Some of the best learning management systems (LMSs) for nonprofits cater to volunteers, employees, and trustees. Of course, the generous donors aren’t left out.
These LMSs help transform their learning experience—by making training materials more accessible, engaging, and efficient.
With the right LMS, you can also optimize resource allocation, ensuring that every penny and minute spent on training yields the maximum impact.
Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of August 1, 2024. Please note that the solutions(competitors’/softwares’ features) we review may change over time. If you have updates or new features to share, let us know. This helps us keep our content accurate and up-to-date.
What is a learning management system (LMS) for nonprofits?
An LMS is a digital platform designed to facilitate the creation, management, and tracking of online training programs.
For nonprofits, the right LMS is more than just software—it’s a game-changer. Why?
Well, it will accommodate various stakeholders—from donors, volunteers, and employers to community members—allowing them to engage with content anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
And while learning is the heart of it, the system also brings in elements of administration, communication, and evaluation—ensuring that the learning objectives align with the organization’s mission.
Next, let’s dive deeper into the many benefits of using an LMS specifically tailored for nonprofit organizations.
Benefits of using an LMS for nonprofits
Leveraging an LMS in the nonprofit space can be as transformative as discovering a valuable resource—truly, it’s that impactful for organizational growth and effectiveness. Let’s see why.
Training cost savings
An LMS can drastically reduce your training expenses as a nonprofit. By transitioning from traditional in-person training to online and hybrid courses, you can automate onboarding, skill development, and continuous learning for your nonprofit—all while saving valuable time and resources.
The ability to sell online courses
An LMS isn’t just for internal training. With it, you can brand and sell courses externally, opening doors to more fundraising opportunities.
And with the white-label functionality of many modern LMS platforms, you can ensure these courses mirror your organization’s unique brand.
Training process is standardized
By using an LMS integrated with features like Sharable Content Object Reference Mode (SCORM), you’re empowered to standardize your training. This means delivering uniform, high-quality training becomes a less daunting task.
Employee- & volunteer-engagement increase
Captivating training isn’t solely about the material. It’s about crafting a communal online learning environment. With tools like discussion boards and forums, you can foster peer-to-peer interaction—enhancing the overall learning journey and improving course completion rates.
Now, let’s dive into the essential features you should look for in an LMS for nonprofits.
Key features of an LMS for nonprofits
In this fast-paced, resource-tight world of nonprofits, an LMS can be the saving grace.
But what features should you prioritize to maximize your organizational impact? Let’s take a look:
E-learning management
Flexibility is important. A robust LMS should cater to the varied learning habits of your community—allowing some to breeze through courses while others can chip away at their own pace. This way no one feels left behind.
Responsiveness
Where time and infrastructure might be limited, your LMS shouldn’t be another puzzle to solve. So, prioritize mobile-responsive platforms—this will make training accessible regardless of where your team is or what device they’re using.
Collab Tools
Given the global scale of many nonprofits, your LMS should bring the world closer. Integrated high-definition video, audio conferencing, chat rooms, and instant messaging features will help bridge these gaps—allowing for seamless long-distance collaborations.
Customization of reports
Having a customizable reporting system in your LMS is invaluable.
By focusing on metrics that resonate with your organization’s goals, you can easily and continually refine your training approaches. With LMS reports, you can track these critical metrics efficiently and access the data you need to inform and improve your strategies
Certification and compliance management
Recognition matters. Whether it’s for a volunteer seeking validation or an employee craving growth, an LMS should offer easy in-house certificate creation. Plus, the ability to track compliance and send reminders ensures everyone remains on the same page.
That said, let’s dive deep into the 10 top enterprise LMS platforms for nonprofit organizations.
10 best LMSs for nonprofits
Having the right LMS platform can make all the difference for your nonprofit.
We’ve highlighted the top learning solutions for you:
Tool #1: Docebo
Docebo is robust, user-friendly LMS software designed for adaptive, seamless, and integrated learning experiences.
Being a cloud-based LMS means there are no heavy installation costs, and its scalability ensures that as your nonprofit grows, the system grows with it.
The platform includes a native mobile learning application known as Go.Learn mobile application.
The app’s offline training capability ensures continuous learning, even in areas with limited internet connectivity. It will sync with Docebo LMS once the app gets back online.
This flexibility is essential for nonprofits that often operate across diverse geographical locations, so learners can access vital training materials and online courses anytime, anywhere.
Collaboration is at the heart of any nonprofit, and Docebo excels here with its Discover, Coach & Share social learning feature. This functionality empowers community members, donors, and volunteers to share their insights, experiences, and skills.
By making it easier to capture, upload, and share multimedia content, a rich knowledge base can be created to foster community building and shared learning.
Plus, Docebo’s mobile app publisher provides a platform for organizations to design and release their uniquely branded learning apps. They can differentiate training for volunteers and board members or create distinct authentication methods.
And with compatibility with over 400 third-party applications, nonprofits that rely on fundraising, CRM, or volunteer management tools can easily maintain them without disruptions.
G2 rating
Top Features
- Intuitive drag-and-drop user interface.
- Extensive 400+ tool integrations.
- AI capabilities for personalized learning.
- Dynamic social learning options.
- Seamless Salesforce and Teams integrations.
Pros
- Smooth set-up for courses and programs.
- Easily integrates with internal systems.
- Clean, professional interface.
Tool #2: EdApp
EdApp is a mobile-centric platform that specializes in microlearning, which aligns well with nonprofit staff of volunteers with unpredictable or limited availability for training.
The platform’s automatic course generation and PowerPoint converter allow nonprofits to efficiently create training materials without requiring technical skills.
For nonprofits with diverse demographics, its auto-translation feature aids in breaking language barriers, promoting inclusivity in training sessions.
The platform’s comprehensive reporting and analytics tools also provide nonprofits with data on training efficiency—crucial for reporting to stakeholders.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Automatic course generation.
- Mobile-first learning.
- Microlearning capabilities.
- PowerPoint converter.
- Reporting and analytics.
Pros
- The courses are simple to access.
- Makes information easy to digest.
- Provides certificates for learners.
Cons
- Trickier for web application style training.
- Few customization options.
Tool #3: 360Learning
360Learning is an LMS that centers around collective learning. For nonprofits, this offers an opportunity to tap into the collective knowledge and experiences of their community.
The platform’s AI-driven learning experience platform (LXP) identifies skill gaps and offers tailored courses, ensuring nonprofits’ staff and volunteers are best positioned to serve their mission.
Its SCORM management and compliance training tools also help ensure that existing materials can be seamlessly integrated and that mandatory training is easily handled.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Collaborative Features & AI.
- Wide integration capabilities.
- SCORM file management.
- Compliance training.
- Comprehensive reporting.
Pros
- User-friendly training platform.
- Provides visibility into training outcomes.
- It’s easy to set up.
Cons
- Getting started is quite complex.
- Some integration issues could be frustrating for admins.
Tool #4: TalentLMS
TalentLMS is a recognized platform in the LMS sector. Given its comprehensive course management capabilities, nonprofits can craft and deliver training that resonates with their mission and objectives.
The platform’s blended learning sessions feature facilitates a mix of online and in-person training, allowing for diverse learning preferences often found in nonprofit setups.
The platform also has gamification elements that enhance user engagement, which can be helpful for continuous learning and retention.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Comprehensive course management.
- SCORM, cmi5 & xAPI support.
- Blended learning sessions.
- API and Integrations.
- Security and GDPR compliance.
Pros
- Great customer service.
- Course design is easy to use.
- Easy to track learner progress.
Cons
- Limited reporting options.
- Lacks live and interactive video facilities.
Tool #5: iSpring Learn
iSpring Learn is a cloud-based LMS designed to simplify the training process, from content creation to tracking and assessing results.
Being cloud-based means implementation processes are simpler and therefore time-saving, allowing organizations to focus more on their core missions.
Additionally, it provides the ability to create content such as quizzes from existing materials or through iSpring’s authoring toolkit for nonprofits without specialized training personnel.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Authoring tool for no-code content creation.
- Comprehensive reporting.
- Automation for recurring tasks.
- LMS customization and integration.
Pros
- It’s easy to set up and get running.
- Easy to share content across various learning tracks.
- High content flexibility.
Cons
- Reports might be difficult to customize
- There is a learning curve
Tool #6: Moodle
Moodle is an open-source LMS, well-suited for nonprofit organizations because it’s free to use. That means no worrying about pricing tiers and ongoing subscriptions.
The platform’s customizable nature allows for the creation of training programs that reflect an organization’s specific goals, audience, or mission-focused content.
Moodle’s versatility in catering to diverse educational settings, from K-12 to corporate training, makes it adaptable to various nonprofit program structures, whether they’re focused on community education, professional development, or advocacy.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Automated notifications.
- Versatile accessibility.
- In-depth analytics and custom reports.
- Full customization capabilities.
Pros
- Seamless user experience.
- Plenty of plugins available.
- Ideal for education institutes and colleges.
Cons
- Some users might find it a bit complex initially.
- Can be clunky.
- Inadequate SCORM support.
Tool #7: Cornerstone Learning
Cornerstone Learning is a cloud-based LMS solution that’s designed to create a comprehensive online learning experience.
Its built-in authoring tool allows nonprofits to create content tailored to their unique missions and training needs.
The platform’s skills graph offers instant insights to enable quick identification of skill gaps and training needs within the organization.
Plus, its compliance management feature helps nonprofits ensure all training meets set guidelines and standards.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Built-in authoring tool.
- Certificate management.
- Skills graph for instant insights.
- Compliance management.
- Integrated talent management.
Pros
- Provides easy access to data and analysis.
- Wide variety of learning resources.
- Intuitive reporting style.
Cons
- Limited support available,
- Poor user experience due to limited search options,
- Certifications might be confusing to use,
Tool #8: Tovuti LMS
Tovuti LMS is an all-in-one e-learning platform designed to facilitate the creation, delivery, and tracking of e-learning programs.
The platform’s integrated e-commerce system presents a unique advantage for nonprofits to create and sell online courses to the public or other stakeholders.
The platform’s vast array of over 2,000 API and native integrations offers nonprofits the flexibility to connect with various tools and systems they might already use.
Additionally, its multilingual support ensures inclusivity for diverse audiences, while its varied learning modules cater to different educational needs.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Scalable for any learner volume.
- 2,000+ API and native integrations.
- Quick launch with instant branding options.
- Multilingual support.
- Diverse learning modules.
Pros
- The interface is clear, interactive, and stable.
- Great customer support.
- Works for live training sessions.
Cons
- Might be difficult to navigate.
- Customization has a learning curve.
Tool #9: Chamilo
Chamilo is open-source LMS software and a talent-management system (TMS) designed to provide access to various training content and educational tools, including webinars.
This platform emphasizes accessibility and simplicity, vital for nonprofits with limited resources or those seeking cost-effective training solutions.
Additionally, the platform has free software products ready for deployment, with a network of official providers available to assist organizations lacking in-house IT or infrastructure capabilities.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Over 20 educational tools.
- Digital badges and skill tracking.
- Supports SCORM, AICC, IMS/QTI content.
- Built-in social network and chat.
- 360° video and VR capabilities.
Pros
- Very customizable.
- It’s simple and easy to use.
- Low memory consumption.
Cons
- Few templates available.
- Some features need further development and better integration.
Tool #10: LearnWorlds LMS
LearnWorlds is an e-learning platform equipped with an e-commerce integration, making it easier to sell training solutions.
The platform allows for the easy distribution of educational materials, critical for fundraising or awareness campaigns. And its white-label feature ensures that courses and content align with your organization’s branding, enhancing credibility.
Additionally, its built-in communities can aid nonprofits in cultivating discussions centered around their mission.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Assessment builder tool.
- Interactive video tool.
- Built-in communities.
- Comprehensive website builder.
- Automatic video transcriptions.
Pros
- Great customer service.
- Easy to use for course authoring.
- Great customizable pages.
Cons
- Templates need more updates.
- Difficult to add text to videos.
- Features might get overwhelming.
How to choose the best LMS for nonprofits
When it comes to choosing the right LMS for nonprofits, it shouldn’t be only about budget.
You should also consider the following areas:
Is it suitable for your use case?
It’s essential to find an LMS that aligns with your nonprofit’s mission and sector to ensure seamless implementation and utilization.
For instance, some systems are tailor-made for certain sectors or initiatives like healthcare, finance, or manufacturing.
Do its features satisfy your needs?
Evaluate if the LMS has the necessary features to meet your needs. An ideal LMS not only caters to your nonprofit’s present needs but continually updates and introduces new features to stay relevant.
For example, check if you can use or set up webinars for training staff and onboarding new employees when needed.
Is it a scalable solution?
Scalability is crucial, ensuring the system can accommodate an increasing number of learners and content as your nonprofit expands its reach and impact. Nonprofits evolve, so your LMS should grow with you.
Does it offer good support?
Examine the level of customer support the LMS provider offers. Check through user reviews to gain insights into other users’ experiences with the support team. Prompt, knowledgeable, and courteous support can make a difference, especially when issues arise.
With these considerations in mind, the ball is in your court to select the best fit for your nonprofit.
Now over to you
Selecting the perfect LMS is a pivotal decision for your nonprofit’s success. You now have the knowledge needed to make an informed choice.
So, the next move is yours.
Considering an LMS for your nonprofit? Schedule a demo to explore Docebo’s capabilities and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.