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How is Zeffy free?
How is Zeffy free?
Zeffy relies entirely on optional contributions from donors. At the payment confirmation step - we ask donors to leave an optional contribution to Zeffy.
Most crowdfunding platforms take a cut of your donations. They call it standard processing fees, but we call it unnecessary.
Small nonprofits that use crowdfunding to maximize donation potential quickly shouldn’t have to see 2-5% of their earnings go to their fundraising tool. When every dollar matters, these fees add up quickly and stand in the way of achieving more impact and change for your cause.
That’s why Zeffy exists. We’re not just another crowdfunding tool. We’re the only all-inclusive fundraising software that gives 100% of donations to your nonprofit. No fees. No fine print.
This guide will uncover how crowdfunding platforms are taking money away from small nonprofit impact, how to spot hidden fees you might be paying right now, and how to say goodbye to costly crowdfunding for good with Zeffy.
Why Most Crowdfunding Platforms Fail Grassroots Nonprofits
Understandably, crowdfunding platforms are usually built to fit the complex needs of larger organizations and to scale established causes with features that get them in front of as many new donors as possible.
They don’t always talk about how this can be detrimental to small, mission-driven organizations that don’t have entire teams dedicated to their crowdfunding efforts, time to learn intricate features, or a budget to pay to raise money.
Crowdfunding platforms can often market themselves as “low-fee” or “free to use,” but the reality is more complicated:
Some take a percentage from every donation for platform fees (between 2 and 5%)
Others offer donor tipping, but pass transaction and platform fees to your nonprofit if supporters don’t cover the cost
Many gate key features like donor data, integrations, or embeddable forms behind paywalls
It adds up quickly, in both cost and confusion.
Free crowdfunding platforms can quietly chip away at what you’ve worked so hard to raise because they don’t list third-party transaction fees in their pricing, but for a grassroots organization with no margin for waste, that will not fly.
Grassroots nonprofits aren’t looking for complexity
A ton of features and options sounds great until it comes at the expense of valuable time spent figuring out where to start and how to use them, and of course, the dollars invested every time you raise money.
Grassroots nonprofits need simplicity, knowing tools are there when needed, and are easy to use without constant reference to support articles or calls into a customer service line. Most importantly, they must trust that every dollar goes where it’s needed: the mission.
But most crowdfunding websites serve big nonprofits, which can absorb fees and justify platform trade-offs. That leaves small teams scrambling to meet goals with less, or compromising donor relationships when they start to wonder where their money is going.
According to Zeffy’s 2025 Donor Behavior Report, 40% of donors walked away because they didn’t feel their donation was used effectively, didn’t know where it went, or were turned off by high platform fees.
Meet Zeffy: The Only 100% Free Crowdfunding Platform for Nonprofits
Zeffy believes your mission and your work to change communities deserve every cent of what you raise. That’s why we’re the only 100% free fundraising platform with crowdfunding tools and various simple campaigns for lean teams and overwhelmed nonprofits trying to manage their time and resources efficiently.
Over 50,000 nonprofits have already switched to Zeffy, not because it’s another option, but because it’s the only one that aligns with grassroots values. Collectively, Zeffy has helped organizations like yours raise $1 billion and save $50 million in fees.
Zero-fee fundraising: There will never be a cost to fundraising with Zeffy, regardless of how much you grow and how many donors you engage (100% free–no fees ever!)
Automated donor engagement: Keep supporters connected and inspired with smart, pre-built email flows and a real-time donor dashboard.
Fundraising flexibility that fits your mission: Accepting donations online, in person, and through mobile devices
Tools to grow your impact: From crowdfunding to peer-to-peer fundraising and event ticketing, Zeffy offers features usually locked behind paywalls and makes them easy to use
Built-in trust, built for scale: Donor data is secure, receipts are automated, tax-compliant, and payments are safe and easy for donors of all kinds.
Mobile-first, mission-forward: Zeffy works beautifully on any device, so your donors can give and feel good about it anywhere, anytime.
“We switched to Zeffy after the company we were using raised their rates and added a monthly fee. Zeffy has been great! As a nonprofit, we receive 100% of the money donated to us. –We are a small nonprofit, so we do not take advantage of many of the features Zeffy has to offer, but it is nice to know more is available as we continue to grow. I would definitely recommend Zeffy to other nonprofits.” - Janet B, G2 Review
6 Other Crowdfunding Tools You Might Consider (With Fees)
Responsive Table
Platform
Good for grassroots nonprofits?
True Cost
G2 Rating
Zeffy
Yes, it’s the only zero-fee platform with simple features
$0 platform fees, $0 transaction fees & all features free
4.9/5
GoFundMe Pro
It depends, because of the high cost and intricate features
Custom platform fee quote required + up to 2.5% $0.30 in transaction fees
4.4/5
Donorbox
It depends, the starting tier is more affordable, but features may be limited
From $0 to $139/month + up to 2.2% + $0.30 in processing fees
4.6/5
Fundly
It depends, tools are user-friendly and social media perks can expand reach, but expect fees
2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (donor tips cover platform fees)
2.9/5
Fundrazr
It depends, campaigns are flexible, but fees and limited reporting create challenges
GoFundMe Pro (formerly Classy) is a fundraising platform that helps nonprofits run their large-scale crowdfunding efforts. GoFundMe Pro helps deliver professional nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns that tell their story and market them to widespread communities that scale over time.
It’s important to know that while the features and customization options are a perk, they do come at a higher cost than most grassroots nonprofits can initially afford.
Key crowdfunding features:
Flexible funding (credit cards, digital wallets, Venmo, PayPal, ACH bank transfer, and cryptocurrency)
Secure transactions for one-time and recurring donations
Strong integration capabilities
Branded donation receipts and fundraising emails
Synchronized with all other GoFundMe Pro fundraising efforts (peer-to-peer fundraising, crowdfunding, events, donation pages, embedded donation forms)
Cons and limitations for grassroots nonprofits:
High cost
Learning curve to maximize functionality
Pricing and transaction fees:
GoFundMe Pro pricing is not regularly disclosed, and it requires a custom quote and demo. All transactions are also subject to transaction fees up to 2.5% $0.
Donorbox helps nonprofits set up a crowdfunding campaign with customizable donation pages and forms quickly. While there are many features to help create successful nonprofit crowdfunding efforts, many are behind a paywall and will cost you to use fully in addition to transaction fees.
Fundly is a crowdfunding site that supports nonprofits, individuals, companies, schools, and other organizations. Campaign pages are optimized to share through social media and help gain traction with new donor audiences to raise more.
Fundrazr helps organizations and individuals build crowdfunding campaigns with a simple process to design the experience your donors will most likely respond to.
Key features for crowdfunding:
Multiple crowdfunding models are available, such as subscriptions, peer-to-peer fundraising, and microproject fundraising
Donor base insights and analytics
Multi-tiered donor accounts
Integrated with social media platforms
Multiple payment options are accepted
Cons and limitations for grassroots nonprofits:
High payment processing fees through Stripe and PayPal
Lack of customized reporting
Nonprofits are responsible for platform fees if donor tipping is turned off
Pricing and transaction fees:
Fundrazr waives platform fees when donor tipping is turned on. When donor tipping is turned off, a platform fee of 1-5% is charged. In either case, A 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee applies.
5. Springly
Springly is an all-in-one nonprofit management software to manage crowdfunding donors and engage them as you build relationships. Features come with a price, requiring upgrades to use everything the platform has to offer as you grow.
Key features for crowdfunding:
All-in-one donor management solution
Accounting and bookkeeping support
A suite of communication tools to encourage donors to give
Nonprofits needing more specific functionality can get a custom quote. You can choose between using donor tipping to cover processing fees or using Springly’s payment processor Adyen with a fee of 3.1% + $0.3 per transaction.
6. Mightycause
Mightycause focuses on relationship building to help your crowdfunding campaign lead to sustainable funding. Plans come with a monthly cost in addition to transaction fees, so you’ll need to budget for the tools when setting fundraising goals.
Key features for crowdfunding:
Praised for responsive customer support
Flexibility for indefinite or brief crowdfunding campaigns
Includes CRM functionality to engage donors
24-hour online fundraising campaigns for giving days
Cons and limitations for grassroots nonprofits:
Donor experience can be confusing
Lack of customization
Monthly platform fee and transaction fees can take away from impact
The university fuels community involvement by introducing powerful visuals and quotes from students. Clarifying language such as "specifically, we are seeking funding for" helps to keep donors informed and ready to give.
As donors are hooked and ready to donate, they find a simple donation form that guides them through a few simple steps and a secure checkout process to complete their gift. Larger suggested donation amounts and the option to start a monthly gift increase the potential of raising more each time someone lands on the form.
The University of Ottawa's Annual Campaign department ran over 30 campaigns on Zeffy, ranging from crowdfunding to peer-to-peer fundraising and simple donation forms to attract new support. That success led the team to set even bigger goals, including reaching $4 million in 2025.
Raise Money With the Only Free Crowdfunding Tool for Nonprofits
If you're a grassroots nonprofit, you're not just looking for a platform with features. You're looking for one that won’t take a cut of the very donations you're working so hard to raise.
The best crowdfunding platform doesn’t just offer fundraising tools. It protects your impact by ensuring every dollar raised stays with your mission, not with middlemen or transaction fees.
Zeffy is the only 100% free platform built with grassroots nonprofits in mind, from the speed of getting set up to the variety of easy-to-use features, and of course, the price.
Nonprofits can use crowdfunding to reach donors and fund campaigns. Crowdfunding campaigns are great for giving days, emergency response, advocacy, and more.
Crowdfunding for grassroots nonprofits offers the following benefits:
Community-building with donors who enjoy the social proof of others doing the same
Marketing reach across social media, email, and a nonprofit's website
Efficiency to raise funds in a short time
The best crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits will provide an excellent experience, marketing capabilities, donor management, customer service, and support for diversified campaign types. Zeffy is the only 100% free crowdfunding site for nonprofit organizations. Its modern feel is loved by donors and lean teams who need to be efficient without all the complexity (or the cost). You can quickly have a campaign up and running, and it offers excellent customer service and ease-of-use ratings.
There are free crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits to choose from. Many crowdfunding sites are advertised as free but contain hidden fees.
Zeffy offers a 100% free model that gives you every penny of a donation for your cause. On all forms, donors have the option (but are never obliged or pressured) to contribute to Zeffy.
Follow the simple steps below to set up a crowdfunding page on the platform you choose.
Determine your nonprofit fundraising goal and timeline
Choose a crowdfunding platform
Design your crowdfunding page with your personal touch and story
Ensure your donation experience is smooth and ready to accept payments
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