17 Best Free Donation Software Reviewed in 2025
Best Free Donation Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best free donation software:
Managing a church's donations can be a daunting task, especially when you're working with a tight budget. You might be seeking a free solution to simplify this process without straining your finances. Free donation software can alleviate the stress of handling contributions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your community.
In my experience, finding the right tool can make a world of difference. I've explored and tested various options to bring you an unbiased review of the best free donation software available. In this article, I'll guide you through top picks that offer free plans or trials, so you can choose what fits your needs best. Together, we'll find a solution that supports your mission effectively.
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Best Free Donation Software Summary
While all of the donation software in my list have free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for customizable donation forms | Free plan available | From $19/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for mobile-friendly pages | Free plan available | From $0/mo | Website | |
| 3 | Best for customizable donation pages | Free plan available | From $59/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for zero-cost fundraising | Free plan available | From $0/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small non-profit organizations | 30-day free trial | From $17/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for shopping-based fundraising | Free | Free | Website | |
| 7 | Best for church-specific use | Free plan available | From $15/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for easy campaign setup | Free plan available | One transaction fee (2.9% + $0.30) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for global donor reach | Free plan available | From 1.99% + $0.49 per donation | Website | |
| 10 | Best for free tech with no fees | Free demo available | Free | Website |
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ChMeetings
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Gracely
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.5 -
Text In Church
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Free Donation Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free donation software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you. While some of these tools offer a completely free version, others offer a free trial period. I’ve added a note about what’s free in each of my reviews.
Donately is an online fundraising platform designed for nonprofits and organizations to manage donations and donor engagement. It primarily serves nonprofits seeking to enhance their online donation experience with customizable forms and detailed donor management.
Why I picked Donately: Donately offers a free trial that allows you to explore its features without commitment. You can use customizable donation forms to align with your organization's branding and engage donors effectively. The platform includes tools for tracking donor interactions and managing recurring donations. These features make it a versatile choice for organizations looking to personalize their donation process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed donor management tools that help you track and analyze donor behavior. You can set up recurring donations, ensuring a steady stream of contributions. The platform also offers reporting features that provide insights into fundraising performance and donor engagement.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Zapier, Slack, HubSpot, and Eventbrite.
What's free? Donately offers a limited-time free trial to explore its features, with no long-term commitment required.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy setup process
- Insightful reporting tools
- Supports recurring donations
- Detailed donor tracking
- Customizable donation forms
Cons:
- Customer support limitations
- Limited customization options
- May need technical setup
- Requires internet access
- Limited trial duration
Fundly is a fundraising platform built to help individuals and organizations create donation pages, share stories, and collect contributions online. It focuses on simple campaign setup, visual storytelling, and engaging with supporters through updates and social sharing.
Why I picked Fundly: The free version gives you mobile-friendly campaign pages that adjust easily to phones and tablets. Your team can upload photos and videos and run campaigns that work across all screen sizes. Visitors can comment, donate, and share directly from their devices. These features make it easier to reach donors on the go.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include built-in blog tools to share updates over time. You can use real-time donation activity feeds to boost visibility. There’s also support for adding offline donations to your total.
Integrations include Facebook, Twitter, Stripe, and Salesforce.
What’s free? Fundly offers a free-forever plan with no upfront cost, charging a 4.9% platform fee and credit card processing fees per donation, with no limits on campaigns or users.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Campaign blog helps share progress
- Easy to launch without tech skills
- Activity feed updates in real time
- Photo and video uploads look clean
- Campaign pages load well on mobile
Cons:
- Not built for complex team needs
- Limited page customization tools
- Some features feel too simple
- No drag-and-drop editor
- Few design layout choices
GivingFuel is a fundraising platform designed to help nonprofits and organizations create and manage customizable donation pages. Its main users include charities and organizations looking to enhance their fundraising efforts with flexible donation solutions.
Why I picked GivingFuel: GivingFuel provides a free demo that lets you explore its features without commitment. You can create highly customizable donation pages that reflect your brand and engage donors effectively. The platform supports multiple payment methods, offering flexibility to your contributors. These features make it appealing for organizations seeking versatile donation management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to set up recurring donations, providing a steady income stream. You can create unlimited donation forms, allowing for diverse fundraising campaigns. The platform also offers detailed analytics to help you track and optimize your fundraising efforts.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, Google Analytics, Eventbrite, Zapier, Slack, HubSpot, and Constant Contact.
What's free? GivingFuel offers a free demo to explore its features, with no long-term commitment required.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unlimited donation forms
- Detailed analytics provided
- Recurring donation capabilities
- Supports multiple payment methods
- Highly customizable donation pages
Cons:
- Customer support limitations
- Limited free feature access
- May need technical setup
- Requires internet access
- Limited access without payment
Zeffy is a fundraising platform designed for nonprofits to manage donations without incurring any platform fees. Its primary users are organizations seeking cost-effective solutions for online fundraising and donor management.
Why I picked Zeffy: Zeffy offers a truly free platform, eliminating all transaction fees for nonprofits. You can collect online donations, manage campaigns, and engage with your supporters without worrying about extra costs. The zero-cost fundraising feature allows you to maximize your funds and allocate more resources to your mission. Additionally, the platform provides tools for donor management and reporting, enhancing its appeal to budget-conscious organizations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable donation forms that you can tailor to fit your organization's needs. You can create and manage fundraising campaigns efficiently, with tools that help you track progress and engage donors. The platform also provides detailed reporting features to help you analyze campaign performance.
Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Stripe, PayPal, Eventbrite, Zapier, HubSpot, and Slack.
What's free? Zeffy offers a free-forever plan with no transaction fees, allowing unlimited users and donations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy campaign management
- Detailed reporting features
- Customizable donation forms
- Unlimited user access
- No transaction fees
Cons:
- Customer support limitations
- Dependent on internet access
- May need donor education
- Requires technical setup
- Limited customization options
Software4Nonprofits is a donation management tool tailored for small non-profit organizations to manage donations and financial accounts efficiently. Its primary users are small charities and non-profits looking for an affordable and user-friendly solution for tracking donations and managing finances.
Why I picked Software4Nonprofits: Software4Nonprofits provides a free plan for organizations managing up to 25 donors per year, making it an ideal choice for small non-profits. You can manage unlimited donations and generate detailed reports without incurring any costs. The software offers features like automatic recurring donations and comprehensive receipt management. These features cater specifically to the needs of small organizations, ensuring efficient donation tracking and management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include comprehensive reporting tools that help you track donation trends and financial health. You can automate recurring donations, simplifying ongoing contributions from regular donors. The software also provides extensive receipt management, making it easy to issue and track donation receipts.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, PayPal, Stripe, Square, DonorPerfect, and Salesforce.
What's free? Software4Nonprofits offers a free-forever plan for up to 25 donors, with unlimited donations and reporting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed financial reporting
- Comprehensive receipt management
- Automatic recurring donations
- Unlimited donation tracking
- Tailored for small non-profits
Cons:
- Customer support limitations
- Limited customizability
- May need technical setup
- Requires internet access
- Limited to 25 donors on free plan
ShopRaise is a fundraising platform that allows nonprofits and individuals to earn donations through everyday shopping. Its main users include charities and organizations seeking innovative ways to raise funds without direct donations.
Why I picked ShopRaise: ShopRaise offers a unique platform where supporters can contribute to your cause simply by shopping at their favorite stores. The free version provides a browser extension that tracks purchases and allocates a percentage of sales to your organization. This method requires no extra cost to your supporters, making it easy for them to contribute. The shopping-based fundraising approach is both innovative and effective.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a browser extension that simplifies the donation process by tracking purchases automatically. You can customize your fundraising page to align with your organization's branding. The platform also provides real-time reporting to help you monitor fundraising progress and donor engagement.
Integrations include Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Macy's, Home Depot, Lowe's, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Groupon.
What's free? ShopRaise offers a free-forever plan with no cost to the organization or supporters, allowing unlimited users and donations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable fundraising pages
- Real-time reporting features
- Easy browser extension setup
- No cost to supporters
- Innovative fundraising method
Cons:
- Limited branding options
- May need supporter education
- Potential privacy concerns
- Requires internet access
- Limited to participating retailers
Planning Center Giving is a donation management tool designed for churches to manage contributions and engage with their congregations. It serves church administrators and finance teams, providing features to track donations and generate reports.
Why I picked Planning Center Giving: Planning Center Giving offers a free plan tailored for churches, making it an ideal choice for church-specific use. You can track donations and manage giving records with ease. The tool allows you to generate detailed reports, which is helpful for financial transparency. Its church-focused features make it a great fit for managing contributions within religious communities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed reporting tools that help you analyze giving trends. You can set up recurring donations, making it easier for members to contribute regularly. The platform also offers customizable giving forms to match your church's branding.
Integrations include Planning Center People, Planning Center Services, Planning Center Calendar, Planning Center Check-Ins, Planning Center Registrations, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Stripe, PayPal, and Twilio.
What's free? Planning Center Giving offers a free trial plan, allowing churches to explore its features without initial costs. Some features may be limited during the trial period.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to manage giving records
- Supports recurring donations
- Customizable donation forms
- Detailed financial reports
- Tailored for church use
Cons:
- Customer support limitations
- Not ideal for non-church use
- May need technical setup
- Requires learning curve
- Limited trial features
GoFundMe is a crowdfunding platform designed for individuals and nonprofits to raise funds for various causes. Its main users include those looking to quickly set up campaigns to gather financial support from a wide audience.
Why I picked GoFundMe: GoFundMe offers a free platform that allows you to create fundraising campaigns with ease. The setup process is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone to start raising funds quickly. Its user-friendly interface helps you share your story and engage with your donors. You have the ability to withdraw funds immediately, which is a unique advantage for easy campaign setup.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a simple campaign creation process that guides you through each step. You can personalize your fundraiser with images and videos to tell your story effectively. The platform also provides tools to track donations and communicate with your supporters.
Integrations include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, PayPal, Stripe, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
What's free? GoFundMe offers a free-forever plan with no platform fees. Users can create and manage campaigns without any cost, though transaction fees apply.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No platform fees
- Personalized campaign pages
- Engages donors effectively
- Immediate fund withdrawal
- Quick campaign setup
Cons:
- Privacy concerns for users
- Limited customer support
- Dependent on social sharing
- Limited customization options
- Transaction fees apply
PayPal Fundraising is a donation platform used by nonprofits to connect with donors and manage fundraising campaigns. It serves organizations of all sizes, offering tools for accepting donations online and in-person.
Why I picked PayPal Fundraising: PayPal Fundraising provides a free platform that connects you with over 425 million users globally. You can accept donations both online and in-person, with secure transactions that ensure your donors' peace of mind. The free offering includes tools for tracking donations, which is great for global reach. Additionally, the PayPal Giving Fund allows donors to recommend charities, ensuring 100% of funds go to the chosen organizations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tools for connecting with donors, managing campaigns, and tracking donations. The platform offers discounted rates and fast access to funds, making it easy to fundraise anytime. Secure transactions are a key feature that provides peace of mind for you and your donors.
Integrations include Salesforce, QuickBooks, Xero, Mailchimp, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Eventbrite, and WordPress.
What's free? PayPal Fundraising offers a free platform for nonprofits with no monthly fees. Transaction fees apply, but there are no additional costs for accessing basic fundraising tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Easy to set up and use
- Fast access to funds
- Secure transaction processing
- Connects with global donors
Cons:
- Limited reporting features
- Customer support can be slow
- May require technical setup
- Limited customization options
- Transaction fees apply
Give Lively is a fundraising platform designed for nonprofits to raise funds without incurring any fees. Its main users are organizations looking for cost-effective solutions to manage donations and campaigns.
Why I picked Give Lively: Give Lively offers a completely free platform with no transaction fees, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious nonprofits (standard Stripe processing fees will still apply). You can create customizable donation pages and engage supporters with ease. The platform provides text-to-donate capabilities, enhancing donor interaction. These features, combined with the absence of fees, make it a beneficial choice for nonprofits.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable event ticketing, allowing you to manage fundraising events effortlessly. The platform offers peer-to-peer fundraising tools to expand your reach. Additionally, Give Lively provides detailed analytics to help you understand donor behavior.
Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, Stripe, PayPal, Eventbrite, Zapier, Google Analytics, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What's free? Give Lively offers a free-forever plan with no transaction fees, supporting unlimited users and donations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Peer-to-peer fundraising tools
- Customizable donation pages
- Text-to-donate feature
- Unlimited user access
- No transaction fees
Cons:
- Limited customer support
- Dependent on internet access
- May need technical setup
- Requires learning curve
- Limited customization options
Other Donation Software
Here are some additional donation software options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:
- Facebook Fundraisers
For social network integration
- Donorbox
For recurring donation tools
- Qgiv
For event management features
- GiveForms
For simple form setup
- Fundrazr
For crowdfunding campaigns
- Snowball Fundraising
For mobile donation options
- Givebutter
For social engagement tools
Free Donation Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free donation software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like limited budgets and ease of use. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Collect online donations
- Manage donor information
- Generate donation receipts
- Track fundraising progress
- Provide donation reports
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Text-to-donate capabilities
- Recurring donation options
- Customizable donation pages
- Social media integration
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Quick access to features
- User-friendly setup process
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates and guides
- Webinars for new users
- Responsive chat support
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat
- Email support response time
- Comprehensive help center
- Community forums
- Access to phone support
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Features offered in free plan
- Cost of additional features
- Discounts for nonprofits
- Transparency of pricing tiers
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall user satisfaction
- Commonly reported issues
- Praise for specific features
- Feedback on customer support
- Frequency of updates and improvements
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
How to Choose Free Donation Software
Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you’re really getting from a free donation software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Free Offer Scope | Check what's included in the free plan. Ensure it covers basic needs like donation processing and reporting without hidden fees or restrictions. |
| Scalability | Consider if the software can grow with your organization. Look for options that allow easy upgrades as your donor base expands. |
| Integrations | Ensure the software integrates with tools you already use, like CRMs or email platforms, to streamline processes and avoid data silos. |
| Ease of Use | Evaluate the interface and navigation. Choose software that's intuitive for you and your team to minimize training time and maximize efficiency. |
| Customer Support | Look for accessible support channels like chat or phone. Reliable customer support can save time and help resolve issues quickly. |
| Security | Confirm the software complies with data protection regulations. Donor information must be secure to maintain trust and meet legal requirements. |
| Customization | Check if you can tailor donation forms to fit your brand. Personalized forms can enhance donor experience and increase engagement. |
| Reporting | Make sure the software provides detailed insights into donations and campaigns. Good reporting helps you understand trends and make informed decisions. |
What Is Free Donation Software?
Donation software is a tool that helps organizations collect and manage donations efficiently. Typically, free offerings include basic features like online donation processing, donor management, and reporting capabilities. These tools are often used by nonprofits, charities, and fundraising professionals to enhance their fundraising efforts without additional costs. They provide value by simplifying donation management and improving donor engagement. Features like online donation processing, customizable donation forms, and integration capabilities help with efficient donation management, brand alignment, and seamless data flow across other tools.
Features of Free Donation Software
Let’s go over the features commonly found in donation software, and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.
Typically Free Donation Software Features
- Online donation processing: Allows organizations to accept donations through their website, making it easy for donors to contribute.
- Customizable donation forms: Enables users to tailor forms to their branding, enhancing the donor experience and engagement.
- Donor management: Helps keep track of donor information and interactions, improving relationship management.
- Recurring donation setup: Allows donors to set up automatic, regular contributions, providing a steady income stream.
- Basic reporting: Offers insights into donation trends and campaign performance, helping organizations make informed decisions.
Typically Paid Donation Software Features
- Advanced analytics: Provides in-depth insights and data visualization for better understanding of donor behavior and campaign success.
- Peer-to-peer fundraising: Enables supporters to create their own fundraising pages, expanding the reach of campaigns.
- Text-to-donate capabilities: Allows donors to contribute via text message, offering a convenient donation method.
- Event management: Supports the planning and execution of fundraising events, including ticket sales and attendee tracking.
- CRM integration: Facilitates seamless data flow between the donation platform and customer relationship management tools.
Benefits of Free Donation Software
Implementing free donation software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost savings: Free donation software eliminates subscription fees, allowing your organization to allocate funds to other important areas.
- Easy setup: Many free tools offer user-friendly interfaces and simple setup processes, making it easy for your team to start fundraising quickly.
- Donor engagement: Features like customizable donation forms and recurring donation options help keep donors engaged and encourage continued support.
- Insightful reporting: Basic reporting features provide valuable insights into donation trends and campaign performance, aiding in strategic decision-making.
- Flexibility: With options for online donation processing and various payment methods, free donation software provides flexibility to meet diverse donor preferences.
- Scalability: Free versions often support essential features that can grow with your organization, allowing you to expand your fundraising efforts without immediate costs.
- Enhanced donor management: Free tools often include donor management capabilities, helping you maintain strong relationships and improve donor retention.
Costs and Pricing of Free Donation Software
I realize you came to this article looking for the best donation software options that are available for free. However, since free plans only offer limited features, there's a good chance you'll need to scale your plan up in the future.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in donation software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Donation Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Online donation processing, customizable donation forms, and basic reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/ user/month | Advanced reporting, recurring donation options, and enhanced donor management. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100/ user/month | Peer-to-peer fundraising, event management, and CRM integration. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/ user/month | Advanced analytics, dedicated support, and full customization capabilities. |
Free Donation Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free donation software:
How to accept donations for free?
You can accept donations for free by setting up a website with a payment processor that doesn’t charge fees for nonprofits. Create donation pages to provide a simple way for donors to contribute. Promote these opportunities through social media and email marketing to reach a broader audience. Always remember to thank your donors and keep track of donations for future reports.
How much does donor management software cost?
The cost of donor management software varies widely, especially beyond the free offerings. While free versions provide basic features, paid plans can start as low as $5 per user per month. Consider your organization’s needs and budget to find a plan that offers the best value.
What are the IRS rules for 501c3 donations?
For 501(c)(3) organizations, donations are tax-deductible, meaning donors can deduct their contributions from taxable income. Ensure your organization complies with IRS regulations to maintain this status. Accurate record-keeping and issuing donation receipts are essential for both the organization and the donors.
Do free donation software solutions limit the number of donors?
Some free donation software may limit the number of donors you can manage. It’s crucial to check these restrictions before committing, especially if you anticipate growth. Understanding these limits helps you choose a platform that aligns with your organization’s size and future plans.
Can I integrate free donation software with my existing tools?
Many free donation software solutions offer limited integrations with other platforms. Check if the software can connect with your existing CRM, email marketing, or accounting tools. Proper integration ensures smooth data flow and reduces manual data entry.
Is customer support available for free donation software users?
Customer support availability varies among free donation software providers. Some may offer limited support channels like email or chat, while others may provide comprehensive resources like FAQs and user forums. Evaluate the level of support you need to ensure a smooth user experience.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching free donation software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.