Choosing a donation platform can feel like a big deal, because it is. Your tools can either make fundraising feel smooth or make it a struggle. But here’s the thing: tools aren’t everything. A platform can give you features, but it won’t build your donor relationships or plan your strategy. That’s where most folks get stuck.
Choosing a donation platform can feel like a big deal, because it is. Your tools can either make fundraising feel smooth or make it a struggle. But here’s the thing: tools aren’t everything. A platform can give you features, but it won’t build your donor relationships or plan your strategy. That’s where most folks get stuck.
Zeffy and Donorbox are two names you’ll hear a lot. They both have some great stuff going for them, and they’re popular for good reasons. But if you’ve ever tried to pick between them, you know the details can get confusing fast. Fees, forms, features… it all starts to blend together.
And that’s why this comparison matters, but we’re not just here to list what each one offers. We’re going to talk about what really works in the real world. What makes things easier for your team? What builds trust with your donors? What actually helps you grow?
Comparing Zeffy and Donorbox for nonprofit fundraising
Zeffy and Donorbox are both built to help nonprofits collect donations online. On the surface, they look pretty similar: donation forms, recurring giving, event tools, and so on. But once you get into the details, you start to see some key differences, not just in pricing, but in how much support you get and how much control you really have.
Zeffy is known for being completely free. They cover all fees by asking donors to leave a tip. That can be a big deal for small nonprofits or those just starting out. Donorbox, on the other hand, charges platform fees depending on your plan, and you also pay the usual credit card processing fees. You do get more advanced tools, but you’re also paying for them.
Now, here’s where it’s easy to get off track. A lot of folks compare platforms based on features alone. But features don’t run your campaigns. People do. And the truth is, no matter how many tools you have, they’re only as good as the strategy behind them. Without a clear plan, or someone who can help you build one, it’s easy to feel stuck, even with the best tech in the world.
At Harness, we’ve worked with all kinds of nonprofits, small teams, big missions, tight budgets. And what we’ve learned is this: what you do with your platform matters way more than what it says it can do. That’s why we don’t just hand you tools. We stay with you. We help you grow, set goals, and make real progress, step by step.
Pricing breakdown: platform fees and processing costs explained
Let’s talk about money, because that’s usually the first thing people ask about. On the surface, Zeffy looks like a dream. They don’t charge platform fees. They don’t take a cut of your donations. And they even cover payment processing. The catch? They ask your donors to leave a “tip” to keep the platform running. That can feel a little awkward, especially if you’re working hard to build trust with your supporters.
Donorbox takes a more traditional route. Their basic plan charges a small platform fee, and if you want more features, you move into higher-priced plans. On top of that, you still have to pay payment processing fees through Stripe or PayPal. So yes, you’re getting more tools, but you’re also paying more as your fundraising grows.
Here’s the thing though, free doesn’t always mean better. And paying a little more doesn’t always mean you’re getting real value. What matters most is whether the platform helps you raise more in the long run. If your forms are clunky or if donors don’t feel good about giving, even a “free” platform can cost you.
That’s why at Harness, we look at the big picture. We make sure your donors have a great experience, and that you actually keep more of what you raise, not just in lower fees but in better strategy. Our platform is designed to help you grow smarter, not just cheaper.
Donation forms: usability, customization, and conversion rates
Donation forms can look simple, but they do a lot of heavy lifting. This is where a potential donor decides whether to give, or click away. So how easy your form is to use, how clean it looks, and how trustworthy it feels really matters.
Donorbox gives you a lot of control here. You can customize the look, match your branding, and even embed the form right into your website. That’s great if you have the time (or someone on your team) to fine-tune it. But if you’re short on bandwidth, it can feel like one more thing to figure out.
Zeffy keeps things simple. Their forms are quick to set up and mobile-friendly, but you don’t get as many options for branding or layout. For small teams, that simplicity might be perfect. For others, it could feel a little limiting.
Now, here’s where most platforms stop. But forms don’t work on their own. If you’re not guiding donors with the right ask amounts, impact messaging, or follow-up, even the prettiest form won’t convert well. That’s where Harness steps in. We help you create forms that are not just functional, but built to convert. And we don’t stop there. We support you in testing and tweaking so that every click counts.
Because in the end, a form isn’t just a form, it’s your story, your ask, and your impact, all in one place.
Recurring donations: turning one-time gifts into long-term support
One-time donations are great. But recurring donations? That’s where real stability comes in. When someone gives monthly, they’re not just supporting your work, they’re joining it. And over time, those smaller gifts add up to something powerful.
Donorbox does a solid job here. You can set up recurring options easily, and donors can manage their own subscriptions. They even send out reminder emails, which helps with retention. If you’re looking to build predictable revenue, Donorbox gives you the tools to start.
Zeffy also allows recurring giving, and it’s just as easy for donors to set up. But since everything is based on optional tips, there’s a bit of uncertainty around long-term sustainability, especially if you’re relying heavily on that recurring stream to fund key programs.
But again, having the feature isn’t the same as using it well. Just turning on a “monthly gift” button won’t get people to click it. You need to frame the ask, show the impact, and follow up in a way that feels real and personal.
That’s something we focus on at Harness. We don’t just turn on recurring giving, we build the strategy around it. We help you tell the story, create the journey, and keep those donors engaged month after month. Because turning someone into a recurring donor is just the start, keeping them inspired is what makes the difference.
User experience: which platform is more user friendly?
Let’s be honest, no one wants to wrestle with their fundraising software. You’re busy, your team is stretched thin, and you need tools that just work. That’s why user experience isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a must.
Donorbox gives you a lot of features, but that also means there’s more to learn. The setup can take some time, especially if you want to get the most out of everything it offers. For teams that have tech support or someone who loves digging into tools, it can be great. But for smaller teams, it might feel a bit heavy.
Zeffy keeps things simpler. It’s easy to set up, and the dashboard is pretty straightforward. If you just want to get donations going quickly, Zeffy’s simplicity is a big plus. The flip side is you might outgrow it as your needs get more complex.
But here’s what most platforms don’t talk about: having support when things get confusing, or when you just want to talk through what’s next. That’s where Harness stands out. We don’t just give you tools, we give you a real person. Someone who understands your mission, knows your goals, and helps you build systems that actually make your day easier.
Because the best user experience isn’t just about the dashboard. It’s about knowing someone’s got your back when you need help the most.
Payment processing: who handles it, and how much does it cost?
When it comes to processing donations, a lot happens behind the scenes. And if you’re not paying attention, fees can quietly chip away at what you raise.
Zeffy’s model is simple: they don’t charge any processing fees. Instead, they ask your donors to add a tip to cover those costs. It sounds great, and for many orgs, it works just fine. But not every donor loves being asked to tip during the giving process. Some skip it, and that means Zeffy has to cover the fee themselves. Over time, that could become a challenge for long-term sustainability.
Donorbox connects to Stripe or PayPal, which means you’ll pay the standard processing fees, usually around 2.2% to 2.9% plus a small flat rate per transaction. On top of that, you may pay a platform fee depending on your plan. The good news? It’s predictable. The downside? You’ll need to keep track of how much is being taken out.
At Harness, we know how confusing this stuff can get. That’s why we walk through it with you. We help you understand where your money goes, how to keep your costs low, and what to expect month to month. More importantly, we help you focus on what really matters, keeping more of what you raise and putting it to good use.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about fees. It’s about knowing your money is working as hard as you are.
Zeffy vs Donorbox: pros and cons recap
Sometimes it helps to just see things side by side. So here’s a simple breakdown of what each platform brings to the table, and what to watch out for.
Zeffy – Pros:
- No platform or processing fees
- Super easy to set up
- Clean, donor-friendly forms
- Good for small or early-stage nonprofits
Zeffy – Cons:
- Relies on donor tips to stay free
- Limited customization
- Less suited for complex campaigns or growing needs
- No real strategic support, you’re on your own
Donorbox – Pros:
- More advanced features and form options
- Integrates with popular tools like Mailchimp and Salesforce
- Good recurring donation setup
- Solid support library and documentation
Donorbox – Cons:
- Platform and processing fees can add up
- Some features require higher-tier plans
- Setup can be time-consuming
- Strategy is up to you, no hands-on guidance
If you’re just starting out and need something fast and free, Zeffy can be a good first step. If you’ve got more complex needs and a little budget to work with, Donorbox might offer more flexibility.
But if you want something more than tools, if you want expert help, smart strategy, and a real partnership, Harness is built for that. We’re here to walk with you, not just hand you a platform and wish you luck.
Why tools alone aren’t enough, and why Harness goes further
This is the part most people skip when comparing platforms, but it’s the most important.
Tools matter, sure. You need donation forms that work, and reports that make sense. But tools alone won’t help you raise more money. They won’t keep your donors coming back. They won’t show you what to do when things feel stuck.
That’s the difference with Harness.
We don’t just give you software, we give you a team. People who’ve worked inside nonprofits, who know what it’s like to juggle five things at once and still try to hit your fundraising goals. When you work with Harness, you’re not just getting a platform. You’re getting strategy, support, and someone in your corner who sees the bigger picture.
We help you map out a plan. We help you tell your story better. We even help you launch campaigns that actually connect with your community. You don’t have to figure it out alone, and honestly, you shouldn’t have to.
So while Zeffy and Donorbox both offer helpful tools, Harness goes deeper. We’re here for the work that matters behind the scenes, the kind of work that takes your fundraising from “just getting by” to truly thriving.
Choosing the right partner for your mission
Picking a donation platform is a big decision, but it’s not just about features or fees. It’s about finding something that fits your team, your goals, and your way of working.
Zeffy keeps things simple and free, which can be perfect if you’re just getting started and need a fast way to collect donations. Donorbox gives you more tools and flexibility, but it also comes with more cost and complexity.
But if you’re looking for something more than a tool, if you want a team that walks with you, supports your growth, and helps you figure out what’s next, Harness is worth a look. We’re not here to just hand you software. We’re here to help you build a system that actually works.
We’ve helped nonprofits raise millions, grow stronger donor relationships, and find clarity in the middle of the chaos. And we’d love to do the same for you.
