7 Best Mailchimp Alternatives for Nonprofits (Free & Paid 2024)

Nonprofits can use email marketing platforms to connect & communicate, drive campaigns, and build relationships with key influencers and their target audiences. 

In this in-depth guide, I have done the hard work of testing out 17 email providers, and here are seven of the best Mailchimp alternatives tailored specifically for nonprofits. 

These tools aren’t just another option; they’re laser-focused solutions, uniquely designed to address the needs of organizations dedicated to social impact.

Today, data and personalization rule. Your choice of email marketing platform can make or break your campaigns — so choose wisely. 

Mailchimp for Nonprofits: Pros and Cons

This table shows the pros and cons of Mailchimps, and why some nonprofit organizations want to switch to an alternative tool:

The three best mailchimp alternative email tools for nonprofits are Brevo.com (formerly Sendinblue), ConvertKit, and GetResponse — with each platform tailored to amplify your nonprofit’s message.

Table Chart: Key Features of Email Marketing Tools

I’ve also included a column to specify who each tool is most ideal for.

What are the Best Email Marketing Platform Alternatives to Mailchimp?

If you’re looking for a great email marketing tool for nonprofit that would seamlessly replace Mailchimp, here are the top 7 tools:

1. Constant Contact

Constant Contact is an email marketing platform designed for simplicity. It’s all about making email marketing accessible and efficient, even for those new to the game.

Constant Contact offers a user-friendly interface where you can design and send out email campaigns.

You can create eye-catching emails using their drag-and-drop editor and target your audience with list segmentation. 

For nonprofits, it’s a win because they offer discounts specifically tailored to your needs.

Imagine you’re a nonprofit focused on animal welfare. 

With Constant Contact, you can easily create emails showcasing heartwarming stories of rescued animals and send them to your subscribers. 

Segment your lists to target potential donors, and watch your contributions grow.

Key Features of Constant Contact:

• User-friendly drag-and-drop editor for easy email creation.
• Affordable pricing and nonprofit discounts.
• Strong list segmentation and targeting capabilities.
• Extensive library of customizable templates.
• Integration with popular CRM and event management platforms.
• Robust analytics and reporting to track campaign success.

Pros of Constant Contact:

• User-friendly interface and intuitive email editor.
• A wide range of customizable email templates.
• Excellent customer support and resources for beginners.
• Effective event promotion and management features.
• Robust tracking and reporting tools for campaign analysis.

Cons:

• Limited automation capabilities compared to some competitors.
• Pricing can be relatively higher for growing subscriber lists.
• Some users find template customization options slightly restrictive.

2. Brevo.com (formerly SendinBlue)

Brevo, previously known as SendinBlue, is all about automation and affordability. They understand the need for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing features.

Brevo.com allows you to automate your email marketing campaigns, making it a time-saver for nonprofits with limited resources. 

You can set up workflows, personalize messages, and monitor results. Here’s a cool stat: Brevo.com users experience a 60% increase in open rates.

Let’s say you’re a nonprofit organizing events for underprivileged children. With Brevo.com, you can automate event reminders and personalized thank-you emails. 

As a result, you increase engagement, and more people show up for your events.

Key Features of Brevo:

• Advanced marketing automation with workflow creation.
• Transactional email features for important notifications.
• Highly competitive pricing plans.
• A/B testing for optimizing email campaigns.
• Powerful automation builder with intuitive interface.
• AI-driven predictive analytics for improved engagement.

Pros of Brevo:

• Competitive pricing, including a free plan for beginners.
• Advanced marketing automation capabilities.
• User-friendly drag-and-drop email builder.
• A/B testing for optimizing email campaigns.
• Excellent transactional email features.

Cons:

• Limited template variety compared to some other tools.
• Learning curve for complex automation workflows.
• Customer support response times can vary.

3. SendPulse

SendPulse’s email service is one the most comprehensive tools when it comes to affordable solutions for nonprofits. 

Non-profit organizations can design and send newsletters and other types of email campaigns and combine email with other channels like SMS and chatbot messages to better suit users’ needs. 

On top of that SendPulse provides a ton of lead-generation tools like mobile-ready landing pages, action-triggered pop-ups, and customizable subscription forms

The built-in CRM system will help nonprofits better manage the contact data of their beneficiaries and donors to improve future campaigns with segmentation and personalization. 

Key features of SendPulse:

• Intuitive landing page builder
• Premade email templates and email template editor 
• Chatbot builder ( Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) 
• Multichannel automated message sequences 
• CRM tool for contact management 

Pros of SendPulse platform:

• All in one platform with tons of features 
• Flexible pricing model and a free plan for small nonprofit organizations 
• Outstanding customer support 

Cons:

• limited functionality on a free plan 
• no free plan for SMS and WhatsApp campaigns

4. ConvertKit 

ConvertKit caters to creators, bloggers, and, importantly, nonprofits. It’s a platform that focuses on delivering personalized content to your audience.

With ConvertKit, you can tag subscribers based on their interests and behaviors. 

This means you can send highly targeted emails. The visual automation builder makes setting up sequences a breeze.

Suppose you’re a nonprofit that provides education resources. With ConvertKit, you can tag subscribers interested in different subjects. 

When you have new resources to share, you send emails tailored to those interests. 

This increases engagement and drives more support to your cause.

Key Features of ConvertKit:

• Tag-based subscriber management for precise targeting.
• Visual automation builder for creating complex email sequences.
• Personalization options to customize email content.
• Seamless integration with WordPress and popular e-commerce platforms.
• A focus on content creators and bloggers.
• Landing pages and forms for capturing leads.

Pros of ConvertKit:

• Tag-based subscriber management for precise targeting.
• Visual automation builder for creating complex email sequences.
• Personalization options to customize email content.
• Seamless integration with WordPress and e-commerce platforms.
• Educational content specifically designed for content creators.

Cons:

• Pricing can be higher than some other alternatives.
• Limited inbuilt templates compared to template-rich platforms.
• Some users may find the visual automation builder less intuitive.

5. AWeber 

AWeber is a veteran in the email marketing game, having served users for over 20 years. It’s particularly friendly to small nonprofits on a budget.

AWeber offers affordable pricing and features such as email automation and a landing page builder. 

You can create engaging emails, set up automated sequences, and even create landing pages for your campaigns.

A small nonprofit focused on environmental conservation, for example, can use AWeber to create a series of emails that educate subscribers about the importance of conservation. 

You can set up automated emails to nurture leads, ultimately leading to more volunteers and donations.

Key Features of AWeber:

• Over 700 mobile-responsive email templates.
• Affordable pricing and free plan for up to 500 subscribers.
• Email automation with a range of triggers and conditions.
• Built-in landing page builder for conversion optimization.
• Integration with popular fundraising and e-commerce tools.
• Extensive educational resources for users.

Pros of AWeber:

• Over 700 mobile-responsive email templates.
• Affordable pricing and a free plan for up to 500 subscribers.
• Robust email automation features.
• Built-in landing page builder for conversion optimization.
• Extensive educational resources and customer support.

Cons:

• Fewer advanced automation features compared to some competitors.
• Limited CRM and e-commerce integrations.
• Some users find the reporting features less comprehensive.

6. GetResponse

GetResponse is more than just an email marketing tool. It’s an all-in-one marketing platform that offers webinars, landing pages, and email marketing services.

GetResponse simplifies the marketing process by providing everything in one place. 

You can create email campaigns, host webinars, and design landing pages to capture leads. 

For nonprofits, they offer a discount, and here’s an interesting stat: their users have a 22% higher open rate compared to others.

When hosting a fundraising event for your nonprofit, for example, GetResponse lets you create an email campaign to promote the event, design a landing page for registrations, and even host webinars for educating attendees about your cause. 

This all-in-one approach saves time and makes your event a success.

Key Features of GetResponse:

• All-in-one marketing platform with email, webinars, and landing pages.
• Nonprofit discounts and a 30% higher deliverability rate.
• Advanced marketing automation with goal-based workflows.
• Webinar creation and hosting with reporting.
• In-depth analytics and tracking to measure campaign performance.
• Integration with CRM and e-commerce platforms.

Pros of GetResponse:

• All-in-one marketing platform with email, webinars, and landing pages.
• Nonprofit discounts and excellent deliverability rates.
• Advanced marketing automation with goal-based workflows.
• Webinar creation and hosting with detailed reporting.
• In-depth analytics and tracking to measure campaign performance.

Cons:

• Pricing can be relatively higher for larger subscriber lists.
• Complex workflows may have a steeper learning curve.
• Limited customizability of form and landing page templates.

7. MailerLite 

MailerLite is all about user-friendliness and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for nonprofits, especially if you’re just getting started.

MailerLite offers a free plan and affordable paid options. You can use their drag-and-drop email builder to create appealing emails. 

The platform also provides user-friendly automation features.

Suppose you’re a newly established nonprofit. With MailerLite’s free plan, you can send out emails introducing your organization and your mission to a broad audience. 

The drag-and-drop builder helps you create a professional-looking email without needing a graphic designer.

Key Features of MailerLite:

• Free plan with core email marketing features.
• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for easy email design.
• Automation with trigger-based workflows.
• A/B split testing for optimizing email campaigns.
• Pop-up forms and landing pages for lead generation.
• Competitive pricing and scalability for growing nonprofits.

Pros of MailerLite:

• Free plan with core email marketing features.
• User-friendly drag-and-drop email editor.
• Automation with trigger-based workflows.
• A/B split testing for optimizing email campaigns.
• Pop-up forms and landing pages for lead generation.
• Competitive pricing and scalability for growing nonprofits.

Cons:

• Limited advanced automation features compared to some competitors.
• Some users may desire more in-depth reporting options.
• Template selection is not as extensive as on some other platforms.

What to Consider When Choosing an Email Marketing Alternative to Mailchimp

1). Affordability: Your nonprofit’s budget is precious. Look for tools that offer flexible pricing plans, and don’t hesitate to inquire about nonprofit discounts. Don’t let the price tag surprise you halfway through your campaign.

2). Ease of Use: You’re a nonprofit, not a tech giant. Opt for a tool with an intuitive interface. User-friendly features save time and ensure that even team members with limited tech experience can manage campaigns.

3). Nonprofit Support: Some tools have specific programs or discounts for nonprofits. Take advantage of these opportunities. You might find that they understand your unique needs better than generic alternatives.

4). Automation and Personalization: The heart of modern email marketing is automation and personalization. Ensure your chosen tool allows you to segment your audience and automate tasks like sending thank-you emails or event reminders.

5). Integration: Think about how your chosen tool integrates with other software your nonprofit uses, like CRM or fundraising platforms. A seamless flow of data and communication between your systems can save valuable time and reduce errors.

FAQs About Email Marketing Providers for Nonprofits

Let’s answer some common questions about email marketing tools:

1. Are these email marketing tools suitable for nonprofit organizations with limited budgets?

Yes, several of these tools, such as Constant Contact, Brevo.com (formerly SendinBlue), and AWeber, offer cost-effective pricing plans, making them ideal for nonprofits with limited budgets. 

Some also provide nonprofit discounts, further assisting organizations in managing costs.

2. How can these tools assist nonprofits in building and engaging their donor base?

These email marketing tools offer advanced segmentation and personalization features, allowing nonprofits to categorize donors based on their interests and behaviors. 

ConvertKit, for example, employs tag-based segmentation, while Brevo.com (formerly SendinBlue) leverages AI for personalization. 

These capabilities enable nonprofits to send more relevant and engaging content, which can enhance donor relationships and engagement.

3. Do these email marketing alternatives integrate with commonly used nonprofit management software or CRMs?

Yes, many of these tools, including GetResponse and Moosend, offer integrations with popular nonprofit management software and CRM systems. 

This facilitates seamless data sharing and ensures that email marketing efforts align with other nonprofit operations.

4. Can these email marketing alternatives support nonprofit events and fundraising campaigns?

Absolutely. For instance, GetResponse provides features for hosting webinars and creating landing pages, making it an excellent choice for event promotion. 

Additionally, most of these tools include automation capabilities that can be used for managing fundraising campaigns, such as sending automated thank-you emails to donors, streamlining event promotion, and ensuring a seamless fundraising process.

Mailchimp Alternative for Nonprofit: Takeaway

In the world of email marketing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The three best tools depend on your nonprofit’s unique needs:

Constant Contact: Ideal for nonprofits looking for a user-friendly platform, Constant Contact simplifies email marketing for beginners, making it perfect for those starting their journey.

Brevo.com (formerly SendinBlue): For nonprofits with a limited budget, Brevo.com is the go-to option. 

It offers budget-friendly automation without compromising on features, making it perfect for those seeking efficiency on a tight budget.

GetResponse: If you’re a nonprofit looking for an all-in-one marketing solution, GetResponse is your ticket. 

With webinars, landing pages, and excellent email marketing, it’s a versatile choice for nonprofits aiming to expand their reach and engagement.