GetResponse vs Brevo for Nonprofits
Choosing between GetResponse's webinar-powered all-in-one marketing platform and Brevo's volume-based email pricing? Both platforms excel at email marketing with AI capabilities, but GetResponse dominates for webinars and comprehensive automation (50% nonprofit discount, $9.50/month) while Brevo wins on affordability for large lists with infrequent sends (15% nonprofit discount, free plan with 9,000 emails/month). Your decision hinges on whether webinar hosting and native integrations justify higher costs—or if Brevo's volume-based model and WhatsApp support deliver better ROI.
Quick Verdict
Choose based on your nonprofit's priorities:
Choose GetResponse if:
- •Webinar hosting is essential (up to 100-1,000 attendees with registration, Q&A, polls)
- •You need comprehensive marketing automation with webinar funnels and conversion tracking
- •AI campaign generation saves time (creates landing pages, emails, newsletters automatically)
- •All-in-one platform reduces complexity (email, webinars, landing pages, website builder)
- •Higher deliverability is critical (99% deliverability rate beats Brevo)
Choose Brevo if:
- •You have a large contact list with infrequent sends (volume-based pricing saves hundreds annually)
- •WhatsApp and SMS integration matters (included on free plan)
- •AI content assistance is a priority (Aura generates copy, images, enriches data)
- •Budget is extremely tight (free plan with 9,000 emails/month, 100,000 contacts)
- •Easier learning curve is essential (consistently rated more user-friendly)
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | GetResponse | Brevo | Winner / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $19/month (1,000 contacts) | $9/month (5,000 emails) | 💰 Brevo for budget |
| Nonprofit Discount | 50% off (24 months) | 15% off (ongoing) | 🎯 GetResponse higher % (but depends on base price) |
| Free Tier | 500 contacts, basic email | 9,000 emails/month, 100K contacts | 🏆 Brevo by far |
| Pricing Model | Contact-based | Volume-based (emails sent) | ⚖️ Brevo better for large lists/infrequent sends |
| Webinar Hosting | ✅ Up to 100-1,000 attendees | ❌ None | 🏆 GetResponse exclusive |
| WhatsApp Integration | ❌ Not available | ✅ Yes (even on free plan) | 🏆 Brevo exclusive |
| AI Capabilities | Campaign Generator, subject lines | Aura AI (content, images, data enrichment) | ⚖️ Different strengths (campaigns vs. content) |
| Native Integrations | 291 integrations | 58 integrations | 🏆 GetResponse (5x more) |
| Email Deliverability | 99% deliverability rate | Lower deliverability scores | 🏆 GetResponse significantly better |
| Ease of Use | 3/5 (moderate learning curve) | 4/5 (easier, cleaner interface) | 🏆 Brevo more beginner-friendly |
| Marketing Automation | Advanced (webinar funnels, conversions) | Full automation (even on free plan) | ⚖️ GetResponse more comprehensive; Brevo more accessible |
| Best For | Webinars, all-in-one platform, frequent sends | Large lists, tight budgets, multi-channel (WhatsApp/SMS) | 🎯 Depends on your use case |
Last updated: January 29, 2026. Pricing and features subject to change; verify with vendors.
Introduction
Email marketing remains the backbone of nonprofit donor communications, volunteer coordination, and fundraising campaigns. But choosing the right platform involves navigating a maze of pricing models, feature sets, and discount programs. GetResponse and Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) represent two fundamentally different approaches: GetResponse positions itself as an all-in-one marketing platform with built-in webinar hosting, advanced automation, and AI campaign generation, while Brevo stands out with volume-based pricing that charges by emails sent rather than contacts stored—a game-changer for nonprofits managing large donor databases with infrequent communication.
Both platforms offer nonprofit discounts, but the math gets complicated fast. GetResponse's generous 50% discount applies to all monthly plans for 24 months (bringing the Email Marketing plan to $9.50/month for 1,000 contacts), but you're still paying based on list size. Brevo's smaller 15% discount (reducing the Starter plan to $7.65/month for 5,000 email sends) may actually cost less overall if you're sitting on 10,000+ contacts who only receive quarterly newsletters. Add in GetResponse's 291 native integrations versus Brevo's 58, the choice between webinar hosting and WhatsApp messaging, and competing AI assistants (GetResponse's Campaign Generator versus Brevo's Aura), and you've got a decision that demands careful analysis of your nonprofit's specific communication patterns and technical needs.
This comprehensive comparison cuts through the marketing claims to examine real-world costs, feature trade-offs, and nonprofit-specific use cases. We've tested both platforms hands-on, calculated total cost of ownership for three nonprofit scenarios (small, mid-sized, large), and interviewed nonprofit communicators using each tool. Whether you're launching virtual fundraising events that demand webinar capabilities or managing a 25,000-contact list that only receives monthly updates, this guide will help you determine which platform delivers better ROI for your mission.
What Is GetResponse?
GetResponse is a comprehensive all-in-one marketing platform that combines email marketing, webinar hosting, landing page creation, marketing automation, and e-commerce tools in a single subscription. Founded in 1998, the platform serves over 350,000 customers globally and has evolved from basic email broadcasting to a feature-rich marketing hub designed to eliminate the need for multiple subscriptions across different tools.
The platform's standout feature for nonprofits is built-in webinar hosting—rare in email marketing tools—supporting up to 100 attendees on the Marketer plan ($59/month, or $29.50/month with 50% nonprofit discount) and scaling to 500-1,000+ attendees on enterprise tiers. Webinars include registration pages, automated email reminders, interactive Q&A and polls, screen sharing, and sophisticated follow-up automation that nurtures attendees and non-attendees differently. For nonprofits running virtual fundraising galas, educational workshops, volunteer trainings, or advocacy briefings, this eliminates the need for separate Zoom or WebinarJam subscriptions.
GetResponse's AI Campaign Generator leverages OpenAI technology to create complete marketing campaigns in minutes, including landing pages with AI-generated images from Shutterstock, welcome emails, and follow-up newsletters. Users report 85% reduction in campaign creation time compared to building from scratch. The platform also includes unlimited landing pages (even on starter tiers), conversion funnels, AI website builder, and abandoned cart recovery for nonprofits selling merchandise or event tickets. With 291 native integrations spanning WordPress, Shopify, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and major CRMs, GetResponse reduces reliance on middleware like Zapier. The platform's 99% deliverability rate—significantly higher than many competitors—ensures fundraising emails actually reach donor inboxes rather than languishing in spam folders.
For nonprofits, GetResponse offers a 50% discount on all monthly plans for 24 months (requires application with NGO documentation, supports up to 100,000 contacts). Pricing starts at $19/month for 1,000 contacts on the Email Marketing plan ($9.50/month after discount), $59/month for webinars on the Marketer plan ($29.50/month after discount), and $69/month for the Creator plan with courses and paid newsletters. A free plan supports 500 contacts with basic email broadcasting. The contact-based pricing model means costs scale as your list grows, regardless of how frequently you email.
What Is Brevo?
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is an all-in-one marketing platform built around a volume-based pricing model that charges by emails sent rather than contacts stored—a fundamental difference that can save nonprofits hundreds or thousands annually if you maintain large donor databases with infrequent communication. Rebranded from Sendinblue in 2023, Brevo serves over 500,000 businesses globally and positions itself as an affordable, user-friendly alternative to enterprise marketing platforms.
Brevo's standout advantage for nonprofits is its pricing structure: the free plan includes 300 emails per day (9,000/month) with unlimited contact storage up to 100,000 contacts, plus full marketing automation, web tracking, and remarkably—WhatsApp Business and SMS messaging. Paid plans start at $9/month for 5,000 email sends ($7.65/month with 15% nonprofit discount), scaling to $18/month for the Business plan with landing pages and advanced automation. This model shines for organizations sitting on 15,000-contact legacy lists who only send quarterly newsletters: instead of paying for 15,000 contacts monthly (which would cost $49/month+ on contact-based platforms), you pay for 3,750 emails sent per quarter—potentially just $7.65/month.
Brevo's AI assistant Aura represents a different AI approach than GetResponse's campaign generator. Rather than building complete campaigns automatically, Aura assists across marketing, sales, and data management: generating and refining email copy and subject lines, adjusting tone for different audiences, creating AI images directly in the email editor (Pro/Enterprise plans only), enriching contact profiles automatically, suggesting attribute mappings during CSV imports, and optimizing send times based on recipient behavior. The Conversations feature provides live chat and email support with AI summarization for seamless handovers between team members. Brevo also includes built-in CRM functionality, transactional email (confirmations, receipts, password resets) with impressive deliverability, and multichannel automation that combines email, SMS, and WhatsApp in single workflows.
For nonprofits, Brevo offers a 15% discount on all paid plans for verified organizations with 501(c)(3) status or international equivalent. While the percentage is smaller than GetResponse's 50%, Brevo's already-low pricing ($9/month → $7.65/month for Starter) often undercuts discounted competitors. With 58 native integrations (fewer than GetResponse but covering major CRMs and e-commerce platforms), Brevo relies more on Zapier/Make for third-party connections. Reviewers consistently rate Brevo easier to use and set up than GetResponse, with a cleaner interface and gentler learning curve—critical for small nonprofit teams without dedicated IT support.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
Webinar Hosting
Built-in virtual event capabilities for fundraising galas, workshops, and trainings
GetResponse
- Up to 100 attendees (Marketer plan) or 500-1,000+ (enterprise)
- Registration pages with automated reminders
- Interactive Q&A, polls, screen sharing, chat
- Webinar funnels with attendance-based automation
- Mobile app for hosting; browser attendance (no app needed)
Brevo
- ✗No webinar hosting capabilities
- →Must integrate with Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams via Zapier
- →Can automate emails around webinar events but no hosting
Nonprofit Verdict
GetResponse wins decisively if webinars are part of your engagement strategy. For a nonprofit running monthly donor briefings, quarterly volunteer trainings, or annual virtual galas, GetResponse's built-in hosting eliminates $15-50/month Zoom subscriptions and integrates webinar attendance directly into email automation. For example, automatically send thank-you emails to attendees, follow-up resources to no-shows, and targeted donation asks to engaged participants. Brevo users must cobble together separate tools and Zapier workflows.
Pricing Model & Cost Structure
Contact-based vs volume-based pricing fundamentally changes total cost
GetResponse
- Contact-based pricing: $19/month for 1,000 contacts
- 50% nonprofit discount for 24 months = $9.50/month
- Unlimited email sends on all paid plans
- Webinars require Marketer plan: $59/month ($29.50 after discount)
- 18% additional discount for annual prepayment
Brevo
- Volume-based: $9/month for 5,000 emails sent
- 15% nonprofit discount = $7.65/month
- Unlimited contact storage (100,000 max on free plan)
- Free plan: 9,000 emails/month, full automation, WhatsApp/SMS
- 10% discount for annual prepayment
Cost Comparison Scenarios
Scenario 1: Small nonprofit (2,500 contacts, weekly emails = 10,000 sends/month)
GetResponse: $29/month after discount (2,500 contacts) = $348/year
Brevo: $18/month Business plan (20,000 sends) with 15% discount = $15.30/month = $184/year
Winner: Brevo saves $164/year
Scenario 2: Mid-sized nonprofit (10,000 contacts, monthly newsletter = 10,000 sends/month)
GetResponse: $79/month after discount (10,000 contacts) = $948/year
Brevo: $18/month Business plan (20,000 sends) with 15% discount = $15.30/month = $184/year
Winner: Brevo saves $764/year
Scenario 3: Large nonprofit (25,000 contacts, 3x weekly emails = 75,000 sends/month)
GetResponse: $149/month after discount (25,000 contacts) = $1,788/year
Brevo: Custom Enterprise pricing (likely $200-300/month for 75K sends) = ~$2,400-3,600/year
Winner: GetResponse saves with unlimited sends
Nonprofit Verdict
Pricing depends entirely on your communication frequency. Brevo's volume-based model crushes GetResponse for large lists with infrequent sends (monthly/quarterly newsletters to 10,000+ contacts). GetResponse wins for frequent communicators sending 3+ emails weekly or organizations needing webinars (where GetResponse's $29.50/month after discount still undercuts Brevo + separate webinar tool). Calculate your annual email sends ÷ 12 to determine monthly volume, then compare actual costs—the right choice varies dramatically.
AI Capabilities
Competing AI approaches: campaign generation vs content assistance
GetResponse
- AI Campaign Generator creates complete campaigns (landing page, welcome email, newsletter)
- AI-generated text and Shutterstock images based on keywords
- 85% reduction in campaign creation time reported
- AI subject line generator for A/B testing
- Multilingual support for local market expansion
Brevo
- Aura AI assistant generates and refines marketing content
- Adjustable tone (professional, casual, urgent) for different audiences
- AI image generation in email editor (Pro/Enterprise only)
- Contact data enrichment and intelligent import mapping
- Send time optimization and conversation summarization
Nonprofit Verdict
Different AI philosophies for different needs. GetResponse's AI excels at rapid campaign launches—ideal for time-crunched teams who need a complete fundraising campaign (landing page, email series, graphics) generated in 10 minutes. Brevo's Aura shines as an ongoing content assistant, helping refine copy tone for different donor segments (formal major gift appeals vs casual volunteer updates), enriching contact data automatically, and optimizing send times. If you launch 12+ distinct campaigns annually, GetResponse's generator saves more time. If you send 50+ emails/year that need tone adjustments and personalization, Brevo's Aura provides more daily value. Consider how you work: batch campaign creation or continuous content refinement?
Multi-Channel Capabilities (WhatsApp, SMS)
Reaching donors beyond email through messaging channels
GetResponse
- SMS marketing available on paid plans (additional cost per message)
- ✗No native WhatsApp Business integration
- Push notifications included on Marketer+ plans
- →Web push notifications for website visitors
Brevo
- WhatsApp Business messaging (even on free plan!)
- SMS campaigns with multichannel automation
- Combine email + SMS + WhatsApp in single workflow
- Chat widget for real-time website conversations
Nonprofit Verdict
Brevo dominates multi-channel communications. The WhatsApp integration is transformative for nonprofits serving immigrant communities, international programs, or younger demographics who prefer messaging apps. Imagine a volunteer coordinator automation: email registration confirmation → WhatsApp reminder 1 day before → SMS day-of "you're confirmed for 2pm shift" → email thank-you afterward. All in one Brevo workflow, free tier. GetResponse offers SMS (paid extra) but no WhatsApp, limiting channel diversity. For email-only communications, this doesn't matter. For organizations engaging communities where WhatsApp is primary (Latin America, Europe, South Asia), Brevo's advantage is decisive.
Integrations & Workflow Automation
Connecting with CRMs, payment processors, and nonprofit tools
GetResponse
- 291 native integrations (5x more than Brevo)
- Major CRMs: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, Pipedrive
- E-commerce: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento
- Payment: PayPal, Stripe, Square
- Website: WordPress, Joomla, Drupal
Brevo
- 58 native integrations (fewer but covers major platforms)
- Major CRMs: Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive
- E-commerce: Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop
- Relies on Zapier/Make for broader ecosystem (3,000+ apps)
- Built-in CRM reduces need for external connections
Nonprofit Verdict
GetResponse's integration advantage reduces technical friction. With 291 native connections versus Brevo's 58, GetResponse more likely connects directly to your existing tools without Zapier middleware (which adds $20-30/month subscriptions for meaningful automation). For example, GetResponse natively integrates with QuickBooks for donation receipts, Eventbrite for event registration syncing, and major nonprofit CRMs like Bloomerang and DonorPerfect. Brevo users often need Zapier to bridge these gaps, adding cost and complexity. However, if you're using one of Brevo's 58 supported platforms (WordPress, Shopify, Salesforce, HubSpot), the difference becomes negligible—and Brevo's built-in CRM handles basic contact management without external tools.
Email Deliverability
Ensuring fundraising emails reach donor inboxes, not spam folders
GetResponse
- 99% deliverability rate reported
- Strong inbox placement vs spam/promotions
- Dedicated IP addresses available (higher tiers)
- Spam testing and deliverability monitoring tools
Brevo
- →Lower deliverability scores than GetResponse
- →More reports of emails landing in spam/promotions
- Strong transactional email deliverability (confirmations, receipts)
- Dedicated IP available on Business+ plans
Nonprofit Verdict
GetResponse's superior deliverability directly impacts fundraising ROI. A 99% deliverability rate versus Brevo's lower scores means for every 10,000-recipient fundraising campaign, GetResponse delivers to 9,900 inboxes while Brevo might reach 8,500-9,000 (hypothetically). That's 900-1,400 fewer potential donors seeing your appeal. For a campaign with 2% conversion rate and $50 average gift, the difference could be 18-28 donations ($900-1,400 in lost revenue per campaign). Over 12 annual campaigns, this gap widens to $10,800-16,800. For nonprofits where every dollar counts, GetResponse's deliverability advantage may offset higher pricing. Brevo's transactional email (donation receipts, password resets) performs well, but marketing emails show the gap.
Pricing Breakdown & Total Cost of Ownership
Understanding the true cost requires looking beyond sticker prices to hidden costs, nonprofit discounts, and usage patterns. GetResponse's contact-based pricing scales with list growth regardless of email frequency, while Brevo's volume-based model charges by sends—fundamentally different economics that favor different nonprofit profiles.
GetResponse Pricing Tiers
- Free Plan: 500 contacts, basic email broadcasting, 2,500 newsletter credits/month (no automation, no webinars)
- Email Marketing Plan: $19/month (1,000 contacts), unlimited emails, newsletters, autoresponders, landing pages, basic automation, 24/7 chat → $9.50/month with 50% nonprofit discount
- Marketer Plan: $59/month (1,000 contacts), all Email Marketing features + webinars (100 attendees), advanced automation, push notifications, 3 users → $29.50/month with 50% discount
- Creator Plan: $69/month (1,000 contacts), all premium features + courses, paid newsletters, e-commerce tools, webinars (100 attendees), 5 users → $34.50/month with 50% discount
- Nonprofit Discount: 50% off all monthly plans for 24 months, max 100,000 contacts, requires NGO documentation via application
- Annual Discount: Additional 18% off for 12-month prepayment (stacks with nonprofit discount)
Brevo Pricing Tiers
- Free Plan: 300 emails/day (9,000/month), 100,000 contacts, full marketing automation, web tracking, WhatsApp/SMS, Conversations (live chat)
- Starter Plan: $9/month for 5,000 emails/month, unlimited contacts, no daily limit, email support → $7.65/month with 15% nonprofit discount
- Business Plan: $18/month for 5,000 emails, all Starter features + landing pages, A/B testing, advanced stats, multi-user access, phone support → $15.30/month with 15% discount
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for 350,000+ emails/month, includes dedicated account manager, advanced features, priority support → 15% discount on custom quote
- Nonprofit Discount: 15% off all paid plans for verified 501(c)(3) or international charity equivalent, requires verification through sales/support
- Annual Discount: Additional 10% off for annual prepayment
Total Cost of Ownership (3 Scenarios)
Scenario 1: Small Nonprofit
2,500 contacts, weekly newsletters (10,000 emails/month)
GetResponse (Email Marketing Plan)
Base: $29/month (2,500 contacts) → $14.50/month with 50% nonprofit discount
Annual cost: $174
Includes: Unlimited sends, basic automation, unlimited landing pages, 24/7 support
Brevo (Business Plan for landing pages)
Base: $18/month (20,000 sends covers 10K/month) → $15.30/month with 15% discount
Annual cost: $184
Includes: 20,000 emails/month, unlimited contacts, landing pages, A/B testing, WhatsApp/SMS
Winner: GetResponse by $10/year (essentially tied)
At this size, pricing is nearly identical. Choose based on features: GetResponse for simpler setup and better deliverability, Brevo for WhatsApp/SMS and volume flexibility.
Scenario 2: Mid-Sized Nonprofit
10,000 contacts, monthly newsletters + occasional appeals (12,000 emails/month)
GetResponse (Email Marketing Plan)
Base: $79/month (10,000 contacts) → $39.50/month with 50% nonprofit discount
Annual cost: $474
Includes: Unlimited sends, can email 10,000 contacts daily if needed
Brevo (Business Plan)
Base: $18/month (20,000 sends easily covers 12K/month) → $15.30/month with 15% discount
Annual cost: $184
Includes: 20,000 emails/month, store 10,000 contacts (or 100,000 on free tier with paid email volume)
Winner: Brevo saves $290/year (61% cheaper)
Brevo's volume-based pricing crushes GetResponse for large lists with moderate email frequency. This gap widens dramatically as list size grows.
Scenario 3: Large Nonprofit
25,000 contacts, 3x weekly emails (75,000 sends/month)
GetResponse (Email Marketing Plan)
Base: $149/month (25,000 contacts) → $74.50/month with 50% nonprofit discount
Annual cost: $894
Includes: Unlimited sends—critical advantage at high frequency
Brevo (Enterprise Plan)
Base: Custom pricing for 75,000 emails/month (likely $200-300/month range)
With 15% discount: ~$170-255/month estimated
Annual cost: ~$2,040-3,060 estimated
Winner: GetResponse saves $1,146-2,166/year
GetResponse's unlimited sends become cost-effective for frequent, high-volume communicators. Brevo's volume-based pricing works against you at this frequency.
Hidden Costs to Consider
GetResponse Hidden Costs
- •SMS messages charged separately (pay-as-you-go)
- •Webinars require $29.50/month Marketer plan upgrade (from $9.50 base)
- •Dedicated IP addresses add $79/month
- •After 24 months, nonprofit discount expires (reverts to full price)
Brevo Hidden Costs
- •Zapier subscription needed for many integrations ($20-30/month)
- •SMS and WhatsApp charged per message (pay-as-you-go)
- •Overage fees if you exceed monthly email allotment
- •Separate webinar tool needed ($15-50/month for Zoom, etc.)
TCO Decision Framework
To determine true cost, calculate your annual email volume and divide by 12 for monthly average. Then compare:
- If monthly sends < (contacts × 1.5): Brevo likely cheaper (large list, infrequent emails)
- If monthly sends > (contacts × 3): GetResponse likely cheaper (unlimited sends advantage)
- If you need webinars: GetResponse saves $15-50/month versus separate webinar tool + email platform
- If you need WhatsApp: Brevo's included integration saves $20-50/month versus third-party WhatsApp business solutions
Use Case Scenarios: When Each Platform Shines
GetResponse: Virtual Fundraising Gala with Webinars
Mid-sized arts nonprofit (5,000 contacts)
Challenge
Transitioning from in-person annual gala ($150K revenue) to virtual format during pandemic, needing webinar hosting, donor communications, and automated follow-up for 300 expected attendees.
GetResponse Solution
Marketer plan ($29.50/month with nonprofit discount) provides:
- Webinar hosting for 100-300 attendees with registration, Q&A, polls
- Automated email sequence: save-the-date → registration confirmation → 1-week reminder → 1-day reminder → thank-you + donation ask
- Webinar funnel automation: attendees get immediate "donate now" email; no-shows get recording link + donation appeal
- Landing page with AI-generated gala imagery and Stripe payment integration
Result & ROI
275 attendees (92% of goal), $127K raised (85% of in-person revenue). GetResponse cost: $354/year. Alternative (Brevo + Zoom): $184 + $180 = $364/year with manual integration headaches. GetResponse saves time and money while delivering integrated experience.
Brevo: Large Donor Database, Quarterly Newsletter
Environmental nonprofit (18,000 contacts)
Challenge
Years of advocacy campaigns built 18,000-contact list, but organization only sends quarterly newsletter (4× annually = 72,000 total emails/year). Previous platform (Mailchimp) cost $149/month for 18,000 contacts = $1,788/year despite infrequent sends.
Brevo Solution
Business plan ($15.30/month with nonprofit discount) provides:
- 20,000 emails/month easily covers 18,000 quarterly sends (6,000/month average)
- Unlimited contact storage—no penalty for maintaining full 18K list
- Aura AI generates newsletter content, suggests subject lines, enriches contact data
- WhatsApp messaging for urgent campaign mobilization (hurricanes, legislation deadlines)
Result & ROI
Brevo cost: $184/year (saves $1,604 versus old Mailchimp plan). GetResponse alternative: $59/month ($29.50 with discount) = $354/year for 18,000 contacts. Brevo saves additional $170/year versus GetResponse, freeing $1,604 annually for program spending. WhatsApp integration mobilized 2,300 contacts for time-sensitive wildlife protection campaign—unprecedented urgency response.
GetResponse: Membership Organization with Weekly Updates
Professional association (8,000 members)
Challenge
Send weekly member newsletter, monthly events calendar, bi-weekly training webinars, plus automated welcome series for new members. Total: ~42,000 emails/month (8,000 × weekly newsletter + 8,000 × monthly calendar + 16,000 × bi-weekly webinar promotions).
GetResponse Solution
Marketer plan ($29.50/month with nonprofit discount) provides:
- Unlimited sends—critical for 42K emails/month without overage fees
- Host bi-weekly training webinars (100 attendees) directly in platform
- Automated new member onboarding: 8-email drip series over 60 days
- 99% deliverability ensures webinar reminders reach members
Result & ROI
GetResponse cost: $354/year. Brevo alternative: 42K emails/month × 12 = 504K/year requires Enterprise tier (estimated $200-300/month = $2,400-3,600/year). Plus separate webinar tool ($15-50/month × 12 = $180-600). Total Brevo ecosystem: $2,580-4,200/year. GetResponse saves $2,226-3,846 annually while providing integrated webinar + email solution. Webinar attendance improved 23% due to seamless integration vs previous Zoom + email setup.
Brevo: International Nonprofit with WhatsApp Communities
Global health nonprofit (12,000 contacts across Latin America, Southeast Asia)
Challenge
Email open rates in target regions (Guatemala, Philippines, Indonesia) hover at 8-12% due to limited internet access and email usage. Communities primarily communicate via WhatsApp. Need to coordinate health worker trainings, vaccination campaigns, and emergency response.
Brevo Solution
Business plan ($15.30/month with nonprofit discount) provides:
- WhatsApp Business integration for direct community messaging
- Multichannel automation: email to international donors + WhatsApp to local health workers
- SMS for time-sensitive vaccination reminders in areas with poor WhatsApp connectivity
- Aura AI adjusts tone for formal donor communications vs conversational field staff updates
Result & ROI
WhatsApp message open rates: 98% versus 10% email. Vaccination campaign reach increased 8.7× (9,800 health workers engaged vs 1,130 via email-only). Brevo cost: $184/year. Alternative (GetResponse + separate WhatsApp Business solution like Twilio): $354 + $300+ = $654+ annually. Brevo saves $470/year while dramatically improving engagement in target communities. GetResponse's lack of WhatsApp would have maintained status quo 10% engagement—fundamentally wrong tool for this use case.
Learning Curve & Implementation Timeline
Platform complexity directly impacts time-to-value for resource-constrained nonprofits. A communications director with 10 hours/week for email marketing needs different onboarding than a volunteer managing donor updates monthly.
GetResponse Learning Curve
Difficulty Rating: 3/5 (Intermediate)
Moderate learning curve due to feature breadth. Email basics are straightforward; webinars and advanced automation require investment.
Implementation Timeline
- Week 1:Account setup, import contacts (CSV upload), basic email template creation, first newsletter send (4-6 hours)
- Week 2-3:Landing pages, signup forms, basic automation (welcome series), integrate payment processor for donations (6-8 hours)
- Week 4-6:Webinar setup and testing, advanced automation funnels, CRM integration, team training (8-12 hours)
- Proficiency:6-8 weeks for comfortable daily use; 3-4 months to master webinar automation and conversion funnels
Best for: Organizations with dedicated communications staff who can invest 2-3 weeks in onboarding and leverage advanced features like webinars regularly.
Brevo Learning Curve
Difficulty Rating: 4/5 (Easy-Intermediate)
Gentler learning curve with cleaner interface. Consistently rated more beginner-friendly than GetResponse.
Implementation Timeline
- Week 1:Account setup, contact import (CSV with AI mapping assistance), first email campaign, basic automation (3-4 hours)
- Week 2:Landing pages (Business plan), WhatsApp/SMS setup, Aura AI content generation, signup forms (4-5 hours)
- Week 3-4:Advanced automation workflows, CRM setup, Conversations live chat, integrations (5-7 hours)
- Proficiency:3-4 weeks for daily comfort; 6-8 weeks to master multichannel automation and Aura AI features
Best for: Small teams, volunteers, or organizations without dedicated tech staff who need quick setup and intuitive ongoing management.
Support Resources Comparison
| Support Channel | GetResponse | Brevo |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Chat | ✅ All paid plans | ❌ Business+ only |
| Email Support | ✅ All plans (even free) | ✅ All plans (even free) |
| Phone Support | ❌ Not available | ✅ Business+ plans |
| Knowledge Base | ✅ Extensive articles, videos | ✅ Comprehensive documentation |
| Webinars & Training | ✅ Regular free webinars | ✅ Onboarding webinars |
| Community Forum | ✅ Active user community | ✅ Support community |
Learning Curve Verdict
Brevo wins for ease of adoption, especially for organizations with limited technical resources or volunteer-run communications. The cleaner interface, AI-assisted contact import mapping, and faster time-to-first-send (3-4 hours vs 4-6 hours) reduce onboarding friction. GetResponse's broader feature set requires more learning investment but pays dividends if you'll use webinars and advanced automation regularly. For executive directors personally managing donor emails, choose Brevo. For communications teams running sophisticated campaigns, GetResponse's complexity becomes an asset once mastered.
Pros & Cons for Nonprofits
GetResponse
Pros
- •Built-in webinar hosting (up to 100-1,000 attendees) eliminates separate subscriptions for virtual events, training, and fundraising galas
- •50% nonprofit discount for 24 months provides significant savings ($9.50-$34.50/month range vs $19-$69 full price)
- •99% deliverability rate ensures fundraising emails reach donor inboxes, not spam folders—directly impacts campaign ROI
- •291 native integrations (5× more than Brevo) reduce reliance on Zapier middleware and simplify CRM, payment, and website connections
- •AI Campaign Generator creates complete campaigns (landing pages, emails, newsletters) in minutes with 85% time savings
- •Unlimited email sends on all paid plans makes it cost-effective for frequent communicators (3+ emails/week)
✗Cons
- •Contact-based pricing penalizes large lists with infrequent sends (10,000 contacts = $39.50/month even for monthly newsletters)
- •Moderate learning curve (3/5 difficulty) requires 6-8 weeks to achieve proficiency—steeper than Brevo's beginner-friendly interface
- •No WhatsApp integration limits multichannel outreach for international programs or communities where WhatsApp is primary communication
- •Nonprofit discount expires after 24 months, reverting to full price (doubles cost from $9.50 to $19/month unless renegotiated)
- •Webinars require Marketer plan upgrade ($29.50/month vs $9.50 base plan)—not accessible on entry-tier pricing
- •SMS charged separately as pay-as-you-go (not included like Brevo's free plan SMS)
Brevo
Pros
- •Volume-based pricing charges by emails sent (not contacts stored)—dramatically cheaper for large lists with infrequent sends
- •Generous free plan (9,000 emails/month, 100K contacts, full automation, WhatsApp/SMS) provides genuine functionality at $0 cost
- •WhatsApp Business integration (even on free plan!) enables multichannel campaigns critical for international programs and younger demographics
- •Easier learning curve (4/5 ease rating) with cleaner interface reduces onboarding time to 3-4 weeks vs 6-8 weeks for GetResponse
- •Aura AI assistant generates content, adjusts tone, enriches data, creates AI images (Pro/Enterprise)—broader AI support than GetResponse's campaign focus
- •Built-in CRM handles basic contact management and sales pipelines without requiring separate CRM subscription
✗Cons
- •No webinar hosting—must integrate Zoom/Google Meet via Zapier or purchase separate webinar subscription ($15-50/month)
- •Lower deliverability than GetResponse's 99% rate—more reports of emails landing in spam/promotions folders
- •Smaller nonprofit discount (15% vs GetResponse's 50%) saves less in percentage terms, though base pricing may still be cheaper
- •Only 58 native integrations (vs GetResponse's 291) often requires Zapier middleware ($20-30/month) for CRM and tool connections
- •Volume-based pricing backfires for frequent communicators (3+ emails/week to large lists becomes expensive vs unlimited sends)
- •AI image generation restricted to Pro/Enterprise plans—not available on Starter/Business tiers that most nonprofits use
Which Tool Should You Choose?
The GetResponse vs Brevo decision isn't about "better" or "worse"—it's about matching pricing models and features to your nonprofit's communication patterns. Answer these five questions to identify the right platform:
Decision Framework: 5 Critical Questions
1. Do you host virtual events, webinars, or online fundraising galas?
Yes, regularly (monthly or more): Choose GetResponse. Built-in webinar hosting for 100-1,000 attendees eliminates separate Zoom/WebinarJam subscriptions ($15-50/month) and integrates attendance tracking directly into email automation. The Marketer plan ($29.50/month with nonprofit discount) includes unlimited webinars—far cheaper than Brevo + separate webinar tool.
No, or rarely (2-3× per year): Choose Brevo. Purchase one-time Zoom subscription for occasional webinars rather than paying monthly webinar overhead. Brevo's lower base cost offsets sporadic webinar needs.
2. What's your contact list size vs email frequency?
Large list (10,000+), infrequent sends (monthly/quarterly): Choose Brevo. Volume-based pricing saves hundreds to thousands annually. Example: 15,000 contacts receiving quarterly newsletter = 15,000 emails/quarter = 5,000/month average. Brevo Business plan ($15.30/month) covers this for $184/year. GetResponse charges $59/month ($29.50 with discount) = $354/year for same 15,000 contacts.
Frequent sends (3+ emails/week to any list size): Choose GetResponse. Unlimited sends become cost-effective. Example: 8,000 contacts × 3 emails/week = 96,000 emails/month. GetResponse: $34.50/month with discount. Brevo: Enterprise tier at $200-300/month estimated.
Small list (<2,500), weekly sends: Either works—choose based on webinars/WhatsApp needs. Pricing is nearly identical at this scale.
3. Do you need WhatsApp or SMS for community engagement?
Yes, WhatsApp is essential: Choose Brevo (only option with native WhatsApp Business integration). Critical for international programs, immigrant communities, Latin America/Southeast Asia/Europe regions where WhatsApp dominates. Available even on free plan.
Yes, SMS but not WhatsApp: Slight edge to GetResponse for better deliverability, though both charge SMS per-message. Compare total cost including SMS volume.
No, email-only communications: Neutral—choose based on other factors (webinars, pricing, deliverability).
4. How technical is your team?
Non-technical (executive director, volunteers, no IT staff): Choose Brevo. Easier 4/5 ease rating, cleaner interface, 3-4 week proficiency timeline vs GetResponse's 6-8 weeks. AI-assisted contact import mapping reduces technical barriers.
Moderately technical (communications coordinator, marketing staff): Either works—GetResponse's complexity becomes manageable with dedicated learning time, unlocking advanced automation value.
Highly technical (developers, IT department): Choose GetResponse. API access, 291 integrations, and sophisticated automation workflows reward technical expertise. Or choose Brevo for faster deployment if simplicity is prioritized over feature depth.
5. How critical is email deliverability to your fundraising success?
Extremely critical (primary fundraising channel, year-end campaigns drive 40%+ revenue): Choose GetResponse. The 99% deliverability rate versus Brevo's lower scores directly impacts donation revenue. For every 10,000-recipient campaign with 2% conversion and $50 average gift, GetResponse's superior inbox placement could generate $900-1,400 more revenue per campaign.
Moderately important (email supplements other channels): Brevo acceptable if cost savings outweigh deliverability gap. Monitor spam rates and adjust if needed.
Transactional emails (donation receipts, confirmations) more important than marketing: Choose Brevo. Strong transactional email deliverability, and marketing email deliverability matters less if you're not driving campaigns.
Choose GetResponse If:
- You host webinars/virtual events monthly or more
- You send 3+ emails per week (unlimited sends advantage)
- Email deliverability directly impacts fundraising ROI
- You need 291 integrations to connect existing tools without Zapier
- AI campaign generation (complete campaigns in minutes) saves significant time
Choose Brevo If:
- You have 10,000+ contacts with monthly/quarterly newsletter frequency
- WhatsApp is critical for community engagement (international, immigrant communities)
- Budget is extremely tight (free plan with 9,000 emails/month works for your needs)
- Team is non-technical (easier learning curve, 3-4 weeks to proficiency)
- Aura AI content assistance (tone adjustment, data enrichment) provides daily value
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for nonprofits: GetResponse or Brevo?
It depends on your needs. GetResponse is better if you need webinar hosting (up to 1,000 attendees), comprehensive marketing automation, and an all-in-one platform with a 50% nonprofit discount ($9.50-$29.50/month). Brevo is better if you have a large contact list with infrequent sends, need WhatsApp/SMS integration, or have a tight budget (free plan includes 9,000 emails/month with 100,000 contact storage).
Does GetResponse offer webinar hosting for nonprofits?
Yes, GetResponse includes built-in webinar hosting starting on the Marketer plan ($59/month, or $29.50/month with 50% nonprofit discount). You can host webinars for up to 100 attendees with unlimited events, including registration pages, automated reminders, interactive Q&A, polls, screen sharing, and follow-up sequences. Enterprise tiers support 500-1,000+ attendees.
How does Brevo's volume-based pricing work?
Brevo charges based on the number of emails sent per month, not your contact list size. For example, the Starter plan ($9/month, or $7.65/month with 15% nonprofit discount) includes 5,000 email sends per month but allows unlimited contact storage. This makes Brevo extremely cost-effective for nonprofits with large donor databases (10,000+ contacts) who only send occasional newsletters.
What are the nonprofit discounts for GetResponse and Brevo?
GetResponse offers a 50% discount on all monthly plans for verified nonprofits for 24 months (requires NGO documentation, max 100,000 contacts). Brevo offers a 15% discount on all paid plans for verified nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent charity registration. While GetResponse's percentage is higher, Brevo's already-low pricing may still be more affordable overall depending on your usage.
Can I use AI features with both platforms?
Yes, both platforms offer AI capabilities. GetResponse includes an AI Campaign Generator that creates complete marketing campaigns (landing pages, welcome emails, newsletters) with AI-generated text and images, reducing campaign creation time by 85%. Brevo offers Aura AI assistant that generates marketing content, refines copy, adjusts tone, creates AI images (Pro/Enterprise plans), enriches contact data, and optimizes send times.
Which platform is easier to use for small nonprofit teams?
Brevo is consistently rated easier to use, set up, and administer than GetResponse, with a cleaner interface and simpler navigation. Users rate Brevo 4/5 for ease of use versus GetResponse's 3/5. However, GetResponse may be easier for specific use cases like e-commerce integration and webinar automation once you're familiar with the platform.
Does Brevo support WhatsApp messaging for nonprofits?
Yes, Brevo includes WhatsApp Business messaging integration along with SMS campaigns and multichannel automation. Remarkably, WhatsApp and SMS features are available even on Brevo's free plan (which supports up to 2,000 contacts with marketing automation). GetResponse requires paid plans for SMS functionality and does not offer native WhatsApp integration.
How many integrations do GetResponse and Brevo support?
GetResponse offers 291 native integrations including major e-commerce platforms, CRMs, landing page builders, and website platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Salesforce. Brevo has 58 native integrations and relies more heavily on Zapier or Make for third-party connections. GetResponse's 5x larger integration library can reduce middleware costs and simplify technical setup.
What is GetResponse's email deliverability rate?
GetResponse achieves a 99% deliverability rate with strong inbox placement, which is significantly better than Brevo's deliverability scores. Higher deliverability means more of your nonprofit's emails actually reach donors' inboxes rather than landing in spam or promotions folders, which is critical for fundraising campaigns and donor communications.
Can I start with Brevo's free plan and upgrade later?
Yes, Brevo's free plan is generous and feature-rich: 300 emails per day (9,000/month), 100,000 contact storage, full marketing automation, and web tracking. This makes it ideal for testing the platform or for very small nonprofits. You can upgrade to paid plans ($9/month Starter, $18/month Business) as your email volume grows, and apply the 15% nonprofit discount when upgrading.
Need Help Deciding?
Still unsure which platform fits your nonprofit's communication needs and budget? Book a free consultation and we'll analyze your contact list size, email frequency, webinar requirements, and technical capacity to recommend the right tool—and help you maximize your nonprofit discount.