Fundraising Tools & Software     |     12 May 2025

9 Donorbox Alternatives You Should Try in 2025

Finding the right fundraising platform doesn't have to be stressful

15 minute read

Running a fundraiser isn’t easy. Whether you’re organizing a gala, a silent auction, or a year-end giving campaign, the logistics can quickly pile up. Most of the time, the person managing it isn’t a professional fundraiser. It’s often a volunteer or staff member already juggling a long list of responsibilities. The pressure to make everything work smoothly (and raise as much money as possible) is real.

That’s why platforms like Donorbox have become so popular. Donorbox makes it easy for nonprofits to collect donations, manage donors, and streamline campaigns. But it’s not perfect for everyone. Some organizations find the fees too high or the customization options too limited. Others need more robust donor management tools or better event support.

The good news is that several donor box alternatives will be available in 2025 that can meet these needs. In some cases, they outperform Donorbox entirely. From platforms designed for peer-to-peer fundraising to event-focused solutions, there’s a tool for every type of nonprofit or school. 

Let’s explore nine of the best online fundraising platforms you should consider this year. Whether you’re looking for lower fees, more flexible features, or better support, you’ll find an option that fits your organization’s goals and budget.

What is an online fundraising platform?

An online fundraising platform is a tool that allows nonprofits to collect donations and manage donor relationships online. It’s essentially a digital hub where you can set up campaign pages, track donations, send automated receipts, and engage with donors. These platforms make it easier for nonprofits to handle fundraising logistics without relying on manual processes.

For example, an animal rescue organization could set up an online fundraising platform to accept recurring donations, sell event tickets, and track donor data in one place. A school PTA could use the same type of platform to run a silent auction and send thank-you emails automatically once the event ends.

Why Donorbox is popular (and why it’s not right for everyone)

Donorbox is one of the most widely used platforms for nonprofits because it’s easy to set up and covers the basics of online fundraising. It works well for organizations that want to offer recurring donations and give donors various payment options.

Strengths

• Quick and easy to set up
• Supports multiple payment methods, including PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
• Built-in recurring donation options
• Strong donor management tools
• However, Donorbox isn’t without its drawbacks.

Weaknesses

• Platform fees: Donorbox charges a 2.95% platform fee on all donations, plus additional payment processing fees from Stripe or PayPal. While donors can choose to cover the fees, this isn’t guaranteed.
• Limited customization: While you can create branded donation pages, the design options are somewhat restricted.
• Higher costs for premium features: A higher–tier plan is required for more advanced features, like donor segmentation and data analysis.

Why nonprofits seek a Donorbox alternative

Even though Donorbox is a solid platform, it’s not always the best fit. Nonprofits have different needs depending on their size, fundraising style, and budget. Here’s why many organizations explore Donorbox alternatives:

• Cost concerns: Donorbox’s platform fees and Stripe and PayPal processing fees can add up quickly, especially for smaller organizations with tight budgets.
• Lack of certain features: Some nonprofits need more robust peer-to-peer fundraising tools, event ticketing, or auction management options.
• Complex donor management needs: Organizations that rely heavily on major donors may require more sophisticated tracking and engagement features.
• Need for more robust integrations: Donorbox supports some integrations, but larger nonprofits may need deeper CRM or automation connections.

For instance, an arts organization hosting an annual gala might need a platform with better seating management and mobile bidding options. These are areas where Donorbox falls short. Or a political campaign looking to raise funds through grassroots outreach might want more advanced peer-to-peer fundraising tools. When possible, organizations want to work with as few software applications as necessary instead of one for ticketing, one for donations, one for seating, and so on. Finding a platform that can handle most of your needs makes things easier for everyone. 

What to look for in an online fundraising platform

Choosing the right fundraising platform is about finding a tool that works for your specific fundraising style and donor base. Here are some key features to prioritize:

1. Ease of use for volunteers

Most nonprofits rely on volunteers to help run fundraisers. A platform that’s too complicated will lead to frustration and mistakes. Look for a tool with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to set up campaigns, process donations, and generate reports.

2. Low or no platform fees

High platform fees can significantly cut into your fundraising total. Some platforms offer free options or allow donors to cover fees. If reducing overhead costs is a priority, focus on platforms with transparent pricing. Free platforms don’t always include the same features as paid ones, but they might be a good place to start for some organizations. 

3. Secure and fast payment processing

Donors expect a fast and secure payment process. The best platforms integrate with trusted payment processors and offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, bank transfers, and mobile wallets.

4. Customizable donation pages

A generic donation page won’t engage your audience. Look for a platform that allows you to add your logo, colors, and branding elements. Ideally, you should be able to embed donation forms directly on your website.

5. Strong donor management tools

Good donor management is essential for building long-term relationships. A strong platform should allow you to:

• Track donor history
• Send automated thank-you emails
• Segment donors for targeted outreach
• Analyze donor behavior and engagement

6. Recurring donation options

Recurring donations provide a steady stream of income. Look for platforms that make it easy for donors to set up monthly or quarterly gifts and manage their giving preferences without contacting your organization.

7. Integration with CRMs, marketing platforms, and automation tools

Fundraising works best when it’s connected to your broader donor engagement strategy. Look for platforms that integrate with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and automation tools. 

8. Scalability

Your needs will change as your organization grows. A platform that works for a small grassroots campaign might not be adequate once you expand into large-scale fundraising. Choose a platform that can grow with you and offer advanced features as you scale.

9. Flexibility for event-based fundraising

If your organization relies on events, you need a platform that supports mobile bidding, ticketing, and check-ins. 

Every nonprofit’s needs are different

The best online fundraising platforms offer a mix of donor management, event support, and payment processing, but no single platform excels at everything. Start by defining your priorities and finding an option that works for you. 

9 Donorbox alternatives to try in 2025

1. Silent Auction Pro (Recommended Option)

Silent Auction Pro is a top choice for nonprofits that rely on events to drive fundraising. Designed for auctions and live events and giving campaigns, it provides a comprehensive toolkit for managing donors, tickets, and mobile bidding. Silent Auction Pro streamlines the process from event check-in to final payment, making it easier for nonprofits to focus on engaging donors rather than managing logistics.

Key features

• Mobile and online bidding
• Event ticketing and seating management
• Donor management and communication tools
• Secure payment processing
• Automated outbid notifications and self-checkout options
• Giving campaign feature with recurrent donation and text-to-give options

Affordability
Pricing is competitive with no hidden fees. The platform's transparent structure allows nonprofits to budget more effectively without worrying about surprise costs.

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Silent Auction Pro stands out for its strong event management features and seamless donor communication tools. Its customer support team, who have all run their own events before, including a dedicated event coach, makes it especially appealing for organizations relying on auctions and fundraising events.

2. Givebutter

Givebutter has become a favorite among nonprofits, thanks to its flexible pricing and peer-to-peer fundraising tools. It combines donor management, event ticketing, and campaign tracking in an easy-to-use interface. It's built-in social sharing tools make expanding your reach and engaging supporters easy.

Key features

• Custom donation pages
• Text-to-give and email campaigns
• Peer-to-peer and team fundraising
• CRM and email integration
• Donor reporting and engagement tracking

Affordability
Givebutter has several levels of pricing and features. Givebutter Plus starts at $29 per month. 

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Givebutter’s social-focused fundraising tools are ideal for grassroots campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising. Its low-cost model makes it especially appealing for smaller nonprofits.

3. Bloomerang

Bloomerang is a donor management platform designed to help nonprofits build long-term relationships with their supporters. It tracks donor engagement, provides insights into giving behavior, and helps organizations increase donor retention rates over time.

Key features

• Donor profiles with engagement tracking
• Automated follow-up emails and thank-you notes
• Reporting and insights on donor behavior
• Email and text campaign tools
• Integration with popular CRMs and fundraising platforms

Affordability
Bloomerang offers tiered pricing based on the number of active donors, starting at $40 per month for a barebones fundraising package and #125 per month for its CRM setup. 

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Bloomerang is one of the best options for donor retention, offering deep insights into donor behavior and engagement trends.

4. DonorPerfect

DonorPerfect has been a trusted name in the nonprofit sector for decades. Its strong donor relationship tools and solid fundraising and event management features make it a versatile option for nonprofits of all sizes.

Key features

• Donor segmentation and engagement tracking
• Event registration and ticketing
• Recurring donation management
• Email and direct mail communication
• Mobile-friendly donation forms

Affordability
Pricing is flexible, depending on the organization's size and needs. Contact DonorPerfect directly for details. 

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
DonorPerfect is ideal for organizations that need a balance of donor management and event support. Its long-standing reputation and robust support make it a dependable option.

5. Give Lively

Give Lively is a completely free platform for 501(c)(3) nonprofits backed by a group of philanthropists. It includes all the core fundraising tools, making it appealing for smaller organizations and those with limited budgets.

Key features

• Custom donation forms
• Peer-to-peer and team fundraising
• Event ticketing
• Salesforce integration
• Text-to-donate options

Affordability
It's completely free for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. There are no platform fees, but standard processing fees from Stripe and PayPal apply. Organizations must apply to become members and get access to the platform, which can take several days to review and approve. 

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Give Lively is one of the few platforms that offers a full suite of fundraising tools with no subscription fees, making it ideal for smaller organizations looking to reduce costs.

6. Network for Good

Network for Good is a comprehensive platform that combines donor management, campaign tracking, and fundraising tools into one system. It’s well-suited for larger nonprofits that need advanced reporting and data analysis capabilities.

Key features

• Donor data tracking and segmentation
• Peer-to-peer and recurring donations
• Event ticketing and auction support
• Data-driven insights and reporting
• Integration with CRMs and marketing platforms

Affordability
Pricing isn’t listed publicly: it’s customized based on the organization’s size and fundraising goals.

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Network for Good provides an all-in-one solution for large-scale nonprofits, with strong donor management and advanced reporting capabilities.

7. Funraise

Funraise offers a modern, mobile-friendly fundraising approach. Its clean interface and automation tools make launching campaigns and tracking performance in real time easy.

Key features

• Mobile-optimized donation pages
• Text-to-give options
• Peer-to-peer fundraising
• Automated donor follow-ups
• Custom branding options

Affordability
A light version is available for qualified organizations starting at $275 per month. Contact them directly for their standard and premium pricing options. 

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Funraise’s mobile-first design and automation tools appeal to organizations focused on online giving and donor engagement.

8. Little Green Light

Little Green Light is a donor management platform focusing on data and insights. It's straightforward tools make it easy to track donor behavior, send targeted outreach, and analyze campaign results.

Key features

• Secure payment processing
• Custom donation forms
• Donor tracking and reporting
• Automated thank-you emails
• Integration with popular CRMs and accounting software

Affordability
Pricing starts at $486 annually for up to 2,500 donor records, with tiered options for larger organizations.

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Little Green Light’s focus on donor data and insights makes it a smart choice for organizations focused on long-term donor engagement.

9. Zeffy

Zeffy is one of the few fundraising platforms that are entirely free for nonprofits. Its costs are covered through donor tips, meaning nonprofits keep 100% of their funds. The downside is that users might not understand the tip model. 

Key features

• Custom donation and fundraising pages
• Peer-to-peer fundraising
• Event ticketing and raffles
• Automated donation receipts
• Integration with CRMs and email marketing tools

Affordability
100% free: no platform or credit card fees. Zeffy relies on donor tips, which might be confusing enough to deter donors. 

Why it’s a strong Donorbox alternative
Zeffy’s no-cost model makes it an ideal solution for smaller nonprofits looking to maximize every dollar raised.

Raising the bar with Silent Auction Pro

Silent Auction Pro isn’t just another fundraising platform. It’s explicitly designed to help nonprofits succeed with event-based fundraising. While other platforms focus on general donation management, Silent Auction Pro excels at creating seamless event experiences, from ticketing and check-in to mobile bidding and donor follow-ups.

Why it’s a top Donorbox alternative

1. Year-round giving made easy: Silent Auction Pro offers a dedicated text-to-give donation page that can run independently of any event, allowing nonprofits to collect donations all year long—not just during campaigns.
2. Strong event support: Most platforms can handle donation pages, but Silent Auction Pro stands out for its event tools. Its mobile bidding system, automated check-in, and table management features are designed to make fundraising events run smoothly.
3. No hidden fees: Transparent pricing means no surprise charges. This makes it easier to budget effectively and maximize the funds you raise.
4. Customizable for any event: Whether you’re running a silent auction, a live gala, or a hybrid event, Silent Auction Pro adapts to your needs. You can brand your donation pages, track donor engagement, and automate communications..

The best way to understand why Silent Auction Pro works so well is to see it in action. Request a free demo and see how it can simplify your next fundraising event.

Find the right platform for your nonprofit

Choosing the right online fundraising platform can make or break your fundraising efforts. A platform that fits your budget, supports your team, and engages donors will set you up for long-term success.

The good news is that you don’t have to stick with one-size-fits-all solutions. There are Donorbox alternatives that specialize in different aspects of fundraising, from peer-to-peer campaigns to donor retention to event ticketing. Silent Auction Pro, Givebutter, and Bloomerang each offer unique strengths that make them well worth exploring.

The right platform will align with your organization’s size, goals, and fundraising style. Whether you’re hosting an annual gala or running a grassroots campaign, the options in this list give you the flexibility to find the perfect match.

Before you commit, try out free trials or request demos. Remember to factor in fees, contract terms, and integration options: you want a platform that grows with you, not one that holds you back.

Ready to see how Silent Auction Pro can simplify your fundraising? Request a free demo today and discover why it’s among the best Donorbox alternatives available.