Q2 2025 Fundraising Effectiveness Project data found that total fundraising dollars increased by 2.9% year-over-year, driven by major gifts. However, the report noted that this growth continues to mask a 1.9% decline in the overall number of donors, highlighting the importance of diversifying donor strategies to connect with supporters at every giving level.
This makes choosing the right fundraising platform more important than ever. Whether you're looking to boost recurring giving, run peer-to-peer campaigns, or simply streamline your donation process, the right tools can help you build lasting relationships with donors.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to select the best fundraising platform for your nonprofit, including:
A fundraising platform is software that nonprofits and other organizations use to collect and manage donations online. These platforms typically offer features like:
Fundraising platforms range from simple donation processing tools to comprehensive software suites that include donor management, marketing automation, and more.
When evaluating fundraising platforms, consider the following factors:
Fundraising platform fees vary widely. Most platforms charge a combination of:
Some platforms like Bloomerang Fundraising offer optional donor-covered fees, where donors can choose to cover transaction costs, which can significantly reduce your organization's expenses.
Truly free fundraising platforms are rare. Most platforms that advertise as "free" still charge transaction fees on donations. The best approach is to calculate your total cost of ownership based on your expected donation volume, rather than focusing solely on whether there's a monthly fee.
Popularity varies by organization type and size. Among nonprofits, some of the most widely used platforms include Bloomerang, Classy, DonorPerfect, and Blackbaud. For peer-to-peer and crowdfunding, GoFundMe Charity and Mightycause are popular options. The best platform for your organization depends on your specific needs and budget.
Bloomerang is a giving platform built for purpose, combining powerful donor management with robust fundraising tools. With Bloomerang, nonprofits get everything they need to attract, retain, and engage donors in a single platform.
Key features:
Best for: Nonprofits of all sizes looking for an integrated platform that combines fundraising with donor management.
Pricing: Contact Bloomerang for pricing details.
Fundraise Up uses AI and machine learning to optimize the donation experience and increase conversion rates. The platform's smart ask amounts and streamlined checkout process help maximize revenue from every visitor to your donation page.
Key features:
Best for: Organizations focused on maximizing online donation conversion rates.
Pricing: 4% platform fee on donations (no monthly fee).
Classy is a comprehensive fundraising platform owned by GoFundMe, known for its robust peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities. The platform makes it easy for supporters to create personal fundraising pages on behalf of your organization.
Key features:
Best for: Mid-to-large nonprofits with established peer-to-peer fundraising programs.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and needs.
Mightycause specializes in giving day campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising. The platform has powered numerous community giving days and offers tools specifically designed for time-limited fundraising events.
Key features:
Best for: Organizations running giving days or community fundraising events.
Pricing: Plans start at $99/month.
Donorbox is a popular fundraising platform known for its ease of setup and affordable pricing. Small nonprofits appreciate its straightforward donation forms that can be embedded on any website.
Key features:
Best for: Small nonprofits looking for an affordable, easy-to-set-up donation solution.
Pricing: 1.5% platform fee on donations; Stripe or PayPal processing fees apply.
99Pledges simplifies the classic pledge-based fundraiser for schools, making it easy for students to collect online pledges from family and friends for walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, and other activity-based events.
Key features:
Best for: Schools running pledge-based fundraisers like walk-a-thons or read-a-thons.
Pricing: 5% platform fee; no monthly fees.
MemberHub is designed specifically for PTA and PTO organizations, offering tools for membership management, fundraising, and communication all in one place.
Key features:
Best for: PTA and PTO organizations looking for a comprehensive management solution.
Pricing: Plans start at $99/year.
Pushpay is one of the most widely used giving platforms for churches, known for its mobile-first approach and seamless integration with church management software.
Key features:
Best for: Large and mega-churches with high donation volumes and complex management needs.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on church size.
Tithe.ly is a popular church giving platform that offers a comprehensive suite of tools at an affordable price point, making it accessible for smaller congregations.
Key features:
Best for: Small to mid-size churches looking for an affordable, full-featured giving solution.
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; no monthly fee.
Choosing the right fundraising platform requires careful consideration of your organization's specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities. Here's a step-by-step process to guide your decision:
The right fundraising platform can make a significant difference in your organization's ability to attract and retain donors. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully, and don't hesitate to ask vendors tough questions about pricing, support, and roadmap.
Ready to see how Bloomerang can help your organization raise more? Here are some tips for making the most of your fundraising platform:
