Fundraiser Fee Calculator
Enter your fundraising goal and see exactly how much you keep after fees across different platforms.
Compare platform fees
Adjust the inputs below and watch the numbers update instantly.
Total Raised
$10,000
Average donation × number of donors
PledgeAthon
Lowest FeesPlatform Fee
$0
Processing
$350
You Keep
$9,650
You Lose
—
Other (3.49%)
Platform Fee
$0
Processing
$447
You Keep
$9,553
You Lose
$97
Other (5% + processing)
Platform Fee
$500
Processing
$350
You Keep
$9,150
You Lose
$500
Other (7% + processing)
Platform Fee
$700
Processing
$350
You Keep
$8,950
You Lose
$700
On a $10,000 fundraiser, you could save up to $700 with PledgeAthon.
How Fundraising Fees Work
Platform Fees vs Processing Fees
There are two types of fees in online fundraising. A platform fee is a percentage the fundraising company takes for using their software. A processing feeis what the payment processor charges to handle the credit card transaction. PledgeAthon charges $0 in platform fees. The only cost is Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Why Processing Rates Matter
Different platforms use different payment processors with different rates. Some charge as high as 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction. That difference seems small on one donation, but on hundreds of donations it adds up to real money back in your organization's pocket.
Full-Service vs Self-Service
Some fundraising companies charge 15-50% because they provide on-site staff, event coordination, and entertainment. If you're running your own walk-a-thon, read-a-thon, or any a-thon and just need the software, a self-service platform like PledgeAthon gives you everything you need at a fraction of the cost.
The Real Cost of High Fees
On a $10,000 fundraiser, a platform charging 40% means your organization only keeps $6,000. With PledgeAthon, you keep approximately $9,690. That's $3,690 more going directly to new library books, team uniforms, church programs, or whatever your organization is raising money for.
Cash & Check = Zero Fees
Donors can record cash or check pledges through your fundraiser page. No money flows through PledgeAthon for these — zero fees of any kind. Every dollar goes directly to your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical fundraising platform fees?
Fundraising platform fees range widely. Some platforms charge 0% platform fees (you only pay card processing). Others take 15-18% of everything raised, and full-service event companies can take 40-50%. The difference can be thousands of dollars on a single fundraiser. PledgeAthon charges $0 in platform fees — the only cost is standard Stripe processing (2.9% + $0.30).
What is the difference between platform fees and processing fees?
A platform fee is what the fundraising company charges for using their software. A processing fee is what the payment processor (like Stripe) charges to handle the credit card transaction. Some platforms charge both. PledgeAthon charges $0 in platform fees — only standard Stripe processing applies.
Do donors pay the processing fees?
No. Payment processing fees (like Stripe's 2.9% + $0.30) are deducted from the donation amount before it reaches your organization. If a donor gives $50, your organization receives $50 minus the processing fee. The donor is never charged extra.
What percentage does PledgeAthon take?
PledgeAthon takes 0% of your donations. There is no platform fee, no subscription, and no contract. The only cost is standard Stripe payment processing at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, which goes directly to Stripe — not to PledgeAthon.
How does PledgeAthon make money?
PledgeAthon is supported by voluntary donor tips. When a donor makes a pledge, they see an optional tip prompt — similar to tipping on a food delivery app. Tips are always optional and go to PledgeAthon, not your organization. Your org keeps every donation net of standard Stripe card processing fees, with zero platform fee on top. Through our TipShare program, we also share 10% of tip proceeds (after standard payment processing) back with your organization — no cap, no catch.
Is PledgeAthon really free?
Yes. There is no platform fee, no monthly subscription, no setup fee, and no contract. You can create unlimited fundraisers with unlimited participants. The only cost is standard Stripe card processing (2.9% + $0.30), which is the lowest rate available for online fundraising. Cash and check pledges have zero fees.
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Fee structures shown are based on publicly available information as of April 2026. Platform fees for competitor platforms shown at conservative (low-end) estimates. Actual costs vary by fundraiser size, donation volume, and provider terms. Verify current pricing directly with each provider.