givebutter alternatives

Givebutter Alternatives: 7 Fundraising Platforms Nonprofits Should Consider in 2026

TL;DR

Givebutter Alternatives for Nonprofits

Some nonprofits look beyond Givebutter for stronger event tools or deeper fundraising features.

Popular Givebutter alternatives include:
1. RallyUp – end-to-end fundraising platform
2. GoFundMe Pro
3. Donorbox
4. OneCause
5. Handbid
6. GiveSmart
7. Give Lively

RallyUp, an end-to-end fundraising platform, is the best contender supporting different fundraising needs and campaign styles.

Givebutter is quite a recognizable fundraising software for nonprofits today. Many organizations start with it because it offers an easy way to launch donation pages. But as they grow, they start exploring other options.

You may want deeper event tools, stronger reporting, different pricing models, or more flexibility in campaign structure.

This guide walks through why some nonprofits consider switching platforms and the best Givebutter alternatives available today. If your organization is evaluating fundraising tools, this overview will help you compare the platforms that can support your next stage of growth.

What is Givebutter?

Givebutter is an online fundraising platform

Givebutter is an online fundraising platform for nonprofits to collect donations, run campaigns, and manage supporter engagement from a single system.

The platform supports several types of fundraising activities and includes built-in tools for managing donors and campaigns. Because of its feature set, it appears in discussions about fundraising software for small nonprofits.

Fundraising tools include:

  • Donation forms that can be embedded on nonprofit websites
  • Fundraising campaign pages for collecting donations online
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising that allows supporters to create their own fundraising pages
  • Event ticketing and fundraising events
  • Silent auctions for event-based fundraising
  • Basic donor CRM tools for tracking supporters and donations

Additional platform features:

  • Email marketing tools for donor communication
  • Text messaging for campaign updates and engagement
  • Live campaign feeds showing supporter activity in real time
  • Team fundraising tools that allow multiple fundraisers to participate in campaigns
  • Integrations with nonprofit and productivity tools

Pricing structure

Givebutter uses two main pricing modes.

Tips ON (default)

  • No platform fee
  • Donors are prompted to add a tip to support the platform
  • Donors are also asked to cover payment processing fees

Tips OFF

  • Platform fee: 3% across all campaign types
  • Processing fees follow standard rates
    • Cards: 2.9% + $0.30
    • ACH: 1.9% + $0.30

Organizations can choose whether to require, suggest, or absorb processing fees.

Givebutter Plus

Givebutter’s core CRM (donor management), basic marketing tools, and fundraising features are available for free. 

However, Givebutter Plus is an optional paid upgrade that unlocks more advanced capabilities such as automation workflows, custom reporting, data hygiene tools, and enhanced marketing features.

  • Contact-based pricing model
  • Starts at $29 per month for fewer than 250 contacts

Why nonprofits look for Givebutter alternatives

Givebutter works well for many organizations, especially those starting with online fundraising. Still, some teams explore Givebutter alternatives as their needs grow.

These issues are not deal-breakers for most organizations. They simply lead some nonprofits to compare platforms as part of a nonprofit fundraising software comparison.

1. CRM imports and integrations

Some users report that importing contacts from an existing CRM did not transfer all information cleanly. Others mention that transactions do not always sync automatically with connected tools.

2. Advanced features behind paid plans

A few reviewers note that features like deeper CRM tools, automation, and reporting require upgrading to Givebutter Plus. For nonprofits on tight budgets, this can influence platform decisions.

3. Reporting and segmentation

Some users describe email reporting as fairly basic and say segmentation can feel a bit clunky when organizing donor groups.

4. Event setup limitations

Reviewers running ticketed events mention that multi-day events require separate campaigns and that collecting attendee names for each ticket can create friction.

5. Donor checkout confusion

A few donors have been confused by fee coverage prompts and tipping during checkout, which can add hesitation during the donation process.

Why we chose the 7 platforms as Givebutter alternatives

The platforms below were selected based on a few areas nonprofits often evaluate when comparing Givebutter alternatives.

  • CRM imports and integrations: Some users report challenges importing contact data from existing CRMs or syncing transactions automatically with connected tools.
  • Advanced features and pricing tiers: Certain capabilities, such as deeper CRM tools, automation, and reporting, require upgrading to Givebutter Plus.
  • Reporting and segmentation: Some reviewers describe email reporting as basic and donor segmentation as somewhat clunky.
  • Event and campaign flexibility: Multi-day events often require separate campaigns, and collecting attendee details for each ticket can create friction.
  • Donor checkout experience: Fee coverage prompts and tipping during checkout can confuse some donors.

Best Givebutter alternatives for nonprofits

Platform Best for Free platform? Key strength
Givebutter Small–mid nonprofits running basic campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising ✅ Yes (with donor tipping enabled) Core fundraising tools, including campaigns, auctions, and donor engagement
RallyUp Nonprofits running multiple fundraising formats ✅ Yes (optional donor tipping model) Supports raffles, auctions, peer-to-peer, livestreams, and events in one platform
GoFundMe Pro Large nonprofits running structured online campaigns ❌ No Mature digital fundraising infrastructure and recurring giving programs
Donorbox Small nonprofits focused on online donations ❌ No Easy-to-embed donation forms and recurring giving tools
OneCause Event and auction fundraising ❌ No Mobile bidding and event-focused fundraising tools
Handbid Charity auctions and gala events ❌ No Mobile-first auction bidding and event management
GiveSmart Large fundraising events and auctions ❌ No Event management with auctions and donor tracking
Give Lively Nonprofits seeking simple fundraising tools ✅ Yes Core fundraising tools with no platform fees

1. RallyUp – End-to-end fundraising platform

RallyUp is designed for nonprofits that run multiple types of campaigns and events. Organizations consider it when they want a single system that can support auctions, raffles, peer-to-peer campaigns, and donation pages without switching tools.

RallyUp is an end-to-end campaign fundraising software

Because of its range of fundraising formats and event tools, it is commonly evaluated by nonprofits comparing Givebutter alternatives.

Key features:

  • Raffles and sweepstakes for regulated prize-based fundraising
  • Charity auctions, including silent, live, and hybrid formats
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, where supporters raise money for the organization
  • Donation pages with recurring giving options
  • Event ticketing and registration for fundraising events
  • Livestream fundraising for virtual events and campaigns
  • A-Thons and crowdfunding campaigns for community-driven fundraising
  • Fund-a-Need and Paddle Raise+ tools for live fundraising moments during events
  • Built-in donor engagement and reporting tools

RallyUp pricing:

  • Free plan
    • No platform fee
    • Donors are prompted to leave an optional tip at checkout
    • The organization is not charged a platform fee even if donors skip the tip
  • Flex plan (platform fee varies by campaign type)
    • 2.9% for Ticketing & Registration and Storefront
    • 4.9% for Auctions, Crowdfunding, and A-Thons (plus Fund-a-Need and Paddle Raise+ for in-person events)
    • 6.9% for Raffles and Sweepstakes
    • 0% for Donation Pages and Livestreaming
  • Payment processing fees (both plans)
    • Generally 1.9%–2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
    • Rates vary by processor and nonprofit status, and nonprofit discounts may apply.

Why is RallyUp a strong Givebutter alternative?

RallyUp supports a broader range of fundraising formats. Nonprofits that rely heavily on events or campaign variety often choose RallyUp when they want everything managed from one place rather than combining multiple tools.

RallyUp vs. Givebutter: Check out our detailed comparison

2. GoFundMe Pro (formerly Classy)

GoFundMe Pro is a fundraising platform used by many mid-sized and large nonprofits to manage online campaigns, recurring giving, and donor engagement.

GoFundMe Pro is a fundraising platform

Key features:

  • Donation forms for online fundraising campaigns
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns
  • Recurring giving programs
  • Fundraising event and campaign pages
  • Basic donor reporting and analytics

Pricing:

  • Platform pricing: Annual upfront subscription plus a per-donation transaction fee. Exact platform costs are contracted and not publicly listed.
  • Processing fees:
    • Typical credit card processing is 2.4% + $0.30 per donation
    • American Express adds +1%
    • PayPal and Venmo start at 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction

Why it’s a Givebutter alternative:

GoFundMe Pro (formerly Classy) is often considered by nonprofits that want a more established fundraising platform with structured campaign tools and donor programs.

Compare RallyUp and GoFundMe Pro to make the right decision

3. Handbid

Handbid is primarily for charity auctions and event-based fundraising. Nonprofits use it for gala events and auction campaigns that rely on mobile bidding.

Handbid

Key features:

  • Mobile charity auction bidding
  • Event ticketing and registration
  • Auction item and catalog management
  • Text-to-bid and donor notifications
  • Basic event fundraising reporting

Pricing

Platform pricing: Handbid offers tiered plans with pricing typically starting around $1,999 per year based on event size and feature access. Exact pricing is provided after requesting a quote.

Payment processing: Depends on the payment provider used; around 3.5% + 0.30 per transaction.

Why it’s a Givebutter alternative:

Handbid is often considered by nonprofits that run auction-driven fundraising events and want tools designed specifically for mobile bidding.

4. Donorbox

Donorbox is focused on donation forms, recurring giving, and simple campaign management. Many small organizations use it when they want straightforward fundraising tools that work with their existing website.

Donorbox is focused on donation forms

Key features:

  • Website donation forms that can be embedded into nonprofit websites
  • Recurring giving tools for monthly donor programs
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns
  • Event ticketing and membership features
  • Basic donor tracking and reporting

Pricing:

  • Platform fees
    • Standard plan: No monthly fee, platform fees typically 2.95%–3.95%
    • Pro plan: $150/month with platform fees around 1.75%–2%
    • Premium plan: Custom pricing with platform fees around 1.6%–2%

Events, memberships, and peer-to-peer campaigns on the Standard plan generally carry a 3.95% platform fee. Donorbox also includes a donor cover-fees option that can offset platform costs.

  • Payment processing
    • Stripe credit cards: often 2.9% + $0.30, with nonprofit discounts sometimes around 2.2% + $0.30
    • ACH payments: about 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5
    • PayPal: commonly around 1.99% + $0.49 for non-American Express cards

Why it’s a Givebutter alternative:

Donorbox is often chosen by nonprofits that mainly need reliable donation forms and recurring giving tools rather than full event fundraising systems.

Compare RallyUp features, pricing, and use cases with DonorBox

5. OneCause

OneCause focuses primarily on event-based fundraising, particularly auctions and gala-style campaigns. Many nonprofits use it when their fundraising strategy centers on large in-person or hybrid events.

OneCause focuses primarily on event-based fundraising

Key features:

  • Charity auction management with mobile bidding
  • Event ticketing and registration tools
  • Fundraising event pages
  • Text-to-give donations
  • Basic donor and event reporting

Pricing:

  • Platform pricing: OneCause does not publish transparent pricing. Most plans are contract-based and may include:
    • Annual subscription pricing
    • Per-event licensing options
    • Separate plans for online fundraising tools such as donation forms, giving sites, recurring donations, and digital wallets
  • Payment processing: Typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, depending on the payment provider.

Why it’s a Givebutter alternative

OneCause is often considered by organizations that run auction-based fundraising events and want dedicated tools for managing those campaigns.

RallyUp vs. OneCause: Which one is a better option for your nonprofit?

6. Give Lively

Give Lively is a fundraising platform for nonprofits providing core digital fundraising tools with lower platform charges. However, access to the platform is not fully available to all organizations.

Give Lively is a fundraising platform

Key features:

  • Campaign Pages
  • Donation Widgets
  • Text-to-Donate
  • Event Ticketing
  • Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Pricing:

  • Platform fees: Give Lively says it offers every feature free for nonprofits, with no hidden fees or upsells. Donors may leave a voluntary platform tip at checkout.
  • Payment processing: Third-party card fees starting from 1.99% + $0.25, depending on payment processor (Stripe, Shift4, PayPal, and DAFpay by Chariot)

Why it’s a Givebutter alternative:

Give Lively can be a good option for eligible nonprofits that want a simple cost structure and core fundraising tools without tiered feature access, but the membership approval requirement may limit accessibility compared to other platforms.

7. GiveSmart

GiveSmart is a fundraising platform focused on events, auctions, donor management, and year-round digital fundraising.

GiveSmart is a fundraising platform

Key features:

  • Auctions and mobile bidding
  • Event registration and guest management
  • Donation forms and online fundraising tools
  • Peer-to-peer and text-to-donate
  • Donor management and reporting

Pricing:

  • Platform fees: Fixed pricing and does not charge transaction, ticketing, or per-donation fees, but pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed.
  • Payment processing: Credit card fee is 3.5%, or 3.95% for American Express, and donors can optionally cover that cost if the nonprofit enables it.

Why it’s a Givebutter alternative:

GiveSmart is often considered by nonprofits that want stronger event and auction tools with donor management in the same system.

Check out the differences between RallyUp and GiveSmart

Final thoughts on choosing the right Givebutter alternative

Givebutter works well for many nonprofits, especially teams that want a platform for donations, campaigns, and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Still, some organizations begin exploring Givebutter alternatives as their fundraising programs grow or their campaign formats become more complex. Different platforms tend to fit different needs:

  • RallyUp supports multiple fundraising formats including raffles, auctions, events, donation pages, livestream fundraising, and peer-to-peer campaigns in one platform
  • GoFundMe Pro for structured online fundraising campaigns and recurring giving programs
  • Donorbox’s strong suit is simple donation forms and recurring giving tools
  • OneCause, Handbid, and GiveSmart are platforms focused on auction and event fundraising
  • Give Lively has core digital fundraising tools without platform fees

If your organization wants one platform that can support multiple fundraising styles without switching tools, RallyUp – an end-to-end fundraising platform is your strongest bet.

Switch to RallyUp today, try out a demo for free!

FAQs about Givebutter alternatives

What are paddle raises and how do they work?

Paddle raises (fund-a-need appeals) highlight specific needs (e.g., “$250 for medical kits”). Guests raise paddles with unique Guest Numbers or QR codes. Spotters scan them to log donations. These pledges instantly appear in the fundraising total and are added to the guest’s Event Balance.

1. Which is better, Zeffy or Givebutter?

Zeffy focuses on basic fundraising tools with no platform fees. Givebutter offers more built-in fundraising features like auctions, peer-to-peer campaigns, and donor engagement tools.

2. Is GoFundMe Pro or Givebutter better?

GoFundMe is designed mainly for personal fundraising campaigns. Givebutter is built for nonprofits and includes tools for donations, events, auctions, and peer-to-peer fundraising.

3. What percentage does Givebutter take?

Givebutter charges 0% platform fees when donor tipping is enabled. If tipping is turned off, the platform fee is 3%, plus payment processing fees (typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).

Now that you’ve seen it in action, are you ready to start fundraising?
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Ashley Carroll

Ashely Carroll is a Fundraising Specialist at RallyUp. Ashley has dedicated her career to helping charities and causes she cares about. After working in nonprofit education for a decade, she joined RallyUp. As a Fundraising Specialist, she loves hearing people's stories and helping their organizations thrive. Ashley’s here to make sure everyone is comfortable and confident using the RallyUp software and getting the most out of every fundraiser!