We get it, navigating technology services for nonprofits can be pretty overwhelming. But not to worry, Computers in Ministry has your back. QuickBooks is often considered to be the “gold standard” as far as accounting software for nonprofits goes. But how much does QuickBooks cost, and how do you determine if it is the right solution for you? Although there are no free QuickBooks for nonprofits, there are ways to significantly bring down the cost. With that being said, CIM is here to answer these burning questions and more throughout this blog. Alright, enough chit-chat, let’s get down to business!
QuickBooks has three different versions designed for nonprofit organizations. In this section, we’ll break down the cost and features of both to help you determine which one might be the right fit for you. Of course, choosing the best accounting software and implementing it into your operational practices is a large undertaking. That’s where CIM comes in. CIM is here to help you select the right-fit software and get it implemented smoothly into your workflow.
In general, QuickBooks pricing can range from $80 to $125 per month, if you buy it directly from Intuit (QuickBooks’s parent company). However, the cost of QuickBooks can vary depending on the plan you choose and if you choose to purchase it through tech organizations that provide discounted rates.
But don’t panic! There are ways to bring this cost down. If you choose to purchase your QuickBooks subscription through an organization like TechSoup, then you’ll pay about $75 to $168 annually. This is an excellent discounted rate, especially compared to the regular monthly Intuit payments.
Now you might be asking, “What is TechSoup?” Good question! TechSoup is a nonprofit technology marketplace designed to give you access to donations and discounts on software, hardware, and services from major brands. We’ll dive into TechSoup and the requirements needed to benefit from their services in the discount section of this blog.
In addition to organizations like TechSoup, you can also bring the cost of QuickBooks down by exploring some of their lower-priced platforms that aren’t specifically nonprofit-oriented. For example, QuickBooks’ small business platform starts at $12.50 a month and has a lot of key features like invoicing, tax preparation, and cash flow management.
Phew, that’s a lot of information. How about we make this a bit more manageable? In this section below we’ll break down the pricing for the three QuickBooks platforms designed for nonprofits.
QuickBooks Plus is the most affordable option and comes with a variety of features. However, it should be noted that there is no training provided for this platform so if no one on your staff has experience with QuickBooks, this might be difficult to implement. Luckily, there are a few training courses available through Intuit. This cloud-based solution offers features such as:
Since this is the most basic QuickBooks model, the plan is limited to 5 users. As for pricing, QuickBooks Plus costs $80 per month if you purchase directly from Intuit. By contrast, TechSoup offers it for as low as $75 per year.
QuickBooks Advanced is well…more advanced. This cloud-based solution offers the same basic features that come along with QuickBooks Plus but can be used by 25 users instead of 5. Although it is more expensive than the Plus version of QuickBooks, if you have a medium-sized nonprofit, then some of these features could be critical to your success. One of the most appealing features of QuickBooks Advanced is its batch transaction feature that is designed to keep you moving at a fast pace as your workload increases. QuickBooks Advanced comes along with additional features such as:
QuickBooks Advanced is priced at $90 per month if you choose to purchase directly from Intuit but costs $160 per year through TechSoup for qualifying nonprofits.
This version of QuickBooks comes with many additional features like the ability to help you safeguard customer data by setting individual user permissions so your employees only have access to information they’re meant to see, which is very useful if you employ many volunteers. In addition, QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit allows you to store hundreds of thousands of donors, vendors, and items, growing your lists without compromising processing time. This is a great option if your organization is expecting to expand in a big way.
Because this option is very advanced, it comes along with a larger price tag, totaling $380 a month.
Sadly, Intuit does not offer a discounted rate for any QuickBooks products. But you can acquire a discounted rate through services like TechSoup or by obtaining a grant. Learn more about grant requirements in our article Free QuickBooks For Nonprofits.
To make things easier, let’s focus on TechSoup’s eligibility requirements. We’re going to list the main points below but you can view more details on the TechSoup website.
TechSoup Eligibility Requirements:
Now we have to note that obtaining a QuickBooks nonprofit discount is a fairly complex process. But don’t worry, that’s how we’re here to help. As your technology service partner, Computers in Ministry (CIM) can help get you connected and set up with these discounted tech opportunities so you can focus on running your organization.
Having the right accounting software can make all of the difference when it comes to building a solid financial foundation for your nonprofit. With CIM there’s no need for you to stay up all night wondering, “How do I set up QuickBooks for a nonprofit?” We’ve got you covered. We’re dedicated to forming a close partnership where we work closely with you to get your QuickBooks and other software solutions set up and running smoothly. If you’re ready to start your tech journey, check out our services and set up a time to chat.