data-usecase-icon="donation_form"
Launch the Alumni Scholarship Fund
Build an endowment for student scholarships using a customizable donation form. Alumni can give fee-free to support the next generation.
data-usecase-cta="donation_form"
data-usecase-icon="event"
Host the Homecoming Gala
Sell tickets for your annual homecoming gala, track RSVPs, and collect attendee info effortlessly. A streamlined checkout delivers a smooth registration experience.
data-usecase-cta="event"
data-usecase-icon="peer_to_peer"
Kick Off the Class of ’10 Giving Challenge
Encourage each class to compete by setting up personal fundraising pages for peer-to-peer campaigns. Friendly rivalry drives engagement and boosts total contributions.
data-usecase-cta="peer_to_peer"
data-usecase-icon="store"
Open the Alumni Merchandise Store
Offer branded gear like shirts, mugs, and hats in an online store. 100% of proceeds flow back to your alumni association with zero platform fees.
data-usecase-cta="store"
data-usecase-icon="recurring_donations"
Start the Sustaining Alumni Circle
Automate monthly contributions to fuel ongoing programs by setting up recurring donations. Sustainers enjoy hassle-free giving and provide reliable support year-round.
data-usecase-cta="recurring_donations"
data-usecase-icon="membership"
Create the Gold Club Membership Program
Launch a tiered membership program offering exclusive perks like event discounts and networking access. Strengthen alumni engagement and secure dependable annual support.
data-usecase-cta="membership"
With Zeffy, you keep every cent.
Here’s what that $2,500 can fund instead
🎓 25 career mentorship sessions
Connect students with alumni experts for personalized guidance
🎉 4 regional alumni meetups
Cover venues and catering to strengthen the alumni community
🌎 10 student travel grants
Enable undergraduates to present research at conferences
📚 50 textbook stipends
Remove financial barriers to essential course materials
🖥️ Interactive alumni platform upgrade
Build a digital hub with job boards and event calendars
How Zeffy compares to other fundraising platforms for Alumni Groups
Fees | You keep | You loose | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} | 0% platform & processing fees | $50,000 | $0 | |
 | 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | $48,400 |  -$1,600 | |
 | 2.2% + $0.30 + ~2.35% platform fees | $47,500 | -$2,500 | |
 | 2.9% + $0.30/transaction | $48,350 | -$1,650 | |
 | 3.7% + $1.79/ticket + 2.9% processing | $46,550 | -$3,450 (est.) | |
 | 1.99% + $0.49 | $48,560 | -$1,440 |
100% free, always.
Top 6 fundraising ideas for Alumni Groups
🎓 Campus Reunion Picnic
Gather alumni for a campus-themed park picnic with games and photo booths. Ticket sales support scholarships and future alumni events.
🏃 Alumni 5K Fun Run
Host a 5K fun run on campus paths. Entry fees fund student scholarships while promoting health and community among alumni.
🍷 Wine & Wisdom Mixer
Organize a wine-tasting mixer with alumni guests and a keynote speaker. Ticket proceeds fuel alumni mentorship and scholarship funds.
🎥 Outdoor Movie Night
Screen a classic campus film under the stars on the campus green. Sell tickets and concessions to raise funds for alumni programs.
💻 Virtual Career Webinar
Offer a summer series of paid webinars on career growth led by alumni experts. Ticket sales boost alumni outreach and professional development.
📸 #SummerAlumni Photo Showdown
Launch a summer photo contest with alumni sharing snaps under #SummerAlumni. Supporters pay to vote, raising funds for alumni scholarships.
Want more inspiration?
Explore 40+ free Alumni Groups fundraising ideas
Top grants for Alumni Groups in 2025
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)
U.S. Department of State
$12,000 to $35,000
Funds alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs for social impact projects; application deadline May 7, 2025.
FY 2025 U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
Approximately $1,300,000
Funds U.S. non-profits to expand professional development for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs; application deadline June 30, 2025.
Wonderful Community Grants
The Wonderful Company
$1,000 to $50,000 (up to two $100,000 grants available)
Offers grants to organizations serving communities in the San Joaquin Valley, CA; the application opens July 1, 2025, and closes August 31, 2025.
Student Engagement Fund - UVA Alumni Association
UVA Alumni Association
$500 to $5,000
Supports projects and initiatives that advance programs and lead to professional/academic development; the fund opens on August 18, 2025, for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Top companies that donate to Alumni Groups in 2025
.svg%201.svg){kind=logo}
Walmart
Supports nonprofits through local grants, customer round-ups at checkout, charitable registries, and space requests for fundraising.
Unum
Supports qualified nonprofit organizations and educational institutions through its employee matching gifts program.
Bank of America
Supports nonprofits through grants and employee volunteerism.
Target
Supports nonprofits through grants and team volunteerism.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zeffy really 100% free for Alumni Groups? What's the catch?
Yes, Zeffy is completely free for Alumni Groups. There are no platform or processing fees, ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to your mission. We maintain our zero-fee model through optional tips from donors who trust and support our mission. It's really that simple—no catch at all!
Can Alumni Groups use Zeffy to collect alumni gifts?
Certainly! Alumni Groups can use Zeffy to collect alumni gifts, manage event ticket sales, and set up recurring giving, all without any fees. This means every contribution fully supports your alumni network and initiatives.
What types of fundraising campaigns can Alumni Groups run with Zeffy?
Alumni Groups can run a wide range of campaigns with Zeffy. Consider organizing peer-to-peer fundraisers, ticketed events like reunions or networking nights, or setting up a recurring donation campaign to support ongoing projects. Whatever your goals, Zeffy provides the tools you need to succeed without any fees involved.
What's the best fundraising platform for Alumni Groups?
Zeffy is the best choice for Alumni Groups seeking a fundraising platform. Unlike other platforms that claim to be free but charge processing fees, Zeffy doesn't take a penny from your donations. This ensures more funds directly impact your programs and connect with your alumni community—exactly where they belong.
