For nonprofits

Affordable HR Software for Small Nonprofits

Updated June 6, 2026

Small nonprofits run lean, so HR software has to be cheap, simple, and trustworthy. We'll be honest: truly free tools usually cap features or monetize your data. Here's a low-cost, no-nonsense option instead.

What small nonprofits actually need

Volunteers aside, your paid staff still need accurate leave, time off, and approvals — without a costly HRIS. The priorities are low cost, fast setup, and numbers everyone trusts at audit time.

PTO, sick, and custom leave with automatic accrual
Manager / admin approvals and a shared calendar
Public holidays applied automatically
Auditable balances for clean records
Optional desktop time tracking for grant-funded roles

Is it free?

Orvella is free to start and try, but it isn't a permanently-free product — it's $4/user/month (Starter). For a small staff that's a tiny, predictable line item, and we can sometimes extend a minor discount to very small nonprofits on request. We'd rather be upfront than dangle a 'free' plan that quietly limits you.

Frequently asked questions

Is there genuinely free HR software for nonprofits?

Most 'free' tools cap core features or rely on your data. Orvella is inexpensive and transparent at $4/user/month, free to start, with possible minor discounts for very small nonprofits on request.

Do you offer a nonprofit discount?

We don't give the product away, but for very small nonprofits we can sometimes offer a minor discount — just ask.

Can we track grant-funded staff hours?

Yes — the optional Orvella Time desktop app records worked hours and activity that export cleanly for grant reporting.

Related solutions

See if Orvella fits your team

Free to start, $4/user/month, set up in minutes. Honest about what we do — and don't.