The Very Best HR Software For Nonprofits in 2025

Last Updated -
March 4, 2025 13:28
Written by -
Alec Chambers

Nonprofit organizations juggle many responsibilities with limited resources. A good HR software system can lighten this load by streamlining employee management tasks. Finding the right HR solution matters even more when you work with tight budgets and rely on volunteers alongside paid staff.

This guide walks you through the best HR software options for nonprofits in 2025. We've gathered feedback from real nonprofit users to understand what truly works in practice. Each system has been evaluated based on features that matter most to nonprofit teams: affordability, ease of use, volunteer tracking capabilities, and integration with existing systems.

Whether you manage a small team of five or coordinate hundreds of volunteers across multiple locations, you'll find options that fit your specific needs. We've highlighted both specialized nonprofit solutions and adaptable mainstream platforms that serve the unique requirements of mission-driven organizations.

Our straightforward assessments will help you identify which HR software deserves your organization's investment. Let's explore the tools that can help your nonprofit focus more on its mission and less on paperwork.

The Best HR Software For Nonprofits

  • HR Partner - Streamlined HR Management for Small to Mid-Sized Organizations
  • BambooHR - Human Resources Made Simple for Nonprofits
  • Breezy HR - Simplified Applicant Tracking for Nonprofit Hiring
  • ADP Workforce Now - Human Capital Management for Nonprofits
  • Zoho People - Streamlined HR Management for Nonprofits

HR Partner - Streamlined HR Management for Small to Mid-Sized Organizations

HR Partner

HR Partner offers a complete HR management system specifically designed for organizations with 20 to 500 employees. This cloud-based platform brings all your essential HR functions together in one place, making it ideal for nonprofits that need comprehensive HR capabilities without a large dedicated department.

What makes HR Partner stand out is its ability to support the entire employee lifecycle within a single system. From recruitment tracking and onboarding to ongoing performance management, the platform creates a centralized hub for all your people management needs.

Nonprofits particularly appreciate the self-service portal that lets staff access their own information, check leave balances, and find important documents without needing to contact HR directly. This self-service approach frees up valuable time for nonprofit administrators to focus on mission-critical work.

Internet Reviews

Users consistently highlight HR Partner's intuitive interface and ease of use in online reviews. Many small and medium-sized organizations mention how quickly they were able to implement the system and get their teams on board.

The customer support team receives frequent praise for being responsive and helpful when users have questions. Some reviewers have noted minor limitations in specific features like the annual leave calendar view, but these concerns are typically outweighed by the overall positive experience.

Features

  • Comprehensive Employee Records Management: Securely store and manage all employee information across multiple locations, including contact details, performance reviews, and confidential documents in one centralized system.
  • Flexible Leave Management: Enable employees to view leave balances, submit requests, and track approvals through an intuitive employee portal with customizable accrual options.
  • Streamlined Recruitment Tracking: Publish jobs online, use custom application forms, and track candidate progress with a kanban-style system and evaluation scorecards.
  • Customizable Onboarding Checklists: Create personalized onboarding workflows, assign tasks to team members, and provide easy access to essential training materials and documents.
  • Advanced Performance Review System: Design custom review forms, collect multi-source feedback, and help employees set and track professional goals effectively.
  • Simple Expense Claim Processing: Allow employees to submit expense claims with receipt uploads and enable managers to review and approve submissions quickly.
  • Comprehensive Employee Self-Service Portal: Provide employees with direct access to leave management, company directory, document library, and organizational information.
  • Powerful Software Integrations: Connect seamlessly with payroll systems like Xero, job boards, and communication platforms to streamline HR workflows.
  • Advanced Data Security: Protect sensitive information with AES-256 encryption, daily backups, and robust password security measures.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Free Trial offers a 14-day trial with no credit card required, providing full access to core HR features for businesses to test the system.
  • Small Business Plan starts at $60 per month for up to 25 employees, including core HR features like employee records management, leave requests, and onboarding checklists.
  • Mid-Size Business Plan ranges from $100 to $250 per month, covering organizations with 35 to 80 employees, offering expanded HR management capabilities.
  • Enterprise Plan priced at $400 per month supports up to 200 employees, providing comprehensive HR features with enhanced admin user support and storage options.
  • Annual Subscription offers a discount by allowing payment for 11 months instead of 12, helping businesses save on overall HR software costs.
  • Custom Pricing available for larger organizations or specific needs, with the option to contact HR Partner directly for personalized quotes and tailored solutions.

Overall Opinion

HR Partner proves itself as a practical choice for nonprofits seeking to streamline their HR processes without breaking the bank. The system hits a sweet spot between functionality and usability, offering enough features to handle most HR needs while remaining accessible to non-technical users.

The platform's security features will appeal to organizations handling sensitive employee data, while the self-service portal helps reduce administrative workload. For nonprofits with 20-500 employees looking for a complete HR solution that won't require extensive training or IT support, HR Partner delivers solid value and reliable performance.

BambooHR - Human Resources Made Simple for Nonprofits

BambooHR

BambooHR stands out as a people-first HR platform designed with simplicity in mind. This cloud-based solution helps nonprofits manage their human resources efficiently, from hiring to retirement and everything in between.

What makes BambooHR particularly suitable for nonprofits is its focus on the complete employee lifecycle. The platform brings together critical HR functions like applicant tracking, onboarding, time-off management, and performance reviews in one accessible location.

Nonprofit organizations often operate with limited HR staff, making BambooHR's self-service portal valuable. Employees can update their information, request time off, and access important documents without burdening your HR team with administrative tasks.

Internet Reviews

BambooHR generally receives positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive HR toolkit. Users frequently mention how the platform simplifies complex HR processes and reduces administrative burdens.

Many reviewers highlight the responsive customer support team as a major advantage. The platform's intuitive design earns consistent praise, with users noting that even team members with limited technical skills can navigate it easily.

Some critiques mention limited customization options and the potential cost for smaller organizations. International nonprofits should note that certain features like payroll currently only support US-based employees.

Features

  • Employee Data Management: Centralize and customize employee information with a comprehensive database that allows secure, role-based access to personal, professional, and organizational details.
  • Applicant Tracking System: Streamline recruitment by posting jobs across multiple platforms, tracking candidates, scheduling interviews, and managing communication seamlessly.
  • Time-Off Management: Automate leave tracking, approval processes, and attendance records to simplify workforce scheduling and time-off requests.
  • Performance Management: Enable goal setting, 360-degree feedback, and self-assessments to support employee growth and comprehensive performance evaluations.
  • Onboarding Tools: Simplify new hire integration with automated paperwork and a smooth, structured onboarding experience that helps employees get started quickly.
  • Employee Self-Service: Empower employees to manage personal details, track benefits, and submit time-off requests independently.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Generate over 49 standard reports and create custom insights with flexible filtering to track HR metrics effectively.
  • Benefits Administration: Manage employee benefits enrollment, tracking, and updates through an integrated, user-friendly platform.
  • Payroll Integration: Add robust payroll capabilities with automatic tax calculations, direct deposit, and multi-rate tracking for employees.
  • Advanced Security Features: Protect sensitive data with encryption, multi-factor authentication, and customizable access permissions.
  • AI-Powered Insights: Leverage artificial intelligence to analyze employee feedback and enhance the overall employee experience through smart survey tools.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Per-employee pricing for companies with over 20 employees, requiring a direct quote from BambooHR for exact costs.
  • Flat monthly rate available for businesses with 20 employees or fewer, with pricing details only obtainable through direct contact.
  • Volume discounts automatically applied as employee count increases, offering reduced per-employee rates for larger organizations.
  • Non-profit organizations receive an additional 15% discount on their subscription.
  • Add-on features like payroll, time tracking, and benefits administration available at extra cost, requiring individual quotes.
  • Flexible month-to-month contracts with no annual commitment, allowing cancellation at any time.
  • Payment methods include credit cards, ACH, wire transfers, and checks for annual prepayments.

Overall Opinion

BambooHR offers a solid HR solution particularly well-suited for small to mid-sized nonprofits looking to streamline their people management processes. The specialized 15% nonprofit discount makes it more accessible for organizations with tight budgets.

The platform shines in its core HR functions like employee data management, time-off tracking, and onboarding. While it might not offer the deepest customization options, its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set make it an excellent choice for nonprofits without dedicated IT support.

For organizations with over 20 employees, the per-employee pricing model provides scalability, though smaller nonprofits should carefully evaluate if the investment aligns with their needs. The month-to-month contract flexibility also allows organizations to try the platform without making a long-term commitment.

Breezy HR - Simplified Applicant Tracking for Nonprofit Hiring

Breezy HR

Breezy HR offers nonprofits a straightforward way to modernize their recruitment process with minimal technical hassle. The platform's visual hiring pipeline gives your team an instant overview of where each candidate stands, making it easier to collaborate on finding the right talent.

What makes Breezy particularly useful for nonprofit organizations is its scalability. The free Bootstrap plan lets smaller organizations dip their toes in without financial commitment, while the paid options provide more robust features as your hiring needs grow.

Nonprofit hiring teams often juggle multiple responsibilities beyond recruitment. Breezy's automation tools help lighten this load by handling routine tasks like sending follow-up emails and scheduling interviews, freeing up valuable time for mission-focused work.

Internet Reviews

Across review sites, Breezy HR consistently earns praise for its user-friendly interface and visual candidate management system. Nonprofit users specifically mention appreciating the streamlined application process and the ability to maintain communication with candidates without losing track of details.

The software scores well for its integration capabilities, connecting smoothly with platforms many nonprofits already use. Some smaller organizations note that while the free plan is helpful for occasional hiring, the jump to paid tiers can feel steep for limited budgets.

Features

  • Multi-Board Job Posting: Post job openings across 50+ job boards instantly, including Indeed and LinkedIn, to maximize candidate reach and simplify recruitment efforts.
  • Intelligent Candidate Tracking: Manage candidates easily with a drag-and-drop interface that combines resumes, communication history, and interview feedback for comprehensive evaluation.
  • Smart Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive recruiting tasks like scheduling interviews, sending follow-up emails, and moving candidates through hiring pipelines with custom triggers.
  • Team Collaboration Features: Enhance hiring teamwork with shared calendars, collaborative feedback tools, and structured interview guides for consistent candidate assessment.
  • Unbiased Hiring Tools: Promote fair hiring practices with incognito application features that hide personal details during initial candidate screening.
  • Advanced Recruitment Analytics: Track key metrics like time-to-hire and source effectiveness through customizable dashboards and comprehensive reporting tools.
  • Seamless Platform Integrations: Connect easily with tools like LinkedIn, Slack, Google Calendar, and HRIS systems to streamline your entire recruitment process.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Free Bootstrap Plan offers management for one active job position with basic applicant tracking features.
  • Startup Plan costs $83 monthly or $99 per month annually, designed for 11-99 employees with enhanced recruitment tools.
  • Growth Plan priced at $129 monthly or $149 per month annually, suitable for 100-199 employees with advanced tracking capabilities.
  • Business Plan at $249 monthly or $299 per month annually, targeting companies with 199+ employees and offering comprehensive recruitment solutions.
  • Annual plans provide two months free, offering a cost-effective option for long-term commitments.

Overall Opinion

Breezy HR stands out as a practical choice for nonprofits seeking to improve their hiring process without overwhelming their teams. The visual pipeline makes it accessible for staff who may not specialize in HR, while the automation features help stretched teams do more with less.

The platform works best for organizations that primarily need applicant tracking rather than comprehensive HR management. Budget-conscious nonprofits should consider whether they can manage with the limited free tier or if their hiring volume justifies the investment in a paid plan. For those with regular recruitment needs who value a clean, collaborative hiring process, Breezy delivers solid value without unnecessary complexity.

ADP Workforce Now - Human Capital Management for Nonprofits

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Workforce Now stands as a robust Human Capital Management platform built for mid-sized to large nonprofit organizations. This comprehensive system brings together essential HR functions in one place, making it easier to handle your entire team's needs from a single dashboard.

Nonprofits particularly benefit from its ability to manage complex volunteer and staff relationships while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. The platform shines in its cross-border capabilities, supporting organizations with team members in both the US and Canada—a common scenario for international nonprofits and foundations.

The mobile accessibility means your staff can check their benefits, submit time-off requests, and access pay information whether they're in the office or out in the field doing mission-critical work.

Features

  • HR Management Suite: Streamlines recordkeeping, onboarding, and compliance tracking for both US and Canadian employees—helpful for international nonprofits.
  • Payroll Processing: Handles the complexities of nonprofit payroll, including grant-based funding allocations and tax filing for your organization.
  • Time and Attendance: Tracks hours for both employees and volunteers, making it easier to manage blended workforces common in nonprofit settings.
  • Talent Management: Supports your mission by helping find and develop the right people with recruitment tools and thousands of professional development courses.
  • Benefits Administration: Simplifies the enrollment process and helps nonprofit HR teams explain options clearly to staff members.
  • Analytics Platform: Provides insights that help with grant reporting and strategic planning through customizable reports and benchmarking tools.
  • Support Services: Offers implementation assistance and ongoing help, though quality varies according to user feedback.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Essential package starts at $19 per employee monthly, covering basic HR and payroll needs for smaller nonprofits.
  • Enhanced package ($23-$28 per employee monthly) adds benefits administration and compliance tools that help with nonprofit regulations.
  • Comprehensive package ($30-$48 per employee monthly) provides full HCM functionality, advanced analytics, and reporting features beneficial for large organizations.
  • Implementation fees apply for initial setup and training, with costs determined through consultation.
  • Pricing scales based on organization size, though many nonprofits report finding the cost structure challenging for limited budgets.

Internet Reviews

Users praise ADP Workforce Now for its comprehensive feature set and reliability. Nonprofit administrators particularly value the compliance tracking tools that help them stay on top of changing regulations. The mobile app receives positive feedback for allowing field staff to access HR information remotely.

However, reviews consistently mention a significant learning curve that can be challenging for smaller nonprofit teams with limited technical resources. Many users also express concern about the premium pricing compared to nonprofit-specific alternatives, noting that budget considerations often make it a difficult choice for mission-driven organizations.

Overall Opinion

ADP Workforce Now delivers a powerful, feature-rich platform that can handle the HR demands of established nonprofits with complex needs. Its strength lies in comprehensive functionality and solid compliance tools that help organizations stay within regulatory boundaries.

The system works best for mid-sized to larger nonprofits that have dedicated HR staff who can invest time in learning the platform. Smaller organizations might find both the complexity and cost prohibitive, especially those with tight operational budgets. While not specifically designed for the nonprofit sector, its customizable nature makes it adaptable to mission-driven work when properly configured.

Zoho People - Streamlined HR Management for Nonprofits

Zoho People

Zoho People provides nonprofits with a comprehensive HR management solution that centralizes workforce data and automates essential tasks. The platform creates an interconnected ecosystem where both staff and HR teams can collaborate efficiently.

For nonprofit organizations with limited administrative resources, Zoho People offers valuable self-service capabilities. Employees can manage their own profiles, submit time-off requests, and clock their hours independently, freeing HR personnel to focus on strategic initiatives rather than paperwork.

The system scales nicely for growing organizations, supporting everything from basic employee data management to sophisticated performance evaluations. Its integration with other Zoho applications creates a unified toolkit that's particularly useful for nonprofits already using other Zoho solutions.

Internet Reviews

Users consistently highlight Zoho People's ability to centralize HR functions and streamline operations. The platform gets praise for its comprehensive approach to workforce management, especially for handling leave requests, attendance tracking, and performance evaluations efficiently.

However, many reviewers note the platform's interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming. Navigation challenges are frequently mentioned, with users reporting difficulties finding specific functions despite knowing they exist somewhere in the system.

Overall, most organizations find that despite the learning curve, Zoho People remains reliable for day-to-day HR operations and helps organizations align team expectations with individual capabilities.

Features

  • Employee Self-Service Portal: Provides a comprehensive personal profile where staff can manage their details, request time off, and access company policies directly.
  • Advanced Leave Management: Enables custom leave policy creation, quick leave submissions, and provides managers with a consolidated view of employee leave balances and holiday schedules.
  • Intelligent Timesheet Tracking: Allows precise project time tracking, job allocation, and workload monitoring to help teams optimize productivity and billing accuracy.
  • Flexible Attendance Management: Supports IP-based tracking, biometric integrations, and shift management with real-time attendance capture capabilities.
  • Automated Performance Appraisal: Streamlines performance review processes with automatic reminders, notifications, and a structured evaluation framework.
  • HR Process Automation: Automates routine tasks like birthday wishes, work anniversary emails, and workflow approvals to reduce administrative burden.
  • Comprehensive HR Analytics: Provides detailed insights into employee performance, attendance trends, and demographic data to support strategic decision-making.
  • Mobile HR Management: Delivers a mobile app for on-the-go access to HR services, enabling employees and managers to handle tasks from anywhere.

Simplified Pricing Information

  • Free version supports up to 5 users with basic features like employee database and time off management.
  • Essential Plan costs $1.50 per employee per month ($1.25 annually), offering core HR management functionalities.
  • Professional Plan priced at $2.50 per employee per month ($2 annually), providing expanded HR tools and tracking capabilities.
  • Premium Plan at $3.50 per employee per month ($3 annually), including advanced performance and reporting features.
  • Enterprise Plan costs $5 per employee per month ($4.50 annually), delivering comprehensive HR management with full system access.
  • People Plus Plan offers advanced integration at $10 per employee per month ($9.50 annually), including Zoho Vault and Zoho Recruit.
  • Annual billing provides discounted rates across all plans, with potential cost savings of approximately 15-20%.

Overall Opinion

Zoho People stands out as a solid choice for nonprofits seeking to upgrade their HR management without breaking the bank. The free tier for up to 5 users offers a risk-free entry point, while the affordable paid options provide good value as organizations grow.

The platform particularly shines in its automation capabilities that reduce administrative workload—a crucial benefit for resource-strapped nonprofits. Self-service features empower employees to handle routine matters independently, allowing HR staff to focus on more strategic tasks.

While the interface could use some simplification, the comprehensive feature set covers virtually every HR need a nonprofit might have. For organizations willing to invest time in the initial setup and learning curve, Zoho People delivers a reliable foundation for effective workforce management.

How to Choose HR Software For Nonprofits

Selecting the right HR software for your nonprofit organization doesn't have to be overwhelming. With limited resources and unique needs, nonprofits need solutions that deliver maximum value. Here's how to find the perfect fit for your organization:

  • Align with your budget constraints - look for providers offering nonprofit discounts or tiered pricing
  • Focus on must-have features like volunteer management, grant-based position tracking, and compliance tools
  • Prioritize user-friendly interfaces that require minimal training for your staff
  • Check compatibility with your existing systems like accounting software and donor management tools
  • Consider your growth trajectory and choose software that can scale with your organization

Before making your final decision, request demos from your top contenders. Many vendors will customize their presentations to address nonprofit-specific scenarios. Don't hesitate to ask for references from similar organizations in your sector.

Remember that implementation time matters too. Some systems can be up and running in days while others might take months. Factor this timeline into your planning, especially if you're approaching busy periods like year-end campaigns or grant deadlines.

HR Software For Nonprofits FAQ

Do nonprofits really need specialized HR software?

Yes, they do. Nonprofit organizations face unique challenges like managing volunteers alongside paid staff, tracking grant-funded positions, and navigating specific compliance requirements. Generic HR solutions often miss these crucial functions or make them unnecessarily complicated.

How much should a nonprofit budget for HR software?

Most nonprofits can find suitable solutions between $5-15 per employee per month. Many vendors offer sliding scales based on organization size, and some provide significant discounts specifically for nonprofit organizations. Remember to factor in implementation costs and any needed add-ons when calculating your total investment.

Can HR software help with volunteer management?

Absolutely. The right HR platform can track volunteer hours, manage schedules, store necessary documentation, and even help with volunteer onboarding. This integration between volunteer and staff management creates a more cohesive approach to your human resources.

What about compliance issues specific to nonprofits?

Good nonprofit HR software helps with compliance reporting for both general requirements and sector-specific needs. Look for solutions that simplify tracking board term limits, conflict of interest disclosures, and grant compliance documentation alongside standard HR compliance functions.

Final Advice on Buying HR Software For Nonprofits

When finalizing your HR software choice, take your time. This decision impacts everyone in your organization from your executive director to your newest volunteer. Consider forming a small committee with representatives from different departments to provide input during the selection process.

Start small if you're unsure. Many vendors allow you to begin with core modules and add functionality as needed. This approach lets you spread costs over time while gradually introducing changes to your team.

Don't overlook the importance of support. Nonprofits often operate with lean teams that can't afford technical difficulties. Verify the level of customer service included with your subscription, including availability during your organization's active hours.

Finally, check if the software provider understands the nonprofit world. Vendors with experience in your sector will better grasp your unique challenges and may offer features you hadn't even considered. Their insight could save you significant time and resources down the road.

Written by Alec Chambers

Hi! I'm the creator behind ToolsForHumans. My journey, ignited by an obsession with ChatGPT after witnessing the practical applications of the tool, quickly expanded to include the launch of this site and a deep dive into more than 450 tools.

Over the past 2 years, I've been diligently crafting use cases and producing tutorial videos with the goal of demystifying AI and making it accessible to everyone. Alongside this, I've assembled specialized business toolkits, carefully selecting the best tools specifically tailored to various professions and industries.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, and if you're feeling particularly generous, giving our company page a follow. I'm always up for a chat!