- January 7, 2025: Andrea Herrera evaluated three additional providers and included nine of the best ones instead of seven. She also updated the user review scores, checked the accuracy of the information for each provided, and made updates as needed.
Choosing the best credit card processing for nonprofits can make a significant impact on fundraising efforts and donor satisfaction. This involves balancing cost-effectiveness, user-friendly features, and specialized tools tailored to the unique needs of nonprofits.
In this guide, we looked at the best nonprofit payment processing solutions and evaluated them based on pricing, features, support and reliability, user experience, and user reviews.
Based on our evaluation, here are the best nonprofit credit card processors for 2025:
- Stripe: Best for technical flexibility and customization
- PayPal: Best for global reach and donor familiarity
- Givebutter: Best for free nonprofit platform
- Helcim: Best for transparent low-cost processing
- Square: Best for in-person donation and sales
- iATS: Best for integrated nonprofit solutions
- Bloomerang: Best for donor retention and relationship management
- Donorbox: Best for flexibility of donation options
- Snowball Fundraising: Best for simple online fundraising
Best nonprofit payment processing providers compared
Providers
Our score (out of 5)
Monthly fee starts at
Nonprofit processing rate
Deposit speed
Stripe
4.36
$0
- 2.2% + $0.30 for businesses with 501(c)(3) status
Same-day to 2 business days
PayPal
4.35
$0
- 1.99% + $0.49 for businesses with 501(c)(3) status
Same-day to 2 business days
Givebutter
4.28
$0
- 2.9% + $0.30 for cards and digital wallets* (donors have the option to cover this fee if Add tips is enabled)
- 1.9% + $0.30 for ACH payments
- Additional platform fee if tips are disabled: 1%-5%
3-5 business days
Helcim
4.24
$0
- Interchange + 8% for online transactions
- Interchange + 18% for in-person transactions
- Visa and Mastercard Charity Interchange Rates apply for MCC 83981
1-2 business days
Square
4.23
$0
- 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions
- 2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions
- 3.5% + $0.15 for keyed-in transactions
Same-day to 2 business days
iATS
4.22
Not disclosed
- 2.49% to 3.2%
1-2 business days
Bloomerang
4.01
$0
- 3.2% + $0.30 for all card transactions
- 1% + $0.30 for ACH transactions
2 business days
Donorbox
3.97
$0
- 2.2% + $0.30 (Stripe)
- 1.99% + $0.49 (PayPal)
- Platform fee: 1.75%-2.95%
1-3 business days
Snowball
3.86
$0
- 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
2 business days
Stripe: Best for technical flexibility and customization
Overall Score
4.36/5
Pricing
4.5/5
Features
4.06/5
Support and reliability
4.38/5
User experience
4.38/5
User scores
4.47/5
Pros
- Discounted processing rate for nonprofits
- Robust developer tools and API
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- No dedicated fundraising tools
- Requires 80% of donations to be processed on Stripe
- Nonprofit rate only applies to 501(c)(3) businesses
Why Stripe is good for nonprofits
I recommend Stripe for nonprofits primarily because of its discounted processing rate for 501(c)(3) organizations, which helps minimize costs, especially with its zero monthly fee. Its robust developer tools and API give you the technical flexibility and customization options unmatched by any provider on this list. This allows nonprofits to customize and integrate their payment solutions easily with their existing systems.
Stripe’s competitive nonprofit processing rate is another plus. The platform also offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that any issues can be resolved promptly. Although it lacks dedicated fundraising tools, Stripe’s flexibility and powerful features make it a strong option for tech-savvy nonprofits seeking a tailored payment processing solution.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- ACH payments
- Digital wallets (Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal)
Ways to accept donations
- Embedded payment pages: Create your payment form or checkout page that you can embed on your website or on a website hosted by Stripe and accessible by your donors through a payment link.
- Invoices: You may use Stripe’s invoicing tool to send an invoice to collect donations.
- Recurring donations: Set up recurring donations using Stripe’s recurring billing tool.
- In-person payments: Using Stripe Terminal API, you may accept in-person donations using a card reader or a mobile phone compatible with Stripe’s Tap to Pay feature.
Key features
- No monthly fees: Stripe has no setup or monthly fees, so you only pay for what you use.
- Flat-rate pricing: Enjoy transparent flat-rate pricing, with special discounts for 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
- Easy integrations: You can connect Stripe easily with various platforms, making donations a breeze.
- Developer-friendly tools and powerful APIs: Stripe allows you to customize your payment solutions with its top-notch developer tools and APIs.
- Fraud protection tools: Stripe’s advanced fraud detection and prevention features keep transactions and donors’ information safe.
- 24/7 customer support: You can get help with Stripe’s round-the-clock support whenever you need it.
- International reach: Nonprofits outside the U.S. may also use Stripe for payment processing.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Processing rate: 2.2% + $0.30
- Hardware: $0 to $249
PayPal: Best for global reach and donor familiarity
Overall Score
4.35/5
Pricing
4.5/5
Features
4.22/5
Support and reliability
3.75/5
User experience
4.69/5
User scores
4.6/5
Pros
- Global reach
- Donor familiarity
- Discounted charity rates
Cons
- Account holds
- Limited fundraising tools
- High currency conversion fee
Why PayPal is good for nonprofits
PayPal is a strong choice for nonprofits due to its global reach and straightforward setup, making it especially useful for organizations with international donors. Unlike Square and other providers on this list, PayPal enables donations in multiple currencies with minimal effort, which I think is particularly helpful for global campaigns.
Like Stripe, it offers a competitive discounted transaction rate for 501(c)(3) organizations. Unlike Stripe, however, PayPal’s widespread recognition and trust among donors could lead to higher conversion rates for one-time contributions. Its donation button and compatibility with various fundraising platforms further enhance its appeal as a simple and reliable solution for nonprofits.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- Venmo
Ways to accept donations
- Donate buttons: Add a simple, customizable donate button to your website or emails, making it easy for donors to contribute with just a click.
- Donation pages: Create donation pages with options of letting your donors give fixed donation amounts or a custom amount of their choosing.
- Campaign page: Create dedicated campaign pages to showcase your fundraising efforts, share your mission, and collect donations all in one place.
- QR code: Generate a QR code for your campaign that donors can scan with their smartphones to quickly and easily make donations.
- Invoice: Easily send invoices to donors for larger contributions or specific fundraising campaigns, providing a professional and organized payment process.
- Payment links: Create and share payment links through social media, emails, or text messages to reach donors wherever they are.
- Recurring donations: Allow supporters to set up automatic, recurring donations to provide ongoing support for your cause.
- International payments: Expand your reach by accepting donations from supporters around the globe in multiple currencies.
Key features
- No monthly fees: PayPal doesn’t charge any setup or monthly fees, so you only pay for the transactions you process.
- Discounted charity rate: A special rate of 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for 501(c)(3) organizations to help reduce costs.
- Easy integrations: Simple integration with various platforms and fundraising tools.
- Multiple payment methods: Allows you to accept credit/debit cards, PayPal balance, and alternative payments like Venmo for greater donor flexibility.
- Fraud protection tools: Advanced security features to protect your transactions and donor information.
- 24/7 customer support: Round-the-clock support ensures help is available whenever you need it.
- International reach: Accept donations from over 200 countries, making global fundraising a breeze for nonprofits.
- Monthly fee: $0–$30
- Virtual terminal monthly fee: $30
- Processing rate for charities: 1.99% + $0.49
- Zettle in-person rate: 2.29% + $0.09
- Venmo payments: 3.49% + $0.49
- Hardware: $0 to $199
Givebutter: Best for free nonprofit platform
Overall Score
4.28/5
Pricing
4/5
Features
4.22/5
Support and reliability
4.06/5
User experience
4.38/5
User scores
4.77/5
Pros
- Multiple fundraising tools
- Free donor management system for tracking and engagement
- Zero platform fees if tips are enabled
Cons
- Dependence on donor tips
- Limited in-person fundraising tools
- Additional platform fee if tips are disabled
Why Givebutter is good for nonprofits
Givebutter is an excellent choice for nonprofits focused on maximizing donor engagement and transparency. Unlike PayPal or Stripe, which primarily offer standard payment processing, Givebutter combines crowdfunding, event ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising on a single platform. I like its modern, donor-friendly interface which encourages higher participation, especially for younger, tech-savvy audiences.
Givebutter also stands out with its “tips for platform” model, allowing nonprofits to avoid platform fees entirely if donors opt to cover them. This feature makes it more cost-effective than providers like PayPal, which charges fixed fees for transactions. For nonprofits prioritizing innovative and interactive fundraising campaigns, Givebutter provides a unique and effective solution.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- ACH payments
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal)
- Donor-advised fund (DAF)
Ways to accept donations
- Fundraising pages: Create your own fundraising pages with stories, photos, and videos to connect with donors and keep track of progress in real time.
- Donation forms: Embed customizable donation forms on your website to make donating easy and gather important donor details.
- Mobile app: Take donations on-the-go using the Givebutter mobile app, which supports Tap to Pay, so you can accept in-person payments even without a card reader.
- Auctions: Host online auctions effortlessly with Givebutter’s tools, allowing supporters to bid on items from any device.
- Events: Plan and organize fundraising events, sell tickets, and collect donations with Givebutter’s event management tools.
- DAF donate button: Add a DAF donate button to your site, allowing donors to give directly from their donor-advised funds.
Key features
- Built-in CRM: Manage donor relationships effectively with segmentation, contact management, donation tracking, and detailed reporting to optimize fundraising strategies.
- Marketing and engagement tools: Engage donors with branded emails, text messages, and letters tailored to specific segments. Utilize built-in design tools from Canva, facilitate social sharing, and automate reminders and receipts to enhance donor communication and retention.
- Integrations: Effortlessly connect with over 1,000 third-party applications through native integrations and Zapier automation. You may also use the API for custom integrations for greater flexibility and scalability in fundraising operations.
- Fundraising widgets: Enhance fundraising campaigns with dynamic widgets like fundraising thermometers, progress bars, team pages, and ticket sales functionalities that allows supporters to track and contribute to campaign goals effectively.
- Donation matching: Maximize fundraising impact with donation matching capabilities, encouraging corporate and individual donors to double their contributions effectively.
- Peer-to-peer fundraising: Empower supporters to fundraise on your behalf with peer-to-peer fundraising tools, enabling them to create personalized campaigns and mobilize their networks to support your cause.
- Option to require fees: Have the option to require your donors to cover the processing fees.
- Monthly fee: $0
- Processing fee
- 2.9% + $0.30 for cards and digital wallets (may be covered by donor via tips)
- 1.9% + $0.30 for ACH payments
- Additional platform fee
- When tips are disabled
- Form: 1%
- Page: 3%
- Event: 5%
- Auction: 5%
- When tips are enabled: $0
- When tips are disabled
Best for transparent low-cost processing
Overall Score
4.24/5
Pricing
4.5/5
Features
4.22/5
Support and reliability
3.75/5
User experience
4.69/5
User scores
4.07/5
Pros
- Discounted interchange rates for qualified charities
- Automatic volume discount
- Option for donors to cover processing fee
Cons
- No nonprofit platform discount
- Limited integrations
- No dedicated fundraising tools
Why Helcim is good for nonprofits
With zero monthly fees and interchange-plus pricing, Helcim stands out as one of the best payment processors for nonprofits. This pricing model ensures that nonprofit organizations benefit from lower Visa and Mastercard interchange fees if they qualify for the Merchant Category Code (MCC) 8398, designated for Charitable and Social Services Organizations. This can result in significant savings on transaction costs. However, regular interchange rates will apply to organizations not classified under MCC 8398.
Helcim offers automatic volume discounts, further reducing costs for high-volume transactions. Its adaptable tools, like the CRM system for managing donor information, surcharging to pass processing fees onto donors, and subscription management for recurring donations, are valuable for nonprofits. Despite lacking specific nonprofit discounts and dedicated fundraising tools, Helcim’s cost-effective and versatile features make it a top choice for nonprofits.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- ACH payments
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay and Google Pay)
Ways to accept donations
- Online donations: Easily add a “Donate” button to your website or create a single payment page for accepting donations and payments.
- In-person: Accept donations using Helcim’s virtual terminal or card readers for face-to-face transactions.
- Over the phone or email: Securely process donations via phone or email through Helcim’s virtual terminal.
- Recurring donations: Manage and facilitate recurring donations seamlessly with Helcim’s subscription management feature.
Key features
- No monthly fees: Helcim does not have setup, monthly, and cancellation fees, making it a budget-friendly option for nonprofits.
- Interchange plus pricing: Transparent pricing structure allows nonprofits to avail of the lower network interchange fees for qualified nonprofits.
- Automatic volume discounts: Nonprofits can enjoy additional savings as donation volumes increase.
- Surcharging option: Option to pass processing fees onto donors.
- CRM system: Efficiently manage donor information and relationships with Helcim’s integrated CRM system, enhancing engagement and retention.
- Subscription management: Facilitate and manage recurring donations seamlessly, ensuring steady support for nonprofit activities.
- Security and compliance: PCI-DSS compliance and advanced security features protect donor data, ensuring trust and reliability in donation processing.
- Discounted Visa and Mastercard interchange fees for businesses with merchant category code 8398 (Charitable or Social Services Organizations):
- Visa Canada 0.98% to 2.00%
- MC Canada 0.92% to 1.80%
- Visa US 0.65% + $0.15 to 1.35% + $0.05
- MC US 1.45% + $0.15 to 2.00% + $0.10
| Monthly Transaction Volume | Online and Keyed-In Transaction Rates | In-Person Transaction Rates |
|---|---|---|
| $0–$50,000 | + 0.50% + $0.25 | + 0.40% + $0.08 |
| $50,001–$100,000 | + 0.45% + $0.25 | + 0.35% + $0.08 |
| $100,001–$500,000 | + 0.35% + $0.25 | + 0.25% + $0.08 |
| $500,001–$1,000,000 | + 0.25% + $0.25 | + 0.20% + $0.08 |
| $1,000,001 up | + 0.15% + $0.25 | + 0.15% + $0.08 |
- Hardware: $99–$329
Square: Best for in-person donations and sales
Overall Score
4.23/5
Pricing
4/5
Features
4.06/5
Support and reliability
4.06/5
User experience
4.38/5
User scores
4.67/5
Pros
- Flexible hardware options
- Omnichannel capabilities
- Easy set-up
Cons
- No nonprofit discounts
- Limited dedicated fundraising tools
- Limited customer support
Why Square is good for nonprofits
Square is a great choice for nonprofits, especially those focusing on in-person donations and sales. Its flexible hardware options, such as contactless chip readers and POS systems make it easy to accept payments at events or in physical locations. I find Square to be an excellent no-upfront-cost option for new and small businesses and this benefit applies equally to nonprofits.
The platform also offers robust reporting tools, providing valuable insights into donations and sales. Its omnichannel capabilities support both in-person and online transactions, which gives nonprofits the flexibility they need to manage their funds effectively. Compared to other providers like PayPal or Stripe, Square’s easy setup and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for nonprofits looking for a simple yet comprehensive payment solution.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- ACH payments
Ways to accept donations
- Card readers: Use Square’s contactless chip readers and POS systems to accept credit and debit card donations at events or in-person fundraisers easily and securely.
- Online: Set up an online store or donation page, enabling supporters to contribute through your website with just a few clicks.
- Recurring donations: Allow donors to set up automatic, recurring contributions, providing a steady stream of support for your nonprofit.
- Invoice: Send customized invoices to donors for larger contributions or specific fundraising initiatives, streamlining the donation process.
- Virtual terminal: Accept donations over the phone or by mail with Square’s virtual terminal, offering flexibility for donors who prefer these methods.
Key features
- No monthly fees: No setup or monthly fees mean you keep your costs low and manageable.
- Flexible hardware options: Pick from a variety of hardware like contactless chip readers and POS systems to accept in-person donations effortlessly.
- Omnichannel capabilities: Handle both in-person and online transactions smoothly.
- Robust reporting tools: Get detailed insights with Square’s analytics and reporting to track donations and sales easily.
- Quick setup: Start accepting donations quickly with a super easy setup process.
- Mobile payments: Accept donations on the go with Square’s mobile payment options, allowing you to process transactions anywhere using your smartphone or tablet securely.
- Monthly fee: $0–$29
- Virtual terminal monthly fee: $0
- In-person processing rate: 2.6% + $0.10
- Online processing rate: 2.9% + $0.30
- Virtual terminal rate: 3.5% + $0.15
- Invoices: 3.3% + $0.30
- Hardware: $0–$299
iATS: Best for integrated nonprofit solutions
Overall Score
4.23/5
Pricing
4/5
Features
4.06/5
Support and reliability
4.06/5
User experience
4.38/5
User scores
4.67/5
Pros
- Specialized nonprofit focus
- Integrated solutions
- Dedicated support
Cons
- For nonprofits only
- Limited customization
- Fees are not disclosed
Why iATS is good for nonprofits
iATS is a suitable option for nonprofits due to its specialized focus on charitable organizations. Its integration with leading nonprofit management tools, like Salesforce’s Nonprofit Success Pack, simplifies data management and reduces administrative effort. I find this particularly valuable compared to more general solutions like PayPal or Stripe. iATS also offers customizable donor communication tools, which help nonprofits build stronger relationships with their supporters, setting it apart from platforms with a broader focus.
Recurring donation support is a key feature of iATS and this helps nonprofits establish predictable revenue streams for sustainability. I also appreciate how iATS combines this functionality with knowledgeable, nonprofit-specific customer support, making it more tailored to your needs than solutions like Square, which is better suited for general fundraising or event-driven donations. For organizations seeking a payment processor designed specifically for their unique challenges, iATS offers an excellent balance of functionality and security.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- ACH payments
Ways to accept donations
- Online donations: Easily set up a secure donation page on your website, allowing supporters to contribute directly online.
- Recurring donations: Manage and process recurring donations to provide consistent support for your nonprofit.
- Event payments: Collect payments for fundraising events, ticket sales, and auctions effortlessly.
- Direct debit/ACH: Offer direct debit or ACH options for donors who prefer bank transfers.
- Mobile payments: Accept donations on the go with mobile payment solutions, making it convenient for donors at events or in the field.
Key features
- Nonprofit-focused: Specifically designed for nonprofits, offering various tools for fundraising.
- Integrated CRM solutions: Easily sync with popular CRMs like Salesforce and Blackbaud for better donor management.
- Secure payment processing: Enjoy top-notch security for safe and compliant transactions, keeping donor info protected.
- Recurring donations management: Effortlessly set up and manage recurring donations for ongoing support.
- Comprehensive support: Get help from a support team that understands nonprofit challenges.
- Monthly fee: Not disclosed
- Processing fee: Estimated to be around 2.4% to 3.2%
Bloomerang: Best for donor retention and relationship management
Overall Score
4.01/5
Pricing
3/5
Features
4.53/5
Support and reliability
4.06/5
User experience
3.75/5
User scores
4.7/5
Pros
- Donor engagement tools
- Integrated email marketing
- Unlimited fully customizable donation pages
Cons
- Higher monthly costs
- Limited integrations
- Limited event management tools
Why Bloomerang is good for nonprofits
Bloomerang is a good choice for nonprofits focused on improving donor retention and relationship-building. It is specifically designed to help nonprofits foster long-term donor engagement with tools such as its donor retention dashboard and communication timeline. I find its ability to track donor interactions and recommend best times to re-engage a standout feature compared to general CRM platforms like Salesforce or QuickBooks.
The platform also offers easy-to-use donor profiles and automated reporting that simplify managing data for small and mid-sized organizations. While it lacks some advanced features like in-depth event management or peer-to-peer fundraising, Bloomerang excels in its core focus on retention, making it particularly beneficial for nonprofits looking to maximize recurring donations and long-term support.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo)
- ACH/EFT payments
Ways to accept donations
- Online donations: Design and personalize fully branded online donation forms. Easily set up a secure donation page on your website for your supporters to contribute directly online.
- Recurring donations: Allow your contributors to set a donation frequency so that you can regularly receive funds from your supporters.
- Text fundraising: Easily gather donations through text messages.
- Silent auctions and mobile bidding: Host auction events where your supporters can participate in silent auctions.
Key features
- Donor retention dashboard. Gain insights into donor retention rates and identify lapsed donors with actionable recommendations for re-engagement.
- Donor communication timeline: View a complete history of donor interactions, including emails, donations, and events, to build stronger relationships.
- Customizable online donation forms: Create branded and user-friendly forms that integrate easily with your website to capture donations.
- Automated acknowledgment and receipting: Send personalized thank you emails and receipts immediately after a donation is made, saving time and enhancing donor experience.
- Reporting and analytics: Access pre-built and customizable reports to analyze campaign performance, donation trends, and donor behavior.
- Monthly fees:
- Fundraising: $40
- CRM: $99
- Volunteer management: $119
- Membership management: $25
- Processing fees:
- Card transactions: 3.2% + $0.30
- ACH/EFT transactions: 1% + $0.30
Donorbox: Best for donor management
Overall Score
3.97/5
Pricing
4.5/5
Features
3.75/5
Support and reliability
2.81/5
User experience
4.06/5
User scores
4.73/5
Pros
- Uses both Stripe and PayPal for payment processing
- Donor control over donation frequency
- Accepts stock or crypto donations
Cons
- Has an additional platform fee
- Pricing can be confusing
- Can be expensive
Why Donorbox is good for nonprofits
Donorbox is ideal for small nonprofits looking for flexibility in payment processing. It uses both Stripe and PayPal/Venmo, which gives you better control over operating costs—a feature I find advantageous compared to single-platform-focused providers like Square. Its donor management tool also gives more control to its donors. I like that donors can easily log in and manage their settings and payment methods independently. This helps provide a smooth and user-friendly experience and reduces administrative workload for nonprofits.
Another thing I like about Donorbox is its feature-rich free plan, which is an edge over other nonprofit-focused providers on this list like iATS or Givebutter. Additionally, its ability to accept crypto and stock donations through higher-tier plans is unique among the providers on this list. This is ideal for nonprofits looking to diversify their funding sources.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
- ACH payments
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Cryptocurrency
- Stock donations
Ways to accept donations
- Donation forms: Create and customize donation forms that can be embedded on your website.
- Text-to-give (text-to-pay): Enable donors to send funds via text message.
- Payment links/donation buttons: Generate unique payment links and buttons to include in emails, social media, or your website.
- Crowdfunding: Set up crowdfunding pages to engage your community in specific fundraising campaigns, complete with progress tracking.
- Event ticketing: Sell tickets for fundraising events directly through Donorbox, putting event registration and payments in one place.
- Recurring donation/memberships: Allow supporters to set up recurring donations or memberships.
- Peer-to-peer (Venmo): Accept peer-to-peer donations through Venmo.
Key features
- No monthly fees: Donorbox’s free plan makes it accessible for nonprofits of any size without initial costs.
- Flexible payment processing: Works well with both Stripe and PayPal, giving you options to manage processing costs effectively.
- User-friendly interface: Simplifies the donation process for both donors and administrators with its intuitive user interface.
- Recurring donations: Allows you to set up and manage recurring donations easily.
- Donor management tools: Robust tools allow donors to log in, manage their settings, and update payment methods effortlessly.
- Customizable donation forms: Create forms that match your branding and embed them on your website.
- Text-to-Give: Offer donors the convenience of contributing via text message, enhancing mobile donation capabilities.
- Event ticketing: Sell and manage event tickets, streamlining the process for fundraising events.
- Crowdfunding pages: Launch crowdfunding campaigns with ease to engage your community and track progress.
- Monthly fee:
- Standard Plan: $0 per month
- Pro Plan: $139 per month
- Premium: Custom
- Processing fee:
- Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30
- PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49
- ACH: 0.8% (capped at $5 per transaction)
- Platform fee:
- Standard Plan: 1.75%-2.95%
- Pro Plan: 1.5%
- Premium: 1.5%
Snowball Fundraising: Best for simple online fundraising
Overall Score
3.86/5
Pricing
3.5/5
Features
4.06/5
Support and reliability
3.44/5
User experience
3.75/5
User scores
4.53/5
Pros
- Robust event fundraising tools
- Affordable pricing
- Mobile giving features
Cons
- Limited customization options
- Higher-priced paid plans
- Limited payment methods
Why Snowball Fundraising is good for nonprofits
Snowball Fundraising is a suitable choice for small to mid-sized nonprofits looking for a cost-effective and user-friendly fundraising solution. Its text-to-donate feature stands out, allowing nonprofits to easily engage mobile donors—something not all platforms on this list emphasize. I find its mobile-first approach particularly appealing for nonprofits focused on connecting with tech-savvy supporters or running on-the-go campaigns.
The platform’s tools for event fundraising, including silent auctions and ticketing, make it a versatile choice for nonprofits that host in-person or hybrid events. Compared to more advanced systems like Bloomerang, Snowball’s simpler interface and lower pricing tiers are ideal for organizations just starting out or those with limited resources. While it lacks advanced CRM capabilities, its focus on accessibility and straightforward features makes it a practical solution for growing nonprofits.
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards
Ways to accept donations
- Mobile donation page: Create a secure, mobile-friendly donation page that allows supporters to contribute effortlessly from their smartphones.
- Recurring donations: Enable donors to set up automatic, recurring contributions to ensure consistent support for your organization.
- Fundraising text-to-give: Simplify donations with text-to-give campaigns, allowing supporters to contribute via a simple text message.
- Auctions: Host silent auctions and enable mobile bidding to raise funds during in-person or virtual events.
Key features
- Donor management tools: Track and manage donor information effectively with integrated tools to support long-term relationships.
- Event management capabilities: Plan, promote, and manage fundraising events with features that streamline ticketing and registration.
- Integration options: Connect Snowball with popular CRM platforms to ensure smooth data synchronization and efficient fundraising workflows.
- Comprehensive reporting: Gain actionable insights into fundraising campaigns with detailed analytics and performance reports.
- Peer-to-peer fundraising: Empower supporters to create their own fundraising campaigns on behalf of your organization.
- Annual fees:
- Essential: $0
- Premium: $549
- Professional: $849
- Enterprise: $99 per month
- Processing fees:
- Essential: 2.9% + $0.30
- Premium: 2.5% + $0.30
- Professional: 2.5% + $0.30
- Enterprise: 2.5% + $0.30
What are nonprofit businesses?
Nonprofits exist to serve public or mutual benefits rather than to generate profits for owners. It is important to be categorized correctly as a nonprofit business because of several advantages it offers:
- Tax exemptions: Nonprofits, especially those with 501(c)(3) status, often qualify for federal and state tax exemptions.
- Eligibility for grants and donations: Only recognized nonprofits can receive certain grants and donations.
- Public trust: Official status enhances credibility and attracts more supporters.
- Discounted rates: Many service providers, including payment processors, offer discounted rates to nonprofits.
Nonprofit status, particularly 501(c)(3), and the Merchant Category Code (MCC) 8398 affect payment processing:
- Discounted processing rates: Nonprofits often receive lower rates, reducing transaction costs. Stripe, PayPal, and Donorbox all offer lower processing rates for 501(c)(3) businesses, while Helcim passes on lower interchange rates for businesses with MCC 8398.
- Waived fees: Set-up and monthly fees may be waived.
- Favorable terms: More flexible contract terms are often available when negotiating custom plans and rates, like with iATS.
Which is the best nonprofit payment processing provider?
Selecting the best processing provider for your nonprofit hinges on specific needs and operational goals.
Helcim is best for its transparent interchange-plus pricing and donor management tools, ideal for organizations prioritizing clear financial oversight. Givebutter is perfect for nonprofits needing a free or low-cost platform, providing customizable donation pages, event ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
Stripe is best for nonprofits requiring global accessibility and robust API integration, while PayPal offers a user-friendly interface and access to its extensive donor base. Square is a go-to solution for in-person donations, thanks to its flexible hardware and omnichannel capabilities. IATS excels at nonprofit-specific integrations and donor management, and Donorbox is best for small nonprofits with flexibility in payment processing and unique features like crypto donations.
Lastly, Bloomerang is best for donor retention with its engagement scoring and communication tools, and Snowball Fundraising stands out for its text-to-give campaigns and simplified fundraising tools.
Frequently asked questions
The best payment system for nonprofits depends on your needs. Platforms like Donorbox offer flexibility and unique features like crypto donations, while PayPal and Stripe are great for their global reach and robust tools. Helcim provides transparent low-cost processing, and Givebutter is excellent for its free nonprofit platform. Bloomerang is best for donor retention, and Snowball Fundraising shines with text-to-give campaigns. Each system has strengths, so choose one that aligns with your organization’s goals.
Yes, nonprofits typically pay credit card processing fees, although some platforms offer discounted rates. For example, PayPal and Stripe offer reduced fees for registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Additionally, the best nonprofit credit card processing platforms allow donors to cover these fees, potentially reducing costs for the nonprofit.
Yes, Square charges a fee for nonprofits, typically at the same rate as for-profit businesses. This includes a standard transaction fee for in-person, online, and keyed-in transactions.
