Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways for charities to engage supporters, share updates, and drive donations.
But with so many tools available, how do you choose the right one—especially when you’re on a tight budget?
Here’s a rundown of the best email marketing tools for charities, along with tips to make the most of them.
Why Email Marketing Matters
Top Email Marketing Tools for Charities
Mailchimp
Why It’s Great: Mailchimp offers a free plan for up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails per month, making it ideal for small charities.
Key Features: Drag-and-drop editor, automation, audience segmentation, and basic analytics.
Tip: Use their pre-designed templates to save time and create professional-looking emails.
MailerLite
Why It’s Great: MailerLite’s free plan allows up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month, with no branding on your emails.
Key Features: Intuitive editor, automation, landing pages, and pop-up forms.
Tip: Take advantage of their automation features to send welcome emails or donation thank-yous.
Moosend
Why It’s Great: Moosend offers affordable pricing and a free trial, with no subscriber limit on paid plans.
Key Features: Automation, segmentation, A/B testing, and real-time analytics.
Tip: Use their A/B testing feature to optimise subject lines and content for higher open rates.
Sendinblue
Why It’s Great: Sendinblue’s free plan includes unlimited contacts and 300 emails per day, making it scalable for growing charities.
Key Features: SMS marketing, CRM integration, and advanced automation.
Tip: Combine email and SMS marketing for multi-channel campaigns.
Benchmark Email
Why It’s Great: Benchmark offers a free plan for up to 500 contacts and 3,500 emails per month, with no credit card required.
Key Features: Drag-and-drop editor, surveys, and event management tools.
Tip: Use their survey feature to gather feedback from supporters and improve your campaigns.
HubSpot (Free CRM)
Why It’s Great: HubSpot’s free CRM includes email marketing tools, making it a great all-in-one solution for charities.
Key Features: Email tracking, templates, and contact management.
Tip: Use their CRM to track donor interactions and personalise your outreach.
How to Choose the Right Tool
When selecting an email marketing tool, consider:
Tips for Maximising Your Email Marketing
Segment Your Audience
Divide your email list into groups (e.g., donors, volunteers, event attendees) to send more targeted and relevant messages.
Personalise Your Emails
Use merge tags to include the recipient’s name or other personal details, making your emails feel more personal.
Focus on Mobile Optimization
Over 50% of emails are opened on mobile devices, so ensure your emails are mobile-friendly.
Test and Optimise
Use A/B testing to experiment with subject lines, content, and CTAs, and refine your approach based on the results.
Track Your Results
Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to measure the success of your campaigns and identify areas for improvement.
By choosing the right email marketing tool and following best practices, your charity can create impactful campaigns that engage supporters and drive action—all without breaking the bank.
Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways for charities to engage supporters, share updates, and drive donations.
But with so many tools available, how do you choose the right one—especially when you’re on a tight budget?
Here’s a rundown of the best email marketing tools for charities, along with tips to make the most of them.
