The Nonprofit HR Tech Stack: Must-Have Software to Manage Payroll, Hiring, and Volunteers

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Nonprofits are beneficial to society as they are able to help out groups of people that truly need it. From charitable organizations that help out the homeless and women’s shelters, to ones that help veterans, certain religions, museums, and even art programs, there are many people who work together to raise money in support of causes that are necessary to help. Nonprofits handle and hire a lot of volunteers and handle daily administration tasks where a good HR software is crucial for better organization.

Aiken House offers a wide variety of support to help businesses get their start where we have successfully been able to help 17+ launch their way into success. We’ll be able to guide you through the top HR software programs for nonprofits with topics that range from:

• Covers integration with accounting and fundraising tools
• Highlights HR tools that align with nonprofit missions
• Show support Aiken House has for small businesses to succeed

Save Time, Save Money: How to Pick the Right HR Software for Your Nonprofit

Nonprofits do a lot of good for society, helping communities, supporting important causes, and making a real impact. Whether it’s an organization that provides shelter for those in need, supports veterans, or funds educational programs, nonprofits rely on dedicated teams of employees and volunteers to keep things running smoothly. But managing people, payroll, and compliance—on top of fundraising and outreach—can quickly become overwhelming, especially with limited resources. In fact, the National Council of Nonprofits reports that 65% of organizations struggle with HR tasks due to time constraints and a lack of staff. A survey by Nonprofit HR also found that hiring and retention are major challenges for nearly half of all nonprofits.

That’s where the right HR software comes in. A good system can help nonprofits stay organized, save time on administrative work, and focus more on their mission. When choosing the best HR software, here are some key things to look for:

• Affordable Pricing & Nonprofit Discounts – Some software companies offer special pricing for nonprofits.
• Payroll & Benefits Management – Ensures accurate payments and tax compliance.
• Volunteer Management Tools – Helps track volunteer hours and roles.
• Easy-to-Use Interface – Staff and volunteers should be able to navigate it without hassle.
• Automation & Integrations – Syncs with accounting, fundraising, and project management tools.
• Compliance & Reporting – Keeps up with labor laws and generates reports for grants and audits.
• Scalability – Grows with your nonprofit without adding excessive costs.
• Customer Support & Training – Reliable help for teams with little HR experience.

By choosing HR software that meets these needs, nonprofits can spend less time on admin work and more time making a difference.

The Best HR Tools for Nonprofits That Prioritize People Over Processes

Managing a nonprofit is about more than just paperwork—it’s about leading a passionate team dedicated to making a difference. The best HR software for nonprofits should simplify hiring, payroll, benefits, compliance, and volunteer management, all while being affordable and easy to use. Unlike large corporations, nonprofits operate with tight budgets and often rely on volunteers, so they need HR solutions that are scalable, cost-effective, and built for flexibility. Below, we’ve rounded up ten of the best HR software solutions that help nonprofits put people first while keeping operations organized.

1. Gusto

Website: Gusto

Gusto is a fantastic choice for small nonprofits that need an all-in-one HR platform without the complexity of enterprise-level software. It automates payroll, tax filings, and benefits administration, making it easy for nonprofits to pay employees while staying compliant with tax regulations. Gusto’s nonprofit-friendly pricing ensures affordability, and its intuitive interface means organizations can handle HR tasks with minimal effort. Additionally, the platform offers built-in compliance tools to help nonprofits adhere to labor laws and tax requirements, reducing the risk of penalties.

Consider using our link to sign up for Gusto and save $100 on your first payroll, and trust us, we swear by what they have to offer for HR services!

2. Paycor

Website: Paycor

Paycor is designed for nonprofits that need robust payroll and compliance tools. It automates tax filing and payroll processing while providing analytics to help organizations track labor costs and workforce trends. One of its standout features is the employee self-service portal, allowing staff to access pay stubs, benefits, and time-off requests without HR intervention. Paycor’s flexible pricing is tailored to nonprofits, ensuring they can access high-quality HR tools without exceeding their budget.

3. BambooHR

Website: BambooHR

For small to mid-sized nonprofits, BambooHR offers an easy-to-use, all-in-one HR platform with a strong focus on hiring and onboarding. It includes an applicant tracking system (ATS) that simplifies recruiting, making it easier to bring on new employees and volunteers. Additionally, its performance management tools help organizations track employee growth and ensure teams are engaged. BambooHR’s payroll integration further streamlines HR operations, reducing the workload on nonprofit administrators.

4. TriNet

Website: TriNet

TriNet is a great option for nonprofits that want a full-service HR solution without having to manage HR in-house. As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), TriNet takes care of payroll, benefits, compliance, and risk management, freeing up nonprofit leaders to focus on their mission. TriNet offers access to high-quality health and retirement benefits, helping nonprofits attract and retain top talent despite budget constraints. Additionally, it provides HR consulting, ensuring that organizations stay compliant with employment laws. While it may be a bit pricier than other options, TriNet’s comprehensive support can be a game-changer for nonprofits that need HR expertise but don’t have a dedicated HR department.

5. ADP Workforce Now

Website: ADP Workforce Now

For nonprofits that are growing and need a scalable HR solution, ADP Workforce Now offers a comprehensive platform with payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR analytics. Its automated tax filing and compliance features help organizations stay on top of legal requirements, while its employee self-service tools empower staff to manage their own HR needs. Though slightly more expensive than other options, ADP provides strong automation tools and customer support, making it a solid choice for expanding nonprofits.

6. Rippling

Website: Rippling

Rippling is an ideal HR software for tech-savvy nonprofits that want automation and integration capabilities. It connects with over 500 software tools, including accounting and fundraising platforms, making it easy to streamline operations. Rippling automates payroll, benefits, and even IT management, allowing nonprofits to onboard employees and volunteers efficiently. Its user-friendly dashboard ensures that HR tasks are handled smoothly, while its scalability makes it perfect for growing organizations.

7. Justworks

Website: Justworks

Justworks is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that takes care of payroll, benefits, and compliance, making it an excellent option for small nonprofits that lack an in-house HR team. It offers transparent, nonprofit-friendly pricing and 24/7 customer support, ensuring organizations always have expert guidance when facing HR challenges. By outsourcing HR functions to Justworks, nonprofits can focus more on their mission without worrying about administrative complexities.

8. Namely

Website: Namely

Namely provides a flexible HR platform for mid-sized nonprofits that need payroll, benefits, compliance, and performance management tools. The platform’s customizable features allow organizations to tailor HR processes to their specific needs, while the self-service options give employees control over their own benefits and payroll information. Namely’s performance tracking tools also help nonprofits keep teams motivated and engaged, fostering a positive work environment.

9. Deel

Website: Deel

For nonprofits with remote or international teams, Deel is a top choice. It simplifies global payroll and contractor management, ensuring organizations can pay employees across multiple countries while staying compliant with international tax laws. Deel’s fast and secure payment processing makes it especially useful for nonprofits with international operations, and its compliance support reduces the risks associated with managing a global workforce.

10. HR Partner

Website: HR Partner

HR Partner is an excellent HR software solution for small to mid-sized nonprofits that need an easy-to-use yet powerful HR management tool. Unlike enterprise-level platforms, HR Partner is designed for teams that don’t have a dedicated HR department, making it simple for nonprofit leaders to manage employee records, track time off, and onboard new hires. It also includes an applicant tracking system (ATS) to help with volunteer and employee recruitment. The platform is affordable, integrates with payroll systems, and offers strong customer support, making it a great option for nonprofits looking to streamline HR processes without a hefty price tag.

Aiken House: Helping Businesses Thrive with the Right Tools

Aiken House is the best place to go for all of your business needs, and it’s the perfect place for nonprofits looking to expand their mission within society. We can help provide you with everything from marketing, branding, website development, and even software design.

If you schedule a consultation with us, we can help provide you with all of the important directions you’ll need to expand your business to create your own success story!

In the meantime, check out the top ten best HR software programs for nonprofits to keep your organization skills and administration tasks in check!