Later vs Tailwind for Nonprofits
Choosing between Later's multi-platform breadth and Tailwind's Pinterest-Instagram depth? Later covers 8 social networks with AI caption generation and e-commerce integration, while Tailwind specializes in visual platforms with Pinterest-specific optimization and a 50% nonprofit discount. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize platform coverage or focused Pinterest-Instagram mastery with significant budget savings.
Quick Verdict
Choose based on your nonprofit's priorities:
Choose Later if:
- •You need multi-platform management across 8 networks (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Threads, Snapchat)
- •E-commerce integration with Linkin.bio for product tagging and shoppable galleries is critical
- •Visual content calendar and drag-and-drop scheduling across all platforms is a priority
- •Advanced Instagram features (first comment scheduling, Stories, Reels, carousel optimization) are essential
- •Your strategy includes TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn alongside visual platforms
Choose Tailwind if:
- •Pinterest is your primary or secondary platform with focus on pin creation and Communities
- •You need a 50% nonprofit discount and can leverage the savings ($90-300/year) for other tools
- •Batch scheduling and bulk pin creation (weeks of content at once) matches your workflow
- •SmartSchedule optimization for best posting times on Pinterest and Instagram is valuable
- •You're an individual creator or small nonprofit team focused on Pinterest-Instagram visual strategy
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Later | Tailwind | Winner / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25/month (Starter) | Free plan; $14.99/month Pro | 💰 Tailwind for free option |
| Nonprofit Discount | None | 50% off (with EIN) | 💰 Tailwind saves $90-300/year |
| Platform Coverage | 8 platforms (IG, FB, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Threads, Snapchat) | 3 platforms (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook) | 📱 Later for breadth, Tailwind for depth |
| Pinterest Specialization | Pinterest supported, not specialized | Pinterest-first with Communities, SmartSchedule, pin design tools | 📌 Tailwind for Pinterest focus |
| AI Capabilities | AI Caption Writer, hashtag suggestions | Ghostwriter AI (50+ templates), SmartSchedule | 🤖 Tie - both strong, different focus |
| Batch Scheduling | Standard scheduling per post | Advanced bulk scheduling, weeks at once | ⚡ Tailwind for batch workflows |
| E-commerce Integration | Linkin.bio for product tagging, Shopify/WooCommerce | Basic e-commerce support | 🛒 Later for shoppable content |
| Learning Curve | Easy - modern, intuitive interface | Easy - Pinterest-focused guidance | 🎯 Tie - both user-friendly |
| Free Trial | 14 days (no free tier) | Free Forever plan + paid trials | ✅ Tailwind for long-term free option |
| Best For | Multi-platform orgs with e-commerce | Pinterest-focused visual marketers on budget | Depends on strategy |
Last updated: February 11, 2026. Pricing and features subject to change; verify with vendors.
Introduction: Breadth vs Depth in Visual Social Media
Visual content drives engagement for nonprofits. Instagram posts with strong imagery generate 23% more engagement than text-only content, while Pinterest delivers a 33% longer content lifespan than other platforms. For organizations focused on awareness campaigns, event promotion, and visual storytelling, choosing the right scheduling tool can amplify reach while reducing the time staff spend on social media management.
Later and Tailwind represent two distinct approaches to visual social media scheduling. Later positions itself as a comprehensive multi-platform solution covering eight social networks from Instagram and TikTok to LinkedIn and YouTube. With Linkin.bio e-commerce integration and an AI caption writer, Later appeals to nonprofits managing diverse social presences or selling products to fund their missions.
Tailwind takes a focused approach, specializing in Pinterest and Instagram with tools specifically designed for visual content creation, batch scheduling, and algorithmic optimization. Their 50% nonprofit discount transforms pricing from $14.99-49.99/month to $7.50-24.99/month, offering substantial savings alongside Pinterest Communities for content amplification and Ghostwriter AI trained on visual platform best practices.
This comparison examines pricing structures including the nonprofit discount advantage, AI capabilities for caption and pin creation, platform coverage versus specialization trade-offs, e-commerce integration for social enterprise nonprofits, and total cost of ownership over three years. Whether you prioritize multi-platform reach or Pinterest-focused depth, understanding these tools' strengths helps you maximize impact while managing limited marketing budgets effectively.
What Is Later?
Later is a comprehensive social media management platform that enables nonprofits to plan, schedule, and analyze content across eight major social networks. Originally launched as an Instagram-focused scheduler, Later has expanded to support Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Threads, and Snapchat, positioning itself as a unified hub for visual content strategy.
The platform's visual content calendar allows teams to drag and drop media into scheduled time slots, preview how posts will appear on each network, and coordinate campaigns across platforms. Later's AI Caption Writer learns your organization's brand voice from previous posts and generates engaging captions, while AI-powered hashtag suggestions analyze performance data to recommend tags that maximize reach. This combination of multi-platform coverage and AI assistance helps nonprofits maintain consistent social presence without dedicating full-time staff to content creation.
Later's Linkin.bio feature transforms Instagram into a shoppable platform, allowing organizations to tag products in posts and create mobile-optimized galleries where supporters can purchase merchandise, event tickets, or donations directly. This e-commerce integration makes Later particularly valuable for social enterprises, thrift stores, and nonprofits selling products to fund their missions.
Pricing starts at $25/month for the Starter plan (1 social set, 30 posts per profile), scaling to $45/month for Growth (3 social sets, 150 posts) and $80/month for Advanced (6 social sets, unlimited posts). Later recently retired their free tier, now offering only a 14-day trial. Without a nonprofit discount program, organizations pay full price, though annual billing provides a 17% discount. For nonprofits managing multiple platforms or leveraging e-commerce, Later's breadth may justify the investment.
What Is Tailwind?
Tailwind is a visual content scheduling platform specifically built for Pinterest and Instagram marketing success. Unlike multi-platform generalists, Tailwind focuses exclusively on visual networks where design quality, optimal timing, and community amplification drive results. Their Pinterest-first approach includes dedicated pin design tools, access to Pinterest Communities (formerly Tailwind Tribes) for content sharing, and SmartSchedule AI that analyzes your audience behavior to recommend the best posting times.
The platform's Ghostwriter AI generates compelling copy for over 50 types of marketing content, including pin titles optimized for Pinterest search, pin descriptions that drive clicks, Instagram captions tailored to your brand voice, and social posts formatted for each platform's best practices. Unlike generic AI tools, Ghostwriter is specifically trained on visual platform algorithms and engagement patterns, helping nonprofits create content that Pinterest and Instagram favor in their feeds and search results.
Tailwind's batch scheduling workflow allows organizations to create weeks of content in a single session. Upload multiple images, use Ghostwriter to generate variations of pin descriptions, and schedule posts across optimal times identified by SmartSchedule. This efficiency particularly benefits small nonprofit teams who need to maximize output from limited marketing hours. Pinterest Communities enable content amplification by sharing pins with other creators in your niche, extending reach beyond your immediate followers.
Tailwind offers a Free Forever plan with limited features for nonprofits testing the platform, with paid plans at $14.99/month (Pro), $24.99/month (Advanced), and $49.99/month (Max). The substantial advantage comes from their 50% nonprofit discount for 501(c)(3) organizations, reducing pricing to $7.50-24.99/month after verification with EIN documentation. This discount translates to $90-300 in annual savings that small nonprofits can redirect to programs. For organizations where Pinterest drives website traffic, volunteer recruitment, or event attendance, Tailwind's specialized features and budget-friendly pricing offer compelling value.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
Platform Coverage & Reach
Later
Supports 8 platforms: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Threads, and Snapchat. Schedule posts, Stories, Reels, carousels, and videos from a unified dashboard. Particularly strong Instagram integration with first comment scheduling and comprehensive Reels analytics.
Nonprofit value: Manage all social channels in one place, reducing time spent switching between native apps and ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
Tailwind
Focuses on 3 visual platforms: Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. Deep Pinterest integration includes pin design tools, Community sharing for amplification, and SmartSchedule optimization specifically for Pinterest's algorithm patterns.
Nonprofit value: For organizations where Pinterest drives 30%+ of website traffic or visual storytelling is central to mission communication, focused specialization outweighs broader coverage.
Verdict: Choose Later if TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn are essential to your strategy. Choose Tailwind if Pinterest-Instagram depth matters more than platform breadth.
AI-Powered Content Creation
Later
AI Caption Writer learns your brand voice from past posts and generates engaging Instagram captions that match your tone. AI hashtag suggestions analyze your previous posts' performance to recommend tags that drive engagement. Caption Writer operates on monthly credits based on your plan tier.
Time savings: Generate 10-15 caption variations in minutes instead of hours of brainstorming. Hashtag research reduced from 20 minutes to instant suggestions.
Tailwind
Ghostwriter AI creates 50+ types of marketing copy including Pinterest pin titles optimized for search, pin descriptions that drive clicks, Instagram captions, and platform-specific posts. SmartSchedule AI analyzes when your audience is most active and recommends optimal posting times for maximum reach on Pinterest and Instagram.
Time savings: Batch create weeks of optimized pins in one session. AI-identified posting times increase engagement by 30-50% compared to manual scheduling.
Verdict: Both offer strong AI features. Later excels at caption generation and hashtag optimization for general social. Tailwind's Ghostwriter and SmartSchedule are specifically trained for Pinterest-Instagram algorithms.
Visual Content Workflow
Later
Visual content calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling. Preview how posts appear on each platform before publishing. Media library stores assets for reuse across campaigns. Integrates with Canva and Unsplash for design and stock photos. Best-in-class Instagram visual planning with grid preview.
Workflow advantage: See your entire month's content at a glance. Ensure visual consistency across your Instagram grid. Coordinate multi-platform campaigns from one calendar view.
Tailwind
Bulk scheduling interface designed for creating weeks of pins at once. Pin design tools with templates specifically for Pinterest dimensions. Pinterest Community sharing amplifies content reach. SmartLoop automatically reschedules top-performing evergreen pins to maintain traffic to key resources.
Workflow advantage: Create one blog post image, generate 10 pin variations with different titles and descriptions, schedule across optimal times in 15 minutes. SmartLoop keeps driving traffic to your most important pages without manual work.
Verdict: Later offers superior visual planning for multi-platform coordination and Instagram grid aesthetics. Tailwind optimizes for Pinterest-focused batch creation and evergreen content circulation.
E-commerce & Shoppable Content
Later
Linkin.bio transforms your Instagram profile into a shoppable gallery. Tag products in posts, and followers click through to mobile-optimized landing pages where they can purchase merchandise, event tickets, or donate. Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and major e-commerce platforms. Track which posts drive the most sales through Later Analytics.
Revenue impact: Social enterprises selling products to fund programs see 40-60% increase in Instagram-driven sales with shoppable tagging compared to link-in-bio text alone.
Tailwind
Basic e-commerce support through standard post scheduling and links. No dedicated shoppable post features or product tagging. Focus remains on driving traffic to websites and blogs where product information lives, rather than in-app purchasing experiences.
Use case: Works well for nonprofits using Pinterest to drive website traffic where e-commerce happens, but lacks Later's seamless Instagram shopping integration.
Verdict: Later wins decisively for social enterprise nonprofits selling products through Instagram. If e-commerce is not part of your model, this advantage is irrelevant to your decision.
Analytics & Performance Insights
Later
Comprehensive analytics across all 8 platforms showing engagement metrics, best-performing content, optimal posting times, follower growth, and hashtag performance. Instagram analytics include Reels insights, Stories completion rates, and grid engagement patterns. Export reports for board presentations or grant applications.
Strategic value: Identify which platforms and content types drive the most engagement, allowing you to focus resources on high-impact channels. Prove social media ROI to stakeholders with concrete metrics.
Tailwind
Pinterest-focused analytics track pin performance, impressions, clicks, and saves. SmartStats identify your top-performing pins to reshare through SmartLoop. Instagram analytics cover engagement, reach, and best times to post. Reports focus on metrics specific to visual platform success rather than broad social media KPIs.
Strategic value: Deep Pinterest insights help optimize pin strategies for maximum traffic to your website, blog, or donation pages. SmartLoop automates recirculation of evergreen content that continues driving results.
Verdict: Later provides broader analytics across more platforms, ideal for comprehensive social media reporting. Tailwind delivers deeper Pinterest-specific insights for optimizing visual content strategy.
Team Collaboration & Approvals
Later
Multi-user workspace with role-based permissions (admin, contributor, viewer). Approval workflows allow staff to create content while directors review before publishing. Comment threads on scheduled posts enable team collaboration. Assign posts to specific team members for accountability.
Organizational benefit: Executive directors maintain oversight while delegating day-to-day posting to communications staff or volunteers. Prevent brand mishaps with required approvals for sensitive content.
Tailwind
Team collaboration available on higher-tier plans. Multiple users can access the account with shared calendars and content libraries. Primarily designed for individual creators or small teams rather than organizations requiring extensive approval hierarchies.
Organizational benefit: Works well for small nonprofits with 1-2 staff managing social media. Less structured for larger teams needing formal approval processes and detailed permission controls.
Verdict: Later offers more sophisticated team features and approval workflows. Tailwind suits individual creators or small teams with less formal collaboration needs.
Pricing Breakdown & Total Cost of Ownership
Later Pricing
No nonprofit discount; 17% savings with annual billing
Free Trial
14 daysNo free tier available; retired in 2025
Starter
$25/month- • 1 social set (1 account per platform)
- • 30 posts per profile
- • AI Caption Writer (limited credits)
- • Basic analytics
Growth
$45/month- • 3 social sets
- • 150 posts per profile
- • More AI credits
- • Advanced analytics
- • Linkin.bio Pro
Advanced
$80/month- • 6 social sets
- • Unlimited posts
- • Unlimited AI credits
- • Team collaboration features
- • Priority support
Annual billing: Save 17% ($300-960/year total)
Tailwind Pricing
50% nonprofit discount with 501(c)(3) verification
Free Forever
$0/monthLimited features; good for testing the platform indefinitely
Pro
- • 2 Pinterest + 2 Instagram accounts
- • Ghostwriter AI (limited credits)
- • SmartSchedule optimization
- • Basic analytics
50% nonprofit discount applied
Advanced
- • 5 Pinterest + 5 Instagram accounts
- • More Ghostwriter credits
- • SmartLoop for evergreen content
- • Advanced analytics
50% nonprofit discount applied
Max
- • 10 Pinterest + 10 Instagram accounts
- • Unlimited Ghostwriter
- • Advanced SmartLoop features
- • Priority support
50% nonprofit discount applied
Total Cost of Ownership: 3 Nonprofit Scenarios
| Scenario | Later Cost (3 years) | Tailwind Cost (3 years) | Savings with Tailwind |
|---|---|---|---|
Small Nonprofit 1-2 staff, Pinterest + Instagram focus | $900 Starter: $25/mo × 36 months | $270 Pro with 50% discount: $7.50/mo × 36 months | $630 saved 70% cost reduction |
Mid-Sized Nonprofit 3-5 staff, multiple platforms | $1,620 Growth: $45/mo × 36 months | $450 Advanced with 50% discount: $12.50/mo × 36 months | $1,170 saved But only if Pinterest-IG sufficient |
Larger Nonprofit 6+ staff, comprehensive social strategy | $2,880 Advanced: $80/mo × 36 months | $900 Max with 50% discount: $24.99/mo × 36 months | $1,980 saved But lack of TikTok/LinkedIn may require second tool |
Hidden Costs to Consider
Later
- AI credits: Caption Writer limited on Starter and Growth plans; unlimited only on Advanced ($80/month)
- Additional social sets: Growth plan limits to 3 social sets; need Advanced for 6+ accounts
- Post limits: Starter caps at 30 posts/profile; may need upgrade for active campaigns
- Team features: Advanced collaboration requires Advanced plan
Tailwind
- Ghostwriter credits: Pro plan has limited AI credits; may need Advanced or Max for heavy content creation
- Platform limitations: No TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn; may need second tool if these are priorities
- Communities access: Pinterest Communities require active participation to see value
- SmartLoop: Available only on Advanced and Max plans ($12.50-24.99/month after nonprofit discount)
ROI Calculation Examples
Scenario 1: Blog Traffic Growth
Small education nonprofit uses Pinterest to drive traffic to resource library and volunteer signups.
- • Tailwind cost: $90/year (Pro with nonprofit discount)
- • Pinterest traffic increase: 200% (from consistent pinning with SmartSchedule)
- • Volunteer conversions: 15 new volunteers from Pinterest traffic
- • Value: If each volunteer contributes 20 hours/year at $25/hour value = $7,500 value from $90 investment
- • ROI: 8,233% return
Scenario 2: Multi-Platform Awareness Campaign
Mid-sized health nonprofit runs coordinated campaign across Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
- • Later cost: $540/year (Growth plan)
- • Time savings: 10 hours/month from unified scheduling (vs managing 4 native apps) = 120 hours/year
- • Staff time value: 120 hours × $30/hour = $3,600
- • Net value: $3,600 saved - $540 cost = $3,060 gained
- • ROI: 566% return on subscription cost
Scenario 3: Social Enterprise Product Sales
Thrift store nonprofit uses Later's Linkin.bio to sell merchandise through Instagram.
- • Later cost: $540/year (Growth with Linkin.bio Pro)
- • Instagram sales increase: 60% from shoppable posts
- • Additional revenue: $8,000/year from Instagram commerce
- • Net profit (30% margin): $2,400 - $540 = $1,860
- • ROI: 344% return on Later investment
Nonprofit Discounts & Special Pricing
Later Nonprofit Pricing
No Nonprofit Discount Available
Later does not currently offer a nonprofit discount program. Organizations pay standard pricing of $25-80/month depending on plan tier.
Available Savings:
- Annual billing discount: Save 17% by paying yearly instead of monthly (e.g., Growth plan: $37.50/month vs $45/month)
- 14-day free trial: Test all features before committing to a paid plan
Budget Considerations:
Without nonprofit discounts, Later's pricing may strain small nonprofit marketing budgets. The value comes from multi-platform coverage and e-commerce integration rather than affordability. Organizations should calculate ROI based on time savings, increased engagement, or revenue generated through shoppable posts to justify the investment.
Tailwind Nonprofit Pricing
50% Nonprofit Discount
Tailwind offers a substantial 50% discount to verified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, reducing pricing from $14.99-49.99/month to $7.50-24.99/month.
How to Apply:
- Contact Tailwind support with your organization's EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit registration documentation
- Discount typically approved within 1-2 business days
- Applies to all paid plans (Pro, Advanced, Max)
Long-Term Savings:
- • Pro plan: Save $90/year ($7.50 vs $14.99/month)
- • Advanced plan: Save $150/year ($12.50 vs $24.99/month)
- • Max plan: Save $300/year ($24.99 vs $49.99/month)
- • Over 3 years: $270-900 in total savings
These savings can fund other marketing tools, design resources, or be redirected to programs and services.
Nonprofit Budget Impact Analysis
For Organizations with Annual Marketing Budgets:
Under $5,000/year
Tailwind's $90-300/year cost (with discount) represents just 1.8-6% of budget. Later's $300-960/year represents 6-19%.
Tailwind likely better fit
$5,000-15,000/year
Later becomes more feasible at 2-6.4% of budget. Consider ROI from multi-platform management vs Pinterest specialization.
Strategy-dependent
$15,000+/year
Both tools represent less than 6.4% of budget. Choose based on features, platform coverage, and strategic priorities rather than price.
Either feasible
Alternative Funding Strategies:
- Include in grant applications: Many technology and capacity-building grants allow social media management tools as eligible expenses
- In-kind donations: Some board members or corporate partners may be willing to sponsor your annual subscription
- Donor-restricted funds: Allocate a portion of unrestricted or communications funds specifically for digital tools
- Volunteer time value: Calculate volunteer hours saved through automation; redirect that time to programs and quantify impact in reports
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
Later
★★★★☆4/5 - Easy to use
Learning Curve:
Later is praised for its modern, intuitive interface. The visual content calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling feels natural for users accustomed to managing calendars. Most nonprofit staff can start scheduling posts within 30 minutes of account creation.
- Time to proficiency: 2-4 hours for basic scheduling, 6-8 hours to master advanced features (AI captions, Linkin.bio, analytics)
- Best for: Staff with basic social media experience; no technical expertise required
- Common challenges: Understanding which posts go to which platforms when scheduling across 8 networks simultaneously
Support Resources:
- Comprehensive help center with video tutorials
- Email support (response time: 24-48 hours)
- Later Social Marketing Certification (free online course)
- Active community forum and social media tips blog
Tailwind
★★★★☆4/5 - Easy to use
Learning Curve:
Tailwind's interface is user-friendly with Pinterest-focused guidance throughout. The batch scheduling workflow differs from single-post methods but becomes intuitive quickly. Users appreciate the platform's coaching on Pinterest best practices embedded in the creation process.
- Time to proficiency: 2-3 hours for basic pin scheduling, 5-7 hours to master batch workflows, Communities, and SmartSchedule optimization
- Best for: Staff comfortable with Pinterest and Instagram; benefits from Pinterest marketing knowledge but not required
- Common challenges: Understanding Pinterest Communities etiquette and how to leverage SmartLoop for evergreen content effectively
Support Resources:
- Extensive knowledge base focused on Pinterest and Instagram growth strategies
- Email support with 24-48 hour response time
- Pinterest marketing webinars and video tutorials
- Active Facebook community for users to share strategies
Implementation Timeline for Nonprofits
Week 1: Setup & Learning
Later
- • Day 1-2: Connect all social accounts (8 platforms)
- • Day 3-4: Explore visual calendar, try drag-and-drop scheduling
- • Day 5: Test AI Caption Writer with 5-10 sample posts
- • Day 6-7: Configure Linkin.bio if using e-commerce features
Tailwind
- • Day 1-2: Connect Pinterest and Instagram accounts
- • Day 3-4: Create first batch of pins using Ghostwriter AI
- • Day 5: Join 2-3 relevant Pinterest Communities
- • Day 6-7: Set up SmartSchedule optimization for your audience
Week 2-4: Building Momentum
Later
- • Week 2: Schedule 1-2 weeks of content across all platforms
- • Week 3: Review analytics to identify top-performing content and hashtags
- • Week 4: Establish posting cadence and content calendar routine
Tailwind
- • Week 2: Batch create 4-6 weeks of Pinterest content
- • Week 3: Analyze SmartStats to identify top pins for SmartLoop
- • Week 4: Engage in Communities and optimize posting strategy based on data
Month 2-3: Optimization & Scaling
Both platforms: Refine content strategy based on engagement data, expand team access if applicable, optimize AI usage for efficiency, and establish sustainable workflows that fit your organization's capacity.
Key success indicator: By month 3, social media management should require 30-50% less time than pre-tool, with equal or better engagement metrics.
Integration & Compatibility
The right integrations transform a scheduling tool into a comprehensive marketing hub. For nonprofits, seamless connections between social media, CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and design tools eliminate manual data transfer and enable sophisticated automation workflows.
Later Integrations
E-commerce and content creation focus
E-commerce Platforms:
- Shopify: Sync product catalogs for shoppable Instagram posts via Linkin.bio
- WooCommerce: Connect WordPress stores for product tagging
- E-commerce analytics: Track sales attribution from social posts
Design & Content Tools:
- Canva: Direct integration for design-to-scheduling workflow
- Unsplash: Access stock photos directly in Later
- Google Drive: Pull assets from your cloud storage
Analytics & Reporting:
- Built-in analytics for all 8 connected platforms
- Export reports to CSV for external analysis
Nonprofit value: For social enterprises selling products through Instagram, Later's e-commerce integrations justify the investment. Design tool connections streamline content creation workflows.
Tailwind Integrations
Pinterest and content creation focus
Design Tools:
- Canva: Direct integration for Pinterest pin design to scheduling
- Built-in pin templates: Pre-sized designs optimized for Pinterest dimensions
Platform-Specific Features:
- Pinterest Communities: Built-in network for content amplification and engagement
- Pinterest Analytics API: Deep data access for SmartSchedule and SmartLoop optimization
Limited Third-Party Integrations:
Tailwind focuses primarily on Pinterest and Instagram platform capabilities rather than extensive third-party app ecosystem. Basic connections available for core workflows.
- No native CRM, email marketing, or e-commerce platform integrations
- Can use Zapier for custom automation workflows (requires separate Zapier subscription)
Nonprofit value: Tailwind's integration strategy prioritizes Pinterest depth over breadth. Works best for organizations where Pinterest-Instagram are standalone channels rather than parts of complex marketing stacks.
Workflow Automation Examples
Scenario 1: Blog Post Promotion (Both Platforms)
Later Workflow:
- Publish blog post on WordPress
- Design featured image in Canva, export to Later via integration
- Use AI Caption Writer to generate platform-specific copy for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok captions
- Schedule posts across all 8 platforms from one dashboard
- Track engagement across platforms in Later Analytics
Time saved: 2-3 hours per blog post promotion
Tailwind Workflow:
- Publish blog post on WordPress
- Create 5-7 pin variations in Canva with different headlines
- Use Ghostwriter AI to generate optimized pin titles and descriptions for each variation
- Batch schedule all pins via SmartSchedule across optimal times
- Share pins in relevant Communities for amplification
- Add top-performing pins to SmartLoop for automatic recirculation
Time saved: 1-2 hours per blog post; ongoing traffic from SmartLoop
Scenario 2: Event Promotion Campaign
Later Approach:
- • Create unified campaign across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn
- • Use visual calendar to coordinate countdown posts, Stories, and Reels
- • Tag event tickets in Linkin.bio for direct Instagram sales
- • Track which platforms drive most ticket sales via Linkin.bio analytics
Tailwind Approach:
- • Create Pinterest board dedicated to event with pinned resources, speakers, venue
- • Batch create 20-30 event pins with Ghostwriter variations
- • Schedule staggered promotion leading up to event date via SmartSchedule
- • Share event pins in Communities for extended reach beyond followers
Scenario 3: Year-Round Volunteer Recruitment
Environmental nonprofit needs consistent volunteer pipeline. They publish volunteer spotlights, impact stories, and upcoming opportunities monthly.
Later Strategy:
Post volunteer stories as Instagram Reels (behind-the-scenes footage), Facebook posts (community reach), and LinkedIn articles (professional volunteers). AI Caption Writer generates platform-appropriate copy. Linkin.bio landing page has "Apply to Volunteer" form. Track which platforms drive most applications.
Tailwind Strategy:
Create evergreen Pinterest pins linking to volunteer application page. Use Ghostwriter to generate 10-15 variations ("Join Our Team," "Make a Difference," "Volunteer This Weekend"). Add all pins to SmartLoop to automatically recirculate every 60-90 days, continuously driving traffic to volunteer page without ongoing manual work.
Which Tool Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your nonprofit's social media strategy, budget constraints, platform priorities, and team capacity. Use this decision framework to evaluate which tool best aligns with your organization's needs and goals.
Decision Framework: 5 Key Questions
1. Which platforms drive the most meaningful engagement for your mission?
Choose Later if:
- • Your audience is active across multiple platforms (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube)
- • You need coordinated campaigns across diverse channels
- • TikTok or YouTube video content is central to your strategy
- • LinkedIn engagement reaches professional donors or corporate partners
Choose Tailwind if:
- • Pinterest drives 20%+ of your website traffic or volunteer signups
- • Visual storytelling through Instagram is your primary awareness channel
- • Your target audience skews heavily female (Pinterest: 76% women) or 25-54 age range
- • You create evergreen content that benefits from ongoing circulation (recipes, how-tos, resources)
2. What's your realistic social media management budget?
$0-300/year: Tailwind with nonprofit discount
At $90-300/year after 50% nonprofit discount, Tailwind fits tight marketing budgets. Free Forever plan available for testing indefinitely before committing.
$300-600/year: Later Starter or Tailwind Max
Later Starter ($300/year) provides multi-platform access. Tailwind Max with discount ($300/year) offers unlimited Pinterest-Instagram features. Decision depends on platform priorities.
$600+/year: Later Growth or Advanced based on team size
With sufficient budget, choose based on strategy rather than price. Later offers broader platform coverage and e-commerce integration; Tailwind offers Pinterest-specialized depth.
3. Do you sell products or merchandise through social media?
Later is the clear choice if:
- • You're a social enterprise selling products to fund programs
- • Thrift stores, craft sales, or merchandise are revenue sources
- • Event ticket sales happen through Instagram
- • You have Shopify or WooCommerce store to integrate
Later's Linkin.bio transforms Instagram into a shoppable platform, potentially driving 40-60% more sales from visual content.
Tailwind works if:
- • E-commerce is not part of your model
- • You drive Pinterest traffic to website where purchases happen
- • Product sales are minimal compared to donations or grants
Tailwind lacks dedicated e-commerce features but can drive traffic to external stores through standard pin links.
4. How much time can your team dedicate to social media weekly?
1-3 hours/week: Tailwind's batch workflow advantage
Create 4-6 weeks of Pinterest-Instagram content in one session. SmartLoop automatically recirculates top evergreen pins. Ideal for individual creators or small teams with limited capacity.
3-5 hours/week: Either tool works well
Sufficient time for Later's multi-platform management or Tailwind's comprehensive Pinterest strategy with Community engagement. Choose based on platform priorities rather than time constraints.
5+ hours/week: Later maximizes diverse content creation
With dedicated social media capacity, Later's multi-platform coverage, advanced analytics, and e-commerce integration deliver maximum value. Coordinate sophisticated campaigns across 8 channels.
5. What level of analytics and reporting do you need?
Later provides:
- • Comprehensive cross-platform analytics dashboard
- • Engagement metrics, follower growth, best posting times
- • Hashtag performance analysis
- • Exportable reports for board presentations or grant applications
- • Linkin.bio sales attribution tracking
Tailwind provides:
- • Pinterest-focused analytics (impressions, clicks, saves)
- • SmartStats identify top-performing pins for SmartLoop
- • Optimal posting time recommendations based on audience behavior
- • Instagram engagement and reach metrics
- • Less comprehensive than Later for multi-platform reporting
Final Recommendation Summary
Choose Later if you prioritize:
- Multi-platform reach: Coordinate campaigns across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Threads, and Snapchat from one dashboard
- E-commerce integration: Generate revenue from social enterprise products through Instagram's Linkin.bio shoppable posts
- Comprehensive analytics: Track performance and ROI across all channels with exportable reports for stakeholders
- Team collaboration: Advanced approval workflows and role-based permissions for larger communications teams
Best for: Mid-to-large nonprofits ($600+/year budget) with diverse social media strategies, multiple platform priorities, or e-commerce revenue models. Organizations where TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn engagement are essential to reaching target audiences.
Choose Tailwind if you prioritize:
- Budget savings: 50% nonprofit discount reduces cost to $90-300/year, freeing budget for other tools or programs
- Pinterest excellence: Drive consistent website traffic through Pinterest Communities, SmartSchedule optimization, and SmartLoop evergreen circulation
- Batch efficiency: Create weeks of optimized visual content in single sessions with Ghostwriter AI, ideal for small teams with limited time
- Visual-first strategy: Leverage Pinterest's 33% longer content lifespan for awareness campaigns, resource libraries, and volunteer recruitment
Best for: Small-to-mid-sized nonprofits (under $300-600/year budget) where Pinterest drives significant website traffic or Instagram visual storytelling is the primary social channel. Individual creators or small teams needing maximum output from minimal time investment. Organizations without e-commerce revenue models where cost savings matter more than multi-platform breadth.
Getting Started with Your Choice
Once you've selected the right tool for your nonprofit's needs, follow these implementation steps to maximize value from day one. Both platforms offer trial periods, allowing you to test features before financial commitment.
Getting Started with Later
Step 1: Sign Up & Trial (Day 1)
- • Visit later.com and start 14-day free trial
- • Connect your social accounts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.)
- • Grant necessary permissions for scheduling and analytics
Step 2: Content Library Setup (Days 2-3)
- • Upload your organization's logo, brand colors, and common graphics to Later's media library
- • Connect Canva and Unsplash integrations for seamless design workflow
- • Set up Linkin.bio if using e-commerce features (requires Shopify or WooCommerce connection)
Step 3: First Week of Content (Days 4-7)
- • Use AI Caption Writer to generate captions for 5-10 upcoming posts
- • Schedule posts across all connected platforms using visual calendar
- • Set up hashtag suggestions for your content categories
Step 4: Team Training (Week 2)
- • Complete Later Social Marketing Certification (free course, 2-3 hours)
- • Set up team roles and approval workflows if applicable
- • Review analytics dashboard to understand available metrics
Step 5: Optimize & Scale (Weeks 3-4)
- • Analyze which platforms and content types perform best
- • Adjust posting cadence based on engagement data
- • Establish sustainable content calendar routine
- • Before trial ends, decide on appropriate paid plan tier
Getting Started with Tailwind
Step 1: Sign Up & Nonprofit Discount (Day 1)
- • Visit tailwindapp.com and create account
- • Start with Free Forever plan to test features
- • Contact support with EIN to apply for 50% nonprofit discount on paid plans
Step 2: Connect Accounts & Communities (Days 2-3)
- • Connect Pinterest and Instagram business accounts
- • Join 2-3 Pinterest Communities relevant to your nonprofit's mission (search for niche topics)
- • Connect Canva integration for design-to-scheduling workflow
Step 3: First Batch of Content (Days 4-7)
- • Create 10-15 Pinterest pin variations for your top 3 blog posts or resources
- • Use Ghostwriter AI to generate pin titles and descriptions for each variation
- • Schedule pins across optimal times identified by SmartSchedule
- • Share your first pins in Communities to start building engagement
Step 4: Optimize SmartSchedule (Week 2)
- • Review SmartStats after first week to identify top-performing pins
- • Adjust SmartSchedule time slots based on when your audience engages most
- • Set up SmartLoop (Advanced/Max plans) to automatically recirculate evergreen content
Step 5: Establish Batch Workflow (Weeks 3-4)
- • Block 2-3 hours monthly for batch content creation sessions
- • Create 4-6 weeks of pins at once to maintain consistent presence
- • Monitor Pinterest analytics to refine pin design and copy strategies
- • Once workflow is established, upgrade to paid plan with 50% nonprofit discount
Testing Checklist: Evaluate During Your Trial
For Both Tools, Test:
- Ease of scheduling: How intuitive is the interface? Can you schedule a week of content in under 2 hours?
- AI quality: Do generated captions match your brand voice? Are pin descriptions optimized for Pinterest search?
- Analytics depth: Do you get the metrics needed to report ROI to your board or funders?
- Integration workflow: Test Canva connection, e-commerce setup (Later), or Communities engagement (Tailwind)
- Support responsiveness: Submit a test question to gauge response time and helpfulness
Key Decision Criteria:
- Time savings: Calculate hours saved per month compared to native app posting. Does efficiency justify the cost?
- Engagement increase: Monitor early metrics. Do optimized posting times or AI captions improve performance?
- Team adoption: Will your team actually use this tool consistently? Or is it too complex for your capacity?
- Platform coverage: Does the tool support all platforms where your audience is active?
- Budget fit: Can you sustain this cost annually? Does the nonprofit discount make a meaningful difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for nonprofits: Later or Tailwind?
It depends on your social media strategy and budget. Choose Later if you need multi-platform management across 8 networks (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Threads, Snapchat) with e-commerce integration, paying $25-80/month. Choose Tailwind if Pinterest is a primary platform and you want Pinterest-specific features with a 50% nonprofit discount ($7.50-24.99/month after discount). For small nonprofits with tight budgets where Pinterest drives website traffic, Tailwind offers better value. For organizations requiring diverse platform coverage or Instagram shopping, Later provides more comprehensive solutions.
Does Later offer a nonprofit discount?
No, Later does not currently offer a nonprofit discount program. Their pricing starts at $25/month for the Starter plan, with Growth at $45/month and Advanced at $80/month. The only savings available is a 17% discount for annual billing instead of monthly payments. Tailwind, in contrast, offers a 50% discount for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, making their Pro plan $7.50/month (regularly $14.99/month), Advanced $12.50/month (regularly $24.99/month), and Max $24.99/month (regularly $49.99/month). This significant pricing difference makes Tailwind substantially more affordable for budget-conscious nonprofits.
Which tool is better for Pinterest marketing?
Tailwind is specifically built for Pinterest-first growth with dedicated features including pin creation tools, Pinterest Communities for content amplification, SmartSchedule optimization tuned for Pinterest's algorithm patterns, and Ghostwriter AI trained on Pinterest best practices for titles and descriptions. Tailwind's SmartLoop feature automatically recirculates evergreen pins to drive ongoing traffic without manual work. Later supports Pinterest scheduling but focuses on multi-platform management rather than Pinterest-specific optimization. If Pinterest drives 20%+ of your website traffic or is a primary awareness channel, Tailwind's specialized features deliver better results. Later works for basic Pinterest scheduling alongside other platforms, but lacks the depth of Pinterest-specific tools.
Can I schedule Instagram Reels and Stories with both tools?
Yes, both Later and Tailwind support Instagram Reels and Stories scheduling. Later offers more advanced Instagram features including first comment scheduling (essential for adding links or hashtags after posting), carousel optimization tools, and comprehensive Reels analytics tracking views, reach, and engagement patterns. Later's visual content calendar also previews how Reels and Stories fit into your overall Instagram grid aesthetic. Tailwind provides Instagram Reels and Stories scheduling alongside Pinterest as part of their visual-first platform strategy, with SmartSchedule recommending optimal posting times for maximum reach. Both platforms allow you to upload video content, add captions, and schedule for automatic posting, eliminating the need to manually post Stories and Reels from your mobile device.
What AI features do Later and Tailwind offer?
Later provides an AI Caption Writer powered by advanced natural language processing that learns your brand voice from previous posts and generates engaging captions for Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. It operates on monthly credits (limited on Starter and Growth plans, unlimited on Advanced). Later also offers AI-powered hashtag suggestions that analyze your previous posts' performance to recommend tags that drive the most engagement and reach for your specific content categories.
Tailwind offers Ghostwriter AI for creating 50+ types of marketing copy including Pinterest pin titles optimized for search, pin descriptions designed to drive clicks and saves, Instagram captions tailored to your brand voice, and platform-specific social posts. Ghostwriter uses credits that refresh monthly based on your plan tier. Tailwind also provides SmartSchedule AI that analyzes when your audience is most active on Pinterest and Instagram, recommending optimal posting times that can increase engagement by 30-50% compared to manual scheduling. Both tools' AI features save 10-20 hours per month on content creation for active social media users.
Do Later and Tailwind integrate with Canva?
Yes, both platforms integrate with Canva for seamless design-to-scheduling workflows. With Later's Canva integration, you can design graphics directly in Canva and export them to Later's media library without downloading and re-uploading files. This saves time and maintains image quality throughout the workflow. Later also integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other e-commerce platforms for shoppable content and product tagging through their Linkin.bio feature, making it particularly valuable for social enterprise nonprofits selling products to fund programs. Tailwind's Canva integration similarly enables direct design-to-pin scheduling, especially useful when creating multiple Pinterest pin variations with different headlines for the same blog post or resource. Both platforms also offer built-in design tools and templates, though Canva integration is preferred for maintaining brand consistency across all marketing materials.
Can I try Later or Tailwind for free?
Yes, both offer free options. Later provides a 14-day free trial of their paid plans, allowing you to test all features including AI Caption Writer, multi-platform scheduling, Linkin.bio, and analytics before committing financially. They recently retired their free tier, so the trial period is your opportunity to thoroughly evaluate whether Later fits your nonprofit's needs. After the trial, you'll need to select a paid plan ($25-80/month) to continue using the platform.
Tailwind offers a Free Forever plan with limited features that you can use indefinitely without time restrictions, making it excellent for nonprofits testing visual social media strategies or working with extremely tight budgets. The free plan provides basic scheduling capabilities for Pinterest and Instagram. Tailwind also offers free trials of their paid plans (Pro, Advanced, Max) so you can test premium features like unlimited Ghostwriter credits, SmartSchedule optimization, and SmartLoop before upgrading. With the 50% nonprofit discount, paid plans become very affordable ($7.50-24.99/month), and starting with the free plan lets you prove Pinterest ROI before investing budget.
How much can a nonprofit save with Tailwind's discount?
With Tailwind's 50% nonprofit discount, a small nonprofit saves $90/year on the Pro plan ($7.50/month vs $14.99/month), $150/year on the Advanced plan ($12.50/month vs $24.99/month), or $300/year on the Max plan ($24.99/month vs $49.99/month). Over 3 years, that's $270-900 in total savings that can be redirected to programs, services, or other essential tools. For small nonprofits with annual marketing budgets under $5,000, these savings represent 1.8-18% of their entire marketing spend, making Tailwind significantly more accessible than tools without nonprofit pricing. The discount applies to all paid plans with simple verification using your organization's EIN (Employer Identification Number) and 501(c)(3) documentation, typically approved within 1-2 business days. This makes Tailwind one of the most budget-friendly professional social media scheduling tools available to nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on visual platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure whether Later's multi-platform reach or Tailwind's Pinterest mastery fits your nonprofit's strategy and budget? Book a free consultation and we'll help you evaluate which tool maximizes impact for your visual social media goals.
