Zeffy advertises zero fees, funded by donor tips. Here is how that compares to Givebutter's tip model and Whitelabel's 3.5% platform fee with donors covering fees by default.
How Zeffy's zero-fee, tip-funded model actually works
Zeffy advertises zero fees, funded entirely by donor tips, which some donors love and some find pushy at checkout. The platform does not charge a platform fee in the traditional sense—instead, it relies on voluntary tips from donors to fund the service. The result is that the platform is 'free' to the nonprofit, but the tip model introduces unpredictability: you don't know in advance what your effective rate will be, and it depends on how many donors opt to leave a tip and how much they choose to give.
The model works well for some organizations and some donor bases, but it's worth understanding the trade-offs. When tips are voluntary and highly visible, some donors feel the prompt is pushy or awkward, especially if they're already giving a substantial gift. Other donors appreciate the transparency and feel good about supporting both the cause and the platform. The question is whether you want your fundraising rate to depend on those tip dynamics, or whether you prefer a known, transparent rate that donors can choose to cover.
Tips vs donors covering a real fee
The distinction between a tip-funded model and a donor-covered fee model matters. With Whitelabel, donors cover fees by default through Smart Checkout, but the fee is transparent: 3.5% platform plus 1.5% processing, about $5.00 all in on $100. Donors see exactly what they're covering, and if they decline, the fee comes from the gift. That transparency removes the guesswork for both the nonprofit and the donor, and it makes 100% of gifts reaching the cause predictable rather than tip-dependent.
Tip models like Zeffy's and Givebutter's are platform-free at the stated level, but the effective cost to donors is still there—it's just framed as a tip rather than a fee. For some teams, that framing feels more donor-friendly. For others, it introduces friction and unpredictability. The honest question is: do you want your cost structure to depend on how many donors leave a tip, or do you want a rate you can model in advance? See the full breakdown at /fee-structure.
Like-for-like on a $100 gift
Comparing all-in cost on a $100 gift, the published rates look like this (always verify current rates, as pricing changes). Whitelabel: 3.5% platform plus 1.5% processing, about $5.00 all in, with donors covering fees by default so 100% of the gift typically reaches your cause. Donorbox Free: 2.95% plus processing (2.2% + 30¢ Stripe nonprofit rate), roughly $5.15 per $100. Fundraise Up: 4% platform plus processing, about $6.20 per $100.
Zeffy: depends on the tip. If the donor tips the suggested amount, the effective rate could be comparable to or higher than the others. If they tip less or not at all, your effective rate is lower—but so is the revenue to the platform, which is why the model is tip-funded. The challenge is that you can't model it in advance, and you can't predict how your donor base will respond to the tip prompt over time as they see it on every gift.
Who each option actually suits
Zeffy suits teams whose donors respond well to tip prompts and who value the 'zero fee' framing over rate predictability. Givebutter suits smaller teams and event fundraising with a tip-funded model that's more flexible than Zeffy's. Whitelabel suits teams that want AI fundraising built in—DonorFront, Agents, Matching Gifts—and a transparent, predictable rate where donors cover fees by default.
Donorbox Free suits teams that want a simple form and are comfortable with the $5.15 all-in rate. Fundraise Up suits teams that prioritize a strong checkout experience and are comfortable paying a higher platform rate. The honest comparison is not just the rate—it's what comes with it, how predictable it is, and whether the platform layers on top of your existing tools or requires migration.
Switching without a migration project
The fear that keeps nonprofits on platforms they've outgrown is replatforming. Whitelabel removes that friction: the donorfront layers on top of the website you already have, checkout swaps first, and two-way CRM sync keeps Salesforce, HubSpot, or Klaviyo in lockstep while you transition at your own pace. Most teams run their old form and the new checkout side by side for a campaign, compare conversion and all-in cost, and let the numbers decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zeffy really free?
Zeffy advertises zero platform fees for nonprofits, funded entirely by voluntary donor tips. There's no monthly subscription or per-transaction platform fee in the traditional sense, but donors are prompted to leave a tip to support the platform. Whether it's 'free' depends on how you frame it: the nonprofit doesn't pay directly, but the donor is asked to.
How is Whitelabel different from a tip prompt?
Whitelabel charges a transparent 3.5% platform fee, and donors are asked to cover fees by default through Smart Checkout, so 100% of the gift reaches your cause. The fee is visible and predictable, not dependent on whether donors choose to leave a voluntary tip. If the donor declines to cover fees, the fee comes from the gift.
What does a $100 gift cost on Whitelabel?
About $5.00 all in (3.5% platform plus 1.5% processing) as published, and that cost is typically covered by the donor by default. Always verify current rates.
Can I switch from Zeffy without rebuilding my site?
Yes. Whitelabel layers on top of your existing website and syncs two-way with your CRM, so nothing migrates and your team keeps the tools they know.