The 9 Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platforms of 2024
Whatever cause you support, nonprofit fundraising platforms can increase your reach, unite the community, and streamline the donation process.
In this article, we explore the nine best fundraising platforms for nonprofits, covering their features and critical aspects you should consider before making a decision.
Nonprofit Fundraising Platforms: How Do They Work?
Nonprofit fundraising platforms help charitable organizations collect online contributions, engage with existing and new supporters, and manage fundraising campaigns.
Here’s a brief outline describing steps a nonprofit should follow and considerations to remember.
- Register. Provide the required information, like mission, goals, and contact details. Some platforms require documentation to verify the nonprofit status.
- Create a fundraising campaign. Describe the project or event you’re raising funds for. Add images, videos, and write a compelling story.
- Engage supporters. Reach supporters by using the platform’s fundraising tools and social media. Many platforms offer useful donation forms, event ticketing, and donor management features.
- Collect and manage donations. Supporters visit the campaign pages and contribute via various payment methods, such as credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Offer both one-time and recurring donations.
- Gather data. Monitor progress, track donor relationships, and analyze donor data to improve your fundraising efforts.
- Consider platform fees. These depend on the platform. Some give a choice between annual or monthly fees. There are also payment processing fees and transaction fees.
- Withdraw funds. Usually, nonprofits can request a withdrawal at any time, but it depends on the platform.
While the process will vary from platform to platform, the basic steps to set up a fundraising campaign are typically the same.
How to Choose the Right Platform?
If you want to find the right fundraising platform for your nonprofit, there are several aspects to consider.
- Ease of use. Select a platform with an intuitive user interface to seamlessly and quickly create campaign and donation pages.
- Fees and pricing. Budget effectively by understanding the fee structure and subscription costs.
- Reputation. Verify the platform’s reliability. Check the company’s track record, policy, and third-party user reviews to avoid fraud and technical issues.
- Customization options. Check whether the platform has the tools to tailor the pages to your nonprofit’s mission.
- Supporter accessibility. Increase donations by catering to a wide range of supporters, so pick a platform that offers multiple payment methods.
- Fundraising features. Choose a platform with key fundraising features like social media integrations, peer-to-peer fundraising, and email marketing tools to enhance your campaigns.
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The Top Nonprofit Fundraising Platforms in 2024
While the leading fundraising platforms provide most of the functionality to start and manage a campaign, they’re all slightly different.
Which fundraising website is the best? That depends on your nonprofit’s needs and goals, so here’s a list of the top nine, describing their features, pricing, and fees.
1. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is one of the largest online fundraising platforms many charities, businesses, and individuals use. The platform has over 100 million donors worldwide and has raised over $25 billion since 2010.
- A few of GoFundMe’s features:
- Quick donation page setup
- Fundraising thermometer to monitor progress
- Option to add images and videos to increase engagement
- Live chat and 24/7 support via email
- Easy social sharing
- Donor protection guarantee
- Supported in 19 countries
- Pricing and Fees
GoFundMe doesn’t charge to start or manage a fundraiser, but they have a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, which is automatically deducted. The rest goes directly to your cause. Learn more on their pricing page.
2. Jotform
Jotform is an online form builder with great features – custom donation forms, volunteer applications, and event registration pages. It’s a popular fundraising software for nonprofits, small, and large businesses.
- A few of Jotform’s features:
- More than 100 customizable donation forms
- Various event management forms
- Drag-and-drop form builder
- All-in-one donation app
- More than 30 payment gateways
- Data analytics
- Pricing and Fees
Jotform has a free plan, and they don’t charge additional transaction fees – you’ll just have to pay the standard rate of your chosen payment processor.
They offer 50% off all annual plans for nonprofits. With a discount, their Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans cost $17/mo (billed annually at $204), $19.50/mo (billed annually at $234), and $49.50/mo (billed annually at $594) respectively.
Explore these plans on their nonprofit pricing page.
3. Fundly
Fundly helps easily customize a fundraiser page, reach a wide audience, and accept donations. It’s among the best online fundraising platforms for smaller nonprofits just starting out.
- A few of Fundly’s features:
- Customizable donation page
- Fundraising guides
- Free Fundley App for mobile
- Facebook connection, automatically posting on it
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Data analytics
- Pricing and Fees
Fundly has a 0% platform fee for organizers and relies on the generosity of donors to operate their service. Their payment partner, Stripe, takes 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit card processing. Learn more on their pricing page.
4. Donorbox
Donorbox has a quick setup and plenty of useful features, making it easy to start raising money. More than 80,000 organizations trust this online giving platform. It’s among the best fundraising platforms for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals.
- A few of Donorbox’s features:
- Customizable donation and fundraising pages
- Recurring donation forms
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Crowdfunding campaigns
- Quick and secure checkout
- A goal thermometer to measure fundraising efforts
- Pricing and Fees
Donorbox has a 1.75% or 2.95% (if you need additional features) platform fee, which is charged for each transaction/donation.
They also offer a paid plan – $139/mo with a 1.5% flat rate fee, plus a payment processing fee. These fees vary from processor to processor.
Explore their plans, fees, and features on their pricing page.
5. Fundraise Up
Fundraise Up provides useful tools for nonprofits to engage with donors, personalize their giving experience, and increase fundraising revenue. It’s a great online fundraising platform that at least thousands websites use.
- A few of Fundraise Up’s features:
- Customizable campaign pages
- Global payments methods
- More than 135 supported currencies
- Recurring giving
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Automated emails
- Pricing and Fees
Per-transaction pricing, which means no monthly fees and no setup fees. A nonprofit can request a Fundraise Up account and receive a 4% platform fee rate when approved. Learn more on their pricing page.
6. PayPal Giving Fund
PayPal Giving Fund helps nonprofits reach new donors on PayPal, eBay, and other online platforms. They receive donations, provide receipts, and grant the funds to charities directly to their PayPal accounts.
- A few of PayPal Giving Fund’s features:
- Easy enrollment
- Simple donation tracking
- Reports and receipts
- View donor details (if the donor agrees to share their details with you)
- Ability to update charity profile page
- Pricing and Fees
It doesn’t charge charities or supporters any fees when no currency conversion is required. However, PayPal’s partners may charge fees on donations made through their platforms. PayPal payment processing fees apply to donations made on some partners’ platforms.
7. Bonfire
Bonfire is a fundraising platform that enables nonprofits to generate funds by creating and selling custom t-shirts without holding any inventory. When a campaign ends, Bonfire prints and ships them directly to donors. In addition to raising funds, this approach is also great for promoting a cause.
- A few of Bonfire’s features:
- Customizable organization pages
- Easy setup
- Frustration-free payouts
- Thank supporters with personalized notes
- Downloadable supporter list
- Variety of t-shirt styles
- Pricing and Fees
As soon as you verify your nonprofit, the platform reduces processing fees to 3.5%.
Quick Tip
Explore other t-shirt fundraising ideas to supplement your online fundraising and reach goals faster.
8. Classy
Classy is a comprehensive fundraising platform for nonprofits of all sizes. They offer various customizable features and provide a seamless user experience. With over $6 billion raised for social good, it’s one of the most trusted and effective fundraising solutions.
- A few of Classy’s features:
- Aesthetically-pleasing templates
- Customizable donation pages
- Crowdfunding campaigns
- Event fundraising
- Donor management
- Multiple payment options
- One-time and recurring donations
- Useful resources for nonprofits
- Pricing and Fees
Classy offers three plans (Essentials, Professional, and Advanced) with a suite of online fundraising tools, but they don’t display their prices publicly. Contact Classy directly by clicking Get Custom Pricing on their pricing page.
9. Indiegogo
While Indiegogo is a good fundraising platform for nonprofits, it’s best known for helping to raise money for creative ideas, technology products, and start-up businesses. It has a global reach with a community of over nine-million-strong, representing 235 countries and territories.
- A few of Indiegogo’s features:
- Easy to customize a campaign
- Ability to create perks to reward supporters
- Access to campaign guides and tutorials
- Flexible funding – keep all funds, even if you don’t meet your goal
- Fixed funding – Indiegogo refunds backers if you don’t meet your goal
- Pricing and Fees
The platform charges a 5% platform fee on all funds raised for your campaign. Indiegogo calculates and deducts fees from the funds you actually raise, not the goal you set. Their payment processor charges a processing fee that varies depending on your location and currency.
Learn more about fees and pricing on their Help Center page.
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How to Make the Most Out of a Nonprofit Fundraising Platform: Tips for Success
Every online fundraising campaign starts with a thorough road map and clear goals, anticipating and guiding the nonprofit around obstacles towards success.
Here’s what a nonprofit should keep in mind.
Learn From Successful Fundraisers
Take time to explore how other nonprofits use online fundraising platforms for their campaigns and study their strategies to gain insight and inspiration. Pay attention to the types of campaigns they run, the messaging, and the tactics they use to attract and engage supporters.
Set a Clear Goal
Set a clear and achievable goal, carefully describing what you’ll use the money for. You can start by dividing a project into stages – launch a smaller campaign first and grow the audience from there. With smaller fundraisers, the goal amount won’t be so overwhelming.
Create a Catchy Title, Add Images and Videos
Writing a clear, descriptive, and catchy title will encourage people to find out more, leading to more clicks. Similarly, images and videos play a big role, too. People are drawn to visuals that evoke emotions.
Write a Captivating Story
Tell a story by explaining the essential details first – why your nonprofit needs funding, what it stands for, who runs it, and introduce your team members. Earn supporters’ trust by explaining how you’ll use the funds and connect with them emotionally.
Promote Your Fundraiser
Develop a social media fundraising strategy. Engage with potential and existing supporters via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by sharing information, updates on progress, and interacting with the community. Create eye-catching visuals and content that captures the audience’s attention.
Quick Tip
Reach your fundraising goals faster with a thorough nonprofit marketing strategy.
How Can Nonprofits Benefit From Print on Demand?
With Print on Demand, nonprofits can further increase their digital fundraising efforts and raise more money for their cause.
You can design, create, and sell fundraising products with just a few clicks and without inventory. As soon as a supporter buys a product, our Print Providers take care of the rest – printing, packaging, and shipping.
As an example, Gary Stokes from OceansAsia successfully sells products that fund their marine conservation organization.
Here’s how Printify’s print-on-demand service works.
Step 1: Sign Up
Sign up for a free Printify account and access various fundraising products, beginner-friendly design tools, and a worldwide network of Print Providers.
Step 2: Select a Product
In the Printify Catalog, we have over 900 customizable products – from stylish apparel and handy accessories to beautiful home decor. Select your favorite and click Start designing.
Step 3: Add a Design
With our intuitive Mockup Generator, you can easily upload your nonprofit’s logo, message, or graphics to reflect your organization’s mission and appeal to supporters.
Step 4: Connect a Sales Channel
We provide seamless integrations with all major eCommerce players, so you can connect to Shopify, eBay, or Etsy with ease.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fundraising platform for nonprofits?
The best fundraising platform is the one that fits your nonprofit’s needs, budget, and goals. Some of the most popular are Classy, Donorbox, and GoFundMe, but carefully research them to make sure they fit your requirements.
What fundraising platform has no fees?
Fundly has a 0% platform fee. However, once you start receiving donations, their payment partner, Stripe, charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit card processing.
Another option is GoFundMe. The platform doesn’t charge to start or manage a fundraiser, but they have a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation.
Is there a better fundraising platform than GoFundMe?
Which platform is the best depends on your needs, budget, goals, and geographical location of your target audience.
When it comes to nonprofit online fundraising platforms, there are also other alternatives, like Fundly, Donorbox, and Classy.
A Few Closing Thoughts
With online donation platforms, nonprofits can easily reach new supporters, raise funds, and positively impact the world.
Each platform has unique features, benefits, and fees, so carefully compare platforms to find the one that fits your fundraising campaign needs the best.
Whichever online fundraising platform you choose, don’t forget that you can reach your goals faster and raise additional awareness by designing, creating, and selling one-of-a-kind products to your supporters.
Make Your Own Fundraising Products Today!
Written by
Leon Walker
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