If you’re ready to launch a fundraising campaign for a good cause, you want to ensure you actually keep the majority of the funds you raise. Unfortunately, many popular fundraising platforms charge hefty fees, keeping 8% (or more!) of what you earn. That’s why we’ve searched high and low to find the free-est fundraising platforms for nonprofits, so you can make an informed decision as you choose the right fit for your organization. In this article, we’ll explore the top 6 free fundraising platforms, what features they offer, and what fees you can still expect to see.
What Makes a Free Fundraising Platform?
For nonprofits, finding a free fundraising platform that meets their needs can be a game-changer. But what does “free” really mean in the world of fundraising?
Defining “Free” in Fundraising
The definition of “free” varies from platform to platform. While some platforms may not charge monthly or annual subscription fees, they may still charge transaction fees for secure payment processing. Others may offer optional donor tips to offset these costs. In this article, we’ve narrowed down our list to six fundraising sites that do not charge platform fees or any monthly or annual subscription fees.
The Importance of Low Fees for Nonprofits
Free fundraising platforms are necessary for nonprofits because they help maximize the impact of every donation. When platforms charge high fees, it eats into the funds you raise, leaving less for your mission.
What’s more, low fees can make a significant difference in the long run. For instance, if you raise $10,000 through a platform with a 5% fee, you’ll lose $500. But with a platform like Givebutter, which has an average fee of 0.5%, you’ll only lose $50. That’s a huge difference that can add up over time.
Top 6 Free Fundraising Platforms for Nonprofits
Even with the rise of online fundraising, many nonprofits struggle to find platforms that don’t eat into their hard-earned donations. If you’re searching for a free fundraising platform that won’t break the bank, you’re not alone. According to 10 Free Fundraising Software Options to Consider in 2024, finding the right platform can make all the difference in reaching your fundraising goals.
Givebutter: The All-in-One Fundraising Solution
Nonprofits need a platform that offers flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Givebutter checks all these boxes, providing an all-in-one fundraising solution with zero platform fees. With Givebutter, you can create donation forms, fundraising pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, event ticketing, auctions, and more, all for free.
GoFundMe: Quick Crowdfunding for Nonprofits
GoFundMe is a popular choice for crowdfunding campaigns, offering a quick and easy way to raise funds for your nonprofit. With zero platform fees, GoFundMe is an attractive option, but keep in mind that donors don’t have the option to cover payment processing fees.
Features like event registration and auction software are limited on GoFundMe, but its user-friendly interface and fast setup make it a great choice for rapid fundraising efforts.
Give Lively: Philanthropic Backing for Nonprofits
Nonprofits seeking a free fundraising platform with philanthropic backing will appreciate Give Lively. This platform offers a suite of free tools, including fundraising pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, and event features, all with no monthly costs or platform fees.
Solution-focused, Give Lively provides a comprehensive approach to fundraising, but its application process and limited features may not suit every nonprofit’s needs.
Zeffy: The New Kid on the Block
The block is hot with Zeffy, a new Canadian fundraising platform that takes “free” to the next level. With zero platform fees and no payment processing fees, Zeffy offers a truly cost-effective solution for nonprofits.
Fundraising tools like donation forms, event ticketing, eCommerce, and donor management features are all part of Zeffy’s free package, but its limited payment options and lack of email and SMS marketing features may not appeal to every nonprofit.
Facebook: Free Fundraising for Verified Nonprofits
Free fundraising on Facebook is a game-changer for verified nonprofits. With no fees to pay, you can create a fundraiser, add a donate button to your Facebook page, and accept donations through Meta Pay or Guided Fundraising’s donor-advised fund.
Fees? What fees? Facebook doesn’t charge any fees for verified nonprofits, making it an attractive option for organizations already active on the platform.
PayPal: Convenient Donations for Small Nonprofits
Features like online fundraising pages and donate buttons make PayPal a convenient option for small nonprofits. With no platform fees, PayPal is an attractive choice, but its limited features and lack of access to donor data may not suit every nonprofit’s needs.
For instance, while PayPal is a popular payment method, its donation features are limited compared to other free fundraising platforms. However, its convenience and widespread recognition make it a great option for small nonprofits.
Comparing Features and Fees
All of the free fundraising platforms we’ve reviewed have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to features and fees. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each platform:
| Platform | Fees | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Givebutter | 2.9% + $0.30 (covered by donors 95% of the time) | All-in-one fundraising platform, donation forms, donate buttons, fundraising pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, event ticketing, auctions, and more |
| GoFundMe | 2.9% + $0.30 (not covered by donors) | Crowdfunding campaigns, donation forms, fundraising pages, limited event features |
| Give Lively | Varying payment processing fees (covered by donors for certain payment methods) | Fundraising pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, event features, limited donor management |
| Zeffy | 0% platform fee, no payment processing fees (covered by optional donor tips) | Fundraising tools, donation forms, event ticketing, eCommerce, in-person payments, limited donor management |
| 0% fees (no fees to cover) | Fundraising pages, donate buttons, limited donor data access | |
| PayPal | 1.99% + $0.49 per donation (not covered by donors) | Donation pages, donate buttons, limited donor data access |
Givebutter vs GoFundMe
For nonprofits looking for a free fundraising platform with more features and flexibility, Givebutter is the clear winner. While both platforms charge similar payment processing fees, Givebutter’s optional donor tips and transparent pricing model result in zero platform fees. Additionally, Givebutter offers a wider range of payment options, event features, and donor management tools.
Givebutter vs Give Lively
To take advantage of a free fundraising platform with philanthropic backing, Give Lively is a great option. However, Givebutter’s all-in-one fundraising solution and flexible payment options make it a more comprehensive choice for nonprofits. With Givebutter, you’ll have access to more features, including auction management, CRM, and integrations with 1,000+ third-party applications.
A key difference between the two platforms is their approach to fees. Give Lively’s payment processing fees vary, and while donors can cover fees for certain payment methods, it’s not always the case. Givebutter, on the other hand, has a transparent pricing model with optional donor tips that cover payment processing fees 95% of the time.
Givebutter vs Zeffy
To enjoy a free fundraising platform with no payment processing fees, Zeffy is an attractive option. However, Givebutter’s comprehensive feature set and flexible payment options make it a more well-rounded choice for nonprofits. With Givebutter, you’ll have access to more features, including auction management, CRM, and integrations with 1,000+ third-party applications.
Givebutter’s donor-friendly platform also accepts a wider range of payment options, including Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. Zeffy, on the other hand, is limited in its accepted payment methods and doesn’t offer email and SMS marketing features.
Givebutter vs Facebook
Givebutter is the clear winner when it comes to features and flexibility. While Facebook is a convenient option for nonprofits already active on the platform, its limited donor data access and lack of integrations make it less comprehensive than Givebutter.
Givebutter offers more features, including auction management, CRM, and integrations with 1,000+ third-party applications. Additionally, Givebutter’s donor-friendly platform accepts a wider range of payment options and provides more flexibility in engagement options.
Givebutter vs PayPal
Any nonprofit looking for a free fundraising platform with more features and flexibility should choose Givebutter over PayPal. While both platforms offer online fundraising pages and donate buttons, Givebutter provides a wider range of payment options, event features, and donor management tools.
With Givebutter, you’ll have access to more features, including auction management, CRM, and integrations with 1,000+ third-party applications. Additionally, Givebutter’s donor-friendly platform accepts a wider range of payment options, including Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
Why Choose Givebutter?
Unlike other fundraising platforms, Givebutter offers a comprehensive solution that caters to all your nonprofit’s fundraising needs, ensuring you keep more of the funds you raise.
All-in-One Fundraising Solution
Any nonprofit looking to maximize their fundraising potential needs a platform that brings everything together. Givebutter’s all-in-one solution provides donation forms, donate buttons, fundraising pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, event ticketing, auctions, and more, all for free.
Hundreds of Free Features
One of the standout advantages of Givebutter is its extensive range of free features. From creating beautifully branded donation pages to integrating with over 1,000 third-party applications, Givebutter has got you covered.
Features like livestreaming virtual events, embedding donate buttons and forms on your website, launching peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and planning ticketed events are just a few examples of what you can do with Givebutter. The platform’s flexibility and customization options ensure that you can tailor your fundraising strategy to your organization’s unique needs.
Low Fees and High Flexibility
Givebutter’s transparent pricing model means that you only pay a standard 2.9% + $0.30 payment processor fee, which donors can cover 95% of the time. This results in an average campaign keeping 99.5% of all funds raised.
Understanding that every nonprofit is unique, Givebutter offers the flexibility to accept a wide range of payment options, including ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, text-to-donate, and donor-advised funds. This ensures that your supporters can give in the way that’s most convenient for them, helping you raise more and keep more to fund your mission.
To wrap up
From above, you’ve seen the top 6 free fundraising platforms for nonprofits, each with its unique features and benefits. As you choose the right fit for your organization, remember that Givebutter stands out as the best free fundraising platform, offering a comprehensive solution with hundreds of features to engage your audience and maximize your earnings. With Givebutter, you can keep more of what you raise, thanks to its transparent pricing model and optional donor tips that cover payment processing fees. What fundraising platform has no fees? Givebutter is the answer, providing an all-in-one solution to help you achieve your mission.