CaseLight

CaseLight is an open-source case-management system for frontline human-services organizations. It suits nonprofits that need structured client records, program tracking and funder-oriented reporting, especially those able to run Linux infrastructure or work with Lighthouse on managed hosting. Its security controls and customization options are substantial, but the current pilot omits several components some deployments may expect.

Overview

CaseLight records clients and families, program enrollment, assessments, case notes and case history in one system. Reporting and monitoring-and-evaluation tools turn those frontline records into information funders request, which makes the product more relevant to grant-funded service providers than to general-purpose customer relationship teams.

The system is a modernized fork of OSCaR, a case-management platform designed by social workers and used in child-protection and social-services work. CaseLight is released under the AGPL-3.0 license; Lighthouse says its code is public and welcomes contributions. That licensing model supports organizations wanting control over their deployment and the ability to adapt the software, while placing obligations on organizations that distribute modified versions.

Key features

Case records and reporting

Client and family profiles, enrollment, assessments, notes and change history cover the core record-keeping needs of human-services programs. Built-in reporting and monitoring-and-evaluation functions connect those records to funder reporting, reducing the need to reconstruct outcomes from separate spreadsheets.

Security and accountability

Each organization gets an isolated database, sensitive fields are encrypted at rest and traffic uses HTTPS. Staff authenticate with multi-factor authentication, including passkeys; accounts lock after repeated failed attempts and idle sessions time out. An append-only audit log records who viewed or changed information, giving supervisors a durable accountability trail for sensitive casework.

Customization and support

Lighthouse offers deployment and customization for an organization’s own build, fields and workflows. Managed hosting includes secure infrastructure, patching, backups and an in-kind service-level agreement. This is a practical route for nonprofits without Linux operations staff, while organizations with technical capacity can retain more control through self-hosting.

Pricing

CaseLight uses paid services with pricing based on organization size, and the product page does not publish fixed rates.

There is a free plan, but its published limits are not given. Readers needing a predictable budget should request a quote and confirm what the free offering covers before committing. Managed hosting fits organizations that want operational responsibility handled externally; deployment and customization fits teams whose programs require tailored forms or workflows.

Platforms

CaseLight runs on Linux, supports self-hosting and is accessible on the web. The project quickstart requires Docker and Docker Compose on a Linux host, so self-hosting is best suited to organizations comfortable maintaining that stack. Lighthouse’s managed option removes much of that infrastructure work.

The current pilot does not include the Khmer locale, the Thredded community forum or the v1 mobile API. Organizations serving Khmer-speaking users or depending on those components should treat that scope as a deployment constraint.

Who it's for

Lighthouse says it works with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent mission-driven organizations. CaseLight is a strong fit for human-services agencies that need auditable records and funder reporting, and for teams that value AGPL-licensed software they can adapt. It is less suitable when a ready-made mobile API, Khmer interface or a broad catalog of third-party integrations is essential; the product page does not list third-party integrations.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Purpose-built records: Client, family, enrollment, assessment and case-note tracking matches frontline service workflows.
• Funder-oriented reporting: Monitoring and evaluation features connect case records to reporting requirements.
• Strong controls for sensitive data: Isolated databases, encryption at rest, HTTPS, MFA, passkeys, lockouts, timeouts and an append-only audit log support accountable handling of case information.
• Flexible operating model: Organizations can self-host on Linux or buy managed hosting and customization.
• Open source: AGPL-3.0 licensing and public code support inspection and organization-specific changes.

Cons

• Unpublished prices: Both listed service plans require a quote, making cost comparison difficult.
• Technical self-hosting requirement: The quickstart depends on Docker and Docker Compose on Linux.
• Pilot omissions: Khmer, the Thredded forum and the v1 mobile API are not included in the current pilot.
• Integration uncertainty: No third-party integrations are listed.

Alternatives

Primero is the better starting point for teams wanting a freemium, open-source self-managed deployment with Android, iOS, API and web access; its DIY tier is free when billed annually.

CareTogether CMS is an AGPL-3.0 alternative spanning Linux, macOS, Windows, self-hosting, web and API platforms.

Collaborate suits organizations seeking paid custom pricing based on organization size, user count and modules without per-seat licensing.

In-Form is a freemium option developed by Homeless Link for organizations working with people who become homeless in England.

SKAS is a paid Android, iOS and web product with pricing available on request.

Bonterra Penelope is a paid Android, iOS, API and web product whose pricing is provided on request.

CaseWorthy is a paid Android, iOS, API and web alternative.

Bonterra ETO is a paid web-based alternative.

For broader comparisons, see Nonprofit Case Management Software and Case Management Software.

Verdict

Choose CaseLight if your nonprofit needs human-services case records, auditable access and reporting aligned with funder requirements, with the option of Linux self-hosting or Lighthouse-managed operations. Look elsewhere if your rollout depends on Khmer support, the Thredded forum, the v1 mobile API, published prices or confirmed third-party integrations.