Resources
FARRER’S guide to giving platforms
Introduction
Not all fundraising platforms are created equal. While there are some clear big hitters and well-established favorites.
Are you overlooking some hidden gems that could better support both the size of your charity and your strategic goals?
Things to Consider:
BUDGET
Every platform has a payment processing fee, either through its own system or via a third party. Some platforms offer no upfront costs but charge a higher payment fee, which donors can opt to cover or is deducted from the donation.
While this might seem like a risk-free option, consider whether an upfront cost would be more cost-effective in the long run—those fees can make a huge dent in your income!
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Are you fully utilising your platform’s capabilities? You (or your board) have come up with a fantastic new idea—one that’s going to bring in additional income and help bridge gaps in your current budget. But before jumping straight into a specialist platform, ask yourself:
- Can your existing donor platform accommodate a team event?
- Can your events platform also handle individual giving?
Matched Giving is also becoming more common. Instead of opting for a specialist platform with high fees and strict qualification criteria, can you bypass the hassle and utilise your general donor platform?
Always check the update emails—it’s easy to scan and delete them without realizing you might be missing valuable new features. If in doubt, send an email and ask!
INTEGRATIONS
What can save you time? Many large CRM systems offer integration capabilities with fundraising platforms, often at an additional cost. It’s the classic cost vs. time debate—consider whether the time saved is worth the expense.
Our Recommendations:
Best for Corporate Partnerships – Enthuse
A great option for setting up Corporate Partners with different teams or offices while ensuring all contributions filter into a total target. Other benefits include:
- Offline donations
- NEW Matched Giving feature
- Ticket registration for events—all in one place
Best for Events – EMMA Live
An event management and fundraising tool in one. Don’t forget its auction items, individual giving options, and gamification features. Plus, EMMA 2.0 is launching soon—keep an eye out for the big update!
Best for Individual Giving – Givey
Givey champions small- to medium-sized charities, allowing donations through social media channels. It also adds value for its users through:
- Webinars
- A community Facebook group
The Farrer Charity Programme is committed to helping charities maximise their impact through paid media. If you’d like to discuss your current strategy or anything covered in this post we’d be happy to help.
Book a call with Ollie