The 13 Best Learning Management Systems for Nonprofits in 2024

Statistics reveal that 25% of adult Americans engage in volunteer work. Consider the possibilities if all these individuals received targeted training and skill development. In fact, nonprofit organizations can provide volunteers, staff, donors, and even corporate sponsors with essential knowledge efficiently and cost-effectively. The key is selecting the appropriate LMS for nonprofits.

For a well-rounded choice, explore this summary of the top 10+ learning management systems for nonprofit organizations:

To help in your decision-making process, every LMS option listed here comes with a genuine customer review from the nonprofit industry, sourced from Software Advice. Check them out to identify the solution that aligns with your objectives and budget. But before we dive into the list, let’s see what an LMS is and how it can benefit.

Why Use an LMS for Nonprofit Work?

An LMS is a learning platform where you can upload online courses and assessments, enroll learners, and track their progress. It can serve as a kind of online university for your organization that runs like clockwork and keeps your team prepared for their work.

This is a short list of things that you can do with the right LMS for nonprofits. To learn more, check out this comprehensive material on eLearning for nonprofit organizations.

Also read → The Top 9 Learning Management System Features Each LMS Must Have

Train and develop your team

Learning management software allows you to launch any number of separate training programs for your diverse audience in any part of the world, whether they’re staff members, volunteers, or donors. It will help you ensure compliance and deliver the same training experience to people who will be joining your organization. With training courses published in the LMS, everyone is always on the same page.

Bypass financial constraints 

It’s nothing new that nonprofits are budget conscious. With an LMS, your training initiatives are no longer restricted by the costs of travel, accommodation, venues, or printed materials. You can invest once in the purchase of software and save a great deal in the long run. Some learning management systems even base their pricing on the number of active users, which is cost-effective if you deal with fluctuating numbers of learners.

Reduce training time

The skills and knowledge of your team should be put into practice as soon as possible. While excessive face-to-face training can take up a lot of time, training in the LMS is much more flexible and time-saving. It empowers your learners to access needed materials anytime and anywhere from their devices and get a proper induction even before they begin their job tasks. It’s especially helpful for part-time staff and dispersed teams from different time zones.

Now let’s examine and compare the best LMSs for nonprofits to run online training that can be a lifesaver.

What to Consider When Choosing an LMS for Nonprofits

When selecting an LMS for a not-for-profit organization, several key factors should be taken into account. They include:

• Budget constraints. Nonprofit organizations often have limited budgets, so the cost of the LMS is a critical factor. Look for a solution with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
• Ease of use. The learning platform should be user-friendly for both administrators and learners and require minimal training to use it.
• Content management. The LMS should support a variety of content types, including videos, PDFs, slides, and interactive content. Check if you can update and manage course content easily.
• Tracking and reporting. Your training software needs to have robust tracking and reporting capabilities so you can monitor learner progress, engagement, and completion rates. Make sure you can generate comprehensive reports that can help demonstrate the impact of training programs to stakeholders and funders.
• Integration capabilities. The system should integrate smoothly with existing tools used by the organization, such as CRM, fundraising platforms, and volunteer management tools.
• Accessibility. Ensure the LMS can be accessed by all users, including those with disabilities. Compliance with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is important.E-commerce capabilities. If the nonprofit plans to sell courses, the platform should have e-commerce capabilities.
• Support and training. The provider should offer reliable customer support and training resources to help you make the most of the learning management system.

By carefully considering these factors, nonprofit organizations can choose an LMS that not only fits their budget but also effectively supports their mission and enhances their training.

1. iSpring Learn

G2 rating: 4.5/5 (78 reviews)

iSpring Learn offers a white-label solution that integrates with your organization’s structure seamlessly and provides effortless training management. This powerful platform facilitates the creation, delivery, and tracking of training programs and can be set up in just a day. With iSpring Learn, you can offer distinct learning paths for beneficiaries, volunteers, and donors, and deliver comprehensive compliance training to various committees and local branches. Besides, it allows you to assign role-specific courses depending on a program area and simplify the volunteer onboarding process using the iSpring Learn mobile app.

iSpring Learn stands out for its seamless compatibility with the PowerPoint-based authoring tool, iSpring Suite. By using these tools together, you can significantly speed up the content process, transforming conventional presentations into comprehensive online courses. It also comes with a built-in tool that lets you create so-called “training pages” and quizzes in a matter of minutes.

Why is it a good choice?

• Allows you to create numerous learning paths for different audiences
• Streamlines training management and reduces the administrative workload
• Enables tracking of learner progress and program effectiveness
• Provides a mobile app for learning on the go
• Allows easy course creation from existing resources
• Keeps learners informed about new courses and deadlines

Best suited for: Nonprofits looking to launch online or blended learning programs quickly.

Pricing: from $2.99/user per month (50 users). 

Try for free for 30 days.

What do customers say?

2. Absorb

G2 rating: 4.6/5 (430 reviews)

Absorb provides extensive functionalities, making this LMS suitable for both businesses and nonprofit organizations. Its standout feature, the Multi-Portal mode, allows for the establishment of distinct training portals to cater to external learners such as dealers, partners, or donors, each with customizable branding. Furthermore, Absorb includes an eCommerce feature, which is advantageous for organizations looking to engage in fundraising by selling courses.

Why is it a good choice?

• Enables the creation of customized training portals for different audiences
• Facilitates course sales, supporting fundraising efforts
• Offers detailed insights into learner progress and engagement
• Ensures access to just-in-time (JIT) training materials via mobile devices
• Encourages interaction and knowledge sharing among learners

Best suited for: Nonprofits that have a vast network of partners and experience in eLearning.

Pricing: Upon request.

What do customers say?

3. Tovuti LMS

G2 rating: 4.6/5 (268 reviews)

Tovuti serves as an educational platform that incorporates virtual classroom activities and prioritizes engaging interactive learning experiences. It allows you to create and deliver highly interactive content on a single platform. This learning management system for nonprofits is especially useful for organizing face-to-face training sessions and managing events. It supports features like self-registration, wait-list management, automated reminders, and the ability to charge for events, making it an excellent tool for fundraising.

Why is it a good choice?

• Supports live, interactive online learning sessions
• Allows for the creation of courses with multimedia elements
• Includes payment functionalities for courses and events to support fundraising efforts
• Offers insights into user engagement and the effectiveness of training programs
• Facilitates collaboration and peer learning through integrated forums and discussion boards.

Best suited for: Nonprofit educational organizations making use of virtual classroom technology.

Pricing: Upon request.

What do customers say?

4. LearnUpon

G2 rating: 4.6/5 (133 reviews)

LearnUpon is another prominent learning management software tailored to the requirements of modern businesses, particularly those of a larger scale. It features an eCommerce mode along with robust blended learning functionalities. In its Premium plan, LearnUpon offers integration with some of the most widely used webinar tools, making it an excellent resource for nonprofits to conduct webinars for staff training and public education.

Why is it a good choice?

• Facilitates fundraising and course sales
• Supports virtual instructor-led training
• Combines online and offline learning methods
• Tracks learner progress and engagement
• Simplifies course creation and management for all skill levels

Best suited for: Large nonprofits that mostly use instructor-led training methods.

Pricing: Upon request

What do customers say?

5. Litmos

G2 rating: 4.2/5 (559 reviews)

Litmos is a comprehensive LMS solution that has all the necessary capabilities for the not-for-profit sector. It offers a wide range of pre-made courses that are particularly beneficial for training volunteers and leaders within nonprofits. Moreover, SAP Litmos distinguishes itself with robust social learning capabilities, including features for live chats and the ability for learners to upload content.

Why is it a good choice?

• Access to a large selection of ready-made courses in a variety of areas
• Facilitates community learning through live chats and content sharing among users
• Offers comprehensive tools for monitoring learner progress 
• Supports just-in-time (JIT) learning with a mobile-friendly platform
• Easily integrates with other systems and tools used by nonprofits

Best suited for: Nonprofits in search of pre-designed online courses.

Pricing: Upon request

What do customers say?

6. 360Learning

G2 rating: 4.6/5 (364 reviews)

360Learning stands out as a learning management system designed for collaborative learning. It adopts a ‘grassroots’ strategy by engaging internal specialists, trainers, employees, and volunteers to create a learning ecosystem with each other. The platform facilitates effortless content curation, collaborative course development, and interactive feedback exchanges. It also allows learners to voice their thoughts directly within courses or present video pitches when the Coaching feature is enabled.

Why is it a good choice?

• Encourages a community-based approach to learning
• Simplifies the process of gathering learning materials from various sources
• Facilitates open communication channels for feedback and discussions among learners and instructors
• Offers a feature for interactive coaching sessions, including video pitch submissions by learners
• Promotes learning from fellow participants, enhancing understanding through shared experiences

Best suited for: Nonprofit organizations focused on training through coaching and mentorship.

Pricing: The features available depend on the pricing plan. The basic plan starts at $8 per user/month.

What do customers say?

Also read → Mentorship Program: All You Should to Know [Expert Insights]

7. Docebo

G2 rating: 4.4/5 (559 reviews)

Docebo offers AI-powered training software that includes a suite of products, each designed for specific needs. Its key highlights encompass AI-based suggestions for content, comprehensive personalization options, availability of ready-made courses from globally recognized sources, and the ability to incorporate user-generated content.

Why is it a good choice?

• Suggests relevant content based on user behavior and preferences
• Offers a wide range of off-the-shelf courses from leading providers
• Empowers members and volunteers to share knowledge and resources
• Provides insights into learning outcomes and engagement
• Encourages interaction and knowledge exchange among learners

Best suited for: Organizations that focus on informal learning.

Pricing: Upon request.

What do customers say?

8. Cornerstone

G2 rating: 4.1/5 (492 reviews)

Cornerstone is another learning platform that utilizes AI technology to enhance the educational experience. This system allows organizations to deliver curated content from the web and automatically generate playlists of recommended podcasts, videos, articles, and more for learners. It also creates personalized skill profiles and recommends steps for development. In Cornerstone, learners can set up their profiles, select their preferred courses, and sign up for waitlists for training events, thereby facilitating the promotion of training activities.

Why is it a good choice?

• Tailors learning experiences with AI-driven content recommendations
• Offers access to a wide range of web-sourced educational materials
• Generates unique profiles that map out learners’ skills
• Provides detailed analytics to track learner progress 
• Encourages peer-to-peer learning and engagement through forums and collaborative tools

Best suited for: Large volunteer training centers.

Pricing: Upon request.

What do customers say?

9. Thinkific

G2 rating: 4.6/5 (216 reviews)

Thinkific is a versatile platform that merges the functionalities of an LMS with those of a course marketplace, making it a viable choice for nonprofits as well. It enables the design and delivery of online courses, the facilitation of workshops and live Q&A sessions, the awarding of certificates, and the cultivation of learning communities, all within a single platform. Additional key features include an online store for course sales to support fundraising efforts, and web hosting services to promote a nonprofit’s brand.

Why is it a good choice?

• Enables the easy design and launch of engaging online courses
• Allows for the awarding of certificates to participants upon course completion
• Supports the building and nurturing of online learning communities
• Provides a platform for setting up an online storefront to sell courses and support fundraising
• Includes dedicated web hosting services to promote a nonprofit’s brand

Best suited for: Nonprofits looking to establish a robust online presence and leverage course sales to fundraise.

Pricing: Available features depend on the pricing plan, starting at $36/month. Nonprofits can apply for a 50% discount.

What do customers say?

10. Blackboard Learn

G2 rating: 3.9/5 (868 reviews)

Blackboard Learn is a widely recognized LMS aimed at the educational sector, yet it also presents a valuable solution for nonprofit organizations. It comes equipped with comprehensive features that enable trainers and instructors to efficiently administer online courses, assess learners, and engage with them through live chats or discussion boards. Notably, Blackboard Learn includes learner dashboards for tracking individual progress, an integrated plagiarism detection tool, and optimized workflows designed to enhance the experience for both instructors and learners.

Why is it a good choice?

• Enables the tracking of individual progress
• Facilitates interactive learning and communication among participants.
• Simplifies course management for instructors and enhances the learning experience for students
• Allows for efficient assessment of learners’ performance
• Protects sensitive information and ensures a safe learning environment

Best suited for: Nonprofit organizations offering educational services to a wide range of audiences.

Pricing: Upon request.

What do customers say?

11. Canvas

G2 rating: 4.4/5 (1,480 reviews)

Canvas, much like Blackboard, serves as a learning management system that comes with enhanced customization capabilities. It boasts a wide array of integrations, enriching the user experience and catering to particular requirements. Furthermore, Canvas positions itself as a holistic virtual classroom solution, supported by an active network of educators, teachers, and instructors.

Why is it a good choice?

• Simplifies navigation and accessibility for all users
• Facilitates seamless integration with external tools and resources
• Offers insights into learner engagement and performance
• Encourages teamwork through shared spaces for learning and discussion
• Allows for the easy creation and adaptation of course materials

Best suited for: Nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting educators, learners, and their families.

Pricing: There are free and paid plans (available upon request).

What do customers say?

12. Moodle

G2 rating: 4.1/5 (391 reviews)

Moodle is the world’s most renowned open-source learning management system. It offers organizations the flexibility to use its platform without a license fee, tailoring the technology to their specific requirements or enhancing it with various plug-ins for additional features. Given that it’s cost-free, Moodle represents an appealing choice for nonprofits, although it requires robust IT capacities. On the plus side, Moodle allows for website hosting, fostering a community of learners, and conducting virtual meetings, making it an integral component of any blended learning strategy.

Also read → How to Create a Moodle Quiz: Step-by-Step Guide

Why is it a good choice?

• Open-source, reducing the financial burden on nonprofits
• Offers extensive customization options to tailor the learning environment
• Provides detailed tracking and reporting features
• Includes forums, wikis, and databases to foster collaboration and communication
• Allows for learning materials that are accessible to users with disabilities

Best suited for: Nonprofits that have a significant budget and are supported by a dedicated IT team and tech-savvy staff.

Pricing: The self-hosted version is free. The SaaS version is available from $110/month for up to 50 users.

What do customers say?

13. Totara Learn

G2 rating: 4.3/5 (53 reviews)

Totara Learn is a derivative LMS solution – an offshoot of Moodle. Being open-source, it offers significant adaptability for tailoring to specific talent development requirements. Totara accommodates multi-tenancy, enabling personalized training for partners, donors, and similar entities. A key feature that sets it apart is the ability to use single sign-on with Microsoft, Google, or Facebook accounts, streamlining the login procedure and enhancing the accessibility of learning.

Why is it a good choice?

• Allows for the creation of customized learning pathways
• Offers in-depth insights into learner progress and course effectiveness
• Supports the management of multiple user groups within a single platform
• Seamlessly integrates with a range of systems, including CRM and HR software 
• Encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among learners

Best suited for: Organizations focused on scalability and equipped to technically embrace open innovation.

Pricing: Starts at $3,500 per year.

What do customers say?

Final Thoughts

We hope this list will help you choose your best LMS for nonprofits. Just remember that, with robust training software, you can stay up to date with all tasks while keeping focused on accomplishing your mission. To make a balanced decision, book a free live demo of iSpring Learn. Our experts will show you the most effective scenarios for the use of iSpring Learn in your nonprofit organization.

Also read → The 11 Best HR Tools for Streamlining Your Workflow