Which QuickBooks is Best For a Nonprofit?

It can be tricky to get the right technology services for nonprofits in place, especially with budget and time constraints. When it comes to accounting software, QuickBooks is a name that many are familiar with for small businesses. But can this tool be used for nonprofits? Is it possible to get free QuickBooks for nonprofits? Read on for these answers and more.

Can Quickbooks Be Used for Nonprofits?

Absolutely! In fact, QuickBooks is a wonderful tool that helps nonprofits with their accounting and bookkeeping. While for-profit companies focus on the money earned, nonprofits have to track how much money is spent and what donations are coming in. Having an accounting software that is specifically designed for these needs is important, since for-profit accounting software won’t work the way you need it to. 

Nonprofits also have the ability to create many different types of financial reports: from board reports to those that will help with filling out the annual 990. Quickbooks has a sophisticated reporting function that allows users to create customized reports. You can even set up automatic recurring reports for things like yearly donation statements or monthly board meetings. Accounting software that has these functionalities helps nonprofits save precious time and effort (that can then be redirected into their vital missions). 

Can Quickbooks Be Used for Church Accounting?

Yes, QuickBooks can be used for church accounting, although it was not built specifically for this purpose. The nonprofit versions of Quickbooks (more on this in a moment!) may work well for your organization, or you might want to use  accounting software that was created for church accounting. If you’re not sure what software to select, you don’t have to make this decision alone. CIM can assist you with selecting the right fit for your church. 

Does Quickbooks Have a Nonprofit Version?

Yes, QuickBooks has three different nonprofit versions. There are two cloud-based options and a desktop version available. 

1. QuickBooks Online Plus

This nonprofit version is the most basic of the offerings, and it is an inexpensive cloud-based version. It includes access for 5 users and a variety of functions ranging from the ability to track income and expenses to capturing receipts to examining project profitability. 

An important limitation with QuickBooks Online Plus is that this version does not include training. If someone in your organization is already familiar with QuickBooks, then this version might be the right fit. However, QuickBooks has a bit of a steep learning curve, so beginners may find this version challenging. TechSoup has a variety of QuickBooks tutorials that may be helpful. 

2. QuickBooks Online Advanced 

QuickBooks Online Advanced is the intermediate version of QuickBooks for nonprofits. This version has all of the functionality of QuickBooks Online Plus, as well as allowing for more than 5 users and it includes training. 

Both QuickBooks Online Plus and Online Advanced are fully customizable. They also allow nonprofits to track budgets by programs or funds in real-time, as well as assisting with tracking donors, grant management, financial reporting, bank reconciliations, and more. 

3. QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit 

This version of QuickBooks is the most comprehensive nonprofit version, and it is a desktop solution. This means that users cannot log in remotely. QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit can scale from one to 30 users, and it lets you set individual user permissions for more than 115 activities. 

Which Quickbooks Is Right for Non Profit?

The QuickBooks solution you should choose for your nonprofit depends on the size of your organization, the functionalities you need, and how tech-savvy your people are. The editions of QuickBooks are tiered for a reason, as the less-expensive option (QuickBooks Online Plus) is meant for small nonprofits, QuickBooks Online Advanced is aimed at small- to mid-sized nonprofits, and QuickBooks Enterprise Nonprofit is perfect for large organizations with many different stakeholders. 

Luckily, you don’t have to make this decision on your own. Here at CIM, we can assist you with choosing the right version of QuickBooks and help you get it set up correctly. Our ongoing support will make sure your evolving technology needs are met and will help your tech support your nonprofit so you can keep doing the great things you’re passionate about. 

How Much Does Quickbooks for Nonprofit Cost?

QuickBooks for nonprofits pricing varies depending on which version you select. They generally have a monthly fee, and you can see the updated prices on their website. You may be able to try a free trial for 30 days to see if it works well for your nonprofit. 

Does Quickbooks Have a Nonprofit Discount?

You may be able to find a QuickBooks nonprofit discount through TechSoup, a nonprofit tech marketplace. This is usually limited to first time users. While there is no free QuickBooks for nonprofits, the Intuit donation program at TechSoup allows eligible nonprofits to receive one Intuit product per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) at a significant discount, limited to one subscription product within the lifetime of the organization.

CIM: Helping You Leverage QuickBooks for Your Nonprofit 

Selecting the right QuickBooks version (or another type of accounting software, if you prefer) and getting it set up correctly to function for your nonprofit can seem daunting, particularly if you’re not familiar with the program. Here at CIM, we believe in being a great partner, helping you with tech solutions that drive your mission. We can get you started with QuickBooks, set you up in TechSoup, and help you with ongoing tech needs. Explore our website today to learn more about our process or reach out to us with any questions.