Best email marketing tool for a small nonprofit

Updated 2026-07-11 · Email Marketing guides

Quick answer: MailerLite is the best fit for most small nonprofits: donor newsletters on a free or very cheap plan with the easiest editor for volunteer teams. GetResponse steps in when you run donor journeys and event webinars.
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Our picks, compared

ToolBest forPricing from*
MailerLiteBest for most small nonprofitsfree plan; paid from ~US$10/mo
GetResponseBest for donor journeys & events~US$19/mo

*Indicative only — check the vendor's pricing page for current rates and promos.

Best for most small nonprofits

MailerLite

Pricing from free plan; paid from ~US$10/mo

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
Visit MailerLite
Not an affiliate link — included on merit.
Best for donor journeys & events

GetResponse

Pricing from ~US$19/mo

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
Visit GetResponse
Not an affiliate link — included on merit.

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.