For charities and nonprofits, every penny raised should go as far as possible. The right fundraising platform helps you raise more without eating into your donations through hidden fees or complex pricing. This post covers:
1. How fundraising platforms structure their fees
2. Practical money-saving tips for charities
3. How to get the best value and most features for your budget
Understanding fundraising platform fee structures
Most fundraising platforms fall into one of the following pricing models:
1. Set one-off platform fee (0% fees)
Some platforms offer a single, fixed cost upfront, after which you pay no platform fees at all. This model is often more cost-effective in the long run, especially for charities running multiple campaigns or events.
You still pay standard payment processing fees (e.g. Stripe direct fees), but no fees are charged by the platform.
However, be aware that some platforms with a set fee also profit from processing fees, either by routing payments through their own processor and marking up the rate, or by adding a hidden surcharge on top of the standard charity rates. Always check whether the fees you see are direct processor costs or inflated rates.
2. Ongoing platform fees
Charged either as a percentage of each donation/transaction (e.g., 3–5%), or a monthly subscription for access. Over time, this can significantly reduce the funds your charity keeps.
3. Donor tip or contribution models
Some platforms rely on donors being asked to “tip” to support the platform. While often optional, this can reduce donor satisfaction and potentially lower donation amounts.
Money-saving tips for your charity
Smart decisions upfront can save you thousands over time.Here’s how to keep more of every pound raised:
Choose a platform with a one-off fee, not ongoing costs
A fixed, one-time platform fee gives you unlimited access to the platform’s tools without paying a percentage of every donation or transaction. Over time, this is far more affordable, especially for growing or active charities.
Use charity discounted payment processing
Make sure your platform uses processors that offer charity rates (Stripe: 1.4% + 20p in the UK). Avoid platforms that add hidden markups on top of these fees.
Avoid donor tip models that take all the tips, consider platforms that share
Some platforms ask donors to add a “tip” to help cover costs,but 100% of that tip often goes to the platform, not to the charity. This canconfuse donors and reduce their willingness to give generously.
Instead, look for platforms that are transparent about wheredonor tips go, or better yet, share the tip with your charity. For example,Emma splits donor tips 50:50, meaning your charity receives additional funds from every tip, turning platform support into direct impact. This approach keeps donors informed, enhances trust, and ensures more money supports yourcause.
Automate gift aid
Gift Aid can increase eligible donations by 25%. Choose a platform that offers built-in Gift Aid declaration capture and supports bulk or automatic claims, saving your team hours of admin time.
Choose a platform that combines all the tools you need
Avoid having to use multiple platforms (e.g. a ticketing platform, auction platform and a table planning platform) that each charge separately. An all-in-one platform with no per-feature fees will save money and streamline your workflow.
How to get the most value from your platform
It’s not just about having the cheapest platform; it’s about choosing one that gives you the most features, transparency, and long-term savings for your charity.
Look for a platform that:
· Charges a single, one-off setup fee
· Offers 0% platform fees
· Supports charity-rate payment processing
· Share donor tips
· Includes Gift Aid integration
· Offers unlimited campaigns, events, andsupporter data
· Combines ticketing, auctions, donations, guestmanagement, event management and CRM integrations
This model means you’re not paying more every time you succeed, instead, you keep more of what you raise and can plan your fundraising with confidence.
Final thoughts
Charities deserve platforms that are built to empower, notextract. By choosing a fundraising platform that offers:
A clear one-off cost with no hidden or ongoing fees
Access to charity-rate processing
Support for Gift Aid, ticketing, and events
A frictionless donor experience with no tipping prompts
…you unlock maximum value, long-term savings, and greater impact for your mission.
Take a look and see how Emma can offer everything you need: https://www.emma-live.com/pricing
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