Mailchimp alternatives for nonprofits: 8 Go-to platforms

The good news? There are other platforms out there—ones that make things easier, more affordable, and more in tune with how nonprofits actually work. We’ve put together a list of tools (including Harness) that can help you send beautiful, effective emails without the stress. If you’ve been juggling donor outreach, fundraising campaigns, and that “one last email” before your event goes live, this guide is for you.

Why nonprofits are looking for Mailchimp alternatives

If you’ve ever used Mailchimp and thought, “This feels like more work than it should be,” you’re not the only one. A lot of nonprofits start with Mailchimp because it’s popular. But once the real work begins—sending regular updates, running donation campaigns, keeping up with your supporters—it can feel like the platform is built more for businesses than for mission-driven teams.

First, let’s talk cost. Even with a discount, paid plans can add up fast. And if you want to unlock better automation, detailed reporting, or extra features, you’ll probably need to upgrade again.

Then there’s the learning curve. Some teams have a full-time marketer who can dive into templates and automations. Others? Not so much. If you’re a small team wearing five hats, it’s easy to feel lost in Mailchimp’s maze of features.

And finally, it’s the missing pieces. Mailchimp doesn’t really help with things like donation tracking, recurring gifts, or showing donors the impact of their support. That means you’re constantly switching between tools—or worse, copy-pasting data back and forth.

That’s why so many nonprofits are looking for platforms that “just get it”—tools that were built for fundraising, outreach, and keeping donor relationships strong without needing a marketing degree to use them.

1. Harness – Best all-in-one fundraising and email automation platform

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish there was one tool that just did it all,” that’s exactly why Harness was built. Most email platforms treat nonprofits like businesses, but Harness is different—it was made just for mission-driven teams like yours. It combines email marketing, donation tools, donor data, and even website support into one platform. That means less juggling between systems and more time focusing on your cause.

The email side of Harness is simple to use, even if you’re not a tech person. The drag and drop editor lets you build beautiful emails fast. You can automate thank-you messages, set up donor journeys, and personalize outreach without needing a whole afternoon (or a graphic designer) to make it look good.

But here’s the part most platforms miss: Harness comes with real fundraising and design pros who’ve been in your shoes. Need help writing that next campaign? Want someone to actually build the email for you? You’ve got it. Our team becomes an extension of yours—guiding strategy, tweaking your templates, and helping you raise more without working more.

With Harness, you don’t just get software. You get people who understand what it’s like to build relationships with donors, run campaigns on tight budgets, and still make it all look polished.

2. Constant Contact – Best for email campaigns and support

Constant Contact has been around a long time, and for good reason—it’s one of the most user-friendly platforms out there. If you’re new to email marketing or just want something that works without much fuss, this one’s a solid pick. The editor is simple to use, and they’ve got tons of pre-built templates to help you get your message out fast.

One of the biggest wins for nonprofits? Their customer support. When something breaks (or just doesn’t make sense), you can hop on live chat or call them. That kind of help matters when you’re sending emails under a deadline or trying to figure out why your template isn’t lining up right.

Constant Contact also offers a nonprofit discount, and while it’s not the cheapest option, it gives you tools like social media posting, event management, and contact segmentation—all in one place. It’s a good fit for smaller nonprofits that want everything under one roof but don’t need all the bells and whistles of more complex tools.

3. MailerLite – Best value email marketing software

MailerLite is one of those tools that surprises you—in a good way. It’s simple, affordable, and packed with just enough features to do what most nonprofits actually need. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t eat up your budget but still helps you look professional, this might be your match.

The platform offers a clean drag and drop editor, easy-to-set-up automations, and solid reporting. You can send newsletters, create donation campaign emails, and even build landing pages—all without a design or tech background. And the best part? It’s free up to 1,000 subscribers, which is great if you’re just getting started.

MailerLite also gives you unlimited emails in their paid plans, which is a big deal if you’re sending regular updates or running multi-part fundraising campaigns. It doesn’t try to do everything, but it does email marketing really well—especially for small and medium-sized nonprofits that want good value without a big learning curve.

4. Brevo (Sendinblue) – Best for SMS marketing and automation

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is a great fit for nonprofits that want to go beyond just email. If you’re looking to mix email with SMS messages, Brevo makes it easy to do both from one place. That means you can send a reminder email and a quick text before your event—all without switching tools.

Their automation is surprisingly powerful for the price. You can set up custom workflows, trigger follow-ups based on donor actions, and segment your audience by interests, location, or giving history. And yes, you can still build your emails with a simple drag and drop editor—no design experience needed.

Brevo also offers a free plan that includes unlimited contacts and up to 300 emails per day. For nonprofits that are just starting to build their lists, that’s a pretty generous setup. It’s especially useful if you’re planning campaigns across different channels and want everything running in sync.

5. ActiveCampaign – Best for advanced marketing automation

ActiveCampaign is kind of like the Swiss Army knife of email marketing—it’s powerful, flexible, and made for folks who want to get serious about automation. If your nonprofit has a growing list and you’re ready to go beyond basic email blasts, this tool could be worth a look.

What makes ActiveCampaign stand out is how much control you get. You can set up detailed automations based on how donors interact with your emails, your website, or even past donations. Want to send a follow-up to someone who clicked but didn’t give? Easy. Want to remind monthly donors when their card is about to expire? Done.

That said, it’s not the most beginner-friendly platform out there. The learning curve is real, and the pricing starts higher than some other tools. But if you’re already comfortable with email marketing—or have someone on your team who is—ActiveCampaign gives you serious tools to grow your impact.

6. HubSpot – Best for combining CRM and marketing tools

HubSpot is like having your email marketing, donor database, and campaign planning all in one big toolbox. It’s built for teams that want to connect the dots between their outreach and their relationships. If you’re looking for a way to keep track of your donors and automate your emails, HubSpot’s CRM + marketing combo is hard to beat.

With HubSpot, you can build custom email templates, set up automated workflows, and track how people interact with your content. It’s great for planning long-term communication strategies or building multi-step campaigns that feel personal from start to finish.

The platform does offer a free plan, which is nice for getting started. But to unlock the more advanced features—like smart automation, A/B testing, or deeper segmentation—you’ll need to move into the paid tiers, which can get pricey.

Still, for larger nonprofits or those with more complex needs, HubSpot brings everything together in one place, which can save you a lot of time and hassle down the road.

7. AWeber – Best for simplicity and support

If you’re looking for a platform that just works without a bunch of extra steps, AWeber is a solid choice. It’s simple, straightforward, and built for people who want to send good-looking emails without spending hours figuring out how.

AWeber comes with a drag and drop editor, ready-to-go templates, and enough automation to keep your email list warm and engaged. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done—and that’s what matters when you’ve got a lot on your plate.

One thing nonprofits love about AWeber is their support. Their team is available through live chat, email, and even phone, which is a rare find these days. So if you hit a snag or just need a quick walkthrough, help is never far away.

They also offer a free plan with up to 500 subscribers and basic automation features, which is perfect if you’re just getting started or want to test things out before committing.

What really matters when choosing a platform

Choosing an email marketing tool can feel like comparing apples to oranges—especially when every platform says they’re “the easiest” or “the most powerful.” So here’s a quick breakdown of the features that actually matter for nonprofits, and how these platforms stack up.

If you’re on a budget and need a free plan to start, MailerLite, AWeber, and Brevo give you solid options without asking for a credit card. For teams that are growing fast and need more firepower, ActiveCampaign and HubSpot offer deep automation and CRM features—but they come with steeper price tags.

Want something user friendly? Constant Contact, MailerLite, and AWeber are great for folks who just want to jump in and build something without needing a training manual. If you care most about design flexibility and drag and drop tools, nearly all of these platforms deliver, but Harness, MailerLite, and Moosend make it especially easy to create polished, on-brand emails fast.

Looking for advanced automation? ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, and Brevo lead the pack there. And if support matters to you (which it should), Harness and AWeber shine with real human help—not just bots or forums.

How to choose the right email marketing platform for your nonprofit

Let’s be honest—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best platform for your nonprofit depends on what you need, how big your team is, and how much time and money you can put into email marketing.

Start with your goals. If you’re mainly sending monthly updates or event invites, you don’t need a fancy automation engine. Something simple like MailerLite or AWeber might be perfect. But if you want to build complex donor journeys or track every click and gift, tools like ActiveCampaign or HubSpot might give you that next level of control.

Ease of use matters a lot—especially if you don’t have a full-time marketer or designer. A drag and drop editor can save hours, and having access to support (like live chat or actual humans you can talk to) can make a huge difference when things get busy.

You’ll also want to look at the extras: Can it handle automation? Does it give you clean, modern email templates? Will it grow with you as your list expands? And—big one—does it work with the other tools you already use?

At the end of the day, pick something that fits your team’s style, supports your mission, and won’t slow you down when it’s time to launch your next campaign.

Why Harness is a top Mailchimp alternative for nonprofits

Most platforms try to serve everyone—businesses, creators, agencies. Harness was built for one thing: helping nonprofits grow. That focus changes everything.

With Harness, you’re not just sending emails—you’re building donor relationships, running giving campaigns, and growing your community in a way that feels thoughtful and organized. It’s an all-in-one platform that brings together email automation, donation tools, donor data, and even website support. No more bouncing between tabs or patching together half a dozen tools just to send a thank-you email.

And here’s what really sets it apart: you’re not doing it alone. Harness comes with real experts who’ve worked in fundraising, design, and nonprofit marketing. That means you get help from people who actually understand your world—not just how to set up an automation, but how to write a compelling email that moves someone to give. Need a polished campaign design? Help writing a better appeal? You’ve got it.

So if you’re tired of platforms that almost work for nonprofits but miss the mark, Harness is worth a serious look. It’s fundraising-first, easy to use, and backed by a team that’s walked in your shoes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free Mailchimp alternative for nonprofits?

It depends on what you need, but MailerLite, AWeber, and Brevo all offer free plans that are friendly for small nonprofits. If you’re looking for something built specifically for fundraising and donor engagement, Harness is a strong contender with affordable, mission-focused tools.

Does Mailchimp offer a nonprofit discount?

Yes, Mailchimp offers a 15% discount for nonprofits—but many other platforms offer better value or built-in nonprofit tools. It’s worth comparing features, especially if you need more than just email marketing.

What email marketing tool is easiest to use?

Constant Contact, AWeber, and MailerLite are often praised for being user friendly. Harness also stands out for ease of use, especially because their team helps with setup, design, and strategy, which saves time and reduces the learning curve.

Which platform is best for advanced automation?

If you’re ready to dive into complex email sequences and smart segmentation, ActiveCampaign and Brevo offer powerful automation tools. Harness also offers automation—but with a nonprofit twist, focusing on donor journeys and recurring giving.

Can I connect my email marketing with donation tools?

Not all platforms offer this, but Harness does. It combines email, donation forms, donor data, and campaign tracking in one place—so you can stop juggling tools and start working smarter.