Email marketing for charities: nonprofit discounts and costs
Four of the platforms we list publish a nonprofit discount. Eligibility rules differ, and most are written for US 501(c)(3) organisations, so ask each vendor whether a UK registered charity qualifies before you rely on it.
| Platform | Discount | Terms (vendor's page) |
|---|---|---|
| Buttondown | 50% | 50% off for registered non-profits (501(c)(3) “or your country's equivalent”); email to ask. source |
| Moosend | 25% | 25% nonprofit discount, which can go on top of the annual-plan discount. source |
| EmailOctopus | 20% | 20% lifetime discount for nonprofits. source |
| Mailchimp | 15% | 15% discount for nonprofits and charities; sign up, then contact billing. source |
Monthly cost after the discount
Our arithmetic: each platform's entry plan at that list size (as in the calculator) minus its published nonprofit discount. “Free” means the free plan covers the list.
| Subscribers | Buttondown | Moosend | EmailOctopus | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | ≈ £3.36 | ≈ £5.04 | Free | £8.36 |
| 1,000 | ≈ £3.36 | ≈ £8.96 | Free | £17.03 |
| 2,500 | ≈ £10.82 | ≈ £17.91 | Free | £28.91 |
| 5,000 | ≈ £10.82 | ≈ £26.87 | ≈ £18.80 | £48.19 |
| 10,000 | ≈ £29.48 | ≈ £49.24 | ≈ £26.56 | £70.68 |
Prices are monthly unless marked. Dollar prices are converted at $1 = £0.74617 (ECB reference rate, 21 Oct 2026) (ECB) and rounded, so treat “≈ £” as approximate; your card may charge a different rate or a foreign-transaction fee. VAT may be added. Prices checked 22 Oct 2026 on each vendor's pricing page.
Free plans worth a look
A small charity list may not need a paid plan at all: Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is free to 10,000 subscribers, and Sender, EmailOctopus and beehiiv to 2,500. See free Mailchimp alternatives.
Consent and Gift Aid lists
Fundraising emails are direct marketing under PECR. The ICO's direct marketing guidance covers when you need consent. Keep consent records when you move platform.