Membership software for small nonprofits: what you actually need
Small nonprofits often buy more software than they use. This guide compares the three common setups, with honest limits, so you can pick the lightest one that does the job, even if it is not MPass.
No sign-up or credit card · your test card in 1 minute
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One card template per activity
Basketball
Volleyball
Swimming
Martial arts
Cycling
Golf
Theatre
Student societiesHow it works: 3 steps
1. Pick your sport or activity
Soccer, tennis, pickleball, martial arts, swim team, rec league, booster or alumni club… The card is already designed. Add your logo and colors.
2. Add your members
Type them in, import a spreadsheet, or share a join link so members sign themselves up.
3. Members show their card
Each member gets their card by email or text, with the QR code right there: nothing to install, perfect for older members. They can also add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. You scan it at the door with any phone.
What MPass does for your club
Membership cards in the Wallet
Each member adds their card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet in one tap. It updates itself: tier, validity, renewal.
Tickets and invitations
Create an event, share the link, scan at the door with your phone. Parties, matches, tournaments, galas.
One-shot Excel import
Import your member list (Excel or CSV): all the cards are created in one go, with one link per member.
Sent automatically by email
Each member gets their card by email: the QR code shows right in the email, so they just show it at the door, with nothing to install. Ideal for members who are less comfortable with phones. Apple Wallet and Google Wallet stay optional, and the link can also go out by SMS or WhatsApp.
Built for clubs and leagues
Soccer, tennis, pickleball, martial arts, swim teams, rec leagues, booster and alumni clubs: 90 ready-made card designs, one per activity, in your colors.
Membership fees stay with the club
MPass never touches your members’ money: they pay the club as usual (bank transfer, cash) and you activate their card.
Three ways to manage nonprofit members
1. A spreadsheet. A Google Sheet with name, email, membership level and renewal date works for a small, stable membership. It costs nothing. It breaks down when several volunteers edit it, renewals happen all year, or you need to check members at events.
2. An all-in-one membership platform. Tools such as Wild Apricot, MembershipWorks or Join It combine online sign-up and payments, renewal emails, a member directory, events and sometimes a website. They suit nonprofits that sell memberships online and run many events. Expect a monthly fee that grows with your contact count, plus payment processing fees.
3. A spreadsheet plus digital membership cards. If your members pay by check, cash or your existing donation tool, you may only need proof of membership and renewals. MPass gives each member a card with a QR code by email or text, sends renewal reminders and lets volunteers check members in at events with any phone.
How to choose. Do members need to join and pay online? Choose an all-in-one platform. Do you mainly need to know who is a member and give them a card? A list plus MPass is enough and costs less. Plans start at $39 a month for up to 300 cards ($89 for 1,000), with no fees on dues or tickets and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pick your sport, the card is ready
Each activity has its own design: colours, 3D object, card title, membership plans. You add your logo, your text and the back of the card. The design stays consistent, and your members recognise their club at a glance.
Create my test card
Simple pricing, no commission
Essential
- 300 membership cards
- 150 tickets per month
- Renewal reminders
- Self-service join link
- Email delivery of every card
Pro
- 1,000 membership cards
- 300 tickets per month
- Excel / CSV import: all cards at once
- Unlimited events
- No MPass branding
No contract, cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee. MPass never touches your dues: members pay your club the way they already do.
Prices in US dollars. Any applicable sales tax is added at checkout by Paddle, our reseller (Merchant of Record). Terms · Refunds.
Frequently asked questions
What is nonprofit membership software?
Software that keeps track of a nonprofit’s members: who joined, their level, when they renew, how to reach them and, depending on the tool, online payments, events and member cards.
Is there free membership software for nonprofits?
Some platforms offer free plans for very small contact lists, and a spreadsheet is free. Check the contact limits and payment fees before you commit.
Does MPass collect membership dues?
No. MPass does not process payments, so there are no fees on dues. Members pay you as they do today, and you renew them in MPass in one click.
Can we import our existing member list?
Yes. Import a spreadsheet with the Pro plan, or send us the list and we set everything up for you on any plan.
Can you set it up for us?
Yes. Send us your member list (Excel, CSV, PDF or even a photo) and we create every card with your logo and colors. Nothing is sent to your members until you say so. It is included in every plan.