Best email marketing tool for a small nonprofit
Updated 2026-07-16
Our picks, compared
| Tool | Best for | Pricing from* |
|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Best for most small nonprofits | free plan; paid from ~US$10/mo |
| GetResponse | Best for donor journeys & events | ~US$19/mo |
*Indicative only — check the vendor's pricing page for current rates and promos.
MailerLite
Clean, budget-friendly email tool with a capable free plan. Best when simplicity and price matter more than advanced automation.
Volunteer-friendly editor and pricing a small organization can justify — often free at small list sizes.
Strengths
- Free plan up to a real subscriber count
- Very easy editor
- Cheap paid tiers
Trade-offs
- Approval process for new accounts
- Fewer advanced automation options
GetResponse
Long-running email marketing platform with automation, landing pages, and webinars built in. Strong fit when you want email plus simple funnels in one subscription.
Automation for donor welcome sequences plus built-in webinars for fundraising events.
Strengths
- Automation workflows included on low tiers
- Webinars and landing pages built in
- Generous list-size pricing
Trade-offs
- Interface has a learning curve
- Advanced features gated to higher tiers
Frequently asked questions
Do email tools offer nonprofit discounts?
Several offer nonprofit pricing on request — ask support before paying full rate and check the vendor's terms for eligibility.
What emails matter most for donor retention?
A prompt thank-you, a quarterly impact update, and a year-end summary. Consistency beats cleverness — pick the tool your volunteers will actually use.
Is the free plan enough?
For many small nonprofits, yes — MailerLite's free tier covers modest lists. Watch send limits during appeal season.
One tool decision, explained properly, most weeks
Which tool won, why, and what it costs. No listicles, no spam, unsubscribe whenever you like.