The Ultimate Free Resource Library for Nonprofits & Startups
Author
Date
Get Free Templates & Resources
Project chaos is costly. Without structured task management and clear project tracking, even small teams can quickly become overwhelmed.
This guide features 8 of the best free project management tools for South African nonprofits in 2025. Whether you're coordinating a campaign, managing volunteers, or tracking deliverables across a hybrid team, these platforms act as simple yet powerful management systems—with several offering nonprofit discounts.
Overwhelmed by tools?
Let me help you match the right platform to your workflow. Explore my services or schedule a call to get practical, tool-specific guidance for your NPO team.
8 Project Management Tools for South African Nonprofits (2025)
Keeping your team organised is critical, especially when juggling multiple projects or campaigns. These project management and operational tools help you plan work, manage tasks, and collaborate efficiently – many have free tiers or hefty nonprofit discounts, so you can stay structured at minimal cost.
Description | Simple, visual project management tool using Kanban boards with lists and cards to track progress. Ideal for task and project overviews. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Free for unlimited users, boards and cards; integrates with Google Drive, Slack and more; intuitive interface; minimal learning curve. |
Use-cases | Project tracking, event planning, task lists, simple workflows for small NPO teams. |
Register | Create a free account on Trello. Nonprofits can apply for Atlassian’s donation program for premium features. |
Description | Full-featured project and task management platform with multiple view modes (list, board, calendar, timeline) and strong team coordination. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Free for teams up to 15; great for complex projects; supports subtasks, templates, integrations; 50% nonprofit discount for premium plans. |
Use-cases | Fundraising campaign management, operations planning, team accountability tracking. |
Register | Sign up on Asana. Apply for nonprofit pricing via TechSoup. |
Description | Work OS platform to manage any workflow—tasks, contacts, projects, CRM—with automation, templates and visual dashboards. |
|---|---|
Benefits | 10 free Pro plan seats for nonprofits; 70% discount for additional users; great for volunteer tracking, project flows and CRM needs. |
Use-cases | Multi-department coordination, volunteer intake, operations dashboards, impact tracking. |
Register | Apply through Monday’s nonprofit programme or via TechSoup. |
Description | All-in-one productivity platform offering tasks, docs, chat, and goals in a single dashboard for total work management. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Generous free plan (unlimited users/projects); Kanban, Gantt, calendar views; replaces multiple tools; 35% nonprofit discount available on paid plans. |
Use-cases | Task tracking, document storage, OKR tracking, project sprints, workflow automation. |
Register | Sign up for a free workspace. Contact ClickUp support with proof of nonprofit status for discount eligibility. |
Description | Hybrid spreadsheet-database tool that helps nonprofits track and visualise program data, CRM contacts, calendars, and operations. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Intuitive interface for spreadsheet lovers; custom views (grid, gallery, calendar, Kanban); 50% nonprofit discount available on Plus/Pro plans. |
Use-cases | Donor databases, volunteer tracking, programme metrics, editorial calendars. |
Register | Start with a free plan; apply for nonprofit pricing via Airtable's application form with your NPO registration. |
Description | All-in-one workspace for team notes, knowledge bases, project tracking, CRM, and collaboration. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Unlimited pages and blocks; template-rich; highly customisable; free for small teams; some nonprofits access credits by contacting support. |
Use-cases | Policy manuals, internal wikis, grant proposal collaboration, project boards, donor CRM workarounds. |
Register | Sign up on the free Personal plan; trial the Team plan or contact support to ask about nonprofit credits or discounts. |
Description | Project tracking (Jira) and internal documentation/wiki (Confluence) used globally and now freely available to South African NPOs. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Free for up to 10 users via nonprofit programme; highly customisable; ideal for structured workflows and collaborative documentation. |
Use-cases | Issue tracking, task management, volunteer helpdesks, staff wikis or policy hubs. |
Register | Apply via Atlassian's nonprofit page or TechSoup; choose between server licenses or free cloud-based plans for small teams. |
Description | Project and team communication tool combining tasks, schedules, chat, docs and storage in one minimalist interface. |
|---|---|
Benefits | Flat pricing; simple UI; Basecamp Personal is free for small teams; Business version offers 10% nonprofit discount. |
Use-cases | Comms-light teams; replacing email, task apps, and chat tools; basic project tracking and updates. |
Register | Use Basecamp Personal or trial Business. Email support with nonprofit proof for a 10% discount on full access. |
Build a project system your team will actually use.
Chat to me about setting up Notion, Trello, Asana or ClickUp in a way that actually works for your workflow.
Conclusion: Project Management Tools that Work for South African NPOs
The right tool doesn’t just organise tasks—it aligns your team, streamlines task management, and enables clear project tracking. These 8 free or low-cost platforms are trusted by lean South African NPOs to implement efficient management systems, stay accountable, and reduce stress. Most also offer nonprofit discounts, making them both powerful and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Civil Society Organisations
1. What makes philanthropy in South Africa unique?
Philanthropy in South Africa is unique due to its deep roots in the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes generosity and interconnectedness. This has created a strong culture of individual and community giving. Today, this is blended with a growing trend towards strategic philanthropy, where donations are treated as investments designed to achieve measurable, long-term social impact rather than just short-term charity.
2. What is the role of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in South African philanthropy?
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is a major force in the South African philanthropic landscape, with companies investing billions of rands annually (approximately R12.7 billion in 2024). It goes beyond compliance, with a significant focus on education, which receives nearly half of all CSI spend. CSI also includes non-cash donations like employee volunteering and pro bono services, playing a crucial role in funding and supporting the NPO South Africa ecosystem.
3. How is strategic philanthropy changing funding for NPOs in South Africa?
Strategic philanthropy is shifting how funding for NPOs works by moving beyond simple donations. It focuses on models like impact investing South Africa and venture philanthropy, which seek measurable social returns. This means philanthropic capital is now used more as a "catalyst" to de-risk innovative social enterprises, provide long-term mentorship, and attract larger, more conventional investments, ultimately helping NPOs achieve greater scale and financial sustainability.
4. What are the most effective ways for individuals to engage in philanthropy in South Africa?
Individuals can engage in South African philanthropy in several effective ways. Beyond direct donations, high-impact engagement includes skills-based volunteering, where professionals offer their expertise (e.g., legal, financial, marketing) to NPOs. Another powerful method is collective giving, where resources are pooled with others through informal groups like Stokvels or formal online crowdfunding platforms, amplifying the impact of smaller individual contributions.
