Churches leave a lot of money on the table here. I've talked to pastors who paid full price for software for years, and then found out they could have had it free or half off the whole time. Nobody told them. So let me tell you.
The catch is that not every "nonprofit discount" includes churches. Some welcome you. Some explicitly don't. And most of them want proof you're a recognized 501(c)(3). Here's the rundown.
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First, the paperwork that unlocks most of this
Churches are automatically tax-exempt. But most of these programs want proof of IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status. That means either your own IRS determination letter, or coverage under your denomination's group exemption, with a letter from the parent body proving you're included.
If you don't have either, that's the first thing to fix. It unlocks almost everything below. Most programs verify you through TechSoup or a service called Goodstack, so get your paperwork in a folder and you'll fly through the applications.
Programs churches can use
| Program | What you get | Churches eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Google Ad Grants | Up to $10,000/mo in Google Search ads | Yes, with a Google for Nonprofits account |
| Google for Nonprofits | Workspace, Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit Program | Yes, if IRS-recognized |
| Microsoft for Nonprofits | Granted and discounted Microsoft 365, Azure credits | Yes |
| Canva for Nonprofits | Canva Pro (Teams) free | Yes, churches aren't excluded |
| TechSoup | Donated and discounted software and hardware | Yes, if IRS-recognized |
| QuickBooks via TechSoup | Discounted QuickBooks | Yes |
| Mailchimp | 15% off marketing plans | Yes (request before you buy) |
| Constant Contact | 20% off 6-month prepay, 30% off 12-month | Yes |
| Asana | 50% off Starter and Advanced | Yes, churches aren't excluded |
| HubSpot | 40% off new Professional/Enterprise | Yes, churches aren't excluded |
| AWS Nonprofit Credits | Up to $5,000 per fiscal year in credit | Yes, via TechSoup |
| Box | Up to 10 free Starter licenses or 50% off | Yes, with TechSoup validation |
The big one: Google Ad Grants
This is the one I'd go after first. Up to $10,000 a month in free Google Search ads. Not a typo. That's how a church shows up when someone in your town searches "church near me" or "grief support group."
There are some requirements. You need a Google for Nonprofits account, and a high-quality website that meets Google's website policy. You also have to follow the program's policies. And Google's general ad policy on "identity and belief" means you can't use personalized or audience targeting for religious content, so you're working with keyword ads. The grant doesn't roll over, so use it or lose it each month.
When you apply to Google for Nonprofits, you'll be asked to affirm that your organization doesn't discriminate in hiring or in the administration of programs and services, and the wording includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Read that attestation carefully before you check the box, and make the call that fits your church. Some churches apply and some don't.
Microsoft and Canva: easy wins
Microsoft for Nonprofits is open to churches with recognized charitable status. You can get granted and discounted Microsoft 365 plus Azure credits. If your staff lives in Outlook and Word, this alone can save real money.
Canva Pro is free for eligible nonprofits, and churches aren't excluded. If your church makes slides, social graphics or bulletins, this is one of the best deals out there. Apply with your 501(c)(3) proof.
TechSoup: the marketplace
TechSoup is a marketplace of donated and discounted software and hardware from lots of companies. Core membership is free, and Plus is $200/yr. Each offer carries its own admin fee. Places of worship need IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status, either on their own or under a group exemption. Self-declared churches don't qualify.
Email discounts
If you use Mailchimp, it gives verified nonprofits 15% off. Important: request it before you buy. It's not retroactive. Constant Contact gives nonprofits 20% off with a 6-month prepay and 30% off with a 12-month prepay, though there's no discount if you pay monthly.
Programs that exclude churches
Don't waste your time on these unless you have a separate community-service organization:
- Slack for Nonprofits explicitly excludes "a church, association of churches, or other religious organization."
- Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Loom) says places of worship are ineligible.
- Autodesk, Meta for Work and Tableau through TechSoup exclude religious organizations without a "secular community designation."
The only legitimate path into these is a separately incorporated charity that genuinely serves everyone, like a food pantry or recovery ministry. If you already have one, it might qualify. Don't create one just to get a discount.
My suggested order
- Get your 501(c)(3) paperwork in order. Determination letter or group exemption letter.
- Apply for Canva and Microsoft. Fast and high value.
- Register with TechSoup. It's the verification hub for a lot of other programs.
- Decide on Google for Nonprofits and Ad Grants.
- Ask every vendor you pay if they have a nonprofit discount. Many do and don't advertise it.
For the full program-by-program table with sources, see our nonprofit discounts and grants page.
Every dollar you save on software is a dollar back in ministry. That's worth an afternoon of paperwork.