Top Open Source NonProfit CRMs (Build a Non-Profit CRM)

Managing relationships is at the heart of every successful non-profit organization. From tracking donor contributions to managing volunteer efforts, having the right tools in place can make all the difference. That’s where Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software comes in. While there are plenty of expensive CRM options on the market, open-source CRMs are a budget-friendly alternative that gives non-profits access to flexibility, customization, and community-driven support tailored to their unique needs.

We’ll explore the top open-source CRMs for non-profits, breaking down their features, benefits, and why they might be a perfect fit for your organization. We’ll also guide you through building a fully custom CRM without any coding using Knack!

Key Takeaways

• An open-source non-profit CRM is a customizable software solution that helps organizations manage relationships with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders. Unlike proprietary CRMs, which are typically rigid and require licensing fees, open-source CRMs offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and greater control over data.
• The top open-source non-profit CRMs available are Knack, CiviCRM, OpenPetra.org, NeonCRM, DonorPerfect, Keela, and CharityEngine.
• Non-profits should consider using open-source CRMs for their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and ability to tailor features to their unique need.

Top Open-Source Non-Profit CRM Solutions

Open-source non-profit CRM solutions empower non-profits to streamline their operations, enhance relationships with donors, and improve volunteer coordination. These tools are invaluable for managing stakeholder interactions effectively while keeping costs manageable. From simplifying donor management to automating repetitive tasks, these platforms are vital in improving fundraising efforts and overall operational efficiency. To help you take control of your non-profit’s mission, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 open-source non-profit CRM solutions.

Knack

Knack is a no-code platform that empowers non-profits to create a fully customized CRM without requiring technical expertise. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for organizations that need a solution tailored to their unique operational workflows. By focusing on customization and ease of use, Knack enables non-profits to design systems that grow alongside their needs.

Features

• Flexible, robust data management
• Custom workflows
• Easy, extensive integration options

Ideal for: Non-profits with specific needs.

Learn more about all the ways we can help with your non-profit needs through custom software that’s created in minutes (using no-code!).

CiviCRM

CiviCRM is an established open-source CRM that is specifically built for non-profits. Designed with input from a global community, it’s a solution that continues to evolve with the sector’s needs. Its focus on supporting core non-profit functions makes it a reliable choice for organizations of all sizes.

Features

• Donor management
• Event planning
• Membership tracking

Ideal For: Organizations seeking a community-driven solution.

OpenPetra.org

OpenPetra.org caters to mission-driven non-profits, offering robust tools designed for organizations with complex needs. It supports operations across regions, making it a good contender for globally active non-profits. It ensures organizations can effectively manage operations without sacrificing focus on their mission.

Features:

• Donation tracking
• Accounting integration
• Multilingual support

Ideal for: Global non-profits with complex financial needs.

Neon CRM

Neon CRM is a platform designed to grow alongside non-profits. It focuses on operational efficiency and engagement to help keep your donors and volunteers active and motivated. It’s a well-rounded, social CRM solution. 

Features:

• Online fundraising
• Email marketing
• Volunteer management

Ideal for: Mid-sized non-profits looking for scalability.

DonorPerfect

DonorPerfect is a versatile platform focused on helping non-profits build stronger relationships with their supporters. It combines a user-friendly interface with tools designed to enhance engagement strategies. 

Features:

• Donor retention tools
• Event management
• Reporting capabilities

Ideal for: Non-profits focused on donor cultivation and retention.

Keela

Keela blends modern technology with non-profit-focused features. It leverages data for actionable insights, making it a strategic tool for improving organizational impact. It also has AI-driven features that can help make non-profit management easier.

Features

• Grant management
• Fundraising automation
• Impact reporting

Ideal for: Organizations prioritizing data-driven decision-making.

CharityEngine

CharityEngine is a centralized solution for managing fundraising and donor engagement efforts. Its all-in-one platform is designed to handle the complexities of running a non-profit while simplifying day-to-day operations. 

Features:

• Integrated payment processing
• Donor segmentation
• Analytics

Ideal for: Non-profits requiring all-in-one fundraising solutions.

How to Build a Non-profit CRM With Knack

Off-the-shelf CRM solutions can be effective, but they often come with limitations that don’t fully align with the unique needs of non-profits. Building a non-profit CRM with Knack allows organizations to design a solution tailored specifically to their mission, goals, and operational workflows without any coding knowledge. This level of customization ensures that every feature serves a purpose, every workflow is optimized, and the platform grows alongside the organization. 

This tutorial will walk you through three simple ways to build a non-profit CRM using Knack’s no-code platform. We also have a Learning Center and developer docs you can reference for more in-depth guidance. Before diving in, make sure you sign up for a 14-day free trial so you can see how Knack works firsthand.

Use a Template App

Knack has an extensive library of free, pre-built template apps that offer a great starting point for building a non-profit CRM. For this project, we recommend using our Custom CRM Builder Template. Here’s how:

1. In the top right corner of the app-builder dashboard, click “Create New App” then “Start from template app.”
2. Choose the template that best matches your needs and select “Create App.”
3. Explore the template components and edit them to meet your requirements. You can edit, add, or remove tables, fields, connections, pages, and views using the menu on the left. 
4. Customize the user roles and permissions for each page by clicking the dropdown arrow and selecting “Require Login.” This allows you to choose who can access what information and functionalities. We recommend requiring all users to have a secure login to protect any sensitive information stored in the system.
5. Add any necessary integrations using the “API & Code” option in the “Settings” menu. For more guidance, read this Introduction to the API article.
6. In the menu on the left side of the builder, click “Settings” and then “Live App Design” to customize the user interface. You can add your organization’s logo, change fonts, select colors, and more to make the system fit your brand.

Use Our AI Prompt

We also offer a free AI-powered app builder that helps make customizing your non-profit CRM easier. Follow these steps:

1. From the app builder dashboard, click “Create New App” in the top right corner. Select “Start with AI.”
2. In the pop-up, clearly describe the solution you want to build. For example: “A non-profit CRM with donor, volunteer, event, and fundraising management features.” The AI will then propose an initial app structure.
3. Explore the suggested structure and edit it to meet your requirements. You can edit, add, or remove tables, fields, connections, pages, and views using the menu to the left. 
4. Customize the user roles and permissions for each page by clicking the dropdown arrow and selecting “Require Login.” This allows you to choose who can access what information and functionalities. We recommend requiring all users to have a secure login to protect any sensitive information stored in the system.
5. Add any necessary integrations using the “API & Code” option in the “Settings” menu. For more guidance, read this Introduction to the API article.
6. In the menu on the left side of the builder, click “Settings” and then “Live App Design” to customize the user interface. You can add your organization’s logo, change fonts, select colors, and more to make the system fit your brand.

Build From Scratch

Want more control? Try building your non-profit CRM from scratch—still without any coding! Here’s how:

1. In the app-builder dashboard, select “Create New App” in the top right corner, then click “Start from scratch.”
2. Using the menu on the left, build tables, add fields, create connections, add pages, and choose views. These will store and display all content and data for users, so be sure to name everything clearly and choose views that are easy to understand.
3. Customize the user roles and permissions for each page by clicking the dropdown arrow and selecting “Require Login.” This allows you to choose who can access what information and functionalities. We recommend requiring all users to have a secure login to protect any sensitive information stored in the system.
4. If applicable, add integrations using the “API & Code” option in the “Settings” menu. For more guidance, read this Introduction to the API article.
5. In the menu on the left side of the builder, click “Settings” and then “Live App Design” to customize the user interface. You can add your organization’s logo, change fonts, select colors, and more to make the system fit your brand.

Understanding Non-Profit CRMs Based on Industry Focus

Not all non-profits operate the same way, and their CRM needs vary significantly depending on their industry focus. Let’s take a look at some examples.

Humanitarian Organizations

Humanitarian organizations often have large-scale funding initiatives and complex donor relationships. A CRM helps these organizations track contributions, manage donor engagement, and ensure transparency in funding allocation. These tools also allow them to report progress to donors and stakeholders, fostering trust and long-term support.

Education-Based Non-Profits:

CRMs are key for education-focused non-profits in tracking scholarships, grants, and alumni donations. These organizations rely on CRMs to manage relationships with alumni and other donors, ensuring effective communication and ongoing support. CRMs also help organize and streamline the distribution of financial aid, making processes more efficient and equitable.

Environmental Non-Profits:

Environmental organizations often juggle advocacy campaigns, donor databases, and volunteer coordination. A CRM tailored to this sector enables streamlined management of these critical activities while maintaining focus on mission-driven goals. By centralizing data and automating repetitive tasks, environmental non-profits can dedicate more resources to making an impact.

Arts and Culture Non-Profits:

CRMs for arts and culture organizations often center on managing membership programs, ticketing, and events. These tools help ensure seamless ticket sales, donor appreciation, and member retention, creating a robust foundation for growth. CRMs also provide insights into patron behavior, enabling organizations to improve their programming and engagement strategies.

Healthcare Non-Profits:

Healthcare non-profits prioritize patient advocacy, grant management, and donor engagement to support their missions. A CRM tailored for these organizations can track patient-related initiatives, manage complex grant applications, and foster long-term donor relationships. These tools help streamline operations, allowing organizations to focus on delivering critical services and support.

What to Look for in a Non-Profit CRM

Choosing the right CRM is a critical decision for any non-profit organization. With so many options available, it’s important to focus on features that align with your mission and operational needs. Below are the key features to prioritize when evaluating a non-profit CRM.

Customization Options

Every non-profit operates differently, and a CRM should adapt to your unique workflows rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all solution. Customization options allow you to tailor the platform to match your processes, whether that’s tracking specific data points, creating unique dashboards, or automating key tasks. This flexibility ensures that your CRM grows alongside your organization and evolves with your needs.

Donation Management

Most non-profit CRMs are centered on efficiently managing donations. Look for tools that enable you to track contributions, process payments, and send acknowledgments seamlessly. A robust donation management system can also provide insights into donor behavior, helping you strengthen relationships and drive recurring support.

Engagement Tools

Non-profits thrive on effective communication, and a good CRM should include features like email campaigns, donor segmentation, and personalized messaging. These tools help you connect with supporters on a deeper level, keeping them informed and engaged with your mission.

Volunteer Management

Non-profits are only as strong as their workforce! Look for tools that allow you to track volunteer hours, assign tasks, and manage schedules. By streamlining these processes, you can ensure a positive experience for your volunteers and maximize their contributions to your mission.

Reporting and Analytics

A CRM with advanced reporting and analytics capabilities allows you to measure fundraising success, track donor retention rates, and identify areas for improvement. These insights empower you to make informed decisions and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders.

Integration Capabilities

A CRM should work seamlessly with the tools your organization already uses, such as accounting software, email platforms, or payment gateways. Integration capabilities reduce redundancies, improve efficiency, and create a unified system for managing all aspects of your operations. This connectivity helps your non-profit stay organized and focused on its mission.

Why Open-Source Non-Profit CRMs Are Important

Open-source non-profit CRMs provide a unique opportunity for organizations to leverage powerful tools without the hefty price tag of proprietary systems. They are important because they offer full access to:

• Flexibility and Customization: Allows organizations to modify and adapt features to meet their specific needs, ensuring the CRM grows alongside their mission.
• Community Support: Benefit from a global network of developers and users who continuously contribute to improvements and share best practices.
• Scalability: Offers the potential for growth without the limitations often imposed by proprietary systems, making it ideal for expanding organizations.
• Transparency and Data Ownership: Ensures full control over your data while helping maintain compliance with privacy regulations and building trust with stakeholders.

Give Knack a Try

With the right CRM in place, your non-profit can streamline processes, engage supporters more effectively, and focus on what matters most: making a difference in the world. So, take the time to evaluate your options and choose the solution that best supports your mission.

Looking for a fully customized non-profit CRM solution? Sign up with Knack and start building for free today!