Yes, Virginia, FREE fundraising platforms DO exist!

When you first started your nonprofit maybe you put in a donation button.
I'm guessing (but it's a good guess because I remember helping a few organizations do this) that it wasn't quite as simple as it seemed it should be.
And while the functionality was there, that Donate Now button certainly didn't motivate giving. The hard work was in generating enthusiasm and engagement.
Fast forward to today, and there are more options out there, including full-featured fundraising platforms that help you raise the energy around your campaigns and track giving.
Unfortunately these same features generally translate into fees that are out of reach of a new, bootstrapping, or micro-nonprofit. And these are the nonprofits I am serious about helping.
I always thought that if could wave a magic wand, I would wish for my clients to access a fundraising platform that:
- understood the value of storytelling in fundraising
- was super simple to set up and use
- included donor management tools and automations to make life a little easier
- looked sleek, and
- was FREE!
So you can imagine how excited I was when at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, like a true-to-life-magic fairy godmother, Givebutter appeared!
This platform checks off all the boxes. If only I could dress their logo up in a skirt and wings and animate it spreading fairy dust to give you an idea of how I imagine them!
If you are a small nonprofit that is struggling with your fundraising efforts, Givebutter is definitely worth a look. A solid fundraising platform will ground your campaigns and cut out much of the work that you are now tearing your hair out over.
And no, I am not an affiliate! I don't get any compensation for writing this. I was just so impressed with the ease of their platform (seriously, little-to-no learning curve), features and support that I am happily singing their praises so that you, too, can take advantage of their platform to build your organization's capacity.
Givebutter's tools and layout are super sharp and modern, they integrate donation calls into your website, remove obstacles for your donors, and are FREE if you turn on the option to allow your funders to optionally give tips to the platform. You can even give your donors the chance to cover the payment processing fees.
Now, before I go on, let me note that this is isn't the only free fundraising platform that works on this type of model. Free fundraising platforms don't charge any upfront fees to create a campaign or accept donations, which can make them an affordable option for organizations with limited resources. Some others you might want to consider for comparison include Give Lively and Free Funder. And these may not offer all the features and integrations a larger organization need. For smaller nonprofits however...
I'm focusing on Givebutter today for two Big and Beautiful reasons:
First...Seriously Easy Set Up
My clients don't have the time, patience–or brainpower–in that one hour a week (usually late at night), that they've set aside to work on capacity-building.
Givebutter seems to get that and has beautifully simplified their process. I set up an account myself to check it out. Based on that, I'll venture a guess you'll be similarly set up, have a good understanding of all the tools at your fingertips, and be ready to start creating a campaign in that precious hour.
Better than that? You'll be excited too! Isn't there just something amazing about tech that just works the way you think it should without too much extra or fluff to get in the way of what you need to do?
Second...Online, In-Person, and even Hybrid Auctions!
As a small nonprofit, you may have discovered you have a lot of community support but getting dollars in can be hard. Auctions are a fun way to beat donation fatigue, create excitement and community engagement around your cause AND take advantage of those supporters that may not have money, but do have something of value they can donate to your cause.
Please correct me if I'm wrong in the comments. I'm certainly not infallible, but at the moment, the free auction tool is unique to Givebutter.
Other Features That Yep, are Free and Included!
- Track contacts and donations (so you have a built in CRM/Donor Database)
- Filter that database for sending out targeted communications
- Engage (including texting, a GREAT way to reach Millenials)
- Live streaming
- Sell event tickets and track with QR codes
- Customizable branding and integrates with Canva
- Tell your story, in multiple media formats, on campaign and fundraising pages
- Let your peer-to-peer network, such as your board and your volunteers, tell their stories (elevate their ability to be ambassadors for the good work you do!)
Givebutter is an impressive way for small nonprofits to elevate fundraising and scale. It's all about building resilience and capacity and this should be a no-brainer tool in your kit.
Take a look, give it a try, or if you would like to talk more about it get in touch. And if you're already a client, note I've set up a TCS account with Givebutter so that I can create your account and if needed, support you as you kick-off your first fundraising campaign or page!
Do you use Givebutter or another free fundraising platform? If so, please share your impressions, your successes, your challenges below in the comments...
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