Frappe

Open-source application framework for building custom organisational systems in nonprofits & social purpose organisations

Frappe is an open-source framework used to build applications such as ERP, HR, and workflow systems. It enables organisations to develop integrated systems tailored to their operations.

Managing fragmented systems in nonprofit organistions

Challenge
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Organisations use multiple disconnected tools across functions

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Data is fragmented across systems

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Custom software development can be costly and time-intensive

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Off-the-shelf tools may not fully meet operational requirements

Solution
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Platforms like Frappe enable organisations to build integrated and customised systems aligned with workflows and data needs

Key capabilities of Frappe Framework

Core capabilities that support building and managing integrated organisational systems

Custom application development

Develop tailored systems such as ERP, HR, CRM, or workflow platforms aligned with organisational processes

Metadata-driven architecture

Define data models, forms, and relationships that structure how information is captured, stored, and accessed

Process configuration and workflow automation

Configure workflows such as approvals, task routing, and reporting within applications

Open-source extensibility and control

Modify, extend, and deploy systems without licensing constraints, with full control over functionality and data

Frappe in action

PRADAN — ERP system implementation for programme and operational management

PRADAN — ERP system implementation for programme and operational management

ERP and organisational systems

Frappe-based applications such as ERPNext are used by nonprofits to build integrated systems for managing operations, data, and workflows.

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Pricing for nonprofits

Open-source with no licence fees; costs depend on hosting, deployment, and support

Open-source (self-hosted)

  • Free to use with no licence cost; requires infrastructure setup and technical maintenance

Managed hosting (Frappe Cloud)

  • Paid plans based on usage, including hosting, storage, and platform support

Best suited for which nonprofits?

Organisations requiring custom-built systems

Teams with technical capacity to develop and maintain applications

Similar tools

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a framework like Frappe required?

When organisations need to build customised systems rather than use ready-made tools

What type of systems can be built?

Systems such as ERP, HR, CRM, or workflow platforms

What is required for implementation?

Technical expertise for development, configuration, and maintenance

What changes compared to using multiple tools?

Systems can be integrated into a single platform

What are the limitations to consider?

Requires development effort and ongoing technical management

Want to learn more?

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