If you’ve been exploring free fundraising platforms, chances are you’ve come across Zeffy. They make a big promise: no platform fees, no transaction fees, completely free.
That sounds almost too good to be true, right? So how does Zeffy actually make money? And what does that mean for nonprofits who rely on it?
At Harness, we believe nonprofits deserve tools that not only save money but also set them up for long-term success. That’s why we’ve taken a close look at Zeffy’s model. In this article, we’ll walk through how Zeffy works, where the money comes from, and what it means for your organization, so you can make the best decision for your fundraising future.
What makes Zeffy different as a free fundraising platform?
Zeffy stands out because it tells nonprofits they’ll never have to pay platform or transaction fees. Most fundraising platforms charge something on every donation, whether it’s a percentage fee or a flat rate per transaction. Zeffy flips that model on its head by saying they’ll cover those costs.
Instead of taking money from nonprofits, Zeffy asks donors if they’d like to add a little extra to their gift. This is what they call a “voluntary contribution”. In other words, when someone donates through a Zeffy form, they get the option to also contribute to Zeffy itself. That’s how Zeffy keeps the lights on.
On paper, that sounds like a win-win: nonprofits don’t see fees, and donors have a choice. Zeffy has grown quickly with this approach and now says more than 50,000 nonprofits across North America use their platform. For nonprofits that are stretched thin, the idea of a 100% free fundraising platform can be very appealing.
How does Zeffy make money through voluntary contributions?
Zeffy doesn’t charge nonprofits the usual platform or credit card processing fees. Instead, it relies on donors choosing to “chip in” on top of their gift. This extra amount, called a voluntary contribution, goes directly to Zeffy, not the nonprofit.
Here’s how it works in practice: when a donor fills out a donation form, they see an option to add a percentage or dollar amount to support Zeffy. Some donors skip it, but enough choose to give that Zeffy can cover operating costs and keep offering its tools for free.
Zeffy often explains that this isn’t tipping in the traditional sense. Tipping usually implies paying extra to make up for someone’s wages. In Zeffy’s case, the contribution is about keeping the platform free for nonprofits. Still, from the donor’s point of view, it feels very similar to leaving a tip.
So, when Zeffy says it’s 100% free, what they mean is: nonprofits don’t pay fees, because donors have the option to cover them instead.
The reality behind free fundraising platforms
Calling a platform “100% free” sounds simple, but the reality is more complicated. Every online fundraising platform has to deal with credit card processing fees. Someone has to pay those fees, whether it’s the nonprofit, the donor, or the platform itself. Zeffy solves this by asking donors to cover both their processing costs and the platform’s expenses through voluntary contributions.
The catch is that nonprofits don’t always know how many donors will agree to add that extra amount. While some donors are generous, others may skip the option, which makes the model less predictable. By contrast, platforms that charge a clear fee provide more transparency: you know exactly what will come out of each donation.
This is where the idea of “hidden fees” comes into play. Even though Zeffy doesn’t charge nonprofits directly, the cost doesn’t disappear, it’s just shifted onto donors. For organizations that care about donor trust, this is worth thinking about. What feels like a free fundraising platform on the nonprofit side can look like an added burden on the donor side.
Why voluntary contributions matter for nonprofits
For nonprofits, the voluntary contribution model can feel like a relief at first. No platform fees, no transaction fees, just donations flowing straight to your mission. But the donor experience is just as important as the nonprofit’s experience, and that’s where things get tricky.
When donors see an extra prompt asking them to add money for the platform, some feel pressured. Others may feel what’s often called “tipping fatigue”, the sense that everywhere they turn, they’re being asked to give a little more. Over time, this can affect how much donors give, or even whether they give again.
Nonprofits depend on long-term trust and loyalty. If donors view the process as confusing or pushy, it can chip away at that relationship. And because Zeffy relies on these contributions to keep running, nonprofits are also depending on donors to sustain the platform, not just their own work. That creates a risk: what happens if fewer donors decide to contribute to Zeffy?
How Zeffy compares to other online fundraising platforms
When nonprofits choose a fundraising tool, the question usually isn’t just about fees, it’s about the overall experience for both the organization and its donors. Zeffy’s “100% free” model is unique, but it’s not the only option.
Other platforms like Donorbox and Cheddar Up take a different approach. Instead of relying on voluntary contributions, they charge a clear percentage or flat fee per donation. This gives nonprofits predictable costs, though it means you’ll always see a portion of donations go toward platform or transaction fees.
Harness offers a third path. Instead of focusing only on fees, our platform is built around sustainable fundraising. We combine donor engagement tools, reporting, and automation so nonprofits can grow beyond one-time gifts. The emphasis is on long-term success, not short-term savings.
The bottom line: Zeffy removes fees for nonprofits, but shifts the cost onto donors. Competing platforms charge nonprofits directly, but avoid putting donors in an awkward spot. Harness works to balance both sides, making giving easier for donors while helping nonprofits build consistent, predictable growth.
What nonprofit organizations should consider before choosing Zeffy
Before jumping into any “free” fundraising tool, it’s important to look past the surface promise. With Zeffy, nonprofits need to consider whether relying on voluntary contributions is a sustainable path. If donors stop adding that extra amount, the platform’s ability to stay free could be at risk.
Another factor is donor trust. Some supporters may feel unsure about why they’re being asked to contribute to the platform instead of just to the cause. Over time, that hesitation could affect donor retention. Nonprofits work hard to build relationships, and every part of the giving process shapes how donors feel.
Finally, think about your internal needs. Does the platform give you the reporting, integrations, and engagement features you’ll need as your fundraising grows? Saving money on fees is great, but if the tools are limited, you might find yourself spending extra time or resources elsewhere.
In short, nonprofits should weigh the short-term benefit of “no fees” against the long-term importance of donor trust, predictable revenue, and the right set of tools to scale.
Harness as an alternative to Zeffy’s model
Zeffy’s model works for some nonprofits, but many organizations want more than just “free.” They want tools that help them grow, keep donors engaged, and build sustainable revenue over time. That’s where Harness comes in.
Harness combines fundraising technology with expert support. Instead of relying on voluntary contributions from donors, we give nonprofits a clear, predictable path. Our platform includes features like recurring donation tools, automated communications, reporting dashboards, and even personalized websites, all designed to make fundraising easier and more effective.
The difference is in the focus. Zeffy shifts costs away from nonprofits but leaves donor trust and sustainability questions on the table. Harness is built to strengthen both sides: giving donors a smooth, transparent experience while giving nonprofits the strategy and tools they need to thrive.
If your goal is to build lasting impact, not just save on fees, Harness is here to help you every step of the way.
Choosing the right platform
At first glance, Zeffy’s “100% free” fundraising platform sounds like the perfect solution for nonprofits. But once you dig deeper, it’s clear the model comes with trade-offs. Donors are asked to cover costs through voluntary contributions, which can create questions about trust and sustainability.
For nonprofits, choosing the right platform isn’t just about saving money, it’s about building long-term relationships with donors and having the tools to grow with confidence. That’s why so many organizations look for more than a free option.
At Harness, we focus on helping nonprofits thrive with smart, predictable fundraising solutions. From recurring donations to data-driven insights, we’re here to help you grow your mission without leaving your success up to chance.
