11 Best Online Fundraising Platforms (free & paid) in 2025

Check out our full online fundraising platform overview for nonprofit organizations. In just a few minutes, learn about the best online fundraising solutions available from 100% free options to paid tools that can help you ramp up your digital fundraising efforts.

‍

11 best online fundraising platforms for nonprofits

• 1. Zeffy - The best free online fundraising platform for nonprofits (100% free!)

• ‍2. Handbid - The best mobile bidding and auction-specific software

• 3. Bonfire - The best online fundraising platform for custom apparel 

• 4. Double the Donation - The best online fundraising tools for matching gifts

• 5. Tiltify - The best online fundraising platform for livestream fundraising

• 6. Givebutter - The best online fundraising platform for social fundraising

• 7. GoFundMe - The best online fundraising platform for crowdfunding 

• 8. 99Pledges - The best comprehensive online fundraising platform for schools 

• 9. Silent Auction Pro - The best online fundraising platform for customer service 

• 10. Eventbrite - The best online fundraising platform for events and ticketing 

• 11. Soapbox Engage - The best fundraising tools that integrate with Salesforce

‍

What makes the best fundraising platforms?

Every nonprofit’s goals, mission, budget, and resources to raise money are different. However, every nonprofit should have a few essential elements in their fundraising platform to make the most impact possible. 

As you go through each online fundraising platform overview below, remember what will help you scale not only this year but well into the future.

‍

Ease of use

The platform's user-friendly interface ensures that nonprofit staff and donors can easily navigate it. This encourages more donations with a variety of campaigns including e-commerce options, auctions, raffles, personal fundraising pages, crowdfunding campaigns, and virtual and hybrid events.

Online donation processing

The platform should support online donations, with fundraising tools that allow supporters to make contributions easily and securely through various payment methods.

‍

Mobile responsiveness

Mobile giving donations have increased by 205% in the past year. That means your chosen platform should provide a seamless and responsive experience on smartphones and tablets.

Peer-to-peer fundraising

In 2022, America’s top peer-to-peer fundraising programs raised $1.05 billion. Your platform should allow custom team and individual fundraising to avoid missing out on this enormous opportunity to raise money.

‍

Donor management

Effective donor management tools help nonprofits keep track of donor information, communication preferences, and giving history.

Integrations

Great fundraising platforms offer integrations with third-party tools like social media platforms and CRMs

Customization options

Fundraising tools to customize donation forms, campaign pages, and communications helps nonprofits maintain a consistent brand identity and meet specific campaign needs. Offering multiple payment methods is another way to tailor the way you gather donations to your specific donor audience.

‍

Event management

For nonprofits organizing events, features such as online event registration, ticketing, and participant management are essential for streamlined event planning.

Recurring donations

In 2021, recurring gifts comprised 15.4% of organizations' annual revenue. Supporters' ability to set up recurring contributions provides nonprofits with a steady and predictable source of income.

Analytics and reporting

Robust analytics and reporting tools allow nonprofits to track campaign performance, measure success, and make data-driven decisions for future fundraising efforts.

Security and compliance

The platform should prioritize security to protect donor information and adhere to relevant regulations and compliance standards.

Customer support

Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is crucial for troubleshooting issues and ensuring a smooth experience for nonprofits and donors.

Cost

Understanding the platform's fee structure, including transaction fees and subscription costs, is essential for budget planning and maximizing the impact of donations. To make the most impact, consider using a free donation platform for nonprofits, like Zeffy.

‍

‍How much do online fundraising platforms cost?

Every fundraising platform has a different fee and pricing structure. When choosing the best fit for your nonprofit, check out their charges. 

‍

Some platforms charge: 

• Subscription or usage fees: Some fundraising platforms operate on a subscription model, where nonprofits pay a regular platform fee for access to the platform's features (often in annual or monthly payments). Others may charge based on the volume or value of transactions.

• Payment processing fees: Besides the platform fees, payment gateways (e.g., credit card processors) may charge payment processing fees for handling transactions.

• Customization or premium features: Some fundraising platforms offer premium features or enhanced customization options that may come with an additional cost.

• Training and support costs: While many online fundraising platforms offer essential support, some may provide additional training or premium support services for an extra cost. These organizations may charge setup fees or other onboarding fees.

• Integration costs: If a nonprofit requires integrations with other tools or systems (e.g., CRM software), additional fees may be associated with setting up and maintaining these integrations.

• Platform switching costs: If a nonprofit decides to switch to a different fundraising platform, there may be costs associated with migrating data, reconfiguring campaigns, and adapting to the new system.

‍

Review process

Real experts in the nonprofit industry write all of our Zeffy comparison articles and roundups. Using G2, Capterra, and other reputable and credible software sites, our team hand-selects dozens of apps to compare to help you find the best fit for your organization. 

Because we know Zeffy is one of the best free fundraising software solutions, we’re not afraid to offer objective, truthful reviews of our competitors.  

‍

Benefits of online fundraising platforms

Diverse fundraising tools

Online platforms offer a variety of fundraising tools and features, often catering to different fundraising strategies. 

These may include customizable donation forms and tracking, peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities, event management tools, and social media integration. This diversity allows organizations to choose and implement the methods that align best with their goals and target audience.

‍

Efficiency 

Donation platforms streamline the fundraising process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for both organizations and donors. These platforms automate tasks such as donation processing, receipt generation, and communication, reducing the administrative burden on nonprofits. 

‍

Engagement and communication 

Online fundraising platforms facilitate direct and immediate communication between organizations and donors. Through email updates, social media integrations, and personalized messages, nonprofits can engage with donors, share success stories, and express gratitude.

‍

Impact assessment 

By leveraging detailed analytics, nonprofits can track the performance of individual campaigns, identify trends, and gain a comprehensive understanding of donor behavior over time. This information allows for the segmentation of donors, enabling more personalized communication and targeted fundraising strategies. 

Additionally, online donation platforms aid in measuring the return on investment for each campaign, providing essential information for evaluating the financial efficiency of fundraising strategies and making adjustments as needed. 

‍

The best online fundraising platforms at a glance

‍

‍

1. Zeffy - The best free fundraising platform for nonprofits

Zeffy is a 100% free online fundraising platform—built by change-makers, for change-makers. Unlike other fundraising software, Zeffy is a true all-in-one solution that offers a full suite of tools. From event ticketing and raffles to auctions and membership management, Zeffy is the only platform that helps you raise money and reach your fundraising goals—without taking a cent of your donations.  

‍

Pros:

• Customizable forms: Create branded donation forms, event registrations, and ticket sales pages.

• Event management: Tools for ticketing, early bird pricing, tiered tickets, and attendee tracking.

• Donor management tools: Integrated CRM for tracking donor data, analyzing reports, and building relationships.

• Automated tax receipts: Generates tax-compliant donation receipts instantly for donors.

• Campaign flexibility: Easily run donation drives, fundraising campaigns, and membership renewals.

• Recurring donations: Allows donors to set up recurring contributions to boost long-term support.

• Scalable: Works for both small grassroots nonprofits and large organizations.

• Data insights: Access reporting and analytics to optimize fundraising efforts.

Con:

‍Only available for registered nonprofits in the US and Canada

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍100% free (no platform fee - no transaction fee)

‍

While every other platform takes fees away from your mission, Zeffy delivers 100% of it to your nonprofit.

Here’s how it works: When someone donates your fundraising form, they have the option (but are never obliged) to give to Zeffy. Not everyone gives every time, and that's okay. Enough donors leave a contribution to cover overhead AND fees.

Nonprofits paid $3 billion in transaction fees last year. Zeffy is ending this with zero fees. 

‍

‍

2. Handbid - The best mobile bidding and auction-specific software

‍Handbid simplifies the silent auction process with a user-friendly mobile app, allowing participants to bid remotely, track auction items, and receive instant notifications. Ideal for fundraising events, Handbid enhances the auction experience by bringing efficiency and engagement to both organizers and attendees.

‍

Pros:

• Mobile bidding

• Customizable pages

• Easy checkout

• Integrations

• Bid notifications and alerts

• Real-time reporting and analytics 

‍

Cons:

• Limited non-event features for nonprofits

• Pricing is costly

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍Packages start at $1,396, processing fees up to 3.5% + $0.30

‍

‍

3. Bonfire - The best fundraising platform for custom apparel 

‍Bonfire is a user-friendly t-shirt fundraising platform for creating and selling custom apparel to support fundraising campaigns. Nonprofits and individuals can design and sell custom shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise, with Bonfire handling the production, shipping, and order management. It's a hassle-free way to turn creative designs into tangible fundraising products.

‍

Pros:

• No upfront costs 

• Easy campaign setup and launch 

• Individual and nonprofit t-shirt selling

• Global shipping

• Social media integrations

‍

Cons:

• Merchandise limitations (t-shirts only)

• Limited campaign duration

• No tools for managing donor relationships

• Only suitable for specific charitable organizations

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍Up to 8% in processing fees

‍

4. Double the Donation - The best fundraising platform for matching gifts

Double the Donation is a nonprofit fundraising platform that empowers nonprofits to maximize their fundraising potential by providing a comprehensive database of corporate matching gift programs. By integrating this tool, organizations can inform donors about matching opportunities, potentially doubling the impact of their contributions.

‍

Pros:

• Easy integrations

• Customizable widgets

• Analytics and reporting

• Robust knowledge/help center

• Automated emails

• Autosubmission

‍

Con:

‍Price

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍$999/year - $30,000/year

‍

5. Tiltify - The best fundraising platform for livestream fundraising

Tiltify is a nonprofit fundraising platform that specializes in charitable live streaming and virtual fundraising. It allows content creators and gamers to raise funds while streaming on platforms like Twitch. With interactive features, Tiltify turns fundraising into an engaging and collaborative experience, enabling supporters to contribute and participate in real time.‍

‍

Pros:

• Donation alerts

• Interactive livestream elements

• Global audience

• Easy integrations

• Team fundraising

• Incentives and reports for donors

• Leader in digital fundraising

• Easy to launch a fundraising campaign

‍

Cons:

• PPGF fees

• Learning curve 

• Limited offline fundraising

‍

Pricing & fees:

Annual fees vary from free to custom quotes for feature availability and processing fees on all plans under 5% + PayPal Giving Fund fees

‍

‍

6. Givebutter - The best fundraising platform for crowdfunding

‍Givebutter is a social and comprehensive fundraising platform that caters to the next generation of donors with tons of online giving tools. It offers a range of fundraising tools to get donations, including customizable donation forms, event ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising. With a sleek design and emphasis on user experience, Givebutter injects a sense of fun and community into the fundraising process.
‍

Pros:

• User-friendly interface

• Great customer service

• Peer-to-peer gamification tools 

• Donor management

• Live, hybrid, and in-person fundraising event 

• Auctions

• Custom donation page creation

• Simplified donation process

‍

Cons:

• Processing fees

• Learning curve for more advanced features

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍Up to 2.9% + $0.30 in processing fees

‍

‍

7. GoFundMe - The best fundraising platform for crowdfunding

One of the leading fundraising platforms, GoFundMe, allows individuals and organizations to raise funds for personal, medical, educational, or charitable causes. With a user-friendly interface and social sharing features, GoFundMe makes it easy for campaigners to tell their stories and garner support from a wide audience.

‍

Pros:

• Global audience 

• Social media integration

• User-friendly interface 

‍

Cons: 

• Payment processing time

• Customization

• Limited customer support

• Transaction fees

‍‍

Pricing & fees:

‍Up to 2.9% + $0.30 in transaction fees

‍

‍

8. 99pledges - The best fundraising platform for schools

99Pledges is a specialized fundraising platform designed to simplify and enhance pledge-based campaigns for schools, sports teams, and youth-focused organizations. The platform streamlines the process of organizing events such as jog-a-thons, read-a-thons, and other activities where participants gather pledges for their efforts.‍

‍

Pros:

• Easy to use

• Easy to set up

• Peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities

• Social media integrations

• Custom donation forms

‍

Cons:

• Transaction fees

• Limited fundraising features outside of P2P

‍

Pricing & fees:

3.49% + $0.49 in transaction fees

‍

‍

9. Silent Auction Pro - The best fundraising platform for customer service

‍Silent Auction Pro is a comprehensive auction software platform that streamlines the management of silent auctions for nonprofits and organizations. It is one of the top online fundraising platforms for auctions and offers tools such as online bidding, customizable auction catalogs, and automated checkout, enhancing the efficiency and success of silent auction events.

‍

Pros:

• Customer service 

• Item tracking

• Bidder management

• Customizable bid sheets and displays

• Mobile bidding

‍

Cons:

• Cost

• Limited features outside of auction management

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍$449-$899/year + 2.0% of event proceeds. Credit card processing fees are a flat 2.9% with no per transaction fees.

‍

10. Eventbrite - The best fundraising platform for events and ticketing

Eventbrite is a versatile event management platform that facilitates event creation, promotion, and ticketing. While not exclusively a fundraising platform, nonprofits often utilize Eventbrite's robust tools to organize and promote fundraising events, such as galas, conferences, and charity runs.‍

‍

Pros:

• User-friendly interface

• Versatile event types

• Attendee communication

• Integrated ticket and payment processing

‍

Cons:

• Price

• Limited customization

• Learning curve

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍$0-$29/month, 3.7% + $1.79 per sold ticket, and up to 2.9% of the total order in payment processing fees

‍

Check out these alternatives to Eventbrite for nonprofits or compare Zeffy (100% free) to Eventbrite.

‍

11. Soapbox Engage - The best fundraising platform for Salesforce integrations

Soapbox Engage is a suite of Salesforce-based applications designed to streamline nonprofit fundraising and engagement efforts. From online donation forms to peer-to-peer fundraising, It provides a range of tools to empower nonprofits in their mission-driven initiatives.

‍

Pros:

• Salesforce integration

• Peer-to-peer fundraising

• Event registration forms

• Responsible design

• Donor management

‍

Cons:

• Learning curve 

• Pricing

• Learning curve 

• Limited for non-Salesforce users

‍

Pricing & fees:

‍$59/month - $199/month 

‍

What is the best donation platform with zero fees?‍

Zeffy is the only zero-fee fundraising platform for nonprofits. 

While every other platform takes a portion of donations in fees, Zeffy gives 100% of all donations directly to nonprofits. Donors can be reassured that the entirety of their gift is going straight to the cause.

While some fundraising software solutions have low fees, they can add up quite quickly. Nonprofit organizations have historically paid around 3 billion dollars in annual credit card and transaction fees to put that into perspective, that is enough to feed 1.4 million children for a year,  plant 60 million trees, or build 20,000 homes.At Zeffy, we’re trying to eliminate these fees so that the money goes directly to every nonprofit's mission.

‍

‍

‍How FBQ saved $16,000 by switching to  Zeffy—the only 100% free fundraising platform  

Food Banks of Quebec, a network of 32 direct members across Quebec, serve more than 1,200 affiliated local community organizations for monthly food aid.

Before discovering Zeffy (formerly Simplyk) in 2020, FBQ used a custom solution to process online donations. Although the system was outdated, FBQ did not rely too heavily on online donations. However, the need to quickly collect online donations has become an urgent priority since the pandemic.

"It's a great advantage to integrate a form into your website,” says Véronique. “I think it's extremely important to minimize the number of clicks to get to the donation, because I don't want to lose my donors along the way!"

Thanks to Zeffy, FBQ saved almost $16,000 in transaction fees. $16,000 more to help provide food aid to people in vulnerable situations.

‍

‍

Which of the online fundraising platforms should you use?

Regarding fundraising platforms, there is a lot to choose from. Each offers different pros and cons—and some are even more specialized than others. 

Unlike most platforms, Zeffy is the only wholly free fundraising platform for nonprofits—no transaction fees, subscription fees, or monthly payments. Simple to use with unlimited, free customer support plus a whole host of features like peer-to-peer campaigns, membership management, and a free online donation platform, Zeffy makes sure that all of your money goes right to your charity and not a cent disappears.

Join the 10,000+ nonprofits that use and trust Zeffy every single day.

‍

‍

FAQs: Best online fundraising platforms

‍

‍

‍