Fundraising Tools & Software     |     25 August 2025

9 Top Event Management Software for Nonprofits: Features, Pricing, and Reviews

A practical guide to tools that save time, reduce stress, and help you pull off an event that works

10 minute read

If you’ve ever found yourself buried in spreadsheets, chasing down RSVPs, or trying to make last-minute seating charts work on a folding table with a highlighter, you’re not alone. Running a nonprofit event is a significant task, and for most individuals doing the heavy lifting, it’s not even part of their job title. You’re likely a volunteer, a staffer with too many hats, or someone who got handed the clipboard simply because you said yes. Planning an event shouldn’t feel like a full-time job, but often, it does

That’s why more nonprofits are relying on event management tools to keep things organized, reduce stress, and help them maximize the impact of every effort.

This guide is here to make your life a little easier. It covers what event management software for nonprofits does, what to look for before choosing a platform, and which tools are worth your time (and your budget). If you’re tired of starting from scratch every event cycle, read on. There’s a better way to do this.

What is event management software for nonprofits?

At its core, event management software helps you keep track of everything that needs to happen before, during, and after an event. It gives you a place to manage guest lists, ticketing, payments, donations, volunteer coordination, auction items, communications; you name it. For nonprofits, that functionality has to stretch even further.

Unlike corporate conferences or marketing expos, nonprofit events tend to have more moving parts and tighter margins. Think of silent auctions where you have to manage item donors, guests, and bidders all at once. Consider school fundraisers that include meal options, raffle ticket bundles, and sponsor shout-outs.

That’s why event management software for nonprofits is built to be more flexible. It understands that you’re not just selling tickets. You might be managing donation tiers, encouraging recurring giving, coordinating with a dozen volunteers, and still making sure everyone gets the chicken they ordered.

While it might be tempting to rely on spreadsheets, Google Forms, or a mix of free apps, that piecemeal approach often leads to more work down the road. Purpose-built nonprofit event management software helps streamline the process. It reduces the number of tools you need, provides your team with a single central dashboard, and eliminates last-minute surprises.

Quick nonprofit event glossary (for the non-techy among us)

If you’ve been asked to help plan a fundraiser and are wondering what half the software features mean, this cheat sheet is for you.

• Paddle raise: A live fundraising moment at an event where guests raise their bid paddles to make a donation at set levels (e.g., $100, $500, etc.).
• CRM (Constituent Relationship Management): A database system that tracks interactions with supporters, donors, volunteers, and attendees.
• Mobile bidding: A feature that allows guests to place bids on auction items using their mobile phones or tablets.
• Peer-to-peer fundraising: A strategy where supporters raise money on your behalf by sharing personalized fundraising pages with their networks.
• Hybrid event: A combination of in-person and virtual elements, allowing people to participate either on-site or remotely.

You don’t need to master all the terms, but having a basic understanding can make choosing and using your event software much easier. If you want to go deeper into the world of nonprofit fundraising, make sure to check out our blog. 

What to consider before choosing your event software

With dozens of platforms out there, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start. To answer the question, “What is the best event management software for your team?”, it helps to first think about how your event works.

If you're managing ticket sales, you'll want a platform with a clear registration process and automated email confirmations. If you're running an auction, make sure the software supports mobile bidding and checkout. If you're juggling all of the above, you'll need something that can handle complexity without making your head spin.

Budget matters, too. Some tools offer free or low-cost versions with limited features, making them ideal for smaller events or early-stage nonprofits. Others charge based on the number of guests, the number of tickets sold, or the features unlocked. Make sure you understand what’s included and what isn’t.

Support can also make or break your experience. If your event is happening on a Saturday night and something goes sideways, is there someone you can call or message or are you completely on your own? Many platforms include live chat or a dedicated coach. Others might only offer email tickets.

Integration is another big one. If your donor information is stored in a CRM, your payments are processed through Stripe, and your team uses Gmail, your event tool should integrate seamlessly with all of them. Otherwise, you’ll spend way too much time copying and pasting.

Lastly, if your event includes a virtual or hybrid element, check that the platform supports live streaming, virtual bidding, or remote check-ins. The bells and whistles don’t matter if they don’t really fit your event style.

Choosing the right event management software platform starts with knowing what kinds of events you're planning. That way, you know which features and tools you’ll need to be successful. 

Why nonprofit event management calls for flexibility

Not every event looks the same, and your software shouldn’t either. What works for a local wine tasting may not translate to a seated banquet or a virtual 5K. That’s why the best tools are designed to flex around your needs.

For example, auctions often involve dozens (or hundreds) of individual items, donated by businesses and community members or on use from a charity consignment house . You need a way to display them online, track who’s bidding, and alert guests when they get outbid. A software that specializes in nonprofit event management should make that straightforward.

If you’re hosting a fundraising dinner, your priorities may include ticket sales, meal selections, and assigned seating. For a golf tournament, it might be foursome registrations, sponsorships, and tee assignments. Hybrid events incorporate live streaming, chat tools, and mobile checkout for added convenience. They can also be simple, like starting with a mobile bidding opportunity several days before the in-person gala. 

That’s where features like text-to-give, paddle raise tracking, and branded donation pages become more than bells and whistles and become part of your essential arsenal. Tools that can manage all of this in one place give you more time to focus on what matters: raising money for your mission.

In short, nonprofit event management works best when it’s built for nonprofit realities. Flexible, intuitive platforms keep things running smoothly for you, your volunteers, and the folks supporting your cause. Now that you’ve thought about what you’re looking for, let’s dive into the top event management software options on the market. 

9 top event management software for nonprofits

This isn’t a directory that includes every option on the planet. Instead, we’ve curated nine tools that align well with the way nonprofits plan and run events. Whether you’re planning a local fundraiser or managing a large-scale gala, these platforms offer the right mix of functionality, flexibility, and support.

Bloomerang

Bloomerang is best known as a donor relationship management tool, but it also offers powerful event features that tie directly into engagement strategies. This platform is built around donor engagement, giving nonprofits a way to manage relationships while coordinating event registrations and follow-ups from the same dashboard. It helps you track every interaction, from registration to donation follow-up, while keeping all your attendee data synced with your CRM. The result is smarter communication and long-term relationship building.

• Best for: Donor-driven nonprofits
• Key features: Engagement scoring, integrated registration, robust reporting
• Pricing: A variety of packages and prices depending on your needs
• Note: May be more than you need for one-off events, but great if you’re investing in relationship-building.

Qgiv

Qgiv was built with fundraisers in mind. It is a fundraising platform that helps nonprofits run peer-to-peer campaigns, ticketed events, and mobile giving without needing multiple systems to track it all. Its event module makes it easy to create ticket types, launch a peer-to-peer fundraiser, and accept mobile donations all from the same interface. The clean, modern dashboard allows you to track attendance, sales, and even real-time giving activity at your event.

• Best for: Organizations running frequent fundraisers
• Key features: Customizable tickets, peer-to-peer fundraising, text giving
• Pricing: Basic (limited) plan starts at $25 per month; fuller packages start at $259 per month
• Note: Integrates easily with CRMs and includes helpful promotion tools.

Silent Auction Pro

Designed specifically for nonprofit fundraising events, Silent Auction Pro combines powerful features with ease of use. It is an event-focused tool designed specifically for nonprofit fundraisers, offering everything from mobile bidding and donor tracking to real-time text updates and live event support. The platform supports both online and in-person auctions, paddle raises, sponsor promotion, and seamless checkout. Teams benefit from built-in seating tools, donor tracking, mobile bidding, and a free event coach to guide you every step of the way.

• Best for: Auctions, galas, and multi-part fundraising events
• Key features: Mobile bidding, donor tracking, text notifications, custom landing pages, free event coach support
• Pricing: Affordable tiered packages starting at $449 for an paper based in person event; request a demo for custom quotes
• Note: Unlike most platforms, they offer live support even during your event, which makes a huge difference when things get hectic.

EventMobi

If your event spans multiple days or formats, EventMobi can handle the complexity. This platform helps nonprofits manage complex hybrid or virtual events by combining mobile apps, interactive features, and attendee engagement tools in one customizable package. It’s particularly well-suited to hybrid and virtual events, offering custom-branded mobile apps and robust attendee engagement tools like live polling, session feedback, and sponsor showcases.

• Best for: Conferences, virtual events, and large-scale fundraisers
• Key features: Mobile event apps, gamification, live polls, hybrid support
• Pricing: Custom quotes on request
• Note: Might be overkill for a small event, but ideal if you're managing complex logistics.

Zeffy

Zeffy is known for its approach to credit card fees. Zeffy simplifies donation collection and ticketing with a zero-fee pricing model, making it appealing for small nonprofits that need basic tools without added costs. Instead of passing those charges to your organization or your guests, it relies on optional donor tips. For nonprofits with tight budgets, that pricing model can be a game-changer. It’s worth noting that while the “free” price tag might sound appealing, you get what you pay for. Many donors are often confused by the optional tip to cover fees, which can deter donations. 

• Best for: Smaller nonprofits and grassroots fundraisers
• Key features: Donation forms, ticketing, scannable e-tickets
• Pricing: Free
• Note: Lighter feature set, but unbeatable for cost-conscious teams that have simple needs.

RSVPify

RSVPify makes it incredibly simple to launch a polished event page and start collecting RSVPs within minutes. RSVPify focuses on guest list management, offering nonprofits a fast way to create polished RSVP forms, capture guest info, and handle check-ins for smaller events. It’s particularly useful if you need to capture guest preferences (like meal choices or seating requests) in a clean and professional format. You can also add custom branding to keep everything on message.

• Best for: Smaller events or nonprofits that need a quick setup
• Key features: Custom forms, QR check-in, branded pages
• Pricing: Starts at $39 for monthly subscriptions; a small fee per paid ticket
• Note: Doesn’t include advanced fundraising tools, but great for simple events

Handbid

Handbid brings mobile-first auction experiences to your guests through its sleek bidding app. Handbid specializes in mobile auctions, offering app-based bidding and real-time updates to boost participation and simplify auction logistics for nonprofits. It reduces the friction of paper bid sheets and long checkout lines while giving organizers complete control from any device. Its live auction tools also allow emcees and auctioneers to drive real-time excitement.

• Best for: Auction-focused fundraisers
• Key features: App-based bidding, guest registration, real-time updates
• Pricing: Starts around $1,396/event
• Note: Higher price point, but excellent for maximizing auction revenue

Eventbrite

Eventbrite remains one of the most accessible options for creating simple event pages and selling tickets. Eventbrite is an easy-to-use event platform that helps nonprofits sell tickets and promote public fundraisers, especially when looking to attract broader audiences. It offers built-in promotion tools and a public directory that can drive new traffic to your fundraiser. It’s also widely trusted by attendees, which can boost confidence in your event.

• Best for: Public events with broad appeal
• Key features: Custom event pages, ticketing, email promotion tools
• Pricing: Free for up to 25 tickets; starts at $9.99/event beyond that
• Note: Marketing reach is a plus, but donation tools are limited

Cvent

If you’re planning a high-production gala, conference, or campaign event, Cvent offers everything from branded event websites to onsite check-in kiosks. It is a comprehensive event management system built for large-scale nonprofit events, combining registration, sponsor tools, and analytics for teams with advanced needs. These are enterprise-grade platforms with all the bells and whistles, including donor management, performance analytics, and sponsor support.

• Best for: Large nonprofits with complex needs
• Key features: Check-in apps, fundraising dashboards, and attendee management
• Pricing: Varies based on features and scale
• Note: Best suited for teams with dedicated event staff or consultants

What makes Silent Auction Pro stand out

While there are plenty of tools built for nonprofit event planning, Silent Auction Pro is designed specifically for fundraising events, and that focus shows in the details. It’s a full-featured platform that makes it easier for smaller teams and volunteers to pull off complex events without losing sleep over spreadsheets. And it’s even compatible with most CRMs and email marketing systems, making it one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. 

Picture this: You’re organizing a spring fundraiser that includes a dinner, a raffle, and a silent auction. With Silent Auction Pro, you can set up multiple ticket types (with meal preferences), allow guests to buy raffle packs online (and have the software pick the winner!), and showcase auction items with photos and descriptions. Guests receive text notifications when they’re outbid, and they can check out directly from their phones at the end of the night.

You can assign seats using a drag-and-drop seating tool, highlight your sponsors with logos and custom banners, and even track donations made during a live paddle raise, whether they’re made in-person or remotely. Behind the scenes, a personal event coach helps you get set up, and real-time reports make it easy to share results with your board or committee. You’ll also enjoy day-of-event support, even if your event goes beyond our normal office hours. 

Unlike many tools, Silent Auction Pro doesn’t just leave you with a dashboard; it comes with a support team that has run their own events, first-hand knowledge of your specific event, guidance, and a structure that fits the way nonprofit events need it to. Whether you're planning your first auction or upgrading your go-to system, it's a platform that scales with you without eating into your fundraising profits. 

Taking the next step without feeling overwhelmed

It’s easy to feel like you need the most advanced platform or the longest feature list. However, the truth is that you just need something that fits. Something that makes planning feel a little less chaotic and execution a little smoother.

Try a free version. Schedule a few demos. Ask questions about support and pricing. Most of these platforms will let you take a look around before making any commitments, and they should.

If your team needs buy-in, frame it as a way to save time, reduce errors, and achieve better results with the same amount of effort. A few streamlined processes can free you up to focus on what matters: making your event meaningful.

Don’t be afraid to start small. Most event management software is built to grow with you. What works for this year’s silent auction might also help you plan next year’s gala or donor dinner.

Want to see how a purpose-built tool can help you stress less and raise more? Request a free demo of Silent Auction Pro and see how it supports your goals from setup to final checkout.

Planning an event shouldn't mean sacrificing your evenings and weekends. The right software can give you back both.