User Support Forum

Hi everyone,
Our organization is trying to cut down on donation processing fees since they take a big chunk out of our budget. I've used a few platforms that take a percentage or add fees, but I’m curious if anyone’s found a way to get 100% of the donations directly to our cause. I recently heard about a free online donation tool that relies on optional tips from donors to cover costs like Donorbox, givebutter or other Donorbox alternatives. Has anyone tried this, or have tips on optimizing donations? It’s a real challenge balancing donor accessibility with minimizing costs for the organization.

sophia M wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 31, 2024 12:21 pm

Hi everyone,
Our organization is trying to cut down on donation processing fees since they take a big chunk out of our budget. I've used a few platforms that take a percentage or add fees, but I’m curious if anyone’s found a way to get 100% of the donations directly to our cause. I recently heard about a free online donation tool that relies on optional tips from donors to cover costs. Has anyone tried this, or have tips on optimizing donations? It’s a real challenge balancing donor accessibility with minimizing costs for the organization.

Frankly, any intermediate processor is going to charge a fee. Some do ask if the donor wishes to help offset the cost, but there are fees no matter who pays for them. These are usually the credit card processing fee which can be anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5% depending on the card, plus the intermediary's fee, anywhere from $.25 to .50 per transaction.

If the donor does not wish to include that fee, you will be charged for it. There is no 'free lunch', someone will have to pay the fee. This is the cost of doing business with such donations.

Our church set up a Zelle account through our local bank (TD Bank in NH) There is no fee for the donor or for our church when we receive the donation. It's safe and easy.