> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.goodhearttech.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.goodhearttech.org/tech-recommendations/phone-systems-for-nonprofits.md).

# Phone Systems for Nonprofits

{% hint style="success" %}
**What are softphones?**\
Softphones include all software-based methods of using your phone system, such as mobile apps (iOS/Android) or apps on your computer. They’re a great way to avoid the cost of physical desk phones.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Every nonprofit’s needs are different. We recommend running a trial or demo with each vendor before committing to a long-term plan.
{% endhint %}

## Phone System Comparison for Nonprofits

If you're not sure where to start, [submit **this form** and we'll help you out.](https://forms.office.com/r/XcnxByXAak)

<table data-full-width="true"><thead><tr><th width="143.5999755859375">Vendor</th><th width="163.60009765625">Best For</th><th width="147.5999755859375">Desk Phone Support</th><th width="153">Softphone / Mobile Apps</th><th width="100.199951171875">SMS</th><th>Pricing / Licensing</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p><a href="https://oit.co/"><strong>OIT VoIP</strong></a></p><p><img src="/files/WXQmSviHwUL0JUk4LpT9" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td><td>Nonprofits using Microsoft 365</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>$24.50/user/mo<br>$34.50/user/mo for SMS<br><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/XcnxByXAak">Get more info</a></td><td>Seamless Teams integration, strong support (just dial 611), reliable mobile/desktop apps.</td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://www.net2phone.com/"><strong>net2phone</strong></a></p><p><img src="/files/GSdUQ4svgV30mNoJkK8h" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td><td>Nonprofits using Google Workspace</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td><p>$22/user/mo</p><p><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/XcnxByXAak">Get more info</a></p></td><td>Extremely easy to administer, simple interface, responsive support.</td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://grasshopper.com/"><strong>Grasshopper</strong></a></p><p><img src="/files/N0dSWClwIGixeAo03QSq" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td><td>Nonprofits with no desk phone needs</td><td>❌</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>$25/user/mo<br><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/XcnxByXAak">Get more info</a></td><td>Easiest option if you’ll never need desk phones. Simple to set up and manage.</td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://voip.ms/"><strong>VoIP.ms</strong></a></p><p><img src="https://logo.clearbit.com/voip.ms" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td><td>Nonprofits wanting low fixed costs, basic features</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>Prepaid, pay as you go<br>Local DID $1.10/number/mo<br>Toll-free DID from $0.99/mo<br><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/XcnxByXAak">Get more info</a></td><td>No contracts or seat licenses. Good if you want low monthly cost and basic call features.</td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/"><strong>Google Voice</strong></a></p><p><img src="/files/2BdThDQkpqV6YiKRuQHD" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td><td>Google Workspace nonprofits needing SMS</td><td>❌</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>$20/user/mo<br>Purchased in <a href="https://admin.google.com/">Google Admin Portal</a></td><td>Easy to configure. Some reports of numbers flagged as spam due to recycled phone numbers.</td></tr><tr><td><p><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/microsoft-teams-phone"><strong>Microsoft Teams Voice</strong></a></p><p><img src="https://docs.goodhearttech.org/public_photo/41" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td><td>Microsoft 365 nonprofits with dedicated IT support</td><td>✅</td><td>✅</td><td>❌ (add-on required)</td><td>$11.20/user/mo + free Purchased in <a href="https://admin.microsoft.com/">Microsoft Admin Portal</a></td><td>Great for advanced routing/queuing. <strong>Complex</strong> to administer; not recommended without IT/MSP.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Microsoft Teams Voice Administration

### Teams Voice Administration

Microsoft Teams Voice can be a powerful phone system for nonprofits already invested in Microsoft 365. It works across devices (desktop, mobile, and desk phones) and supports both simple call setups and advanced features like call routing, auto attendants, and queuing.

Nonprofits also benefit from **discounted licensing** that can be purchased directly in the Microsoft Admin Portal catalog:

* **Teams Phone with Calling Plan (US)** – $11.20/user/month, includes phone numbers
* **Microsoft Teams Phone Resource Account** – 10 free
* **Microsoft Teams Rooms Basic** – 25 free
* **Microsoft Teams Rooms Basic without Audio Conferencing** – 25 free
* **Microsoft Teams Audio Conferencing with dial-out to USA/CAN** – Unlimited free

**Limitations to consider:**

* Teams Voice does not include SMS (texting) by default. You’ll need to purchase and integrate a third-party service if texting is important for your organization.
* Administration can be complex. Setting up call flows, resource accounts, and integrations requires technical knowledge. We strongly recommend working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or having a dedicated IT resource before committing to Teams Voice.

For Microsoft-focused organizations with IT support in place, Teams Voice offers deep integration and flexibility at a nonprofit-friendly price. For smaller nonprofits without IT capacity, a simpler provider (like Grasshopper or net2phone) is often a better fit.

## Paging and On-Call Management

### **OnPage**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/qa5J4KwooieoaQFkLfYZ" alt="" width="246"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

[**OnPage** ](https://www.onpage.com/)is a full-featured, secure incident alerting and communication platform designed to support time-sensitive operations. It combines encrypted two-way messaging, escalation policies, on-call scheduling, voice capabilities, and audit trails into one mobile-friendly application. OnPage is particularly valuable for nonprofits needing reliable, urgent communications—whether for IT alerts, medical coordination, or crisis response.

Nonprofits benefit from OnPage’s advanced reliability and flexibility, including persistent alerts that override silent mode, automated escalations, and detailed delivery confirmation.

**OnPage offers a 15% discount to nonprofit organizations**, making it an affordable option for mission-critical communication needs. [Contact them here](https://www.onpage.com/contact-us/) and be sure to let them know you're with a nonprofit.


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