--- title: "Best LMS for Nonprofits Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best LMS for Nonprofits Software for your organization. Compare top LMS for Nonprofits Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/nonprofit-lms-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / LMS for Nonprofits Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best LMS for Nonprofits Software of 2026 Updated November 10, 2026 Talk with us for a free 15-min consultation Expert advisors like Jacqueline, who have helped 1,000+ companies, can find the right software for your needs. On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide Filter products 108 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 108 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Absorb](/lms/absorb-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 365 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Absorb is an agentic AI-powered learning platform designed to deliver results for all learners — employees, partners, and customers alike. With AI agents that handle the heavy [Read more](/lms/absorb-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Customizable Templates: 5/5 - Interactive Learning: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - eCommerce Management: 2.5/5 - Customizable Questions: 3/5 - Course Authoring: 3/5 [See all features](/lms/absorb-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/lms/absorb-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [iTacit](/compliance/itacit-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 42 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Available #### Overview iTacit is a workforce app designed to simplify communication and improve engagement between employers and teams. This solution is suitable for organizations in various industries [Read more](/compliance/itacit-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Live Chat: 5/5 - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Talent Management: 5/5 - Certification & Licensing: 5/5 [See all features](/compliance/itacit-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/compliance/itacit-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Adobe Learning Manager](/lms/adobe-captivate-prime-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 682 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Adobe Learning Manager an award-winning cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that addresses personalized learning experiences at scale for customers, partners and employees [Read more](/lms/adobe-captivate-prime-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined training management experience - User-friendly and accessible interface - Comprehensive feature-rich platform ##### To take in mind - Expensive for smaller organizations - Outdated and unintuitive interface design - Cumbersome and limited reporting tools #### Features ##### Best rated features - Modeling & Simulation: 5/5 - Video Conferencing: 5/5 - Corporate/Business: 5/5 - Media Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - eCommerce Management: 2.5/5 [See all features](/lms/adobe-captivate-prime-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Registered users - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - For a fixed number of learners ##### Monthly active users - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - For a mix of floating learners [See full pricing details](/lms/adobe-captivate-prime-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Path LMS](/lms/path-event-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 40 - Starting price: $800.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Path LMS™ empowers organizations to create engaging learning experiences that make it easy for professionals to advance their careers. A robust yet easy-to-use solution, [Read more](/lms/path-event-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Synchronous Learning: 5/5 - Asynchronous Learning: 5/5 - Learning Paths/Tracks: 5/5 - SCORM Compliance: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Learning: 4/5 - Self-paced Learning: 4/5 - Learner Portal: 4/5 [See all features](/lms/path-event-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $800.00/month [See full pricing details](/lms/path-event-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [iSpring LMS](/lms/ispring-learn-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 200 - Starting price: $3.58/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview iSpring LMS is a corporate learning management system designed to support employee onboarding, compliance training, and professional development. It is suitable for businesses of [Read more](/lms/ispring-learn-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Engagement Tracking: 5/5 - SCORM Compliance: 5/5 - Content Library: 5/5 - AI Copilot: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 2.5/5 [See all features](/lms/ispring-learn-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Business - Price: $3.58/month - Pay-per-active user pricing model. Active user is defined as someone who logs in at least once ##### Enterprise - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Custom pricing based on user count and features. Supports up to 150,000 users. Includes on-premise [See full pricing details](/lms/ispring-learn-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [DigitalChalk LMS](/lms/digitalchalk-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 100 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview DigitalChalk is the LMS you want and the PARTNER you deserve. We are the LMS you want. We offer a full-featured LMS that industry experts such as Brandon Hall and Talented [Read more](/lms/digitalchalk-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Course Tracking: 5/5 - Course Management: 5/5 - Learner Portal: 5/5 - User Management: 5/5 [See all features](/lms/digitalchalk-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kallidus Learn](/product/437590-Kallidus-LMS/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 90 - Starting price: $10,000.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview At Kallidus, we believe learning should be measured by what changes in the organisation - not what was delivered, but what improved. Trusted by over 1,000 organisations worldwide [Read more](/product/437590-Kallidus-LMS/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Learning Management: 5/5 - Multi-Language: 5/5 - Built-in Course Authoring: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Employee Portal: 1/5 [See all features](/product/437590-Kallidus-LMS/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $10,000.00/year [See full pricing details](/product/437590-Kallidus-LMS/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [360Learning](/lms/360learning-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 522 - Starting price: $8.00/month - Best for: Self-paced Learning - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview 360Learning is the AI-driven enterprise LMS that closes skills gaps by capturing internal expertise with Collaborative Learning Academies. Legacy systems force L&D teams to choose [Read more](/lms/360learning-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Course Library: 5/5 - Customizable Questions: 5/5 - Self-Service Content Curation: 5/5 - Employee Onboarding: 4.9/5 ##### Worst rated features - Enrollment Confirmation: 3/5 - Activity Tracking: 3.5/5 - Video Conferencing: 3.5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 3.8/5 [See all features](/lms/360learning-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Team - Price: $8.00/month - Up to 100 Users ##### Business - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/lms/360learning-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Thinkific](/lms/thinkific-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 208 - Starting price: $82.00/month - Best for: Course Management - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Thinkific is an online course platform designed for creating, managing, and delivering learning products through a centralized system. It is used by individuals, academies, and [Read more](/lms/thinkific-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible and intuitive course builder - Simple setup and navigation - Budget-friendly plans and options ##### To take in mind - Slow and unhelpful support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Content Library: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Discussions/Forums: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - eCommerce Management: 2.8/5 [See all features](/lms/thinkific-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Start - Price: $82.00/month ##### Grow - Price: $164.00/month - Everything on Start, plus: ##### Expand - Price: $374.00/month - Everything on Grow, plus: [See full pricing details](/lms/thinkific-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Totara Learn](/lms/totara-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 51 - Starting price: $4,250.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Totara Learn is an enterprise learning management system (LMS) powered by open source technology and trusted by the USDA, Western Union, Sony, Pepsico, Save The Children and [Read more](/lms/totara-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Management: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - SCORM Compliance: 4.7/5 - Course Tracking: 4.6/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 3/5 - Gamification: 3/5 - Assignment Management: 3/5 - Talent Management: 3/5 [See all features](/lms/totara-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Brightspace](/lms/brightspace-lms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 237 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Brightspace is a learning management system designed to transform the learning experience. It supports unique learning journeys and empowers organizations across various sectors to [Read more](/lms/brightspace-lms-profile/) ##### What users love - Centralized and intuitive course tools - Flexible online learning experience ##### To take in mind - Confusing and unintuitive navigation - Cumbersome grading and gradebook setup #### Features ##### Best rated features - Content Library: 5/5 - SCORM Compliance: 5/5 - Course Publishing: 5/5 - Student Management: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 2.7/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 2.8/5 - Gamification: 3/5 [See all features](/lms/brightspace-lms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Docebo](/lms/docebo-lms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 242 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Docebo Learning Platform is a digital solution designed to help organizations create, deliver, and manage training programs for various audiences. It is used across industries such [Read more](/lms/docebo-lms-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible training and learning management - Intuitive and appealing interface design - Simple setup and daily use ##### To take in mind - Slow and inconsistent support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Academic/Education: 5/5 - Corporate/Business: 5/5 - Multi-Language: 5/5 - Gamification: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Drag & Drop: 2/5 - Modeling & Simulation: 3/5 - Built-in Course Authoring: 3.6/5 - Reminders: 3.9/5 [See all features](/lms/docebo-lms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Travitor](/lms/travitor-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 55 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Travitor is a cloud-based learning management system that helps organizations create, deliver, and track employee training programs. Companies use Travitor to manage onboarding, [Read more](/lms/travitor-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Built-in Course Authoring: 5/5 - Compliance Tracking: 5/5 - Onboarding: 5/5 - Self Service Portal: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 3/5 - Virtual Classroom: 3.5/5 - Certification & Licensing: 3.5/5 - Course Tracking: 3.9/5 [See all features](/lms/travitor-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free (free forever) - Price: $0.00/month - A simpler way to manage training without the upfront costs. ##### Pro (Monthly) - Price: $6.00/month - More power across multiple teams. Everything in Free, plus: ##### Pro (Yearly) - Price: $5.00/month - More power across multiple teams. Everything in Free, plus: [See full pricing details](/lms/travitor-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Thought Industries](/lms/thought-industries-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 80 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Thought Industries is the Customer Learning & Intelligence Platform that turns customer education into growth. Create, deliver, monetize, and measure learning for customers, [Read more](/lms/thought-industries-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Progress Reports: 5/5 - Content Library: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 [See all features](/lms/thought-industries-profile/#key-features) --- ### [LearnUpon](/lms/learnupon-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 141 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview LearnUpon’s Agentic Learning Platform is the LMS of the future, built to elevate human capability in the AI era. By pairing human ingenuity with specialized AI agents, our platform [Read more](/lms/learnupon-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Blended Learning: 5/5 - Corporate/Business: 5/5 - Built-in Course Authoring: 5/5 - Social Learning: 5/5 [See all features](/lms/learnupon-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Easygenerator](/lms/easygenerator-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 108 - Starting price: $1,499.00/year - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Easygenerator is an award-winning e-learning authoring solution that simplifies and accelerates your organization’s learning development. We are proud to provide our software to [Read more](/lms/easygenerator-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Video Streaming: 5/5 - Content Management: 5/5 - Commenting/Notes: 5/5 - User Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - PowerPoint Conversion: 2.3/5 - Audio/Video Recording: 2.8/5 - Generative AI: 3/5 - AI Copilot: 3/5 [See all features](/lms/easygenerator-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Pro - Price: $1,499.00/year - For individuals who need a quick way to share knowledge ##### Team - Price: $7,495.00/year - For teams who want to co-create, review, and share training with ease. All Pro plan features, plus: ##### Enterprise - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - For enterprises looking to scale learning globally with employee-driven learning. All Team plan [See full pricing details](/lms/easygenerator-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Workleap](/lms/didacte-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 710 - Starting price: $4,999.00/year - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Workleap is an AI-powered HR platform that ensures great management happens by design, not by chance. It acts as a chief of staff for every manager, handling the operational work [Read more](/lms/didacte-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Surveys & Feedback: 5/5 - Generative AI: 5/5 - Progress Tracking: 5/5 - Assessment Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Templates: 3.5/5 - Skills Assessment: 4/5 - Performance Management: 4/5 [See all features](/lms/didacte-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Tovuti](/lms/tovuti-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 99 - Starting price: $7,500.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Tovuti is an AI-powered learning management system that helps organizations create, deliver, track, and manage training programs across multiple audiences. Teams use Tovuti for [Read more](/lms/tovuti-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Raise Hand: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Assessment Management: 5/5 - API: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - User Management: 3/5 - Activity Dashboard: 4/5 - Content Library: 4/5 [See all features](/lms/tovuti-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Tovuti LMS - Price: $7,500.00/year - Tovuti’s starting LMS package includes platform access for up to 100 users, core LMS features, [See full pricing details](/lms/tovuti-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [TalentLMS](/lms/talentlms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 605 - Starting price: $149.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TalentLMS is a learning management system that helps organizations deliver online training. The platform caters to a range of industries, including IT, manufacturing, healthcare, [Read more](/lms/talentlms-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and helpful support team - Intuitive and accessible interface - Comprehensive feature-rich platform ##### To take in mind - Limited and inconsistent text editing #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Skills Assessment: 5/5 - Corporate/Business: 5/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Extended Enterprise Learning: 2/5 - Calendar Management: 2/5 [See all features](/lms/talentlms-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Core - Price: $149.00/month - Up to 100 Users ##### Grow - Price: $299.00/month - Up to 500 Users ##### Pro - Price: $579.00/month - Up to 1000 Users [See full pricing details](/lms/talentlms-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Lessonly ](/lms/lessonly-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 160 - Starting price: $300.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Lessonly by Seismic is a cloud-based learning management system that allows users to build, share and track training materials and activity from a singular interface. It is [Read more](/lms/lessonly-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Built-in Course Authoring: 5/5 - Self Service Portal: 5/5 - Onboarding: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 3/5 - Activity Dashboard: 4/5 - Talent Management: 4/5 - Gradebook: 4/5 [See all features](/lms/lessonly-profile/#key-features) --- ### [OpenEdX](/lms/open-edx-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 84 - Starting price: $45.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OpenEdX is a cloud-based, open-source learning management solution offered by edX. The solution is used by small and midsize businesses to host open online courses and training [Read more](/lms/open-edx-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Course Management: 5/5 - Tests/Assessments: 5/5 - Course Tracking: 4.9/5 - Certification & Licensing: 4.9/5 [See all features](/lms/open-edx-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $45.00 [See full pricing details](/lms/open-edx-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [LearnWorlds](/lms/learnworlds-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 196 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview LearnWorlds is a learning management system (LMS) designed for organizations and creators who want to run online learning as a serious, scalable operation. It helps you create, [Read more](/lms/learnworlds-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Audio File Management: 5/5 - Training Companies: 5/5 - Image Editing: 5/5 - Role-Based Permissions: 5/5 [See all features](/lms/learnworlds-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $49.00/month ##### Pro Trainer - Price: $99.00/month - Up to 5 admins ##### Learning Center - Price: $299.00/month - Up to 25 admins [See full pricing details](/lms/learnworlds-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [iCohere Unified Learning System](/lms/icohere-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 51 - Starting price: $980.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview iCohere Unified Learning System is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that is suitable for businesses of all sizes in education, government, non-profit and more. The [Read more](/lms/icohere-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $980.00/month [See full pricing details](/lms/icohere-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [evolCampus](/lms/evolcampus-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 95 - Starting price: €85.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview evolCampus is a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) developed by evolMind, a company specialised in e-learning technology. Designed to make online training simple, [Read more](/lms/evolcampus-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Mobile Learning: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Synchronous Learning: 5/5 - Enrollments/Onboarding: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Branding: 3/5 - Training Management: 4/5 [See all features](/lms/evolcampus-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Flexible pricing plan - Price: €85.00/month - Flexible pricing: No setup fees or contracts. Includes unlimited courses, up to 50 active learners [See full pricing details](/lms/evolcampus-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Arlo Training Management Software](/registration/arlo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 147 - Starting price: $121.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Arlo is a cloud-based training and event management platform designed to help users promote, sell and deliver courses and events. Arlo helps users automate manual processes by [Read more](/registration/arlo-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - User Management: 5/5 - Confirmations/Reminders: 5/5 - Booking Management: 5/5 - Self Service Portal: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - eLearning Companies: 3/5 [See all features](/registration/arlo-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Simple - Price: $121.00/month - All the basics to run your training effortlessly. Per admin license, per month, billed annually ##### Professional - Price: $207.00/month - Streamline all the moving pieces of your training business. Per admin license, per month, billed ##### Enterprise - Price: $278.00/month - Power up your training business with premium features and support. Get everything in the [See full pricing details](/registration/arlo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/nonprofit-lms-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/nonprofit-lms-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/nonprofit-lms-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/nonprofit-lms-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ## Popular Comparisons [ Absorb vs Moodle ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/absorb-profile/vs/moodle/)[ 360Learning vs Adobe Learning Manager ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/360learning-profile/vs/adobe-captivate-prime/)[ Docebo vs TalentLMS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/docebo-lms-profile/vs/talentlms/)[ Forma LMS vs Litmos ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/calliduscloud-litmos-profile/vs/forma-lms/)[ LearnWorlds vs Thinkific ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/learnworlds-profile/vs/thinkific/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Nonprofit organizations have the same training needs as large or small businesses. They need to share their objectives, best practices, code of conduct etc., with volunteers, donors and support staff. They also need to build exceptional engagement skills in their volunteers, so that the staff can develop strong connections with the community. Unfortunately, nonprofits [lack the resources and budget](http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/3-ideas-for-professional-development-on-a-budget/) to organize regular training sessions, which require hiring trainers, booking venues to host training, funding travel etc. However, they can make training accessible to their whole staff and cheaper by using a learning management system (LMS). LMS for nonprofits helps them create and assign training programs to a group or individual by role and requirement. The tool offers mobile learning and social learning capabilities, which allow learners to access the training materials on their own time and convenience. What could be challenging for nonprofits is finding the right LMS tool among the hundreds in the market. Knowing which features you need and understanding the benefits to be gained will help you purchase the right tool. To help you out, we have listed the features, benefits and important considerations when choosing an LMS. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is LMS for Nonprofits?](#WhatIsLMSforNonprofits) [Common Features of LMS for Nonprofits](#CommonFeaturesofLMSforNonprofits) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits of LMS for Nonprofits](#BenefitsofLMSforNonprofits) [Key Considerations for Nonprofits](#KeyConsiderationsforNonprofits) ## What Is LMS for Nonprofits? LMS for nonprofits is software that helps you create, schedule and manage online training content for donors, community members, staff and volunteers on any device. The tool automates the training process, which allows employees to learn on their own time, at any location and on any device. This saves your nonprofit essential time and money that could be spent on fundraising. For instance, you can schedule automatic email reminders for staff who need to complete compliance training such as against discrimination or harassment. The software also allows trainers to assess learner skills with the help of online quizzes and tests. They can also build reports to analyze the success of the skill development programs. _The LMS features dashboard in ScriptoPro (_[Source](https://www.capterra.com/p/144267/ScriptoPro/)_)_ ## Common Features of LMS for Nonprofits In this section, we cover the key software features that a buyer should be aware of before purchasing a solution. Most nonprofit organizations will need some (or all) of these features in their LMS: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | E-learning management | Helps users define course objectives, administer course enrollments and manage content distribution. | | Course tracking | Tracks the progress of learners in the administered courses and programs. | | Course authoring | Allows users to create or customize their own content using multimedia images, videos and other engaging elements. | | Proficiency testing/Reporting | Allows users to create quizzes that gauge learner knowledge or skill. This feature also includes reporting functionality to identify skill gaps. | | Mobile learning | Lets users access online training courses on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. | | Course catalog | Provides a prebuilt library of training courses for general training requirements (e.g., NGO management). | | Social learning | Allows learners to share course ratings, comments, and discuss ideas on course forums. | | Certification and compliance management | Helps trainers generate certificates on course completion and manage compliance training/programs as per the standards and policies of a specific industry. | --- ## What Type of Buyer Are You? Before you start shortlisting LMS vendors , you need to understand the type of buyer you are based on your training needs. This will help you analyze all the available options and prioritize software features as "must-have" and "optional." In this section, we've categorized buyers into two main groups: - **Charitable organizations:** These buyers provide their staff specific training on budgeting and fundraising, business awareness, social guidelines etc. [Seventy-five percent](http://report.skillsplatform.org/charitydigitalreport-overview/) of charitable organizations believe that improving digital skills will help them increase fundraising. But they have [tight training budgets](https://blog.justgiving.com/the-best-online-tools-to-boost-charity-digital-skills/) and lack the resources to organize training events. The right LMS can help them organize online workshops to train staff who are in different locations. Staff can log into the LMS tool and attend virtual training events or watch the recordings/videos of training programs. - **Advocacy groups:** They provide education, certification and advocacy on behalf of various industries and charitable organizations. To succeed in their mission, advocacy groups need to provide instructional material and certification courses to deprived people who are in need of employment. An LMS tool with built-in course authoring functionality can help them create and customize courses. They can also develop online assessments to test a learner's practice skills. ## Benefits of LMS for Nonprofits LMS tools for nonprofits make it easy to disseminate knowledge and train volunteers, investors and other important members. Here are some of the benefits that nonprofits can reap by using the tool: - **Better fundraising skills:** LMS tools can help nonprofits create, store and leverage training courses for critical skills to do various tasks such as writing grant proposals and managing budgets. Trained volunteers who possess these skills tend to [raise more funds](http://www.goettler.com/resources/the-goettler-series/volume-10-volunteers/) than untrained ones. - **Lower training costs:** Using LMS eliminates the need to specially organize training events as learners have access to training anytime, anywhere. You save the costs of hiring trainers, booking venues to host the training and paying for the travel or food expenses. - **Greater compliance to regulations:** LMS tools help nonprofits stay up-to-date on required legal compliance and clearances for their volunteers and staff. The software allows them to track which volunteer needs to complete a certification and then schedule automatic reminders to do said task. ## Key Considerations for Nonprofits Selecting software requires you to consider various factors such as the features your nonprofit can't do without. Do you need multi-device training material or multi-lingual courses? Which features are absolutely essential and are they affordable? These are among the few questions you should be asking yourself and the vendor. Here are some other factors that should influence your purchasing decision: **Medium of content delivery:** LMS tools offer training content in two modes. The first is virtual instructor-led training ([VILT](http://www.goettler.com/resources/the-goettler-series/volume-10-volunteers/)), where learners connect to the training program remotely in a virtual classroom. The other is online self-paced training, where learners watch videos, take quizzes, and submit assessments online at their own convenience. Assess which medium suits your nonprofit's training requirements best and shortlist vendors who offer your preferred medium. **Compliance with e-learning technical standards:** The tool should support the [e-learning content standards](https://www.wbtsystems.com/learning-hub/blogs/lms-support-elearning-content-standards) of Aviation Industry Computer-based Training Committee ([AICC](https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/aicc/)) and Sharable Content Object Reference Model ([SCORM](#SCORM)). These compliance standards are mandatory technical specifications for standardizing the integration of e-learning content with other LMSs. **Budget constraints and scalability:** The LMS should fit your budget and not have any [hidden costs](https://elearningindustry.com/hidden-lms-fees-consider-selecting-lms). Sign up for free trials and demos, which will help you understand how an LMS works. Most tools offer free trials for 14 to 30 days. Shortlist a few tools that meet most, if not all, of your needs. Also, ensure that the tool is scalable in terms of number of licenses/users, so that you can add new learners without having to pay a lot of money every time.