Givebutter vs BetterWorld: You need more than a platform

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your impact, this guide breaks down the real differences between the two so you can make a confident decision.

We’ve worked with countless nonprofits navigating these same questions, and we know what matters most, ease of use, reliable support, and tools that actually help you raise more without adding stress.

Givebutter and BetterWorld

What is Givebutter?

Givebutter is a fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise money through events, donation forms, and peer-to-peer campaigns. It’s popular with younger, tech-savvy teams because of its clean design and social media-style features. You can use it to sell event tickets, run text-to-give campaigns, and let donors tip to cover fees, meaning you can keep more of what you raise.

The setup is quick, and the platform feels easy to navigate even if you’re not a tech pro. Plus, it plays nicely with other tools like Zapier and CRMs, so you can connect the dots between fundraising and donor management. Many users love that it’s free to use, with optional paid upgrades and donor tips helping keep the lights on.

Let me know if this section works for you or if you'd like any changes before we move on to BetterWorld.

What is BetterWorld?

BetterWorld is another fundraising platform made for nonprofits, but it’s especially known for being completely free. That’s a big draw for smaller organizations or anyone trying to stretch every dollar. It offers tools for auctions, events, donation forms, and even selling merch, all without platform fees.

What sets BetterWorld apart is how simple it is. It’s made to get you up and running fast, with a clean interface and step-by-step setup. You don’t need to be a tech expert to create a campaign or manage a virtual auction. That said, the platform is a little more focused on specific fundraising styles, like events and auctions, so it might not be as flexible for organizations looking for deeper donor engagement or more advanced tools.

Let me know if you're happy with this section or want any tweaks before we continue to the feature-by-feature comparison.

Feature-by-feature comparison: Givebutter vs BetterWorld

Fundraising tools and donation forms

Both Givebutter and BetterWorld offer donation forms and campaign tools, but they go about it in different ways. Givebutter gives you a wide mix, one-time and recurring donations, peer-to-peer campaigns, event ticketing, and even livestream fundraisers. You can also add videos and stories to your forms to make them more personal, which helps donors feel more connected.

BetterWorld sticks to the basics but does it well. It covers things like donation pages, auctions, raffles, and merch sales. The forms are clean and easy to use, but not quite as flexible as Givebutter’s. For example, BetterWorld doesn’t offer built-in text-to-give or the same level of donor tracking. It’s simple by design, which is great if you want to get something up quickly without a lot of extras.

Both platforms let you start fast, but if you're thinking long term and want to build stronger donor relationships, Givebutter gives you more options right out of the gate.

Peer-to-peer and team fundraising capabilities

Givebutter really shines when it comes to peer-to-peer and team fundraising. Supporters can create their own pages, set goals, and share everything on social media. It feels like a social platform made for giving. Each team member gets a profile, and their progress can be tracked right alongside the main campaign. This helps build energy and momentum, especially during live campaigns or events.

BetterWorld also allows peer-to-peer fundraising, but it’s not quite as built out. Supporters can share links and bring in donations, but there’s less of a team structure or personal customization. It works, especially for smaller campaigns, but it doesn’t offer the same level of excitement or control that Givebutter does.

If your organization relies on community-driven campaigns or wants to empower supporters to raise funds on your behalf, Givebutter gives you more tools to make that happen.

Event and auction management

If events are a big part of your fundraising, both platforms offer solid tools, but they cater to different needs. Givebutter helps you run ticketed events, hybrid or virtual gatherings, and even livestreams. You can sell tickets, track RSVPs, and collect donations all in one place. It’s great for galas, walks, or any kind of community event where you want to keep everything under one roof.

BetterWorld, on the other hand, is especially strong when it comes to auctions. Its auction tools are built-in and easy to use. You can upload items, accept bids, and even offer “buy now” pricing. For nonprofits that focus on auction-heavy events, BetterWorld keeps things simple and doesn’t charge a platform fee, just processing.

So if your events are auction-centered, BetterWorld might be a better fit. But if you need more flexibility, like livestreaming, hybrid ticketing, or multiple event types, Givebutter gives you that extra edge.

Donor experience and payment flexibility

A big part of successful fundraising is making it easy, and even enjoyable, for donors to give. Givebutter focuses heavily on that experience. Donors can choose from lots of payment options like credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, and even PayPal. After donating, they can leave messages, upload photos, and share the campaign with friends. It feels personal, and it keeps the energy going long after someone gives.

BetterWorld keeps things simple here too. Donors can give with a credit card or ACH, and they’ll see a clean, no-frills checkout process. It’s fast and easy, which many donors appreciate. But it doesn’t have the same interactive or social feel that Givebutter offers.

If you want a giving experience that feels more engaging and flexible, especially for younger or tech-savvy donors, Givebutter has the edge. But if your priority is simplicity and speed, BetterWorld covers the basics well.

Platform performance and ease of use

Onboarding and platform setup

Getting started with either platform doesn’t take much time, but the experience is a little different. Givebutter has a modern dashboard that walks you through each step, from setting up your campaign to launching it live. Even if this is your first time using a fundraising tool, it feels pretty intuitive. You can build pages fast and customize them without needing design or tech skills.

BetterWorld keeps things even more streamlined. The platform is designed to be plug-and-play, with pre-built templates and guided steps. It’s a good choice if you want something quick and don’t need a lot of setup or choices. But if you’re looking to tweak your pages more or create a branded experience, you might find it a little limited.

Both platforms are easy to use, but Givebutter gives you more freedom to make your campaign feel like “you,” while BetterWorld offers speed and simplicity.

Integration options and API access

Integrations can make a big difference when it comes to saving time and keeping your tools connected. Givebutter works well with other platforms through Zapier, which means you can link it to tools like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Google Sheets, and more. If you already have a CRM or email system in place, Givebutter can help keep everything flowing together without needing to juggle platforms.

BetterWorld, on the other hand, offers a more focused experience but with fewer integration options. It doesn’t have an open API or advanced connection tools, which might be fine for smaller teams or first-time fundraisers. But if you want to automate workflows or sync donor data with your other systems, you may hit some limits.

So, if integrations are important to you, or if you expect to grow into more complex operations, Givebutter offers more flexibility and future-proofing.

Pricing and fees comparison

Givebutter pricing model explained

Givebutter is free to use for organizations, which sounds great, and it is, but there's a twist. Instead of charging nonprofits, they let donors “tip” to support the platform. That means your supporters are the ones covering Givebutter’s costs, not you. You also get access to almost all the features without needing to upgrade. There are optional paid tools if you want things like custom branding or advanced analytics, but most groups can do a lot without spending a dime.

BetterWorld pricing breakdown

BetterWorld takes a bold approach: it’s truly free. There are no platform fees, no tipping system, and no hidden charges. You only pay the standard credit card processing fees. This makes it super appealing for small nonprofits or teams with tight budgets. You get donation tools, auction features, and event pages without worrying about upsells.

Hidden fees and donor impact

Here’s where the difference really matters. With Givebutter, some donors may feel confused or unsure about the tipping option, especially if they think it’s part of the donation. That could impact how much people give, or how they feel after giving. BetterWorld’s flat, fee-free model makes it more transparent. But without tipping, it may have fewer resources to expand its features long-term.

If you're deciding based on pricing alone, BetterWorld wins on simplicity. But if you're okay with the tipping model and want a broader feature set, Givebutter offers more flexibility without up-front costs.

Pros and cons of each platform

Givebutter: key advantages and drawbacks

Pros

• Tons of fundraising options: events, P2P, text-to-give, livestreaming
• Great for teams that want customization and branding
• Social-style features help boost sharing and engagement
• Strong integration support with tools like Zapier

Cons

• The tipping model can confuse some donors
• Some advanced features require paid upgrades
• Might feel a bit “busy” for teams that want simplicity

BetterWorld: key advantages and limitations

Pros

• Completely free platform, no surprise costs
• Built-in tools for auctions, raffles, and ticketed events
• Super easy to set up and run without tech help
• Transparent pricing, which builds donor trust

Cons

• Fewer integrations and automation options
• Limited customization on forms and pages
• Less focus on long-term donor engagement

Real-world use cases and nonprofit stories

Who is Givebutter best for?

Givebutter works well for nonprofits that want to run energetic, community-driven campaigns. If your team leans into social media, peer-to-peer fundraising, or events that bring people together online or in person, Givebutter gives you the tools to do that easily. It's especially helpful for growing teams that want to scale without losing touch with their supporters. Plus, if you already use other tools like CRMs or email platforms, Givebutter's integrations help tie everything together.

Who is BetterWorld best for?

BetterWorld is a great fit for nonprofits that focus on auctions, raffles, or straightforward donation campaigns, and want to keep things simple. If you have a small team or limited time, this platform lets you launch quickly without worrying about hidden fees or complicated features. It’s also ideal if you're hosting a virtual or hybrid auction and want a clean, no-cost solution that just works.

Why Harness is a strong alternative

Built for impact-driven nonprofits

Harness takes a different approach. It’s not just about giving you tools, it’s about giving you a plan. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your fundraising or unsure what to do next, Harness is here to be your guide. We combine a powerful fundraising platform with expert support that feels like an extension of your team. From donation forms to recurring giving, we help you build something that lasts, not just a one-time campaign.

All-in-one platform with executive guidance

With Harness, you don’t just get software. You get a dedicated fundraising expert who’s been in your shoes. Someone who knows how to grow donor relationships, boost giving, and build a real strategy. Need a new website? We’ve got it. Want better reports? We’ll show you how. Looking to save time while growing impact? That’s what we do every day. All for a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house.

What your nonprofit needs

Choosing between Givebutter and BetterWorld really comes down to what your nonprofit needs most. If you want flexibility, social sharing, and a wide set of tools, Givebutter gives you that, and more. If your goal is simple, no-cost fundraising with an emphasis on auctions and easy setup, BetterWorld keeps things straightforward.

But if you're looking for something built specifically for nonprofits that want to grow, with support, strategy, and tools all in one place, Harness might be exactly what you're looking for.