7 Best Email Software for Associations in 2026 (With Discounts)

TL;DR: For associations that want to send member updates without becoming email marketing experts, Groupmail offers the best combination of simplicity, human support, and value. The 30% nonprofit discount and BYOSMTP model keep costs predictable, while the 29-year track record provides peace of mind. For associations needing more automation, MailerLite is a solid runner-up with a 30% nonprofit discount. Buttondown works well for minimal text newsletters with its generous 50% nonprofit discount.

Running an association means wearing a dozen hats—and "email marketing expert" probably wasn't in the job description. You need to tell members about the annual conference, remind them about dues renewals, and share industry updates. You don't need complex automation funnels or AI-powered subject line generators.

Disclosure: We're the team behind Groupmail—simple email software for organizations since 1996. We'll be upfront about where we fit and honest about alternatives.

Why Associations Struggle with Modern Email Tools

Most email platforms were built for e-commerce businesses chasing conversions. They're packed with features like abandoned cart sequences, lead scoring, and multi-step automation workflows. For an association admin who just wants to send next month's newsletter, it's overwhelming.

Association professionals tell us the same story: they signed up for a tool that promised simplicity, then spent hours watching tutorials just to send a basic update. The dashboards are cluttered with metrics that don't matter when your goal is keeping members informed rather than selling products.

The terminology itself creates confusion. When a platform talks about "subscribers" and "campaigns," it feels disconnected from the reality of sending a quarterly bulletin to your membership roster. Associations have members, not leads. They send updates, not campaigns.

💡 Tip: Before evaluating any email tool, write down exactly what you need. Most associations require: a simple editor, contact management, basic open rate tracking, and reliable delivery. Everything else is a bonus—and often adds complexity.

What Associations Should Look For

When evaluating email software for your association, prioritize these factors:

Simplicity over features. Can a volunteer board member figure it out without training? If not, it's probably too complex. Look for tools that let you send your first email within 10-15 minutes of signing up.

Transparent pricing. Some tools advertise low starting prices, then charge extra for basic features or count inactive contacts against your limits. Understand the total cost before committing.

Nonprofit and association discounts. Many providers offer 15-50% off for registered nonprofits and associations. Always ask—even if it's not prominently advertised.

Support from actual humans. When something goes wrong before your annual meeting announcement, you need a real person—not a chatbot or knowledge base article.

Deliverability. Your emails need to reach inboxes, not spam folders. Established providers with good reputations tend to have better deliverability.

7 Best Email Tools for Associations

1. Groupmail

Best for: Associations wanting simplicity with human support Pricing: Free (500 contacts) | Starter €25/month | 30% nonprofit discount Website: groupmail.io

Groupmail was built specifically for organizations that need to communicate with members—not run marketing campaigns. The interface strips away the complexity that clutters most email platforms, letting you send your first update within 10 minutes of signing up.

What sets Groupmail apart is the BYOSMTP (Bring Your Own SMTP) model. Instead of sending through shared infrastructure, you connect your own email service like Amazon SES or SendGrid. This typically improves deliverability since emails come from your domain, and it can significantly reduce costs at scale. Yes, there's a one-time setup step, but support walks you through it.

The human support deserves emphasis. When you contact Groupmail, you reach actual people who respond promptly—not a chatbot that redirects you to documentation. For association staff juggling multiple responsibilities, having reliable support matters more than having 50 features you'll never use.

At €25/month (about $27 USD) with a 30% nonprofit discount, the Starter plan stays under typical board-approval thresholds. The company has operated continuously since 1996, which provides reassurance that your email infrastructure won't disappear when a startup runs out of funding.

Key Takeaway: Groupmail is purpose-built for organizations that want to send member updates without becoming email marketing experts. The 28-year track record and human support provide peace of mind that startup tools can't match.

2. MailerLite

Best for: Associations needing affordable automation Pricing: Free (500 subscribers) | Growing Business from $10/month | 30% nonprofit discount Website: mailerlite.com

MailerLite offers a strong balance of features and affordability. The interface is cleaner than most competitors, and the 30% nonprofit discount makes it one of the more budget-friendly options for associations with larger member lists.

The free plan supports up to 500 subscribers with 12,000 monthly emails—generous for small associations just getting started. Paid plans unlock email templates, automation, and the ability to remove MailerLite branding.

Where MailerLite shines is automation without overwhelming complexity. You can set up a welcome sequence for new members or renewal reminders without needing a PhD in marketing technology. The visual workflow builder makes it relatively intuitive to understand what's happening.

The main consideration is that MailerLite is still primarily designed for businesses, so you'll encounter some marketing-focused terminology. The platform has also reduced its free plan limits over time, so verify current offerings before committing.

3. EmailOctopus

Best for: Budget-conscious associations wanting basics Pricing: Free (2,500 subscribers) | Pro from $9/month | 20% lifetime nonprofit discount Website: emailoctopus.com

EmailOctopus stands out for its generous free tier and straightforward pricing. The Starter plan allows 2,500 subscribers and 10,000 monthly emails at no cost—one of the most substantial free offerings available.

The 20% lifetime nonprofit discount applies permanently to your account, not just the first year. For associations operating on tight budgets, this consistency in pricing is valuable for long-term planning.

EmailOctopus focuses on doing email well rather than becoming an all-in-one marketing platform. You get a solid drag-and-drop editor, basic automation, and reliable delivery. The platform integrates with Amazon SES for users who want even lower costs at scale.

The trade-off is fewer bells and whistles. If you need advanced segmentation, detailed analytics, or extensive integrations, you may find EmailOctopus too basic. For associations that just want to send clean newsletters to their members, it's a capable and affordable choice.

4. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Best for: Associations wanting email plus CRM Pricing: Free (300 emails/day) | Starter from $9/month | 15% discount (Enterprise only) Website: brevo.com

Brevo takes a different approach to pricing—charging based on emails sent rather than contacts stored. This can be advantageous for associations with large member databases who don't email frequently.

The free plan allows unlimited contacts and 300 emails per day. For a small association sending weekly updates to a few hundred members, this could be sufficient indefinitely.

Brevo also includes a built-in CRM, which can help associations track member interactions beyond just email opens. You can manage contact information, log notes, and maintain a more complete picture of member engagement.

⚠️ Watch out: Brevo's nonprofit discount (15%) only applies to Enterprise plans, which start at custom pricing. Smaller associations won't benefit from this discount, though the base pricing is already competitive.

5. Constant Contact

Best for: Associations running frequent events Pricing: Lite from $12/month | Standard from $35/month | Up to 30% nonprofit discount Website: constantcontact.com

Constant Contact has served small organizations since 1995, giving it one of the longest track records in the industry. The platform includes event management tools that many associations find valuable—you can create event pages, handle registrations, and send automated reminders.

The nonprofit discount structure rewards commitment: 20% off for prepaying six months, or 30% off for prepaying twelve months. For associations with stable budgets, this can significantly reduce costs.

Constant Contact also offers phone support, which is increasingly rare among email platforms. When you need immediate help before a major member communication, being able to call someone provides real value.

The main drawback is pricing. Even with the nonprofit discount, Constant Contact costs more than most alternatives. The Lite plan lacks essential features like automation, pushing most associations toward the $35/month Standard plan. For the price, you might expect more modern features.

6. Buttondown

Best for: Minimal text-focused newsletters Pricing: Free (100 subscribers) | Basic from $9/month | 50% nonprofit discount Website: buttondown.com

Buttondown is refreshingly simple. If your association primarily sends text-based updates without complex formatting, Buttondown strips away everything unnecessary. The editor is clean, the interface is minimal, and the focus is on writing rather than designing.

The 50% nonprofit discount is the most generous in this comparison. For registered 501(c)(3) organizations (or international equivalents), this makes Buttondown remarkably affordable. The Basic plan at $9/month becomes $4.50 with the discount.

Buttondown supports Markdown for those comfortable with it, making it popular among technical associations and professional groups where members appreciate plain, readable emails over elaborate designs.

The limitation is scope. Buttondown works best for straightforward newsletters. If you need event registration, member segmentation, or sophisticated automation, you'll want a different tool. But for associations that just want to write and send updates without friction, Buttondown excels.

7. Mailchimp

Best for: Maximum integrations and templates Pricing: Free (500 contacts) | Essentials from $13/month | 15% nonprofit discount Website: mailchimp.com

Mailchimp remains the most recognized name in email marketing, which brings advantages. Most software tools integrate with Mailchimp, volunteer board members may already be familiar with it, and the template library is extensive.

The 15% nonprofit discount requires verification but applies to all paid plans. The free plan supports 500 contacts and 1,000 monthly emails, though recent changes have restricted features like scheduling and automation on free accounts.

For associations that need to connect email with other systems—donor databases, event platforms, membership software—Mailchimp's integration library is unmatched. You're unlikely to find a tool that doesn't connect with Mailchimp somehow.

The honest critique: Mailchimp has grown complex. What started as simple email software now includes website building, social posting, CRM features, and more. For associations wanting simplicity, navigating this expanded platform can feel overwhelming. Pricing has also increased substantially over the years.

Quick Comparison Table

Which Tool Is Right for Your Association?

Choose Groupmail if: You want simplicity above all else, value human support, and prefer a tool built specifically for organizations rather than marketers. The BYOSMTP model appeals to associations wanting control over deliverability.

Choose MailerLite if: You need automation capabilities but still want an approachable interface. The 30% nonprofit discount makes it cost-effective for growing associations.

Choose EmailOctopus if: Budget is the primary concern and you need basic email capabilities. The generous free tier can serve small associations indefinitely.

Choose Brevo if: You have a large contact database but don't email frequently, or you want built-in CRM capabilities alongside email.

Choose Constant Contact if: Your association runs many events and you value phone support. Budget must accommodate the higher pricing.

Choose Buttondown if: Your newsletters are primarily text-based and you want the simplest possible tool with the largest nonprofit discount.

Choose Mailchimp if: You need extensive integrations with other software or your team already knows the platform.

A Note About All-in-One Membership Platforms

Some associations wonder whether they should use dedicated membership management software like Wild Apricot, MemberClicks, or YourMembership instead of standalone email tools. These platforms bundle email with website hosting, event management, dues collection, and member databases.

If you're already using membership management software, check whether its built-in email features meet your needs before adding another tool. However, many associations find that dedicated email platforms offer better editors, more templates, and superior deliverability compared to the email modules included in all-in-one solutions.

Conclusion

The best email software for your association is the one your team will actually use consistently. Complex platforms with impressive feature lists often go underutilized because nobody has time to learn them properly.

For most associations, simplicity matters more than sophistication. Your members care about receiving useful information reliably—not about whether your emails were sent using AI-optimized send times or dynamic content blocks.

Ready to send your first update? Try Groupmail free – set up in 10 minutes, no credit card required. Built for organizations, not marketers.