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The Mailchimp alternatives for nonprofits worth knowing about are free in a way Mailchimp is not. Mailchimp’s free plan stops at 250 contacts and 500 sends a month, and its nonprofit discount is 15% off the paid plans. Zeffy sends unlimited email to unlimited contacts at no cost, funded by donor tips. systeme.io holds 2,000 contacts free with unlimited sends and adds event pages, a checkout, and course delivery for nonprofits that sell programs. MailerLite is the plain-newsletter option.
Mailchimp alternatives for nonprofits, compared
| Tool | Free plan | Nonprofit pricing | Pick it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zeffy | Unlimited contacts and sends | Everything free, funded by optional donor tips | You email donors and run fundraising, nothing to sell |
| systeme.io | 2,000 contacts, unlimited sends, event pages, checkout | Standard pricing, $17 for 5,000 contacts | You sell tickets, programs, or courses as well as emailing |
| MailerLite | 250 subscribers, 2,500 sends, 3 automations | Discount on request (not verified today) | You want a simple, pretty newsletter |
| Mailchimp | 250 contacts, 500 sends, no automations | 15% off paid plans with verification | You are already integrated and under 250 contacts |
| Constant Contact | No free plan (not verified today) | Nonprofit discount (not verified today) | You run events and want RSVP tools |
Prices for Mailchimp, systeme.io, and MailerLite checked September 17, 2026. Zeffy’s model from its pricing page the same day.
The Mailchimp nonprofit discount
Mailchimp gives verified nonprofits 15% off paid plans. Essentials starts at $13 a month for 500 contacts, so the discount saves about $2. It does not lift the free plan’s 250-contact cap. If your list is under 250 and you send twice a month, the free plan works; the discount matters only once you pay.
Free tools with real limits
Zeffy’s email is free without a cap and is built around donations, events, and a donor CRM. It does not do sales funnels, courses, or paid memberships. systeme.io does those and caps the free plan at 2,000 contacts. MailerLite’s free plan is 250 subscribers. Match the tool to the list size and to whether you sell anything.
What the same setup costs on systeme.io
Affiliate link; we earn a commission on paid plans. Zeffy pays us nothing and is the right pick for donor-only email.
Frequently asked questions
Does Mailchimp have a nonprofit discount?
Yes, 15% off paid plans for verified nonprofits. The free plan's 250-contact limit is unchanged.
What is the best free email tool for nonprofits?
Zeffy for donor email, with unlimited contacts and sends at no cost. systeme.io if you also need event pages or a checkout.
Is Mailchimp free for nonprofits?
Only on the standard free plan: 250 contacts and 500 sends a month. Paid plans are discounted 15%.
Can a nonprofit use systeme.io?
Yes. Any organisation can use the free plan. There is no nonprofit-specific pricing.
Related: Zeffy email marketing, marketing automation for nonprofits, free Mailchimp alternatives.