Are There Free Fundraising Websites? Learn the Truth!

Are There Free Fundraising Websites?
Learn how much crowdfunding costs.
Compare fees from the top platforms.
Pick the right fundraising website.
Raise money with crowdfunding.

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Learn what determines if a crowdfunding website is free.

Are There Free Fundraising Websites?

Learn what determines if a crowdfunding website is free.
Start an online fundraiser today!

Are There Free Fundraising Websites?


The short answer is no. There are not free fundraising websites. When a platform says its free, it typically means it is free to start, as in there is no signup or subscription fee.

Crowdfunding platforms have to make money, and in order to do so, they build in a percentage-based fee structure. Despite the fees, crowdfunding is still an extremely cost-effective option for fundraising.

Here are the most common fundraising website fees:

Subscription Fee

One-time only, monthly, or annual costs that a platform charges you for use.


Platform Fee

The percentage the platform keeps from each donation as a form of payment

Donor Fee

An alternative to a platform fee where the donor is charged the percentage instead of the fundraiser


Processor Fee

What the credit card processor charges per donation to handle the transaction

What Do the Top Free Fundraising Websites Cost?

PlatformSubscription FeePlatform FeeSuggested Donor FeeProcessor FeeTotalOur Pick
Bonfire$0$00%8% per additional donation (reduced to 3.5% for nonprofits)8% per additional donation (3.5% for nonprofits)
Fundly$04.9%0%2.9% + $.30 per gift7.8% + $.30 per gift
DonateKindly$00%4.9%2.9% + $.30 per gift7.8% + $.30 per gift
Givebutter$0$00%2.9% + $.30 per gift2.9% + $.30 per gift
GoFundMe$05%15%2.9% + $.30 per gift17.9% + $.30 per gift
Kickstarter$05%0%3% + $.20 per gift8% + $.20 per gift
Indiegogo$05%0%3% + $.30 per gift8% + $.30 per gift

What Do the Top Free Fundraising Websites Cost?

Our Recommendation for T-Shirt Fundraising: Bonfire

  • What is it?

    Bonfire is the pioneer in the t-shirt fundraising space. It’s designed for all audiences, whether you’re an individual fundraising for a personal cause, a content creator making merch for fans, or part of a nonprofit organization raising money for your cause.

  • Why do we recommend it?

    Bonfire offers high-quality custom apparel that your supporters will love. Its user-friendly tools empower you to create standout designs that capture your cause and align with your brand. Select from dozens of t-shirt styles, thousands of free graphics, and numerous fonts. You can even upload your own artwork to make your design fully your own. When everything’s squared away, publish your campaign page with your design and instantly start fundraising!

  • How much does it cost?

    Bonfire has no upfront costs or platform fees. The only fee Bonfire will ever collect is an 8% payment processing fee on additional donations (reduced to 3.5% for verified nonprofits).


Bonfire’s free fundraising website is perfect for anyone who wants to sell custom apparel.


Check out Bonfire.

Our Recommendation for Crowdfunding: Fundly

  • What is it?

    Fundly is a top crowdfunding platform that helps individuals, groups, and nonprofit organizations raise money online.

  • Why do we recommend it?

    We recommend Fundly because it is highly cost-effective, but it is also a top-of-the-line platform. Fundly is especially strong when it comes to creating campaigns with visually compelling imagery. Plus, for nonprofits looking for a peer-to-peer option, there’s Fundly Pro.

  • How much does it cost?

    7.8% + $.30 per gift



Check out Fundly.

Our Recommendation for Year-Round Fundraising: DonateKindly

  • What is it?

    DonateKindly is a leading free year-round fundraising tool. It’s used by nonprofits, schools, and churches to raise money throughout the year.

  • Why do we recommend it?

    We recommend DonateKindly as a year-round fundraising website as it’s free for organizations yet very effective for nearly every school, nonprofit, or church. Easily add DonateKindly’s donation widget to your website for year-round fundraising.

  • How much does it cost?

    2.9% + $.30 per gift in credit card processing fees. Donors have an option of contributing to the DonateKindly platform.




Check out DonateKindly.

Our Recommendation for Events Fundraising: Givebutter

  • What is it?

    Givebutter is a free online platform that offers a full suite of fundraising tools for low-to-no cost, thanks to supporter tips.

  • Why do we recommend it?

    We recommend Givebutter because it offers enterprise-level fundraising services without the enterprise-level price tag. Designed to be accessible and easy-to-use for everyone, Givebutter has become a popular platform for both established nonprofits and budding fundraisers alike. Plus, Givebutter also offers things like livestreaming, crowdfunding services, and much more.

  • How much does it cost?

    2.9% + $.30, covered by over 95% of supporters, on average.



Check out Givebutter.

Additional Resources

Guide to Crowdfunding




After reviewing what platforms mean when they say they are “free fundraising websites,” it’s time to do your research and start to learn more about the whole crowdfunding process. This guide will teach you all the basics.


Read up on crowdfunding!

Top Crowdfunding Tips




Once you have your crowdfunding basics down pat, it’s time to move on to the next level: crowdfunding best practices. This article will give you actionable and top-tier advice for perfecting your upcoming campaign.


Get great tips!

Best Crowdfunding Websites


Compare the best crowdfunding websites with this guide.

Cost is just one consideration when you’re shopping around for the right fundraising site. Take a holistic approach in your search by reading up on the top crowdfunding websites and why they’re the best.


Pick the best platform!

Looking to start a crowdfunding campaign?

Sign up with the most affordable platform today!