Which Nonprofit Donation Platform is Right for You? A No-Nonsense Guide

Introduction

If you run a nonprofit, choosing the right donation platform is crucial. However, many nonprofits feel they must use platforms designed specifically for nonprofits – which unfortunately tend to be often overpriced, outdated, and restrictive. In the video below, I compare five donation platforms I saw recommended in a discussion on the Nonprofit Communications Professionals Facebook group – and I explain why they should be avoided. I also give my recommendations on a low-cost, flexible solution that provides the nonprofit with full ownership and control over their data. Here’s the video!

Recorded March 9th, 2025 in Dharwad, India.

The Problems with Many Nonprofit Donation Platforms

Many nonprofit-specific platforms have several downsides:

  • Hidden Pricing – Many don’t list their prices upfront, forcing you into sales calls.
  • High Fees – Additional platform fees can cost thousands annually.
  • Lack of Control – Your data is stored on their servers, making migration difficult.
  • Slow Payouts – Some platforms hold your funds for weeks before sending them.

In this video, we look at GiveSmart, Network for Good, Fundraise Up, DonorPerfect, DonorDock. All of them are over-priced. For example, Fundraise Up charges 4% per donation on top of Stripe’s 2.2%. If your nonprofit raises $1M, you’d pay $40,000 just in Fundraise Up fees!

Abstract Forest Landscape - Kerry Kriger Midjourney Art Nonprofit ICU

A Better Alternative: WordPress + WooCommerce + Stripe

Instead of paying thousands to third-party platforms, you can build a donation system on your own website:

✅ One-time & recurring donations
✅ Branded donation pages on your URL (e.g., yournonprofit.org/donate)
✅ Lower fees with Stripe (2.2%)
✅ Instant access to donor data
✅ Seamless CRM integration (Airtable, Google Sheets, etc.)
✅ No platform-imposed restrictions or price hikes

Abstract Forest Landscape - Kerry Kriger Midjourney Art Nonprofit ICU

Final Thoughts

Why pay thousands for limited platforms when you can own and control your donation system? With WordPress and WooCommerce, you get full customization, better financial transparency, and long-term cost savings.

📺 Watch the full video to learn more!

Want expert guidance on setting up your nonprofit’s donation system? Reach out, and let’s make it happen!

Mint Trees Growing - Kerry Kriger Midjourney Art Nonprofit ICU