250 contacts, branding and no scheduling
Is it right for you?
Choose Mailchimp ifYou are a small nonprofit that wants a familiar, easy email tool that volunteers can pick up in an afternoon.
Look elsewhere ifYou have a large list of occasional donors on a tight budget, where volume-based or cheaper tools cost far less.
#2Best for nonprofits that run events and want phone support
Constant Contact
An email platform for small businesses and nonprofits, with event registration, social posting and live phone support.
- Paid plans from
- $12/mo (500 contacts)
- Free plan
- No (free trial)
- Best for
- Small nonprofits without an in-house marketer
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Constant Contact is built for organizations that do not have a marketing team. Its templates include designs for nonprofits and events, the editor is simple, and you can call or chat with a real person when a campaign will not send. For an executive director who also writes the newsletter, that support is worth a lot.
Its other strength is events. You can create an event page, take registrations and sell tickets for a gala, a fun run or a volunteer day, then email attendees from the same account. Higher plans add A/B testing, segmentation and more automation, so small nonprofits usually start on Lite and upgrade as the list grows.
Key features
- Event managementCreate event pages, take registrations and sell tickets, then email attendees from the same account, which suits galas, fundraisers and volunteer days.
- Nonprofit and event templatesIndustry templates for nonprofits and events speed up your first newsletters and appeals.
- Phone and chat supportTalk to a real person when you get stuck, a big help for teams without an in-house marketer.
- Social media postingSchedule and publish social posts alongside email campaigns, so one person can run both channels.
- Sign-up forms and landing pagesCollect new supporters through forms and simple landing pages linked from your website or social profiles.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | $12/mo | Up to 500 contacts: email campaigns, templates, sign-up forms and basic reporting |
| Standard | Higher | More automation, A/B testing, segmentation and social posting |
| Premium | Higher | Advanced automation and segmentation, highest send limits |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Prices rise with list size. Free trial available. Ask sales about nonprofit pricing before you commit.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Phone and chat support
- Event registration and ticketing built in
- Easy for non-marketers
- Templates designed for nonprofits
Cons
- No free plan
- Automation is basic for the price
- A/B testing and segmentation need higher tiers
Is it right for you?
Choose Constant Contact ifYour nonprofit runs regular events and wants registration, ticketing and email in one tool with someone to call for help.
Look elsewhere ifYou need advanced donor-nurture automation or have a big list and a small budget.
#3Best value for nonprofits on a tight budget
MailerLite
An easy email tool with automations, landing pages and websites at low prices.
- Paid plans from
- $12/mo (Comfort)
- Free plan
- Yes (250 subscribers)
- Best for
- Budget-conscious nonprofits, charities and community groups
- Works on
- Web
MailerLite is one of the cheapest ways for a nonprofit to send good-looking email. The editor is simple enough for volunteers, A/B testing is included even on the free plan, and Comfort starts at $12 a month for 500 subscribers, with 10% off when you pay annually. That leaves more of a small budget for programs.
It also replaces other tools. You can build a landing page for a campaign, a simple website or blog, pop-up forms for newsletter sign-ups, and visual automations for a new-supporter welcome series. Stripe integration lets you sell digital products or charge for a members' newsletter, though dedicated donation tools go further for fundraising.
Key features
- Automation builderVisual automations with templates for welcome series and follow-ups, so new supporters hear from you right after they sign up.
- Landing pages and websitesBuild a campaign page, a simple website or a blog without paying for a separate site builder.
- Sign-up forms and pop-upsEmbedded forms and pop-ups to grow your list from your website and event pages.
- A/B testing on every planTest subject lines and content even on the free plan, so you learn which appeals get opened.
- Segmentation and dynamic contentTarget supporters by behavior and personalize blocks of content, such as different asks for donors and volunteers.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails/mo, 3 automations, 1 website, 1 landing page, 3 forms, 2 seats |
| Comfort | $12/mo ($10.80/mo annual) | 500 subscribers, 50 automations, 10 forms, 10 sites, 3 seats, unlimited templates, logo removal, email support |
| Power | $25/mo ($22.50/mo annual) | 500 subscribers, unlimited automations, forms, sites and seats, unlimited emails (fair use), live chat support |
| Enterprise | Custom | 200,000+ subscribers, priority and deliverability support, dedicated IP add-on |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Prices rise with list size. 14-day trial of premium features for new accounts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Low prices for small lists
- Websites and landing pages included
- A/B testing even on the free plan
Cons
- Free plan capped at 250 subscribers and 2,500 emails
- Comfort caps monthly sends
- No built-in SMS
Is it right for you?
Choose MailerLite ifYou want a clean, low-cost newsletter and automation tool and do not need a donor database built in.
Look elsewhere ifYou want donations, donor records and email in one system, or you need SMS.
#4Best free fundraising platform with donor email
Givebutter
A fundraising platform that combines donation pages, events, a donor CRM and email and text outreach.
- Paid plans from
- Free (processing fees apply)
- Free plan
- Yes (free, tip-supported)
- Best for
- Nonprofits, charities, schools and community groups
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Givebutter is a fundraising platform first, but for many small nonprofits it can also be the email tool. Every donation, ticket and auction bid lands in its donor CRM, and you can email or text donor segments from the same place. That means no exporting spreadsheets from a donation tool into a newsletter tool.
The core platform is free and funded by optional donor tips, with payment processing fees on gifts. Donation forms and campaign pages accept Venmo and PayPal, and peer-to-peer pages let supporters fundraise for you. If you later want richer newsletters, you can pair Givebutter with a dedicated email tool.
Key features
- Donor CRMKeeps every donor, donation and interaction in one database for segmenting and outreach.
- Email to donorsSend emails and newsletters to donor segments directly from the CRM, such as thank-yous or a campaign update.
- Text messagingSend text updates and appeals to supporters alongside email.
- Donation forms and campaign pagesBranded fundraising pages and embeddable forms, with Venmo and PayPal options, that feed gifts straight into the CRM.
- Events, auctions and peer-to-peerSell event tickets with check-in, run online and in-person auctions, and let supporters create their own fundraising pages.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Donation forms, campaigns, events, donor CRM and email; optional donor tips and processing fees apply |
| Plus | Higher | Extra features on top of the free platform |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. The core platform is free with optional donor tips; payment processing fees apply to donations.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free core platform
- Fundraising, donor CRM and email in one tool
- Donor data feeds straight into email segments
- Easy for small teams to set up
Cons
- Email features are basic compared with dedicated email tools
- Advanced automation is limited
- Best value depends on using Givebutter for donations
Is it right for you?
Choose Givebutter ifYou want donations, events and donor email in one free tool and are moving off spreadsheets.
Look elsewhere ifYou need advanced email automation or are committed to another fundraising platform.
#5Best for large lists of occasional donors
Brevo
A marketing platform for email, SMS and transactional messages, with plans priced by monthly email volume.
- Paid plans from
- $9/mo (Starter, 5,000 emails)
- Free plan
- Yes (300 emails/day)
- Best for
- Nonprofits with large lists that email occasionally
- Works on
- Web, API and SMTP relay
Brevo suits nonprofits whose list is large but whose sending is occasional, such as a quarterly newsletter, a spring appeal and a year-end campaign. Plans are priced mainly by monthly email volume, and the free plan allows 300 emails a day, so you are not paying every month for thousands of past donors you rarely email.
Every plan, including Free, also sends transactional email such as donation receipts through the API or SMTP relay, which helps if your website handles gifts. SMS campaigns run on credits bought separately, which is useful for event-day reminders. Marketing automation, A/B testing and send time optimization start on the Standard plan at $18 a month.
Key features
- Volume-based pricingPlans are priced by monthly email volume, which keeps costs down for big lists that receive a handful of campaigns a year.
- Transactional emailEvery plan can send receipts and confirmations through the API or SMTP relay, handy for donation receipts from your website.
- SMS marketingSend SMS campaigns and texts using separately purchased credits, for event reminders or urgent appeals.
- Marketing automationUnlimited multi-step workflows on Standard and higher, such as a welcome series for new donors.
- Advanced segmentationFilter contacts by engagement, website activity and custom fields, with unlimited saved segments.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 300 emails/day, campaigns, transactional email, forms, Brevo branding |
| Starter | $9/mo ($97/yr annual) | From 5,000 emails/mo (500 contacts), 1 seat, AI content generator, advanced segmentation; logo removal is a $12/mo add-on |
| Standard | $18/mo ($194/yr annual) | Marketing automation, A/B testing, advanced reporting, send time optimization, 1 landing page, up to 3 seats, no Brevo logo |
| Professional | $499/mo | From 150,000 emails/mo, 10 seats, WhatsApp, popups, push, phone support |
| Enterprise | Custom | Multi-account management, dedicated IP, SSO/SAML, tailored onboarding |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Prices rise with email volume; annual billing saves 10%. SMS credits are sold separately.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low entry price and a free plan
- Volume-based pricing suits infrequent senders
- Transactional email on every plan
- SMS in the same account
Cons
- Free plan caps sending at 300 emails a day
- Automation requires Standard or higher
- Starter shows the Brevo logo unless you pay extra
Is it right for you?
Choose Brevo ifYou have a large supporter list you email a few times a year and want to pay for sends, not contacts.
Look elsewhere ifYou need many staff seats on a small budget or a donor database built in.
#6Best donor CRM with email for donor retention
Bloomerang
A donor management CRM that tracks gifts, scores donor engagement and sends appeals and newsletters.
- Paid plans from
- Custom quote
- Free plan
- No (demo)
- Best for
- Small and mid-sized nonprofits with a development team
- Works on
- Web, API
Bloomerang is a donor management CRM with email built in, aimed at nonprofits that care more about keeping donors than about fancy newsletters. Every gift, pledge and interaction sits on one donor record, so before you send a thank-you or an appeal you can see that person's full giving history.
Its retention focus is what sets it apart. An engagement meter scores each donor, the dashboard shows your retention rate, and you can segment appeals by giving history and engagement. Opens and clicks are logged on donor records. Online giving forms and volunteer management are separate add-ons, and pricing rises with the size of your database.
Key features
- Engagement meterScores how engaged each donor is from their giving and interactions, which helps staff spot donors who are drifting away before they lapse.
- Retention dashboardShows donor retention rate and trends on the main dashboard, so the team tracks the metric that drives recurring revenue.
- Email and mass communicationsSend appeals, newsletters and thank-you emails to segments of the database, with opens and clicks logged on each donor record.
- Donor databaseKeeps every donor, gift, pledge and interaction in one record for personal, informed outreach.
- Online giving formsDonation forms feed gifts straight into the CRM, so there is no manual import after a campaign.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomerang CRM | Custom | Donor database, gift tracking, engagement scoring, email and reporting, priced by number of donor records |
| Giving, Volunteer and add-ons | Custom | Online giving forms, peer-to-peer and event fundraising, volunteer management |
Bloomerang does not publish full pricing; plans are quoted by the number of donor records. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page and book a demo before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built around donor retention
- Donor records, email and giving in one system
- Clean interface small teams learn quickly
- Strong education resources for fundraisers
Cons
- No free plan and pricing is not fully published
- Email tools are simpler than dedicated email platforms
- Several capabilities are separate add-ons
Is it right for you?
Choose Bloomerang ifYou want a donor CRM with email in one place and your main goal is raising donor retention.
Look elsewhere ifYou only need a newsletter tool, or you run petitions and action alerts.
#7Best for progressive advocacy and organizing groups
Action Network
An organizing platform for progressive groups that combines mass email with petitions, letter campaigns, events and fundraising pages.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (partner account)
- Free plan
- Yes (basic tools)
- Best for
- Progressive nonprofits, unions, campaigns and grassroots groups
- Works on
- Web, API
Action Network is built for organizing rather than newsletters. Petitions, letter campaigns, call campaigns, events and fundraising pages all capture supporters into one list, and you can target mass email by the actions people have taken. For an advocacy nonprofit, that beats stitching together a form tool, a petition site and a newsletter app.
Ladders are its version of automation: a signature on a petition can trigger a series that asks the supporter to write a letter, attend an event and then give. Coalitions and chapters can share lists and actions across a network. Free accounts cover basic action tools, while mass email needs a paid partner account.
Key features
- Mass emailSend email blasts to your list or segments, targeted by the actions supporters have already taken.
- LaddersAutomated sequences triggered by actions such as signing a petition, moving supporters toward deeper involvement.
- Petitions and letter campaignsHosted petition pages and letter campaigns that let supporters email elected officials, capturing everyone straight into your list.
- EventsCreate events and RSVP pages, including distributed events hosted by supporters.
- Network and group sharingCoalitions and chapters can share lists and actions across a network of groups.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Petitions, events, forms and basic action pages for individuals and small groups |
| Partner (paid) | Custom | Mass email, automation ladders, reporting, groups and the full organizing toolset |
Paid partner accounts are quoted by sales. Plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Action Network is open only to progressive organizations and causes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for organizing, not just newsletters
- Free action tools for small groups
- Email, petitions, events and fundraising in one list
- Shared networks suit coalitions and chapters
Cons
- Only available to progressive causes
- Paid pricing is not published
- Email design tools are basic
Is it right for you?
Choose Action Network ifYou are a progressive advocacy group that runs petitions, letter campaigns and action alerts.
Look elsewhere ifYou are non-partisan or conservative, or you mainly need donor CRM and fundraising.
#8Best for advanced donor-nurture automation
ActiveCampaign
An email and marketing automation platform known for flexible branching automations, with CRM and lead scoring.
- Paid plans from
- $15/mo annual (1,000 contacts)
- Free plan
- No (14-day trial)
- Best for
- Mid-sized nonprofits with someone to build automations
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android, API
ActiveCampaign is the pick for nonprofits ready to automate donor journeys properly. Its builder combines email engagement, website visits and tags in branching paths, so a first-time donor, a monthly giver and a lapsed supporter can each get a different series. That kind of nurture is hard to build in simpler tools.
Lead scoring and the built-in CRM can be adapted to score supporters by engagement and pass major-gift prospects to a development officer. Site tracking shows which program pages known supporters visit. It takes more setup time than Mailchimp or MailerLite, and there is no free plan, so it suits nonprofits with a dedicated communications or development person.
Key features
- Advanced automation builderCombine email engagement, site visits and tags in branching automations, useful for donor journeys that run over weeks or months.
- Lead scoring and CRMScore contacts by behavior and move promising supporters into a pipeline, for example major-gift prospects.
- Site trackingSee which pages known contacts visit and use those visits to trigger automations or segments.
- Automation recipesStart from a large library of pre-built automation templates and adapt them to your supporter journey.
- Split testingTest subject lines and content in campaigns, and split paths inside automations to compare appeals.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15/mo annual | 1,000 contacts: email, automations and store integrations |
| Plus | Higher | More automation, landing pages and reporting |
| Pro | Higher | Predictive sending, premium integrations and more reporting |
| Enterprise | Custom | Premium CRM integrations and dedicated support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Prices rise with list size. 14-day free trial, no card required. Ask sales about nonprofit pricing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very flexible automation logic
- Lead scoring and CRM for supporter pipelines
- Strong site tracking
- Large integration library
Cons
- No free plan
- Price rises quickly with contact count
- Takes time to set up well
Is it right for you?
Choose ActiveCampaign ifYou have someone who can build and maintain branching donor-nurture automations and want the most control.
Look elsewhere ifYou are a small team that needs a free plan or just sends a monthly newsletter.
#9Best for nonprofits that run webinars and online courses
GetResponse
An email platform with automation, landing pages, conversion funnels, webinars and a course creator.
- Paid plans from
- €13.12/mo annual (1,000 contacts)
- Free plan
- Limited, after trial
- Best for
- Education-focused nonprofits and associations
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
GetResponse fits nonprofits whose outreach includes teaching: information sessions, volunteer trainings, advocacy briefings or member courses. On the Creator plan you can host live and on-demand webinars and email registrants automatically, and build and sell online courses, with students added to your email list for follow-ups. That keeps education and outreach in one account.
Every paid plan includes unlimited email sends, landing pages, sign-up forms and popups, which helps with campaign pages and volunteer recruitment. Starter has a welcome series and one automation; Marketer adds unlimited automations. After the 14-day trial, a limited free version stays available. List prices are in euros with annual billing.
Key features
- WebinarsHost live and on-demand webinars inside GetResponse and email registrants automatically, on Creator and above.
- Landing pages and popupsBuild landing pages, sign-up forms and popups on every plan for campaigns and volunteer recruitment.
- Unlimited sendsEvery paid plan includes unlimited email sends, so frequent updates do not push up the bill.
- Marketing automationWorkflows triggered by sign-ups, clicks and tags. Starter includes one automation; Marketer and above are unlimited.
- Course creatorBuild online courses, with students added to your email list for follow-ups, on Creator and above.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | A limited free version after the trial ends |
| Starter | €13.12/mo annual | 1,000 contacts, unlimited sends, landing pages, sign-up forms, a welcome series and 1 automation |
| Marketer | €44.28/mo annual | Unlimited automations, sales funnels and revenue reports |
| Creator | €50.84/mo annual | Everything in Marketer plus webinars, a website builder, course creator and premium newsletters |
| Enterprise | Custom | SMS, transactional email, dedicated IP, SSO and priority support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Prices shown in euros, billed annually; monthly billing costs about 18% more. 14-day free trial, no card required. Ask sales about nonprofit pricing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Webinars and courses in the same tool as email
- Unlimited sends on every paid plan
- Landing pages on every plan
- Free version after the trial
Cons
- Webinars and courses need the Creator plan
- Only one automation on Starter
- Dashboard feels crowded
Is it right for you?
Choose GetResponse ifYour nonprofit runs webinars, trainings or courses and wants registration and follow-up email in one tool.
Look elsewhere ifYou only send a simple monthly newsletter, where cheaper tools are easier.
#10Best for nonprofits already using Zoho CRM
Zoho Campaigns
Zoho's email marketing tool, with a free plan, automation workflows and two-way sync with Zoho CRM.
- Paid plans from
- Priced by subscribers
- Free plan
- Yes (limited)
- Best for
- Nonprofits that run on Zoho CRM or Zoho One
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Zoho Campaigns makes most sense for nonprofits that already track supporters in Zoho CRM. Contacts and campaign activity sync both ways, so a gift or volunteer note recorded in the CRM can drive who gets which email, and opens and clicks show up on the record. That keeps a small team working from one supporter list.
It is also flexible on cost. There is a Forever Free plan for small lists, subscriber-based Standard and Professional plans, and a pay-by-emails option using prepaid credits, which suits organizations that send a few big appeals a year. Workflows, A/B testing and segmentation cover the basics well, though the interface is less polished than newer tools.
Key features
- Zoho CRM syncTwo-way sync of contacts and campaign activity with Zoho CRM, so supporter records and email stay in step.
- Pay by emailsPrepaid email credits instead of a monthly plan, a good fit for nonprofits that email a large list only a few times a year.
- WorkflowsVisual automation builder for welcome series, follow-ups and behavior-based emails.
- SegmentationBuild segments from contact fields, engagement and CRM data to target appeals.
- A/B testingTest subject lines and content on part of the list before sending the winner.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Forever Free | $0 | Limited contacts and emails per month, basic campaigns and templates, Zoho branding |
| Standard | Higher | Priced by subscribers: campaigns, A/B testing, basic automation |
| Professional | Higher | Advanced automation workflows, dynamic content, more users |
| Pay by emails | Higher | Prepaid email credits for infrequent senders |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Paid plans are priced by subscribers or by prepaid email credits. Free trial of paid plans available.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free plan to start
- Pay-per-email option for occasional senders
- Two-way sync with Zoho CRM
- Low cost relative to most competitors
Cons
- Interface feels dated next to newer tools
- Best value only inside the Zoho ecosystem
- Fewer ecommerce and fundraising extras than specialist tools
Is it right for you?
Choose Zoho Campaigns ifYour nonprofit already uses Zoho CRM or Zoho One and wants email that shares the same supporter records.
Look elsewhere ifYou do not use Zoho and want the easiest, most polished editor.
Best email marketing software by need
- Small nonprofits starting outMailchimp
- Events, galas and ticketingConstant Contact
- Tightest budgetMailerLite
- Free fundraising and donor emailGivebutter
- Large lists, occasional appealsBrevo
- Donor retention and CRMBloomerang
- Petitions and advocacyAction Network
- Advanced donor-nurture automationActiveCampaign
- Webinars and trainingsGetResponse
What to look for in email marketing software
- Pricing that fits your listMost tools charge by contacts. If you have a big list you rarely email, look at volume-based pricing like Brevo or prepaid credits like Zoho Campaigns.
- A link to donationsDonor email works best when gifts flow into your segments. Fundraising platforms and donor CRMs do this natively; email tools need an integration.
- Segmentation by supporter typeDonors, volunteers, members and event attendees need different messages. Check you can segment by tags, giving history or engagement.
- Automation for welcome and thank-you emailsA welcome series for new supporters and prompt thank-yous after a gift are the two automations nearly every nonprofit should run.
- Forms, landing pages and eventsSign-up forms, campaign landing pages and event registration save you paying for separate tools.
- Support and ease of useVolunteers and part-time staff often send the emails. An easy editor and real support matter more than advanced features you will not use.
How much does email marketing software for nonprofits cost in 2026?
Most small nonprofits can start email marketing for $0 to $15 a month with a list under 1,000 supporters, and costs rise as the list grows. Donor CRMs with email cost more and are usually quoted.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Mailchimp, MailerLite, Brevo, Givebutter, Zoho Campaigns, Action Network (basic tools) | Small nonprofits and new groups with a few hundred supporters |
| Starter | $9 to $15/mo | Brevo Starter, Mailchimp Essentials, MailerLite Comfort, Constant Contact Lite, ActiveCampaign Starter | Nonprofits sending a regular newsletter to under 1,000 supporters |
| Growth | $18 to $55/mo | Brevo Standard, MailerLite Power, GetResponse Marketer and Creator, Mailchimp Standard at larger lists | Organizations running automations, webinars or several segments |
| Quoted | Custom | Bloomerang, Action Network partner accounts, enterprise tiers | Development teams that want donor CRM or organizing tools with email |
Entry prices for the smallest list size, November 2026; GetResponse lists prices in euros. Most prices rise with contacts or email volume.
Price your real list, not the entry tier. Contact-based tools like Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign get expensive as your donor file grows, while Brevo charges by email volume. Before you sign up, ask each vendor whether it offers nonprofit pricing, compare annual billing (MailerLite and Brevo take 10% off), and remove long-inactive contacts so you are not paying for people who never open.
How we chose the best email marketing software for nonprofits
We started with the email marketing tools in the MakeSuccessOnline directory and added well-known nonprofit platforms we have not yet reviewed, such as Givebutter, Bloomerang and Action Network. We set up each tool for a typical nonprofit: a newsletter, a fundraising appeal, an event invitation and a welcome series for new supporters. We scored them on the criteria below, using hands-on reviews, vendor documentation and pricing checked in November 2026.
- Ease of useHow quickly a volunteer or part-time staffer can build and send a campaign.25%
- Nonprofit fitDonor, fundraising, event and advocacy features that matter to nonprofits.20%
- Pricing and valueFree plans and real cost as a supporter list grows.20%
- Automation and segmentationWelcome series, thank-yous and segments by supporter type.15%
- Forms, pages and integrationsSign-up forms, landing pages and links to payment and website tools.10%
- SupportAccess to help when something goes wrong.10%
How to choose email marketing software
- Decide what the tool must connect toIf donations and donor records matter most, start with a fundraising platform or donor CRM. If you just need newsletters, a dedicated email tool is simpler and cheaper.
- Count your real listPrice each tool at your actual number of supporters and how often you email. A big list emailed rarely favors volume-based pricing.
- Map your supporter typesList the groups you write to, such as donors, monthly givers, volunteers and members, and check each tool can segment them.
- Plan your first two automationsSet up a new-supporter welcome series and a post-gift thank-you during your trial to test the automation builder.
- Test it with the person who will use itHave the volunteer or staffer who will send the newsletter build one in the trial. If they struggle, pick something easier.
- Ask about nonprofit pricingSome vendors offer nonprofit pricing on request. Ask before you pay list price, and check whether it requires annual prepayment.
Check during the free trial
- Can a volunteer build and send a newsletter without training?
- Can you segment donors, volunteers and members separately?
- Do donations or event sign-ups flow into your lists automatically?
- What will the plan cost when your list doubles?
- Is nonprofit pricing available, and what does it require?
Red flags
- Pricing that counts unsubscribed or inactive contacts against your plan without telling you
- No way to segment donors from other supporters
- Exporting your contacts is hard or blocked
- Free plans so limited that you must upgrade before your first appeal
- Annual prepayment required before you can test with your own list
Email marketing software for nonprofits FAQ
What is the best email marketing software for nonprofits?
Mailchimp is the best email marketing software for most small nonprofits because it is easy, has a free plan and includes forms, landing pages and surveys. Constant Contact is better if you run events and want phone support, MailerLite is the best value, and Givebutter is best if you want free fundraising and donor email in one tool.
What is the best free email marketing software for nonprofits?
MailerLite and Mailchimp have the most useful free plans for newsletters, both for up to 250 contacts. Brevo's free plan allows 300 emails a day, and its paid plans are priced by email volume, which suits larger lists. Givebutter's core fundraising platform is free with donor email included, funded by optional donor tips.
Mailchimp vs Constant Contact: which is better for nonprofits?
Mailchimp is better for most small nonprofits because it has a free plan, an easy editor and more integrations. Constant Contact is better if you run regular events, because registration and ticketing are built in, and if your team wants phone and chat support. Constant Contact has no free plan; Lite starts at $12 a month.
How much does email marketing cost for a nonprofit?
Most small nonprofits pay $0 to $15 a month for email marketing while their list is under 1,000 supporters, and costs rise as the list grows. Free plans from Mailchimp, MailerLite, Brevo and Givebutter cover small lists, and paid plans start around $9 to $15 a month. Donor CRMs with email, such as Bloomerang, are quoted and cost more.
Do email marketing tools offer nonprofit discounts?
Some email marketing vendors offer nonprofit pricing, but it is usually handled by sales rather than shown on the pricing page, and terms such as annual prepayment can apply. Contact each vendor with proof of your nonprofit status and ask what discount is available before you pay list price.
Should a nonprofit use a donor CRM or an email marketing tool?
Use a donor CRM with email, such as Bloomerang, if tracking gifts and improving donor retention is your priority. Use a dedicated email tool such as Mailchimp or MailerLite if you mainly send newsletters and want better design and automation. Fundraising platforms like Givebutter sit in between.
What is the best email platform for advocacy nonprofits?
Action Network is the best email platform for progressive advocacy groups, because email sits alongside petitions, letter campaigns, call campaigns and events, and ladders move supporters toward deeper action. It is only open to progressive organizations. Others should look at a general email tool with good forms and segmentation.
How do I choose email marketing software for my nonprofit?
Start with what the tool must connect to: donations, events or just your website. Price each option at your real list size, check that you can segment donors and volunteers, and have the person who will send emails test it during a free trial. Then ask about nonprofit pricing before you buy.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.