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12 Best Crowdfunding Websites for Nonprofits

In today’s digital landscape, crowdfunding has become an essential fundraising strategy for nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact and reach new supporters. 

With over 1.5 million nonprofits in North America alone, organizations are increasingly turning to online fundraising platforms to connect with donors, share their mission, and raise vital funds. 

This comprehensive guide explores the 12 best crowdfunding websites for nonprofits in 2025, comparing their features, fees, and fundraising tools to help you choose the right platform for your organization’s unique needs and goals.

Whether you’re new to online fundraising or looking to optimize your current strategy, this article will provide you with the insights needed to launch successful campaigns.

Crowdfunding Platforms Comparison Table

PlatformPricing/Fee ModelBest ForKey Features
TiingCompetitive feesCanadian nonprofitsEasy sharing, local reach, multilingual support
GoFundMe Pro0% platform fee + 2.9% processingLarge campaignsDonor data, CRM integration, no deadlines
Donorbox1.5% platform fee + Stripe feesChurches, nonprofitsRecurring donations, embeddable forms
Fundly4.9% + processingPersonal & nonprofitsMobile-friendly, social media sharing
Givebutter0% platform fee + processingEvent fundraisingTicketing, auctions, peer-to-peer
BonfireNo upfront costMerchandise fundraisingCustom apparel, no inventory required
ClassyMonthly subscriptionLarge nonprofitsEnterprise features, advanced analytics
Mightycause4% platform feeCommunity causesSocial sharing, team fundraising
CauseVoxMonthly subscriptionProfessional campaignsCustom branding, advanced design
Kickstarter5% platform feeNonprofit productsCreative projects, global reach
Patreon2.9-8% platform feeLong-term supportSubscription-based, ongoing funding
Facebook Fundraisers0% platform feeSocial media reachNative Facebook integration

Top 12 Crowdfunding Websites for Nonprofits

1. Tiing

fundraising campaign

Overview Tiing is a Canadian-focused crowdfunding platform designed specifically for nonprofits and community organizations. 

With a deep understanding of the Canadian charitable landscape, Tiing offers localized support and features that cater to the unique needs of Canadian nonprofits

Key Features

  • Bilingual platform supporting English and French
  • Integration with Canadian payment processors
  • Customizable campaign pages with professional templates
  • Real-time donation tracking and analytics
  • Social media integration for maximum reach
  • Mobile-optimized donation forms
  • Automated thank-you messages and tax receipts

Pricing Tiing offers competitive pricing with transparent fees and no hidden costs. The platform provides excellent value for Canadian nonprofits with its comprehensive feature set and local support.

Pros:

  • Specialized focus on Canadian market
  • Bilingual support for broader reach
  • Local customer service and expertise
  • Integration with Canadian tax systems
  • Competitive pricing structure

Best For Canadian nonprofits, community organizations, and charities looking for local expertise and support with bilingual capabilities.

2. GoFundMe Pro

GoFundMe Pro

Overview GoFundMe Pro is the nonprofit-focused version of the popular GoFundMe platform, offering advanced features and tools specifically designed for charitable organizations and professional fundraisers.

Key Features :

  • Zero platform fees for verified nonprofits
  • Advanced donor management and CRM integration
  • Unlimited campaign duration
  • Custom branding options
  • Team fundraising capabilities
  • Comprehensive analytics and reporting
  • Integration with major nonprofit software

Pricing 0% platform fee + 2.9% payment processing fee for verified nonprofits.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • No platform fees for nonprofits
  • Massive user base and brand recognition
  • Professional fundraising tools
  • Excellent customer support

Cons:

  • Verification process required
  • Limited customization options
  • Processing fees still apply

Best For Large nonprofits with significant fundraising goals and established donor bases.

3. Donorbox

Donorbox

Overview Donorbox is a comprehensive fundraising platform that specializes in recurring donations and donor relationship management, making it ideal for organizations focused on building long-term supporter relationships.

Key Features

  • Recurring donation management
  • Embeddable donation forms
  • Donor management system
  • Multiple payment options
  • Customizable donation pages
  • Integration with popular nonprofit tools
  • Mobile-optimized interface

Pricing 1.5% platform fee + Stripe processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Excellent recurring donation features
  • Easy website integration
  • Comprehensive donor management
  • Multiple currency support

Cons:

  • Higher fees compared to some competitors
  • Limited campaign customization
  • Requires technical setup for integration

Best For Churches, religious organizations, and nonprofits prioritizing recurring donations and donor retention.

4. Fundly

Fundly

Overview Fundly is a user-friendly crowdfunding platform that emphasizes social media sharing and mobile accessibility, making it easy for nonprofits to reach supporters across all devices and platforms.

Key Features

  • Mobile-first design
  • Social media integration
  • Team fundraising options
  • Real-time updates and notifications
  • Customizable campaign pages
  • Multiple sharing tools
  • Analytics and reporting

Pricing 4.9% platform fee + payment processing fees.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Excellent mobile experience
  • Strong social media integration
  • Easy campaign setup
  • Good customer support

Cons:

  • Higher platform fees
  • Limited advanced features
  • Less customization than competitors

Best For Small to medium nonprofits with strong social media presence and mobile-savvy supporters.

5. Givebutter

platform fees

Overview Givebutter is a comprehensive fundraising platform that combines crowdfunding with event management, making it perfect for nonprofits that rely on events and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Key Features

  • Event ticketing and management
  • Auction functionality
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising
  • Social media integration
  • Custom branding options
  • Donation matching features
  • Real-time fundraising thermometer

Pricing 0% platform fee + standard payment processing fees

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • No platform fees
  • Comprehensive event tools
  • Excellent peer-to-peer features
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Still relatively new platform
  • Limited advanced analytics
  • Fewer integration options

Best For Nonprofits that combine online crowdfunding with events and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.

6. Bonfire

Bonfire

Overview Bonfire specializes in merchandise-based fundraising, allowing nonprofits to create custom apparel and products that supporters can purchase to fund their cause.

Key Features

  • Custom apparel design tools
  • No upfront inventory costs
  • Automatic fulfillment and shipping
  • Multiple product options
  • Campaign sharing tools
  • Profit tracking and analytics

Pricing No upfront costs; nonprofits keep the profit from each sale.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • No upfront investment required
  • Unique fundraising approach
  • High-quality products
  • Easy campaign management

Cons:

  • Limited to merchandise fundraising
  • Lower profit margins than traditional donations
  • Requires design skills or budget

Best For Nonprofits with strong brand identity and supporters who value tangible products.

7. Classy

Classy

Overview Classy is an enterprise-level fundraising platform designed for large nonprofits that need advanced features, customization, and comprehensive analytics.

Key Features

  • Advanced campaign customization
  • Comprehensive donor management
  • Enterprise-level security
  • Detailed analytics and reporting
  • Integration with major nonprofit tools
  • Professional services support
  • Multi-campaign management

Pricing Monthly subscription model with custom pricing based on organization size and needs.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Enterprise-level features
  • Excellent customization options
  • Professional support services
  • Advanced analytics capabilities

Cons:

  • Higher cost structure
  • Complex setup process
  • Overkill for small organizations

Best For Large nonprofits with significant fundraising operations and dedicated development teams.

8. Mightycause

mightcause

Overview Mightycause focuses on community-driven fundraising, providing tools that help nonprofits build strong supporter communities and encourage peer-to-peer fundraising.

Key Features

  • Team fundraising capabilities
  • Social sharing tools
  • Community building features
  • Customizable campaign pages
  • Donor management system
  • Mobile-optimized platform

Pricing 4% platform fee + payment processing fees.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Strong community features
  • Good social sharing tools
  • User-friendly interface
  • Responsive customer support

Cons:

  • Platform fees can add up
  • Limited advanced features
  • Smaller user base

Best For Community-focused nonprofits and grassroots organizations that rely on strong local support networks.

9. CauseVox

causeVox

Overview CauseVox is a professional fundraising platform that emphasizes beautiful design and user experience, helping nonprofits create visually stunning campaigns that inspire donations.

Key Features

  • Professional design templates
  • Custom branding options
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising
  • Advanced analytics
  • Integration capabilities
  • Mobile-responsive design

Pricing Monthly subscription model with tiered pricing based on features and organization size.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Beautiful, professional designs
  • Excellent user experience
  • Strong peer-to-peer features
  • Good integration options

Cons:

  • Higher cost structure
  • Requires ongoing subscription
  • Limited customization without technical skills

Best For Professional nonprofits that prioritize visual appeal and user experience in their fundraising efforts.

10. Kickstarter

kickstarter

Overview While primarily known for creative projects, Kickstarter can be effectively used by nonprofits for product-based fundraising campaigns, especially those involving creative or innovative solutions to social problems.

Key Features

  • Global reach and recognition
  • All-or-nothing funding model
  • Project showcase capabilities
  • Built-in marketing tools
  • Community engagement features

Pricing 5% platform fee + payment processing fees (only charged if campaign reaches funding goal).

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Massive global audience
  • Strong brand recognition
  • All-or-nothing model creates urgency
  • Excellent for creative projects

Cons:

  • All-or-nothing funding model
  • Limited to product-based campaigns
  • Competitive platform environment

Best For Nonprofits launching innovative products or creative solutions to social problems.

11. Patreon

patreon

Overview Patreon is designed for ongoing, subscription-based support, making it ideal for nonprofits that produce regular content or provide ongoing services to their communities.

Key Features

  • Subscription-based funding model
  • Tiered membership options
  • Content delivery system
  • Community building tools
  • Analytics and insights
  • Integration with creative tools

Pricing 2.9% to 8% platform fee depending on plan, plus payment processing fees.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • Ongoing revenue stream
  • Strong community features
  • Flexible membership tiers
  • Good for content creators

Cons:

  • Requires consistent content creation
  • Monthly commitment from supporters
  • Platform fees can be high

Best For Nonprofits that produce regular content, educational materials, or ongoing programming for their communities.

12. Facebook Fundraisers

Facebook Fundraisers

Overview Facebook Fundraisers leverages the massive reach of Facebook’s social network, allowing nonprofits to tap into their existing social media presence for fundraising campaigns.

Key Features

  • Native Facebook integration
  • Zero platform fees for nonprofits
  • Social sharing capabilities
  • Birthday fundraising features
  • Mobile-optimized experience
  • Built-in donor management

Pricing 0% platform fee + payment processing fees for verified nonprofits.

Pros & Cons Pros:

  • No platform fees
  • Massive social reach
  • Easy sharing and engagement
  • Integrated with existing Facebook presence

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Dependent on Facebook’s policies
  • Less professional appearance
  • Limited analytics

Best For Nonprofits with strong Facebook presence and supporters who are active on social media.

What is Crowdfunding for Nonprofits?

Crowdfunding for nonprofits is a method of raising money online by collecting small donations from a large number of people, typically through digital platforms and social media sharing. 

Unlike traditional fundraising methods that rely on major donors or grant applications, nonprofit crowdfunding democratizes the giving process, allowing organizations to engage with supporters directly and build community around their cause.

The key difference between general crowdfunding and nonprofit-specific platforms lies in their focus on charitable giving rather than product sales or business ventures. Nonprofit crowdfunding platforms often provide specialized features such as tax-deductible donation receipts, donor management tools, and integrations with existing nonprofit software systems.

Common use cases for nonprofit crowdfunding include:

  • Disaster relief campaigns responding to natural disasters or emergencies
  • Medical causes supporting individuals or families facing health challenges
  • Education initiatives funding school programs, scholarships, or educational resources
  • Animal rescue operations supporting shelters and wildlife conservation
  • Community projects addressing local needs and social issues
  • Religious organizations funding mission trips, facility improvements, or outreach programs

Definition: Nonprofit crowdfunding is the practice of raising funds for charitable causes through online platforms that facilitate small donations from many contributors, enabling organizations to reach wider audiences and engage supporters in their mission.

How to Raise Money for Your Nonprofit with Crowdfunding

Creating a successful crowdfunding campaign requires strategic planning and execution. Here are the essential steps to raise money effectively for your nonprofit:

Setting clear, specific goals is the foundation of successful crowdfunding. Define exactly how much money you need and what it will accomplish. 

Donors respond better to specific targets like “raise $5,000 to provide meals for 100 families” rather than vague goals.

Crafting compelling storytelling comes next. Share authentic stories that demonstrate your organization’s impact through personal narratives, beneficiary testimonials, and concrete examples of how donations create change.

Creating high-quality visual content is equally important. Invest in professional photos and videos that showcase your work, as visual content drives engagement and helps potential donors connect emotionally with your cause.

Choosing the right platform requires careful consideration of your audience, budget, and technical requirements. 

Consider factors like fees, features, and integration capabilities when making your selection.

Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy involves planning how you’ll promote your campaign across multiple channels, including email newsletters, social media, and community networks.

Effective fundraising strategies include matching gift programs that double donor contributions, peer-to-peer fundraising where supporters create their own campaigns, social media challenges that encourage viral sharing, corporate partnerships that amplify your reach, and email marketing to nurture relationships with potential donors.

The key to successful nonprofit crowdfunding lies in building genuine connections with your community and consistently communicating your impact.

How to Choose the Right Crowdfunding Platform

Selecting the right crowdfunding platform is crucial for your campaign’s success. Before choosing a platform, consider what your target audience looks like and where they spend time online. 

Think about your fundraising goal and timeline, whether you need recurring donation capabilities, and what level of customization you require. 

Your budget for platform fees matters, as does whether you need integration with existing nonprofit software. 

Consider what type of customer support you need, whether you require multilingual or international capabilities, what reporting and analytics features are important to you, and if you plan to run multiple campaigns simultaneously.

Key Considerations:

Geographic Focus: Choose platforms that serve your target audience’s location. Canadian nonprofits might prefer Tiing for local expertise, while international campaigns might benefit from GoFundMe’s global reach.

Fee Structure: Compare total costs including platform fees, processing fees, and any additional charges. Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value if it lacks essential features.

Integration Capabilities: Ensure the platform integrates with your existing donor management system, email marketing tools, and website.

Tax Considerations: Verify that the platform can handle tax-deductible receipts and compliance requirements in your jurisdiction.

Support and Resources: Consider the level of customer support, educational resources, and professional services available.

Tips for Running a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign

Creating a successful crowdfunding campaign requires more than just choosing the right platform. 

Compelling visual storytelling through high-quality photos and videos is crucial for engaging potential donors. 

Show your organization’s impact through powerful imagery that connects emotionally with viewers. 

Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer if budget allows.

Setting clear, specific goals is equally important. Set realistic fundraising targets and clearly explain how the money will be used. 

Donors want to know exactly how their contribution will make a difference. Break down costs and provide specific examples of impact.

Your campaign description should tell an engaging narrative that explains your mission, the problem you’re solving, and why donors should care. 

Use personal stories, beneficiary testimonials, and concrete examples of your work.

Developing a strategic campaign marketing approach is essential. This includes email newsletters to your existing supporter base, social media campaigns across multiple platforms, community outreach and local media engagement, partner organization collaboration, and influencer partnerships when appropriate.

Regular updates and communication keep supporters engaged throughout your campaign with progress reports, behind-the-scenes content, and milestone celebrations. 

This builds trust and encourages continued support.

Post-Launch Strategy:

Once your campaign is live, maintain momentum through consistent promotion and engagement. Share success stories, milestone achievements, and thank supporters publicly. 

Consider creating video updates, hosting virtual events, or launching social media challenges to keep your campaign visible.

Engaging Potential Donors Effectively

successful crowdfunding campaign

Building meaningful relationships with potential donors is essential for crowdfunding success. 

Sharing authentic stories through real beneficiary stories and testimonials creates emotional connections with your audience. 

Providing regular updates keeps supporters informed about your progress and impact, while using social proof through highlighting other donors, endorsements, and community support builds credibility.

Creating interactive content through hosting live streams, Q&A sessions, or virtual tours engages supporters directly. 

Offering multiple ways to help beyond donations, such as volunteering, sharing, or advocacy opportunities, gives supporters various engagement options. 

Personalizing communications by addressing donors by name and referencing their specific contributions makes them feel valued, while showing appreciation through public thanks and impact recognition builds lasting relationships.

Community Building Strategies:

Create a sense of community around your cause by fostering connections between supporters. Encourage donors to share their own stories about why they support your organization. 

Use social media groups, email newsletters, and virtual events to build relationships that extend beyond individual transactions.

Creative Engagement Ideas:

  • Behind-the-scenes video content showing your daily operations
  • Virtual tours of your facilities or programs
  • Live Q&A sessions with beneficiaries or staff
  • Social media challenges related to your cause
  • User-generated content campaigns
  • Donor spotlight features
  • Impact photography and storytelling

Remember that effective donor engagement is about building long-term relationships, not just securing one-time donations. Focus on creating meaningful connections that inspire continued support and advocacy.

How to Maximize Impact with Crowdfunding

Successful crowdfunding campaigns create lasting impact that extends far beyond the initial fundraising goal. 

Building email lists allows you to capture donor information and nurture long-term relationships. 

Creating content libraries helps document your campaign process for future use, while developing partnership networks connects you with other organizations and influencers.

Gathering feedback through surveys and interviews helps you understand donor motivations and improve future campaigns. 

Planning follow-up campaigns lets you leverage success to launch future initiatives, while investing in storytelling helps document and share your impact through compelling narratives.

Expanding your reach through campaign success can attract media attention and new supporters.

Turning One-Time Donors into Recurring Supporters:

The real value of crowdfunding lies in building lasting relationships with supporters. 

After your campaign ends, focus on stewardship activities that keep donors engaged by sending regular impact updates showing how their donations are being used, inviting supporters to volunteer or participate in your programs, creating exclusive content or experiences for campaign donors, offering multiple ways to stay involved beyond financial contributions, and launching follow-up campaigns with your established donor base.

Reinvesting Campaign Success:

Use your crowdfunding success as a foundation for future growth by investing in better fundraising tools and technology, expanding your marketing capabilities and reach, developing new programs based on donor feedback, building professional partnerships and collaborations, and creating sustainable funding models that reduce dependence on individual campaigns.

FAQ – Crowdfunding for Nonprofits

What is the best crowdfunding site for nonprofits in Canada?

For Canadian nonprofits, Tiing stands out as the top choice due to its specialized focus on the Canadian market, bilingual support, and integration with Canadian payment systems and tax requirements. 

The platform understands the unique needs of Canadian charities and provides local customer support.

How long should a nonprofit crowdfunding campaign last?

Most successful nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns run for 30-60 days. 

This timeframe provides enough time to build momentum without losing urgency. 

Shorter campaigns of 2-4 weeks work well for disaster relief or urgent needs, while longer campaigns of 60-90 days may be appropriate for larger goals or complex projects.

The ideal duration depends on your specific situation. 

Thirty days works well for urgent needs or disaster relief, 45 days provides a good balance for most nonprofit campaigns, 60 days suits larger goals or complex projects, while campaigns lasting 90+ days risk losing momentum and donor interest.

How to make a nonprofit campaign go viral?

Creating viral nonprofit campaigns requires strategic planning and compelling content. 

Essential elements for viral success include emotional storytelling that resonates with broad audiences, high-quality visuals that are easily shareable, clear calls-to-action that motivate immediate sharing, timing that aligns with current events or trends, influencer partnerships to expand reach, and social media optimization across multiple platforms.

Effective viral campaign strategies involve creating content that evokes strong emotions like hope, inspiration, or urgency, using trending hashtags and participating in relevant conversations, partnering with social media influencers and community leaders, encouraging user-generated content and sharing, launching coordinated social media campaigns, and leveraging current events or seasonal trends.

Remember that viral success cannot be guaranteed, so focus on creating quality content that genuinely connects with your audience rather than chasing viral trends.

Can crowdfunding donations be tax-deductible?

Tax-deductibility depends on your organization’s charitable status and the platform’s capabilities. 

In Canada, registered charities can issue tax receipts for donations, platforms like Tiing are designed to support Canadian tax receipt requirements, and donors can claim charitable tax credits on their tax returns.

For donations to be tax-deductible, your organization must be a registered charity, the platform must support tax receipt generation, proper documentation and record-keeping are required, and you must maintain compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations.


Ready to start your nonprofit crowdfunding campaign? Choose the platform that best fits your organization’s needs and begin building the community support that will drive your mission forward. 

Whether you select Tiing for local Canadian expertise or another platform for specific features, the key to success lies in authentic storytelling, genuine community engagement, and persistent effort toward your fundraising goals.

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Alexandre Robert
Former journalist, current blogger, and eternal lover of writing, I share my viewpoints and favorites on Tiing's blog