For nonprofit organizations, communication and collaboration are critical to staying mission-focused and efficient. With limited budgets, nonprofits often rely on tools that can help them manage teams, volunteers, and projects without breaking the bank. Slack, a popular communication platform used by companies around the world, is one such tool that nonprofits frequently consider. However, a common question arises: Is Slack free for nonprofits?

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into Slack’s offerings for nonprofits, explore what’s available on the free plan, what additional features come with the paid plans, and whether Slack is truly the right fit for your nonprofit organization. We’ll also look at some potential alternatives that might better serve the specific needs of nonprofits.

What Is Slack and How Does It Help Nonprofits?

Before we dive into pricing, it’s worth taking a moment to understand why Slack has become so popular in the first place, and why nonprofits are increasingly turning to it.

Slack is a collaboration tool that allows teams to communicate through messaging channels, direct messages, file sharing, and app integrations. Its primary function is to reduce the reliance on email by offering real-time conversations and discussions organized by channels. Whether your team is working remotely or spread across different locations, Slack helps ensure that everyone stays connected and in sync.

For nonprofits, Slack offers several benefits:

• Centralized Communication: Slack allows teams to organize discussions into channels, making it easy for different departments, projects, or volunteer groups to stay on the same page.

• App Integrations: Nonprofits can integrate Slack with popular tools like Google Drive, Office 365, and project management apps to streamline workflows and reduce manual work.

• Collaboration: Slack enhances team collaboration, allowing staff and volunteers to share files, discuss projects, and collaborate on ideas in real time.

• Accessibility: With both desktop and mobile access, Slack makes it easy for remote teams and volunteers to stay connected no matter where they are.

However, despite these benefits, it’s important to understand what Slack offers specifically to nonprofits, and whether their free plan is enough.

Is Slack Free for Nonprofits?

While Slack does offer a free plan, the answer to whether it’s "free for nonprofits" is a little more complicated. Let’s break it down.

1. Slack Free Plan for Nonprofits

Yes, Slack’s free plan is available to nonprofits, but it’s the same free plan that any organization can use. The free version provides access to basic communication features, but it comes with several key limitations, which we’ll explore below:

• 90-Day Message History: On the free plan, you can only access the last 90 days of message history, meaning older conversations and shared files disappear once they’ve passed the time limit.

• 5 GB of File Storage: Slack’s free plan caps file storage at 5 GB for the entire workspace, which can quickly become restrictive for nonprofits managing large projects or sharing important documents.

• Limited App Integrations: Nonprofits can only integrate up to 10 apps on Slack’s free plan, which may be limiting for organizations relying on multiple tools to manage different tasks, like fundraising, volunteer management, and project tracking.

• No Group Video Calls with Screen Sharing: The free plan only supports one-on-one video calls and doesn’t offer screen sharing in group calls, which may be an issue for remote nonprofit teams collaborating on visual projects or presentations.

• No Employee Profiles: The free version doesn’t include detailed employee profiles, which can be important for nonprofits to understand team roles, especially if volunteers or temporary staff are involved.

While the free plan is enough for smaller nonprofit teams that need basic communication, these limitations can become problematic as your organization scales or takes on more complex projects. For nonprofits relying on long-term collaboration, losing message history after 90 days or being forced to manage limited file storage can lead to frustration.

2. Slack’s Discounted Standard and Plus Plans for Nonprofits

The good news is that Slack offers discounts on their paid plans specifically for nonprofits. This means that while Slack isn’t entirely free for nonprofit organizations, there are heavily discounted rates available that make it much more affordable compared to typical pricing.

Here’s a breakdown of what nonprofits can expect from Slack’s paid plans:

• Slack Standard Plan: This plan, usually priced at $8.75 per user per month, is offered to nonprofits at a substantially discounted rate. Nonprofits can apply for this discount, which grants access to unlimited message history, 10 GB of file storage per user, and additional features like group video calls with screen sharing and unlimited app integrations.

• Slack Plus Plan: Typically priced at $15 per user per month, the Plus plan for nonprofits is also discounted and provides features like enhanced security and compliance tools, 20 GB of file storage per user, and faster support. This plan is ideal for larger nonprofits that need more advanced administrative controls or have complex workflows.

3. How to Apply for Slack’s Nonprofit Discount

To access Slack’s discounted plans, nonprofits must apply through Slack’s nonprofit application process. The application requires you to submit documentation proving your nonprofit status, such as your IRS determination letter or similar documentation for international organizations.

While the process is straightforward, it's important to note that Slack evaluates each application individually. Not all nonprofits may qualify for the discount, particularly organizations involved in political activities, schools, or hospitals, as they don’t fall under Slack’s eligibility criteria for nonprofit discounts.

More information about Slack’s nonprofit program can be found here.

Is Slack’s Free Plan Enough for Your Nonprofit?

Now that we know Slack does offer a free plan and discounted rates for nonprofits, the big question is whether the free version is sufficient for your organization’s needs.

Let’s explore some scenarios where Slack’s free plan might be enough and where it could fall short:

When Slack’s Free Plan Might Be Enough

• Small Nonprofits or Volunteer Teams: If you’re running a small nonprofit with a limited number of team members or volunteers, Slack’s free plan might be sufficient. You can use basic messaging and file-sharing features without worrying about the 90-day message history limit.

• Basic Communication Needs: If your nonprofit primarily needs a simple platform for quick conversations, updates, and occasional file sharing, the free plan can likely handle your needs without pushing you toward paid features.

When You Might Need More Than the Free Plan

• Larger Nonprofits with Complex Projects: If your nonprofit is larger or handles multiple projects with different teams, the message history limit and 5 GB of storage will likely become an issue. Imagine losing key project discussions after 90 days or constantly managing file storage limits. In this case, upgrading to a paid plan with Slack’s nonprofit discount would provide more flexibility.

• Need for App Integrations: If you’re integrating Slack with several tools, like project management software, fundraising platforms, or volunteer management systems, the 10-app limit on the free plan may feel restrictive.

• Remote or Distributed Teams: If your team is working remotely or distributed across different locations, the lack of group video calls and screen sharing could hinder collaboration. For nonprofits relying on regular virtual meetings, upgrading to a paid plan would unlock these features.

Alternatives to Slack for Nonprofits

If Slack’s limitations on the free plan don’t work for your nonprofit, or if the discounted rates are still too high, there are several alternative platforms that may be better suited to nonprofit organizations. Let’s explore a few of the top alternatives:

1. Pebb

When it comes to finding the right communication tool for nonprofits, Pebb stands out as a comprehensive organization hub that goes far beyond just messaging. We bring together all the essential tools nonprofits need to stay connected, collaborate, and keep their teams engaged—whether it’s staff members, volunteers, or remote workers.

Here’s what makes Pebb a fantastic solution for nonprofits:

• Real-Time News Feed: Our news feed acts as a central hub where nonprofit organizations can share live updates, important announcements, and team achievements. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone, sharing key decisions, or keeping your team informed about new initiatives, Pebb’s news feed ensures everyone stays in the loop. It’s a dynamic alternative to traditional email newsletters, making communication more engaging and interactive.
  
  

• Clubs for Collaboration: The clubs function provides a dedicated spaces for specific teams, departments, or projects. For nonprofits, this means you can create separate clubs for fundraising, volunteer coordination, community outreach, or any other initiative. Each club allows for focused discussions, document sharing, and real-time collaboration, ensuring that every project gets the attention and organization it needs.
  
  

• Knowledge Library: The Knowledge Library is a game-changer for nonprofits. It serves as a central repository for all your organization’s key documents—whether it’s grant proposals, training materials, volunteer guidelines, or donor reports. No more searching through scattered emails or external storage drives. Everything your team needs is stored in one place, easily accessible and searchable by everyone. For nonprofits with a rotating cast of volunteers and staff, having a centralized knowledge hub helps ensure that everyone is working from the same playbook.
  
  

• Instant Chat Messaging and Voice Calls: While Slack’s free plan limits video and voice communication, Pebb provides a built-in chat system where team members can communicate directly or in groups. This is essential for keeping conversations fluid and on-topic. In addition to chat, Pebb offers voice call functionality, so your nonprofit can conduct meetings and check-ins without needing to rely on separate apps. This is particularly useful for remote teams or organizations with members spread across different locations.
  
  

• Employee Profiles: One standout feature that sets Pebb apart is its detailed employee profiles. In these profiles, every staff member, volunteer, or board member has a personal profile page that shows their title, department, manager, and even their posts within the platform. This is incredibly useful for nonprofits where teams often shift or where volunteers come and go—giving everyone a clear view of who’s who. Additionally, these profiles make it easier to find the right person for a task, provide visibility into team roles, and offer transparency across the organization.
  
  

• Post Tracking and Team Visibility: In a nonprofit, knowing what everyone is working on can be crucial for collaboration. With Pebb, you can see posts created by each employee or volunteer, helping you track contributions, discussions, and project updates. This transparency keeps everyone aligned and ensures that no voice goes unheard.
  
  

• Affordable Pricing: Pebb’s free plan offers an impressive suite of features, but even the paid plan is affordable, starting at $3.50 per user per month. This makes Pebb a much more budget-friendly option compared to Slack’s higher pricing tiers, while providing more extensive features tailored to nonprofit needs.

2. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is another robust option for nonprofits, especially those already using Microsoft 365. Teams offers a free plan with features like unlimited messaging and up to 5 GB of storage per user. For nonprofits already integrated with Microsoft’s ecosystem, Teams could be an affordable option for both communication and file management.

3. Google Workspace for Nonprofits

Google Workspace for Nonprofits offers a suite of tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Meet, and more, which are free for nonprofits. While it may not have the same chat-based interface as Slack, it offers comprehensive communication, document sharing, and collaboration features that can cover the needs of many nonprofits.

Conclusion: Is Slack Free for Nonprofits?

While Slack offers a free plan for nonprofits, its limitations—such as restricted message history, limited file storage, and no group video calls—may not be suitable for larger or more complex organizations. However, Slack does provide discounted rates on their paid plans for nonprofits, which unlock valuable features that can enhance your organization’s communication and collaboration.

Before deciding whether Slack is the right platform for your nonprofit, take a close look at your team’s needs and whether the free plan will suffice or if upgrading to a paid plan or exploring an alternative like Pebb or Microsoft Teams might better serve your organization’s mission.

What about your nonprofit? Are you using Slack’s free plan, or have you explored alternatives? What are the communication challenges your nonprofit faces, and could a more robust platform help your team? Let’s discuss!