8 best learning management systems (LMS) for nonprofits in 2025

Nonprofit organizations face a unique set of challenges when it comes to training staff and volunteers while juggling tight budgets, limited resources, and ever-evolving compliance requirements. Investing in the best LMS for nonprofits can make all the difference. A learning management system (LMS) not only streamlines training but also helps your organization scale learning initiatives, maintain consistency, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. In this guide, we’ll explore what an LMS is, why nonprofits need one, the top LMS systems for nonprofits available in 2025, and tips for choosing the right system for your organization.

What is a learning management system for nonprofits?

A learning management system (LMS) for nonprofits is a digital platform designed to help organizations create, deliver, and manage training programs for staff, volunteers, and community members. These systems streamline education by offering centralized access to training materials, automating course assignments, and tracking learner progress.

Nonprofits often rely on LMS platforms to enhance workforce development, improve compliance training, and ensure that volunteers and employees receive consistent instruction. By integrating features like self-paced learning, interactive modules, and real-time reporting, an LMS allows organizations to efficiently train individuals regardless of location or availability.

Unlike traditional corporate LMS platforms, nonprofit-focused LMS solutions often prioritize affordability, ease of use, and scalability to accommodate fluctuating team sizes. Many also support grant-funded educational initiatives and community outreach programs, helping organizations maximize their impact with limited resources.

Why do nonprofits need an LMS?

Implementing a learning management system (LMS) can significantly improve how nonprofits train their workforce, ensuring consistency, compliance, and efficiency. With limited resources and ever-changing staff and volunteer rosters, nonprofits need a scalable solution to streamline learning and development. An LMS automates training, tracks progress, and provides accessible learning opportunities to employees, volunteers, and community members.

Here are some key ways nonprofits can leverage an LMS:

Onboarding or training staff

Nonprofits often operate with lean teams, making it essential to onboard new employees quickly and effectively. An LMS provides structured training modules that ensure every new hire receives consistent information about organizational policies, procedures, and best practices. This reduces the time spent on in-person training and helps employees integrate into their roles faster.

Training volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial role in nonprofit operations, but they often have limited availability for in-person training. An LMS enables organizations to offer flexible, on-demand training programs, allowing volunteers to complete required courses at their convenience. This ensures they are well-prepared to support the nonprofit’s mission while minimizing the administrative burden on staff.

Providing educational information to the community

Many nonprofits focus on public education and advocacy. An LMS can serve as a powerful tool for sharing knowledge with the community through interactive courses, webinars, and informational resources. Whether raising awareness about social issues, offering skill-building programs, or providing compliance training, an LMS ensures content is easily accessible to a broad audience.

8 best learning management systems (LMS) for nonprofits

Selecting the appropriate Learning Management System (LMS) is important for nonprofits aiming to efficiently train employees, onboard volunteers, and educate their communities. Below are eight LMS platforms, each with their own unique features to consider:

1. Rippling

Rippling provides an integrated solution that combines learning management with HR and payroll functions. Nonprofits can utilize Rippling to automate training processes, monitor compliance, and manage learning pathways with minimal administrative effort. The platform's automation capabilities help reduce time spent on manual tasks, allowing organizations to focus more on their core mission.

2. 360Learning

360Learning offers collaborative learning features, enabling nonprofits to develop engaging and interactive training programs. The platform promotes teamwork by allowing learners to contribute to course content, which can be beneficial for organizations that emphasize knowledge sharing among staff and volunteers.

3. TalentLMS

TalentLMS is a cloud-based platform featuring an intuitive interface and customizable learning paths. It supports various multimedia formats and interactive assessments, making it suitable for nonprofits aiming to create engaging learning management system training. The platform also offers flexible pricing options to accommodate organizations of different sizes and budgets.

4. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds is designed for nonprofits that offer public educational programs. It supports interactive video courses, certifications, and monetization options, making it a smart choice for organizations offering paid or free educational resources.

5. Moodle

Moodle is an open-source LMS that allows nonprofits to tailor their training programs to specific requirements. Its flexibility and cost-effectiveness make it a popular option for organizations seeking a customizable solution. Moodle offers comprehensive reporting features and supports self-paced learning, facilitating effective training for staff and volunteers.

6. Gusto

Gusto combines payroll, HR, and basic training management functionalities, which may be beneficial for small to mid-sized nonprofits. While not a full-featured LMS, Gusto allows organizations to manage onboarding and compliance training alongside employee records within a single system.

7. ADP Learning Management

ADP Learning Management offers solutions for nonprofits requiring compliance tracking and workforce training capabilities. It provides reporting features, automated course assignments, and integration with ADP’s HR and payroll tools, which can work well for organizations with larger teams.

8. BambooHR

BambooHR includes features aimed at simplifying employee training and development. It integrates with HR tools to facilitate onboarding and compliance tracking. Nonprofits focusing on employee engagement and retention may find value in BambooHR’s user-friendly interface and analytics capabilities.

Benefits of using an LMS in your nonprofit

A learning management system (LMS) can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of training programs within a nonprofit organization. By providing a centralized platform for education and compliance, an LMS allows nonprofits to maximize their resources, improve engagement, and track progress effortlessly. Here are some key benefits of implementing an LMS in your nonprofit:

Reduce training expenses

Traditional training methods, like in-person workshops and printed materials, can be costly and time-consuming. An LMS eliminates many of these expenses by offering digital courses that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. This reduces travel costs, instructor fees, and printing expenses, making it a great solution for budget-conscious nonprofits.

Ensure a consistent training process

Standardized training is crucial for nonprofits, especially those with a dispersed workforce or rotating volunteers. An LMS ensures that all learners receive the same high-quality content, regardless of location or availability. This consistency improves knowledge retention, minimizes training gaps, and ensures that everyone is aligned with the organization's goals and policies.

Enhance engagement for employees and volunteers

Keeping staff and volunteers motivated is essential for nonprofit success. An LMS makes learning more interactive by incorporating multimedia content, quizzes, and gamification features. These elements boost engagement, encourage active participation, and help learners stay invested in their training. Additionally, self-paced learning options empower people to complete training at their own convenience.

Simplify knowledge management

An LMS serves as a centralized hub for all training materials, making it easy to update, organize, and distribute content. Instead of relying on scattered documents and outdated manuals, nonprofits can store resources in a single location, ensuring that staff and volunteers always have access to the most current information. This streamlines knowledge sharing and improves operational efficiency.

Improve performance with data-driven insights

With built-in reporting and analytics, an LMS allows nonprofits to track learner progress, measure training effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement. These insights help organizations refine their training programs, address skill gaps, and ensure compliance with regulations. By leveraging data, nonprofits can make informed decisions to enhance both individual and organizational performance.

5 features to look for in an LMS for nonprofits

Choosing the right learning management system (LMS) is crucial for nonprofits aiming to maximize training efficiency while staying within budget. The ideal LMS should provide flexibility, encourage collaboration, and streamline training administration. Below are essential features to look for when selecting an LMS for your nonprofit:

1. Flexible learning schedules

Nonprofits often work with staff and volunteers who have varying availability. An LMS with self-paced learning options allows users to complete training at their convenience, reducing scheduling conflicts. Mobile-friendly access and asynchronous learning capabilities ensure that training remains accessible to remote and on-the-go learners.

2. Collaborative communication tools

Engaging training programs should encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing. Look for an LMS that integrates discussion forums, messaging tools, and live training sessions, enabling staff and volunteers to interact, ask questions, and share insights. This fosters a more connected learning experience and strengthens team engagement.

3. Interactive and varied content

An effective LMS should support multiple content formats, including videos, quizzes, infographics, and gamified elements. This variety keeps learners engaged and enhances knowledge retention. Nonprofits benefit from a platform that allows them to create dynamic, multimedia-rich courses that cater to different learning styles.

4. Personalized reporting and analytics

Tracking progress and measuring the effectiveness of training programs is critical for nonprofits. A robust LMS should offer real-time reporting, learner progress tracking, and performance analytics. These insights help organizations identify knowledge gaps, assess training impact, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

5. Streamlined automation for efficiency

To reduce administrative workload, an LMS should include automation features such as course enrollment, progress reminders, and certification management. Automating these tasks saves time and ensures that learners stay on track with their training requirements without manual intervention from administrators.

How to choose the right LMS for your nonprofit

Selecting the best learning management system (LMS) for your nonprofit requires careful consideration of your organization's specific training needs, budget, and long-term goals. With numerous options available, it's essential to evaluate key factors to ensure the chosen platform aligns with your mission and enhances learning outcomes. Below are critical aspects to consider when choosing an LMS for your nonprofit:

1. Define your organization's learning objectives

Before selecting an LMS, identify your nonprofit’s training goals. Are you primarily onboarding new staff and volunteers, ensuring compliance training, or offering educational programs to the community? Defining your objectives will help narrow down options and ensure you choose an LMS that meets your organization's unique needs.

2. Evaluate essential features and functionalities

Not all LMS platforms offer the same features, so it's important to assess what functionalities are most relevant to your nonprofit. Look for features such as self-paced learning, mobile access, interactive content, automated reporting, and integration with existing tools. Prioritizing user-friendly platforms with intuitive navigation can also enhance engagement among staff and volunteers.

3. Consider budget constraints and cost-effectiveness

Nonprofits often operate within tight budgets, so affordability is a key factor when selecting an LMS. Some platforms offer nonprofit discounts, open-source solutions, or tiered pricing plans. Consider both upfront costs and long-term expenses, including licensing, customization, and maintenance fees, to find a solution that delivers value without straining resources.

4. Seek expert recommendations and user reviews

Researching feedback from other nonprofit organizations can provide valuable insights into an LMS’s reliability and effectiveness. Reading user reviews, exploring case studies, and talking with industry peers can help identify platforms with a proven track record in the nonprofit sector. This step ensures you invest in a system that meets the needs of organizations similar to yours.

5. Test the platform with demos and free trials

Before committing to an LMS, take advantage of free trials or demo versions to test usability and functionality. Engaging key stakeholders, such as HR managers, trainers, and volunteers, in the evaluation process can help determine whether the platform is a good fit. Testing an LMS firsthand ensures it aligns with your nonprofit’s workflow and is easy to implement.

Rippling: The best LMS for nonprofits

Rippling’s learning management system (LMS) is designed to help nonprofits efficiently train employees and volunteers while minimizing administrative burden. As part of Rippling’s comprehensive, single-system solution for HR, payroll, spend, and IT, the LMS seamlessly integrates with key HR functions, ensuring that training is streamlined, automated, and easily accessible.

Why Rippling is the best LMS for nonprofits

Nonprofits often operate with limited resources, so a scalable, automated training system that reduces manual work while maintaining compliance is essential. Rippling’s LMS automates course enrollment, progress tracking, and certification management, allowing organizations to onboard staff, train volunteers, and provide ongoing learning opportunities with minimal effort.

With Rippling’s integrated HCM, nonprofits can remove barriers between training, payroll, benefits management, and workforce planning. This means learning and development can be seamlessly tied to employee and volunteer records, ensuring that every team member receives the right training at the right time.

Key benefits of Rippling’s LMS for nonprofits:

• Automated training workflows: Assign courses, track progress, and ensure compliance without manual oversight.
• Seamless integration with HR functions: Link training records with payroll, benefits, and performance tracking for a unified experience.
• User-friendly learning experience: Employees and volunteers can access courses from anywhere, at any time, on any device.
• Robust reporting and analytics: Gain insights into training completion rates, engagement levels, and compliance status.
• Scalable for growing organizations: Easily onboard new team members and volunteers without increasing administrative workload.

With Rippling’s automation-first approach, nonprofits can save time, reduce overhead, and focus more on their mission rather than administrative tasks.Learn more about Rippling LMS or explore how Rippling supports nonprofit organizations.

FAQs on the best LMS for nonprofits

To help nonprofits navigate their options, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about learning management system platforms.

Does Office 365 have an LMS?

Although Office 365 does not include a built-in learning management system (LMS), it integrates with various LMS platforms, like Rippling, Moodle, and TalentLMS, through Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. This integration helps streamline IT and HR workflows and ensures that training and learning resources remain accessible within the Microsoft 365 environment.

What is the best LMS for churches?

The best LMS for churches depends on their specific needs, such as training volunteers, onboarding staff, or providing religious education. Platforms like Rippling, TalentLMS, Moodle, and LearnWorlds offer user-friendly, customizable solutions that support online learning, live training sessions, and self-paced courses, making them ideal for faith-based organizations.

What is the most commonly used LMS?

Some of the most widely used LMS platforms include Moodle, TalentLMS, 360 Learning, and Rippling. These systems are popular due to their flexibility, ease of use, and ability to scale for different organization sizes, including nonprofits. The best choice depends on an organization's budget, training goals, and the level of automation required.

This blog is based on information available to Rippling as of March 4, 2025.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.