Free Fundraising Platforms Compared (2026)

Every year, thousands of PTAs and booster clubs sign up for a fundraising platform, run their event, and then discover the fees. That $18,000 walk-a-thon? After the platform takes 10% and the payment processor takes another 3%, you're handing over $2,340 to companies that hosted a webpage and sent some emails.

There are better options. Several platforms now charge zero platform fees, and a few charge nothing at all. But "free" means different things depending on who's saying it, so I dug into the actual pricing, features, and fine print of seven popular fundraising platforms to see how they stack up.

Here's what I found after testing each one, reading the terms of service, and talking to organizers who've used them.

What "Free" Actually Means in Fundraising Software

Before we compare anything, let's clear up the three types of fees you'll run into:

Platform fees -- a percentage the software company takes from every donation. This is where the biggest variation lives. Some platforms charge 0%, others take 5-10%.

Payment processing fees -- the cut that Stripe, PayPal, or another processor takes. This is typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, and almost nobody can avoid it. Even "free" platforms pass this through.

Donor tips -- some platforms ask donors to add a "tip" at checkout that goes to the platform instead of your cause. This can feel misleading if donors think the tip goes to your school.

A truly free platform charges $0 in platform fees and only passes through the unavoidable payment processing cost. A "free with asterisks" platform skips the platform fee but nudges donors into tipping 15-18%, which can add up to more than a flat percentage would have cost.

The Platforms

Here's who made the list and why:

• PledgeAthon -- purpose-built for a-thon events (walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, etc.)
• 99Pledges -- the most established name in a-thon fundraising
• Zeffy -- truly free platform for nonprofits, funded by donor tips
• Givebutter -- popular general-purpose fundraising with optional tips
• Snap Raise -- big name in sports fundraising
• RallyUp -- versatile platform for auctions, raffles, and campaigns
• Boosterthon -- full-service fun run company (not really a platform)

Fee Comparison Table

| Platform | Platform Fee | Processing Fee | Other Costs | Who Pays Processing? | |---|---|---|---|---| | PledgeAthon | 0% | 2.9% + $0.30 (Stripe) | None | Donor or org (configurable) | | 99Pledges | 0% standard / tiered pricing on some plans | 2.9% + $0.30 | Add-on features may cost extra | Donor or org | | Zeffy | 0% | 0% (covered by donor tips) | Donors prompted to tip 15-18% | Neither (tips cover it) | | Givebutter | 0% (tip-funded) | 2.9% + $0.30 | Donors prompted to tip ~10% | Org (can pass to donor) | | Snap Raise | ~10-18% of total raised | Included in platform fee | Minimum fundraising commitment | Included | | RallyUp | 0% on free plan / 5% on some features | 2.9% + $0.30 | Paid plans for premium features | Org or donor | | Boosterthon | ~30-50% of gross | Included | Full-service pricing | Included |

A few things jump out from this table. Let me walk through each platform in detail.

PledgeAthon

Best for: Schools, teams, and organizations running a-thon events (walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, dance-a-thons, swim-a-thons, hit-a-thons)

Pricing: Zero platform fees. Stripe processing (2.9% + $0.30) is the only cost. You can configure whether the organization absorbs it or donors cover it at checkout.

PledgeAthon is built specifically for the a-thon fundraiser format -- per-unit pledges (per lap, per page, per hit), flat donations, individual participant pages, QR codes for sharing, and automated pledge collection after the event.

The standout feature is free SMS reminders. When a sponsor pledges but hasn't paid after the event, PledgeAthon sends text message reminders automatically. This matters because SMS open rates run above 90%, compared to about 20-35% for email. Schools using SMS reminders for pledge collection typically see 85-95% collection rates versus 55-65% on paper.

Other things worth noting:

• Each participant gets a personal page with a shareable link and QR code
• Per-unit pledges auto-calculate after you enter results (lap counts, pages read, etc.)
• Built on Stripe Connect, so funds go directly to the organization's bank account
• Modern interface that doesn't look like it was built in 2012

Limitations: PledgeAthon is purpose-built for a-thon events. If you're running a gala, auction, or general donation campaign, it's not the right tool. But for a-thons, it's the best option I've tested.

We did a deeper PledgeAthon vs. 99Pledges comparison if you want the full breakdown.

99Pledges

Best for: A-thon events, especially schools already familiar with the platform

Pricing: 99Pledges has historically offered a zero-fee model with only Stripe processing passed through. Their pricing structure has shifted over time, so check current terms before signing up. Some features or plan tiers may carry additional costs.

99Pledges has been in the a-thon space longer than anyone. They know the format, and thousands of schools have used them. The core product handles per-unit pledges, participant pages, and pledge collection.

What works well:

• Proven track record with a-thon events
• Per-lap, per-page, and flat donation support
• Downloadable reports for tracking
• Customer support that understands school fundraisers

Where it falls short:

• The interface feels dated compared to newer platforms
• SMS reminders may not be included in all plans (and SMS is the single biggest driver of collection rates)
• The experience for donors -- especially grandparents on phones -- can be clunky
• Pricing transparency has become muddier as they've added tiers

99Pledges is a safe, established choice. If your school has used it before and it worked, there's no urgent reason to switch. But if you're starting fresh or your collection rates have been underwhelming, it's worth comparing.

Zeffy

Best for: Registered nonprofits running general donation campaigns, ticketed events, or peer-to-peer fundraisers

Pricing: Completely free -- no platform fees AND no processing fees. The catch? Donors are prompted (strongly) to add a 15-18% tip to Zeffy at checkout. This tip is technically optional, but the default is pre-selected and the opt-out requires changing a dropdown.

Zeffy's model is genuinely innovative. By funding themselves through donor tips, they can offer the actual platform and payment processing at zero cost to the organization. For registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing straightforward donation campaigns, this is hard to beat on price.

The concerns:

• Donors may not realize the tip goes to Zeffy, not your cause. I've talked to organizers whose donors thought the "contribution" went to the school.
• The 15-18% default tip can exceed what a flat platform fee would have cost. On a $50 donation, a 15% tip is $7.50 -- more than the $1.75 that Stripe processing would cost on another platform.
• Only available to registered nonprofits. If you're a booster club without 501(c)(3) status, you can't use Zeffy.
• Not built for a-thon events. No per-lap pledging, no automated pledge collection, no lap-count integration.

If you're a church or charity running a straightforward donation campaign and you have 501(c)(3) status, Zeffy is worth considering. For a-thon events at schools or teams, it doesn't have the right features.

Givebutter

Best for: Nonprofits and organizations running diverse fundraising campaigns (donations, events, auctions, peer-to-peer)

Pricing: Zero platform fees. Payment processing is 2.9% + $0.30. Like Zeffy, Givebutter prompts donors to leave a tip (typically around 10%), though the opt-out is somewhat easier than Zeffy's.

Givebutter is the Swiss Army knife of fundraising platforms. It handles donation pages, event ticketing, peer-to-peer campaigns, text-to-give, and even basic auction functionality. The interface is clean and modern -- easily the best-looking general fundraising platform on the market.

Strengths:

• Beautiful, customizable campaign pages
• Built-in CRM for donor management
• Text-to-give and social fundraising features
• Video and livestream integration
• Free for most features

Weaknesses for a-thon users:

• No per-unit pledge system. You can't set up $2/lap pledges that auto-calculate after the event. This is the core mechanic of a-thon fundraising, and Givebutter doesn't support it.
• No automated pledge collection tied to results. After your walk-a-thon, you'd have to manually calculate what each sponsor owes and reach out individually.
• Donor tips can add up. The tip prompt is less aggressive than Zeffy but still present.

For general fundraising -- galas, giving days, annual campaigns, peer-to-peer runs -- Givebutter is excellent. For a-thons, it's missing the features that make the format work.

Snap Raise

Best for: High school and club sports teams that want a hands-off fundraising solution

Pricing: Snap Raise takes approximately 10-18% of total funds raised, depending on your agreement and fundraiser size. Processing fees are baked into this percentage. There may also be minimum fundraising commitments.

Snap Raise assigns your team a dedicated "fundraising specialist" who guides the campaign from start to finish. They provide coaching, templates, and follow-up. For a busy coach who just needs money for uniforms and travel, this white-glove approach has appeal.

The numbers, though:

• On a $15,000 fundraiser at 15%, Snap Raise keeps $2,250
• That same $15,000 on a zero-fee platform with Stripe processing costs about $480
• The difference: $1,770

What you get for that premium:

• A dedicated rep who helps run the campaign
• Proven email/text templates
• Training for coaches and team captains
• A peer-pressure model where players compete to get the most donors

What you give up:

• A big chunk of revenue
• The per-unit pledge model (Snap Raise uses flat donations, not per-lap)
• Control over messaging and donor experience
• Flexibility -- their system works a specific way and you follow it

Snap Raise makes sense if you have zero volunteers and a coach who needs someone else to manage the fundraiser. If you have even one organized parent volunteer, a free platform will net you significantly more money.

RallyUp

Best for: Organizations running auctions, raffles, a]nd multi-format fundraisers

Pricing: Free plan available with 0% platform fees on basic features. Premium features (raffles, auctions, sweepstakes) may carry a 5% fee or require a paid subscription. Processing is 2.9% + $0.30.

RallyUp is the most versatile platform on this list. It handles donation pages, auctions, raffles, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer, event ticketing, and more. If you're running a complex fundraiser with multiple components (silent auction + donation appeal + raffle), RallyUp can house it all.

Strengths:

• Wide range of fundraiser types in one platform
• Raffle and sweepstakes features (with legal compliance tools)
• Decent free tier
• Good reporting

Limitations:

• The free plan has feature restrictions
• Premium features carry percentage fees or subscription costs
• Not specialized for a-thon events -- no per-unit pledge calculation
• Can feel overwhelming if you just need a simple pledge page

RallyUp is a solid choice for galas, auctions, and multi-format events. For a-thons, it's overkill and under-featured at the same time.

Boosterthon

Best for: Elementary schools that want a full-service fun run experience and are willing to pay for it

Pricing: Boosterthon is not a software platform -- it's a full-service fundraising company. They send a team to your school, run the entire fun run event, provide all materials, and handle most of the logistics. In exchange, they keep approximately 30-50% of the gross revenue.

Let me say that again: 30-50% of what your families donate goes to Boosterthon.

On a $40,000 gross fundraiser, the school might net $20,000-$28,000. That's still good money, but a self-organized walk-a-thon raising $25,000 on a free platform would net roughly $24,300 after Stripe fees.

What Boosterthon provides:

• Multi-day character education program leading up to the fun run
• A hype team that runs the event day
• All supplies, music, course setup
• Pledge collection system
• Minimal volunteer burden on the school

What they cost you:

• A massive percentage of donations
• Control over your event and messaging
• The ability to build institutional knowledge (if Boosterthon leaves, you're starting from scratch)
• Donor relationships (they manage the platform)

Boosterthon makes sense for schools that have zero volunteer capacity and are willing to trade revenue for convenience. If your PTA has even a moderate volunteer base, running your own a-thon on a free platform and keeping 97% of donations is the better financial decision.

Which Platform Should You Pick?

Here's the decision tree:

Running an a-thon event (walk-a-thon, read-a-thon, dance-a-thon, swim-a-thon, hit-a-thon, bike-a-thon)? Go with PledgeAthon. It's built for the format, charges zero platform fees, includes free SMS reminders, and the per-unit pledge system is exactly what a-thon events need. If you want to compare head-to-head, read our PledgeAthon vs 99Pledges breakdown.

Running a general donation campaign or giving day for a registered nonprofit? Zeffy or Givebutter. Zeffy is truly free if you're okay with the donor tip model. Givebutter has a better interface and more features but also prompts for tips.

Running an auction, raffle, or multi-format event? RallyUp for the variety. Givebutter if you want something simpler.

Running a sports team fundraiser with no volunteer help? Snap Raise if you have no one to manage it. But know that you're paying 10-18% for that convenience.

Want someone to do everything for your fun run? Boosterthon, but understand you're giving up 30-50% of gross revenue.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Beyond the headline fees, here's what catches organizers off guard:

Donor tip confusion. On platforms using the tip model, I've seen donor complaints like "I already donated $50, why am I being asked for more?" Some donors give less to the cause because they feel nickel-and-dimed. Others skip the tip and the platform gets nothing, which raises questions about long-term sustainability.

Payout timing. Some platforms hold funds for 7-14 days after the campaign ends. Others (like those using Stripe Connect) send funds directly to your bank account within 2-3 business days. If you need money for an event that's happening soon, payout speed matters.

Data ownership. Who owns your donor list? On some platforms, you can export all donor contact information. On others, the platform controls the relationship. If you want to email last year's donors to kick off this year's campaign, you need that data.

SMS costs. SMS reminders are the highest-ROI feature in pledge collection. Some platforms charge extra for them, some include a limited number, and some don't offer them at all. PledgeAthon includes free SMS reminders, which is one reason collection rates on the platform run 85-95%.

Minimum commitments. Snap Raise and a few others require minimum fundraising thresholds. If you don't hit the minimum, the percentage they take may increase or you may owe a flat fee regardless.

What Organizers Actually Say

I talked to a dozen PTA leaders, coaches, and nonprofit directors about their platform experiences. A few patterns came up repeatedly:

On switching from paper to digital: "Our first year online, we raised 40% more than the year before with paper forms. The second year we raised another 15% on top of that because families already knew how to use the system." -- PTA treasurer, suburban Atlanta

On the tip model: "A few parents called to complain about being asked to tip on top of their donation. They thought the money was going to the school, not the platform. It was awkward." -- Booster club president, Southern California

On SMS reminders: "The text messages are what made the difference. We used to chase parents for weeks. Now the reminders go out automatically and we collect 90%+ within a week of the event." -- Walk-a-thon coordinator, Minneapolis

On Boosterthon pricing: "We loved the experience but couldn't justify giving up $12,000 on a $35,000 fundraiser. We did it ourselves the next year with [a free platform] and kept almost all of it." -- PTA president, suburban Houston

How to Switch Platforms Without Losing Momentum

If you're on an older platform and want to move, here's what works:

1. Export your data first. Download your donor list, participant list, and historical reports before you close your account.
2. Switch between fundraising seasons. Don't migrate mid-campaign. Finish your current event, then set up the new platform for the next one.
3. Communicate the change to parents. A simple email: "This year we're using [new platform] for our walk-a-thon. Here's what to expect." Parents don't care what software you use -- they care that it works.
4. Test with a small group first. Have 5-10 families go through the pledge process before you roll it out to the whole school. Catch any confusion early.
5. Keep your branding consistent. The fundraiser name, goal, and cause should stay the same even if the technology changes.

FAQ

What is the best free fundraising platform for schools?

For a-thon events like walk-a-thons and read-a-thons, PledgeAthon is the best free option. It charges zero platform fees, includes free SMS reminders for pledge collection, and is built specifically for the per-unit pledge model that a-thon events use. For general donation campaigns at registered nonprofits, Zeffy and Givebutter are strong choices, though both use a donor tip model that has trade-offs.

Are "free" fundraising platforms really free?

It depends on the platform. Some are genuinely free with only unavoidable payment processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction via Stripe). Others call themselves free but prompt donors to leave a 10-18% tip at checkout, which can cost more than a flat platform fee would have. Read the fine print and test the donor checkout experience yourself before committing.

How much do fundraising platform fees cost in total?

On a $15,000 fundraiser, here's the approximate total cost by platform: PledgeAthon or 99Pledges (Stripe only): ~$480. Zeffy: $0 direct but donors may tip $1,500-$2,700. Givebutter: ~$480 plus donor tips. Snap Raise: $1,500-$2,700. Boosterthon: $4,500-$7,500. The range is enormous, which is why comparing fees is worth 30 minutes of your time before picking a platform.

Can I use Zeffy or Givebutter for a walk-a-thon?

Technically, you can set up a donation page on either platform for a walk-a-thon. But neither supports per-unit pledges (like $2 per lap), automated pledge calculation after the event, or SMS-based pledge collection. You'd have to manually calculate what each sponsor owes based on lap counts and contact them for payment. For small events this might work. For anything over 50 participants, you want a platform built for a-thons.

What's the difference between a fundraising platform and a fundraising company?

A fundraising platform is software you use to run your own event (PledgeAthon, 99Pledges, Givebutter, etc.). A fundraising company like Boosterthon or Snap Raise provides services -- they help plan, promote, or run the event for you in exchange for a much larger cut of the revenue. Platforms cost less but require more volunteer effort. Companies cost more but do more of the work. For most schools with a few willing parent volunteers, a platform is the better financial choice.