Most nonprofits aren't large charities with marketing departments. They're food pantries, youth sports leagues, animal rescues, neighborhood associations, and community gardens — run by a few dedicated people and a lot of volunteers.
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Small Local Nonprofits: Tools and Websites for Community Organizations
October 21, 20261 min read4 sections
The short version
For food pantries, youth leagues, neighborhood associations, and other small community nonprofits: the essential tools to run well on a volunteer budget.
01
What makes small nonprofits different
- Often no paid staff, or just one or two people.
- Volunteers come and go, so knowledge gets lost.
- Every expense competes directly with the mission.
- Software built for big charities is too complex and too expensive.
02
The short list of tools that matter
- A simple website so neighbors can find you, donate, and volunteer.
- Basic bookkeeping for donations, grants, and receipts — important when reporting to donors or the IRS.
- A volunteer list and calendar so shifts and events aren't managed by text.
- A team chat that new volunteers can join without a phone number exchange.
03
Keeping the money local
Proximent's nonprofit program is funded by local businesses that use our services. Part of what they pay goes toward support and development for nonprofits in their own community. Learn how the partnership works.
04
What it costs
Our software is free for qualifying nonprofits, with unlimited users. A website costs $20 per month for hosting, and the build is free.
Next step
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