Business Central for non-profits: A connected platform to simplify operations and strengthen impact

Non-profit organisations rely on clarity, trust and efficiency. Business Central helps you manage funding, programmes, finance, and reporting in one place, so you can focus more time on your mission and less on administration. 

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Why non-profit organisations need Dynamics 365 Business Central

When your organisation depends on funding cycles, grant reporting and effective programme delivery, disconnected systems slow down your work. Dynamics 365 Business Central gives non-profits a single place to manage financials, donors, volunteers, procurement and operations. 

Dynamics 365 Business Central is an all-in-one ERP system that helps non-profits run essential functions with clarity and visibility. It replaces multiple systems with one platform that handles finance, budgeting, project and programme tracking, reporting, and compliance. With embedded automation and real-time insights, Business Central supports better planning and helps non-profits achieve more with fewer resources. If you want an ERP system designed to streamline mission-driven work, keep reading. 

Meet Business Central: An ERP designed for non-profits 

Non-profit organisations operate under pressure: limited budgets, strict reporting requirements and increasing demand. Business Central gives you a modern system that helps you run your organisation with confidence. Here is how: 

Unified organisational operations 

Business Central connects finance, donor management, operations, procurement and programme delivery in one environment. This helps teams work from accurate data and removes duplicate admin, giving everyone a clearer view of organisational performance. 

Better decision-making 

Real-time dashboards, analytics and forecasting tools help you understand funding, costs and programme performance. Research from Forrester shows that organisations using connected finance systems improve decision-making speed and reduce financial blind spots. These insights help leaders plan ahead and allocate resources more effectively.

Scales with your organisation 

Whether you run a local community organisation or a global NGO, Business Central adapts to your structure. You can add new programmes, locations or teams without changing systems, ensuring the platform continues to support your growth. 

Cost efficiency 

By automating repetitive tasks such as data entry, reporting and approvals, Business Central reduces operational workload. This frees up staff and volunteers to focus on service delivery rather than admin, helping you maximise your funding. 

Compliance and reporting 

Non-profits face strict audit, grant and regulatory requirements. Business Central provides structured workflows, audit trails and accurate reporting tools to help you meet obligations without adding complexity. 

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Discover how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central works

Why your business needs an ERP

82%

of businesses are utilising an ERP

1 in 5

businesses are dissatisfied with their current ERP

96%

of businesses say using an ERP has contributed to achieving business outcomes

Data taken from a survey we commissioned in December 2024

ERP designed for non-profit teams  

Non-profits need tools that make it easy to manage funding, run programmes and deliver impact. Business Central brings these processes into one system, giving you clarity and control across the organisation. Whether you work in finance, operations, fundraising or programme delivery, you can adapt the system to support your day-to-day responsibilities. 

Funding and grant management    

Track every grant and funding stream from approval to delivery. This helps you manage budgets, deadlines and reporting so you can stay compliant and maintain long-term funder trust. 

Programme and project oversight 

Create structured programme plans, assign tasks and monitor progress. This ensures teams know what needs doing, when it needs doing, and how activities contribute to wider impact goals. 

Budgeting and financial control 

Track spend in real time, compare planned vs actual costs, and ensure your programmes stay on budget. This helps you make decisions based on accurate financial data. 

Resource management 

Get a clearer view of staff, volunteers, equipment and supplies. With Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, you can allocate resources where they will have the greatest effect, reducing waste and improving outcomes. 

Why non-profits choose Dynamics 365 Business Central 

Grant and funding reporting  

Generate accurate reports for funders without relying on spreadsheets. Clear, real-time data helps you meet reporting requirements and demonstrate impact with confidence. 

Donation and income tracking 

Monitor donations, pledges and fundraising income in one place. This helps fundraising teams understand performance and plan future campaigns more effectively. 

Programme cost management 

Track programme costs in detail, ensuring that funds are used as intended. This supports transparency and helps finance teams prepare for audits with less manual effort. 

Volunteer and team coordination 

Manage volunteer activities, roles and availability. Centralised data helps programme leads coordinate more efficiently and ensure adequate support across all activities. 

Data-driven insights 

Use reporting tools to identify trends in fundraising, programme outcomes and budget performance. These insights support strategic planning and help leadership make confident decisions. 

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The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

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Download our report

The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

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Strengthen your organisation with an ERP built for non-profits 

Non-profits need clarity and connected information to deliver meaningful outcomes. Business Central brings finance, programmes, funding and reporting into one system, helping your organisation stay efficient, transparent and accountable. 

To learn more about Business Central or see how it supports non-profit work, get in touch using the form below. 

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Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for non-profits?

It is an ERP system that helps non-profits manage finance, funding, programmes and reporting from one connected platform.

How does Business Central help with grant reporting?

It centralises financial and programme data, allowing you to create accurate grant reports with less manual work.

Can Business Central track restricted and unrestricted funds?

Yes, the system lets you separate and track different funding types so you stay compliant with funder requirements.

Does Business Central support audit preparation?

It creates clear audit trails, financial records and documentation that help non-profits complete audits more smoothly.

Can Business Central integrate with fundraising platforms?

Yes, it can integrate with CRM and fundraising systems, allowing you to sync donor and financial data.

Is Business Central suitable for small charities?

Business Central is designed to scale, making it suitable for both small charities and large NGOs.

How does Business Central support volunteers?

You can track volunteer activity, availability and assignments, helping you plan programmes more effectively.

Does Business Central help reduce admin work?

Automation reduces manual tasks such as data entry, approvals and reporting, allowing teams to focus on service delivery.

Is Business Central cloud-based?

Yes, it is available as a cloud solution, offering accessibility from anywhere and reducing IT maintenance.

Can Business Central help improve financial transparency?

The platform provides real-time financial data and structured reporting tools that support transparency across the organisation.