In the nonprofit world, “free” is the ultimate siren song. We’re all trying to move every possible cent toward the mission. But if Facebook has taught us anything, in the digital age “free” means YOU are the product. In this case, it’s your donors who are footing the proverbial AND literal bill.
Let’s pull back the curtain on why a “free” bucket may be leaking your most valuable resource: donor trust.
The “Awkward Waiter” Effect (Conversion Friction)
Zeffy isn’t technically free; it’s donor-funded. Imagine you’re at a gala, and just as a donor is about to sign a check, a software rep taps them on the shoulder and asks for a 15% tip.
That is “Cognitive Friction.” Instead of basking in the glow of their generosity, your donor is suddenly doing mental math and wondering why they’re being pressured to subsidize a tech company they’ve never heard of.
Once this “interruption” causes a 2% drop in your conversion rate, you’ve already “paid” more than a standard platform fee. A lost donation is the most expensive fee of all; especially when you factor in that donor’s potential lifetime value.
Who Owns the Relationship?
Because Zeffy’s revenue depends on the donor’s relationship with them (the tip), the checkout experience is co-branded. We’ve all seen it: a donor feels “tricked” by an auto-selected tip that’s harder to remove than glitter. If they have to reload the page just to find the “opt-out,” they might just opt out of the donation entirely.
At CauseMatch, we believe in the “Nonprofit-First” model. We don’t treat your checkout page like our personal tip jar. Long-term sustainability is built on transparency, not on hiding a surcharge at the bottom of a form.
“Wait, Doesn’t CauseMatch Have Tipping?”
I can hear you now: “But Aviva, I’ve donated to CauseMatch campaigns and seen a tipping option there, too! What gives?”
Great catch. But here’s the math that sets us apart:
When Zeffy asks for a tip, they keep it. When CauseMatch offers a tipping feature, you keep it.
We allow nonprofits to include a modest suggested tip (usually 3–5%) to help cover the organization’s overhead and credit card fees.
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- The Result: About 40–60% of donors choose to cover these costs because they want $105 to go to your mission, not $97.
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- The Difference: They aren’t supporting a software company; they are supporting you even more.
When you do the math, those tips often cover your entire platform fee and your credit card processing. That’s not just a free page; that’s a free campaign with a strategic partner invested in your success.
Alignment of Incentives
Zeffy’s “Success” is measured by how many of your donors they can convert into their customers. Our success is measured by your total amount raised.
We aren’t trying to squeeze an extra $15 out of your $100 donor; we’re trying to help you turn that $100 donor into a $1,000 fundraiser. CauseMatch’s goals aren’t just similar to your goals, they are identical.
The Verdict
If you’re simply looking for a no-frills way to collect a basic donation, “free” might seem appealing. But if you are committed to building a thriving, sustainable organization, fostering strong donor relationships, and maximizing your impact, then the “free trap” is a cost you simply can’t afford.
Choose a partner that invests in your success, respects your donors, and empowers you with the tools to truly thrive in the digital age. Don’t trade your donor’s trust and long-term potential for a hidden cost; invest in a platform that puts your mission first.