Essential tools to support your nonprofit through challenging times

Let’s be honest, these days feel heavy. And for nonprofits, the weight of uncertainty can feel even greater.  Nearly half (47%) of nonprofits say they don't have enough funding to run their programs and services effectively in 2025. That’s a sobering number.

If your nonprofit is facing that pressure, you're not alone. The good news? With the right nonprofit tools, especially reliable fundraising software, your organization can stay strong even when the future seems unclear. 

The right tools don’t just help you survive, they can help you adapt, stretch your resources, and keep your mission moving forward.  Here’s a look at the essential tools your nonprofit needs to get through challenging times.

1. Fundraising Software

When budgets are tight, every dollar matters. That’s why reliable, easy-to-use fundraising software is an absolute must.   It’s a digital system that helps you collect donations, manage campaigns, and connect with donors without needing a tech team or complex setup.

How it works

You start by setting up a donation page. You tell your story, what your organization is doing, why it matters, and share it with your community. People can give from their phone, tablet, or computer. It can also help you track donations, build donor lists, send updates, and even run things like auctions or raffles online.

When times are uncertain, you need tools that won’t drain your budget. Fundraising software for nonprofits should help you raise money, not take a chunk of it. 

BetterWorld understands how nonprofits work, so it provides all the fundraising solutions in one place. Its platform offers Modern Fundraising Tools, Online Fundraising Software, and Donation Forms without the usual fees that cut into your mission. With BetterWorld, you can:

• Set up free donation pages and forms
• Host online auctions or raffles
• Accept recurring donations
• Share your campaign on social media
• View and manage all your donor data in one place

And the best part? You don’t pay a dime! There are no subscription fees, hidden charges, or percentages taken out of your donations. You keep every penny you raise—because that’s what your work deserves. Sign up today and experience fundraising the easy way!

Typical costs

Most fundraising platforms either charge a subscription fee or take a portion of the money you raise, sometimes both. BetterWorld does it differently. You get full access to their fundraising tools with zero fees, no subscription, and no hidden charges. You keep every penny you raise. That’s the kind of support nonprofits need when every dollar counts.

2. Virtual Event Platforms 

In uncertain times, flexibility is key, and virtual event platforms give you just that. Whether you're planning a fundraiser, hosting a donor Q&A, running a raffle, or organizing an online auction, a virtual platform allows you to do it all without the expense or limitations of an in-person space.

How it works

The good platform includes everything you need: livestreaming, ticketing, registration, chat features, and the ability to collect donations in real time. It lets you bring your community together from anywhere. 

During uncertain times, when meeting in person might not be possible or budget-friendly, the virtual event tools keep your community connected and engaged. You can share your mission, celebrate your supporters, and raise critical funds live during your event. 

BetterWorld’s Free Virtual Event Tools are designed for nonprofits like yours. From setup to checkout, it’s all covered, at no cost to you. It’s one of those nonprofit tools that makes a real difference because you can put all the funds raised toward your cause.

Typical costs

Most event management software for nonprofits charges monthly fees or takes a cut of your funds. But BetterWorld offers a virtual event platform that’s completely free—no hidden charges or setup costs. Want to see how it works? Request a demo today. 

3. Email Marketing Software

When things feel unpredictable, consistent communication becomes even more important. That’s where email marketing comes in. It helps you stay in touch with your supporters, donors, and volunteers through newsletters, updates, event invites, and fundraising appeals.

How it works

You create an email, choose who to send it to, and track how many people open or click it. 

Most platforms have drag-and-drop tools to design messages and let you schedule emails ahead of time. This is one of the most useful nonprofit tools in uncertain times because it keeps your message going without overwhelming your time or your budget.

Email helps you keep your donor base active, even if events are limited or plans shift. You can update them on your goals, thank them for their support, and invite them to help again. 

When paired with fundraising software for nonprofits, email becomes a simple but powerful way to keep donations coming in, especially when budgets are tight.

Typical costs

While many email marketing tools charge for their services, here are two free options:

• Sender
  Best for: A generous free plan
  Standout feature: Solid pre-built automation flows
  Free plan: Up to 2,500 subscribers and 15,000 emails per month
• Brevo
  Best for: All-in-one marketing and sales
  Standout feature: Full-featured CRM
  Free plan: Up to 300 emails per day and 100,000 contacts

4. Online Survey & Feedback Tools

When the path ahead isn’t clear, the best thing you can do is listen. Online survey tools help you collect opinions, feedback, or ideas from your donors, volunteers, and community. You can use them to find out what’s working, what needs to improve, or what kind of support your audience is most interested in.

How it works

You create a survey, share it through email or social media, and then review the responses. In times of uncertainty, staying connected with your audience matters more than ever. 

These tools give your supporters a voice and help you make decisions based on what your community actually needs. They’re also a smart part of any nonprofit management software setup because they help you plan better programs, events, and campaigns.

Whether you’re gathering donor feedback after an online event, checking in with your volunteers, or exploring new fundraising ideas, surveys help you make smart, community-informed decisions. 

Typical costs

You don’t need to spend a penny to use these tools. Here are two of the best free options:

• Google Forms
  Best for: Fastest form creation
  Standout feature: Versatile and intuitive interface
  Free plan: Unlimited everything
• SurveyPlanet
  Best for: Using question templates
  Standout feature: Detailed analytics with geographic information
  Free plan: Unlimited forms, questions, and submissions

5. Grant Management Software

If your nonprofit relies on grants, you know how much is riding on staying organized. Grant management software helps nonprofits manage the entire grant process. It helps find opportunities, apply for grants, track deadlines, report, and manage awarded funds.

How it works

Grant management software keeps everything in one place. You can search for grants, set reminders for deadlines, store application documents, and track how the funds are being used. It also helps with reporting, which funders often require. 

Many platforms offer templates for reports and built-in tools to monitor progress. This setup is beneficial in tough times, when missing a deadline or misreporting funds could mean losing out on future support.

Having strong systems in place can relieve some pressure on your team in times of uncertainty. You don’t want to miss a funding opportunity just because a date slipped through the cracks. 

Grant tools help you stay ready and ensure that your nonprofit meets requirements, even if your staff is small or works remotely.

Typical costs

Most grant management software options are priced monthly. Entry-level plans start around $29/month and can go up to $400 or more, depending on features, number of users, and storage limits.

Check out the 10 Best Fundraising Apps to Help You Raise Money. A quick guide to tools that make giving easier for you and your supporters.

6. Website & Content Management Systems (CMS)

Your website is often the first place people go to learn about your mission, and in uncertain times, it becomes even more important to keep it up to date. A website and content management system (CMS) lets your nonprofit build, update, and manage your website without needing a developer every time you want to make changes. 

How it works

With a CMS, you can update your site through a dashboard.  Add or edit pages, post blogs, update events, and manage images or videos all on your own. Most platforms come with built-in templates and drag-and-drop tools, so you don’t need tech skills to keep your site up to date. 

It's important to keep your supporters informed and engaged. A reliable website helps you post updates quickly, promote giving campaigns, and provide easy access to donation forms.

Your website supports other nonprofit tools like email sign-ups, online donation buttons, and event pages. Some CMS platforms even integrate with fundraising software, so you can connect your donation pages directly to your donor database.

Typical costs

Basic website hosting usually costs around $2 to $3 per month. Popular CMS software like WordPress and Joomla are free to use, though you may pay extra for themes or plugins.

7. Text Messaging & SMS Tools

Text messaging tools help nonprofits send updates, reminders, and donation requests directly to supporters' phones. They are part of a broader category of nonprofit tools that aid in communication and engagement.

How it works

You write a message and send it to a list of phone numbers. Supporters receive the text almost instantly. Many platforms allow you to schedule messages, set up auto-replies, and track responses. 

Some tools integrate with fundraising software, which makes it easier to link donation pages or event sign-ups directly in the message.

When things change quickly, like during emergencies or last-minute event updates, texts get the word out fast. Most people read texts within minutes, so they're a reliable way to keep everyone informed. Texts are also useful for sending quick donation appeals when immediate support is needed.

Typical costs

Costs vary. Some services charge per message, ranging from a few cents each. Others offer monthly plans starting around $20 to $25. More advanced platforms with additional features may cost more.

8. Cybersecurity & Data Protection Tools

Cybersecurity tools protect your nonprofit’s digital systems, donor data, and sensitive records from cyber threats. These include antivirus programs, firewalls, two-factor authentication, and data encryption tools.

How it works

These tools act like digital locks and alarms. They block harmful software, scan for weak points, and alert you if suspicious activity occurs. 

Some tools also back up your data automatically, so you don’t lose important files in case of an attack or system failure. In a time when most fundraising happens online, keeping data safe matters more than ever.

Uncertainty can make your systems more vulnerable, especially if your staff is working remotely or using new tech. 

Cyber attacks can lead to lost donations, damaged reputation, and even legal trouble. Using reliable nonprofit tools for protection gives you peace of mind and keeps your operations running smoothly.

Typical Cost

While many cybersecurity tools can be expensive, several free or low-cost options are available to nonprofits. 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a U.S. government department, offers a wide range of no-cost cybersecurity services designed to help organizations strengthen their systems.