CareTogether CMS vs CaseLight

CareTogether CMS is open-source case management software for nonprofits supporting families and children through local human services. It combines case intake forms and workflow automation with customizable volunteer roles and permissions. Clients, volunteers, and staff can use the same platform, and organizations can send bulk texts to volunteers who have opted in, either to everyone or a selected group. The platform is listed for web, API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows use, with hybrid deployment. Its security documentation describes separate data containers for organizations in the multitenant hosted environment and access filtered by an authorization model. Storage uses Azure immutability guarantees, and edits leave a permanent version history. The project says storage uses Azure RA-GZRS and retains at least six data copies across primary and secondary regions. CareTogether is licensed under AGPL-3.0, which requires hosted derivatives to make their source code and modifications available under that license. The product name and logo are exempt, and using the CareTogether CMS name for a hosted version requires written permission. Pricing is available on request.

CaseLight is an open-source case management system for organizations doing frontline human-services work. It records clients and families, program enrollment, assessments, case notes, and case history, while reporting and monitoring features turn frontline records into information funders request. Organizations can self-host on Linux; the quickstart requires Docker and Docker Compose. Lighthouse also offers managed hosting, deployment, and customization for an organization’s build, fields, and workflows, with pricing based on organization size. Managed hosting includes patching, backups, secure infrastructure, and an in-kind service-level agreement. CaseLight is a modernized fork of OSCaR and uses the AGPL-3.0 license. The maker says each organization has an isolated database, sensitive fields are encrypted at rest, traffic uses HTTPS, and staff use multi-factor authentication including passkeys. An append-only audit log records who viewed or changed information. CaseLight is available on Linux, self-hosted, and web platforms, with a free plan and paid services priced on request. The current pilot excludes the Khmer locale, Thredded community forum, and v1 mobile API.