Givebutter vs Classy: What if there’s a better way to fundraise?

We’ve been in your shoes, so we get it. You’ve probably heard of Givebutter and Classy, they’re both solid names in the nonprofit world. But how do you know which one fits your mission, your team, and your donors?

In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences between these two platforms, fees, features, donor experience, and more, so you can make the best choice for your organization. And if you’re wondering whether there’s another option that brings powerful tools and expert support under one roof, we’ll also show you what makes Harness a smart choice for growing nonprofits.

Donation forms, event management, and more

When you’re picking a fundraising platform, features matter, but it’s how those features work for you that really counts. Both Givebutter and Classy offer donation forms, event tools, and peer-to-peer fundraising, but the way they deliver them feels different.

Givebutter’s donation forms are super simple to set up and look clean right out of the box. You can customize colors and branding without needing a designer. Their forms also live nicely on mobile, which is a big win when donors are giving from their phones. Classy, on the other hand, gives you more design options and control, but the learning curve can be steeper if your team isn’t tech-savvy.

Event management is another area where both platforms shine, ticketing, RSVPs, and donation tracking are all built in. Givebutter keeps it light and easy for smaller or one-time events. Classy offers more advanced tools for larger campaigns or multi-event strategies, which could be a plus if you’re running big seasonal fundraisers.

And when it comes to social media and peer-to-peer tools, Givebutter really leans into that community vibe. Donors can create personal pages, share them with friends, and rally support fast. Classy does this too but in a more structured way that works better for big, formal campaigns.

Processing fees, platform fees, and transaction costs

Let’s talk money, because fees can really eat into your fundraising goals if you’re not careful. Both Givebutter and Classy say they help you raise more, but their cost structures are pretty different under the hood.

Givebutter is often promoted as “free,” and that’s mostly true. They don’t charge a platform fee, which is huge. Instead, they give donors the option to cover processing fees when they give. Most donors do, so you keep nearly every dollar. But if they don’t? You’re on the hook for standard payment processing fees (about 2.9% + 30¢ per donation).

Classy, on the other hand, charges a platform fee, usually based on the plan you choose, and you’ll still pay processing fees on top of that. The costs add up, especially if you’re running several campaigns or raising large amounts.

So the real question is: Do you want a platform where donors help cover costs, or are you okay budgeting for platform and processing fees yourself? It’s a trade-off, and knowing where every dollar goes can help you plan smarter.

Payment processing and accepted credit cards

When donors pull out their wallets, your platform shouldn’t get in the way. Smooth, fast, and flexible payment processing keeps donations coming in without a hitch. Here’s how Givebutter and Classy stack up.

Givebutter works with Stripe and PayPal, so your donors can pay using major credit cards, debit cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. It’s super convenient, especially for younger donors who like quick, mobile-friendly options. Setup is easy, and everything’s handled through trusted processors you’ve probably heard of.

Classy also uses Stripe for processing, and they’ve built in similar support for credit cards and digital wallets. But depending on your plan and how you configure it, setup can take a bit more time. Classy is also a better fit for organizations dealing with larger or more complex donation flows, they’ve got the infrastructure to support those needs.

Both platforms offer secure, PCI-compliant processing, so your donors’ info stays safe. But if speed and flexibility are your top priorities, Givebutter may have the edge, especially when you want to meet donors where they are, like on their phones or favorite apps.

Donor management and recurring donations capabilities

Keeping track of your donors, and turning one-time gifts into long-term support, is where the right platform can really prove its worth.

Givebutter has built-in tools to help you understand who your donors are, how often they give, and how they engage with your campaigns. You can view donor profiles, track donation history, and even tag supporters to keep things organized. It’s simple, and it works well for teams that want clean insights without needing to be data experts.

Recurring donations are a big deal, too. Givebutter makes it easy for donors to set up monthly giving right from the donation form. You can even add impact statements so people see exactly what their gift supports each month. It’s a nice way to build trust and boost donor retention.

Classy goes deeper with its donor management tools, especially if you're using it with Salesforce or other CRMs. You’ll get more options for segmentation, campaign tracking, and engagement funnels. If your team is larger and ready to dig into donor behavior with more strategy, Classy gives you the tools to do that.

Bottom line: Givebutter keeps it simple and effective. Classy gives you depth and detail, if you have the time and people to use it.

Fundraising pages and campaign customization

Your fundraising page is often a donor’s first impression, so it needs to look good and feel easy. Both Givebutter and Classy let you build campaign pages, but they go about it in different ways.

Givebutter keeps things light and fast. You can spin up a new campaign page in minutes, and everything is mobile-friendly by default. You get to add your branding, a story, donation goals, and even live supporter feeds or videos. It’s perfect for small teams who want to launch something quickly without getting lost in the details.

Classy takes a more polished and professional route. Their fundraising pages are highly customizable and come with more layout options, especially if you’re building a complex campaign. Classy’s pages can feel more “enterprise”, great for bigger orgs that need to manage multi-tiered giving campaigns or run several at once.

Both platforms track results and donor activity, but Classy’s analytics go a bit deeper. You’ll get more granular reporting across different segments, which is helpful if your team is data-driven and ready to act on those insights.

So if speed and ease are your thing, Givebutter delivers. If you’re aiming for more control and advanced tracking, Classy’s got the edge.

Live chat and customer support experiences

When something breaks, or you just need help figuring something out, good support makes all the difference. That’s where the tone and style of a platform really show up.

Givebutter is known for being responsive and friendly. They offer live chat, which is a lifesaver when you need quick answers. They also have a help center with step-by-step guides and a reputation for listening to their users. If you like a “we’re-in-this-with-you” vibe, you’ll probably appreciate their approach.

Classy takes a more formal path. Their support depends on your plan, higher tiers come with more hands-on help. They do offer phone and email support, and their knowledge base is packed with detailed articles. If your organization needs training sessions or long-term strategy input, Classy can provide that, but usually at a higher cost.

So it comes down to what you need. If you’re looking for fast, friendly help and answers right away, Givebutter makes it easy. If you prefer scheduled guidance or in-depth support and don’t mind paying more for it, Classy has that covered.

Donor experience and user interface

Let’s be honest, if the donation process feels clunky, people bounce. A smooth, friendly donor experience can mean the difference between a completed gift and a lost one.

Givebutter’s interface is clean and simple. The donation flow is quick, especially on mobile. Donors can leave messages, donate in honor of someone, or even cover fees, all without feeling overwhelmed. It’s designed for the everyday person, not just tech-savvy users, which makes a big difference when your audience spans generations.

Classy feels more like a polished storefront. Their donation experience looks great, especially for larger campaigns with multiple giving levels or event tie-ins. That said, some users say it takes a bit longer to get through the process, especially if you’re asking for extra info or custom fields.

Accessibility matters too. Givebutter pages are mobile-friendly and load fast, which is key if someone’s donating on the go. Classy does well here too, but the more advanced features sometimes come with longer load times or extra clicks.

If you’re all about simplicity and speed, Givebutter nails it. If you’re building a more layered giving journey, Classy offers more, but at the cost of a bit more setup and complexity.

Platform suitability based on organization size and goals

Not every platform fits every nonprofit. Some tools shine for lean teams with tight budgets. Others make more sense for big campaigns and large donor bases. Here’s how Givebutter and Classy stack up when it comes to fit.

Givebutter is perfect for small to mid-size nonprofits, especially those who want to get up and running quickly without a bunch of training or overhead. If your team wears a lot of hats and just needs tools that work, this platform delivers. It’s also great for grassroots campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, and one-off events.

Classy, on the other hand, is built for scale. If you’re a growing organization running complex, multi-channel campaigns or need deep data to report to your board, Classy’s advanced features come in handy. But it takes more time, and budget, to get the most out of it. It’s a better fit if you already have staff or consultants focused on fundraising strategy and tech integration.

So the big question is: are you looking for easy and effective, or are you ready to manage a more complex setup with more control? Either way, picking the right fit now saves you a lot of headaches later.

Why some nonprofits are choosing Harness instead

If you’ve made it this far, you probably care about finding the right tool, not just the most popular one. That’s where Harness comes in. It’s built for nonprofits that want powerful features without giving up personal support.

Harness combines intuitive tech with expert partnership. You’re not just getting a platform; you’re getting a team that understands what it’s like to run lean, stretch every dollar, and still grow. From donation forms to recurring giving and donor communication, everything is designed to save you time and boost results.

What makes it different? For one, you get hands-on help from fundraising experts who feel like an extension of your team. You also get donor engagement tools that are simple to use but packed with strategy, like SmartAsk™ to grow monthly giving or impact posts to keep supporters connected all year.

If Givebutter feels lightweight and Classy feels corporate, Harness strikes that middle ground: real support, real results, and a platform that grows with you.

Let’s bring it all together

Givebutter and Classy both bring solid fundraising tools to the table, but they serve different types of organizations. If you want something simple, fast, and free to start with, Givebutter is a great choice. If you’re managing large campaigns and need deep customization, Classy offers more, but with a higher cost and complexity.

The right platform isn’t just about features. It’s about what fits your team, your donors, and your goals right now. And if you’re still looking for something that brings it all together, smart tools, expert help, and a partner who actually gets what nonprofits need, Harness might be the better path forward.