You’re here because something about Zeffy isn’t quite clicking anymore. Maybe it’s the tipping model that’s raising eyebrows with your donors. Maybe it’s the support that feels a little… distant. Or maybe you’re just wondering if there’s something better out there, something that really helps you grow, not just get by.
We’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits who started on platforms like Zeffy. And we get it. Zero-fee sounds great, until the hidden stuff starts getting in the way of trust, donations, or peace of mind.
So if you’re exploring your options, you’re in the right place. We’ve pulled together a list of top Zeffy alternatives, what makes them stand out, and what to watch for. And yep, we’ll talk about how Harness fits into the mix too. Spoiler: if you want more than just a tool, if you want a team that’s been in your shoes, we’d love to help.
Before you switch: Why nonprofits are exploring Zeffy alternatives
At first, Zeffy sounds perfect. No platform fees? Great! But once donors hit the checkout screen and get asked for a “tip,” things can feel a little off. Some donors feel confused. Others feel pressured. And when that happens, trust can slip, and donations might too.
We’ve heard from nonprofits who saw their donor lists shrink after switching to a “100% free” platform. Why? Because people don’t like surprises when they give. Especially not when they’re trying to do something good.
There’s also the issue of support. If your team runs into trouble during a campaign, or wants to do something more advanced, it can be tough to find help that’s fast and personal. Many teams end up juggling workarounds, long email threads, and delays they can’t afford.
And while “no platform fee” is a strong hook, it often skips over payment processing costs or feature limitations that eventually push you to upgrade anyway.
The Zeffy alternatives to consider in 2025
Not all fundraising platforms are created equal, and not all “free” platforms stay free. Below, we’ve pulled together the top Zeffy alternatives that nonprofits are turning to in 2025. Some focus on customization. Some shine in event planning. A few stand out with hands-on support. Whatever you’re looking for, this list can help you find the right fit.
1. Harness – Best for hands-on support and donor growth
Harness isn’t just software, it’s a real partner. We combine easy-to-use tools with human support from fundraising experts who’ve walked in your shoes. Our platform helps you build branded donation pages, send impact updates, and even plan events. But what makes us different is the personal support you get at every step. With Harness Executive, you gain a full fundraising teammate, without hiring someone new.
Why nonprofits choose Harness:
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, no tipping
- Tools to turn one-time donors into long-term supporters (hello, SmartAsk™)
- Personalized websites, event pages, and donor reports
- Real humans ready to help, not just a help center link
If you’re tired of doing it all alone, we’re here to back you up.
2. Donorbox – Best for fast setup and donation forms
Donorbox is a good option if you’re mainly looking to add a donation form to your website and start collecting gifts right away. It’s built for speed and works well for small teams that need something simple and flexible. You can set up one-time or recurring donations, offer employer matching, and even accept crypto.
But one thing to watch for: while the platform says it’s free, it does use a tipping model similar to Zeffy. That means donors are asked to add a tip at checkout, which can create some confusion or hesitation. Plus, if you want to unlock stronger features, like text-to-give, peer-to-peer tools, or priority support, you’ll need to pay monthly fees.
3. Givebutter – Best for peer-to-peer and storytelling campaigns
Givebutter brings a fresh, social feel to fundraising. It’s great for nonprofits that want to engage younger donors or run campaigns with videos, photos, and personal stories. Supporters can even create their own fundraising pages, which makes peer-to-peer campaigns feel more personal and fun.
It’s also one of the few platforms that really leans into social sharing. You can send text updates, track donor engagement, and even collect donations through Venmo. Just like Zeffy and Donorbox, though, it uses a tipping model unless you choose to cover platform fees yourself.
4. Bonterra (Network for Good) – Best for small teams just getting started
Bonterra, formerly known as Network for Good, is designed to help small and mid-sized nonprofits build their fundraising foundation. It offers built-in tools for donor management, email outreach, and basic event fundraising, all in one place. It’s helpful if you want something straightforward without needing a tech background.
Bonterra does charge a monthly fee, so it’s not a “free” alternative like Zeffy. But what you get in return is a guided setup process and a support team that’s used to helping newer orgs get their systems in place. Still, as your organization grows, you may outgrow its features or find that it doesn’t offer the flexibility or custom support that larger teams need.
5. Qgiv – Best for events, ticketing, and peer-to-peer campaigns
If your nonprofit runs lots of events or peer-to-peer fundraisers, Qgiv might be a good fit. It’s packed with features that help you manage event registration, sell tickets, and create campaign pages that supporters can share with their own networks. You can also set up auctions, text-to-give, and donation kiosks.
Qgiv is especially strong when it comes to event flexibility, but it’s not always the easiest platform to learn. Some users find the interface a bit clunky, and you’ll likely need a little time (and patience) to get everything just right. Pricing varies by feature, so costs can add up depending on what tools you need.
6. DonorPerfect – Best for data and donor relationship management
DonorPerfect has been around for a long time, and it shows in the depth of its donor management tools. If you’re focused on tracking donor history, running complex reports, or building long-term fundraising strategies, this platform offers a solid foundation. It’s great for orgs that need strong CRM features and don’t mind diving into the data.
That said, DonorPerfect can feel a bit overwhelming at first. The interface is more old-school, and it might take some training to get your team up to speed. It’s not the most modern platform visually, but it’s powerful once you get the hang of it. Pricing depends on the number of records, which can get pricey as you grow.
7. Raisely – Best for design freedom and customization
Raisely gives you the power to build beautiful, on-brand fundraising pages without needing a developer. It’s especially strong when it comes to visual customization, so if design matters to your team, this platform stands out. You can run recurring giving campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraisers, and even full donation sites with lots of creative control.
One thing to keep in mind: Raisely is more self-serve than some of the others. While there’s good documentation and community support, you won’t get much one-on-one guidance unless you’re on a larger plan. So, if your team is tech-savvy or enjoys exploring features on its own, Raisely can be a great option.
You don’t have to figure this out alone
Choosing a fundraising platform isn’t just about saving money, it’s about setting your team up for long-term success. While “100% free” sounds great at first, it often comes with trade-offs that hurt donor trust, waste staff time, or hold back your growth.
The good news? You’ve got options. Whether you need hands-on support, better event tools, or a platform that just works without the guesswork, there’s something better than Zeffy out there.
If you’re looking for more than a tool, if you want a true partner who’s walked the nonprofit path before, Harness might be the one. Our team is here to help you build stronger donor relationships, plan smarter campaigns, and grow without limits.
Let’s talk. Book a free strategy session today and see how Harness can help you raise more, with less stress.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Zeffy different from other platforms?
Zeffy promotes itself as a 100% free fundraising tool, using a tipping model where donors are asked to add a voluntary tip at checkout. While that keeps platform fees off your books, it can confuse or frustrate donors, especially if they feel pressured or unclear about where their money is going.
Why are tipping models controversial?
Tipping puts the burden of platform costs on your donors. Some may feel caught off guard or question the transparency of your fundraising. Over time, this can affect donor trust and lead to lower retention rates.
Which Zeffy alternatives offer real customer support?
Platforms like Harness provide dedicated human support, often with nonprofit experience, so you’re not stuck sorting through help docs or waiting days for replies. That kind of partnership can make a huge difference when running campaigns or solving issues fast.
How is Harness different from the others?
Harness isn’t just software. It’s a full-service partner. In addition to powerful tools for donations, events, and reporting, you also get access to fundraising experts who can help plan, execute, and optimize your strategy every step of the way.
Is it hard to migrate to a new platform?
Not at all. Most platforms, including Harness, offer support to help you move your data, set up new forms, and launch your first campaign smoothly. If you’re switching from Zeffy, you can often bring your donors and campaigns with you with very little downtime.
