Nonprofits know how to stretch a dollar. But when it comes to events — national forums, fundraisers, or galas — printing programs, schedules, and signage can quietly devour budgets. That’s money that could be driving an impact. Going digital with an event app for nonprofits changes everything. It slashes printing costs, streamlines communication, and keeps attendees connected — all without touching your mission funds.
At Yapp, we’ve seen it firsthand. Schools That Can, a national nonprofit focused on educational equity, replaced over 2,700 printed pages when they used Yapp to power their annual forum.
Their Director of Growth, Casey Lamb, said it best:
“We used Yapp to keep 150 participants updated in real time. It saved us hours and hundreds of dollars — and people loved it.”
That story isn’t unique. Every month, we see nonprofits use Yapp to simplify logistics, boost engagement, and save thousands. Our blog post on cutting event waste dives deeper into the ripple effects of going paperless — from reducing carbon footprints to creating more engaged audiences.
How much money can nonprofits really save?
The hidden costs of paper pile up fast. Between printing, reprints, staff time, and last-minute edits, even small events can blow past budgets. When Schools That Can switched to Yapp, they didn’t just save money — they gained flexibility and time to focus on their mission.
Here’s what those savings look like in real numbers and real benefits:
- Reduced printing costs: Thousands saved on programs and handouts.
- Fewer last-minute expenses: No rush orders or overnight reprints.
- Staff efficiency: Less manual work, more impact.
- Reusability: Once built, your app can be updated for future events.
- Eco-friendly reputation: Ditching paper supports sustainability goals.
One of our customer success leads shared,
“Every nonprofit we onboard has the same reaction — they can’t believe they waited so long to go mobile. The savings are immediate, and the app feels modern.”
It’s not just about money. Uncubed — a career and education conference — cut over $100,000 annually by using Yapp instead of custom apps. And even corporate partners like Cole Haan use Yapp for engagement and training apps that save time across hundreds of stores.
As one of our engineers put it:
“Our goal isn’t just to replace paper. It’s to give teams the freedom to adapt on the fly. That’s when digital starts paying dividends.”
How does a mobile event app improve the attendee experience?
Saving money is great — but attendees remember the experience. Paper can’t compete with live updates, instant notifications, and interactive features that make people feel included. That’s where a mobile event app truly shines.
When Schools That Can used Yapp, 96% of attendees said logistics ran smoothly. Many praised the instant communication and easy navigation. The app became a central hub for the entire event — connecting people, information, and moments seamlessly.
Why attendees prefer mobile apps over paper:
- Real-time updates: Schedule change? Notify everyone instantly.
- Centralized access: No need to dig through emails or binders.
- Interactive tools: Polls, photo sharing, and announcements boost energy.
- Sustainability factor: Guests appreciate eco-conscious choices.
- Always accessible: Everything lives right in their pocket.
Casey Lamb summed it up perfectly:
“Yapp helped us communicate more effectively. We could send notifications so everyone knew where to go next.”
And our product team loves hearing that.
“When nonprofits realize they can build an app in under an hour — no code, no developer — it’s like a weight lifted off their shoulders,” said one of our PMs.
What’s the best way for nonprofits to get started?
You don’t need a tech team or a big budget to launch your own event app for nonprofits. Yapp was designed so anyone — even the least technical person on your team — can create an event app in minutes.
Follow these five steps to launch:
- Define your must-haves: Choose the key features — schedules, announcements, bios.
- Build your app: Use Yapp’s nonprofit and event templates.
- Test with a small group: Gather quick feedback before the big day.
- Go live: Publish, share your app link, and skip the print shop entirely.
- Measure success: Track downloads, engagement, and savings.
From a school fundraiser to a national conference, Yapp’s drag-and-drop event app builder gives you total control without the tech headache. And for nonprofits like Schools That Can, the results speak for themselves — smoother events, happier attendees, and more money going back into the mission.
As another Yapp teammate shared,
“Every time we see a nonprofit launch their first app, it’s a win. Because it means more time for what matters — the work itself.”
Going paperless isn’t just a cost-saving move. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to engage. Nonprofits like Schools That Can and Uncubed are proving that mobile-first events can drive mission impact without driving up costs.
Ready to make your next event better? Start your free trial.
