GivingData vs Zeffy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GivingData and Zeffy comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: GivingData wins this matchup. Our overall Nonprofit Tools pick is Givebutter. Our free Nonprofit Tools pick is Zeffy. Pick Zeffy if you need fundraising.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GivingData
Grantmaking software that powers your purpose by uniting funders and grantees.
Best for you if:
- • You want unites funders and grantees for collaborative problem-solving
- • You want empowers teams and grantees through real-time information sharing
Zeffy
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (GivingData requires payment)
- • You want genuinely free with no paid tier: no platform fee, no processing fee, no contact limit and nothing gated behind an upgrade
- • You want zeffy absorbs the card processing costs, so the organization receives the full amount a donor gives, whether or not that donor adds a contribution
| At a Glance | GivingData | Zeffy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Grants Management | Fundraising |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose GivingData or Zeffy?
Choose GivingData if
Grantmaking software that powers your purpose by uniting funders and grantees.
- You want unites funders and grantees for collaborative problem-solving
- You want empowers teams and grantees through real-time information sharing
- Your work is grants management-shaped, not fundraising-shaped
Choose Zeffy if
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
- You want a fully free tool (GivingData requires payment)
- You want genuinely free with no paid tier: no platform fee, no processing fee, no contact limit and nothing gated behind an upgrade
- You want zeffy absorbs the card processing costs, so the organization receives the full amount a donor gives, whether or not that donor adds a contribution
- Your work is fundraising-shaped, not grants management-shaped
| Feature | GivingData | Zeffy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 79 reviews | ★4.9/5 3,091 reviews |
| Categories | Grants ManagementNonprofit Tools | FundraisingNonprofit Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
GivingData
Grantmaking software that powers your purpose by uniting funders and grantees.
The pricing for GivingData is opaque, as all tiers require a quote.
Watch out
Optional add-ons likely increase cost
Strengths
- +Unites funders and grantees for collaborative problem-solving
- +Empowers teams and grantees through real-time information sharing
- +Strengthens the work of the entire foundation
- +Focuses on building trust-based relationships
- +Offers a community for learning and growth among grantmakers
Weaknesses
- -Pricing information is not publicly available, requiring a demo request.
- -No explicit mention of a free trial or free tier.
Key features
Zeffy
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
Strengths
- +Genuinely free with no paid tier: no platform fee, no processing fee, no contact limit and nothing gated behind an upgrade
- +Zeffy absorbs the card processing costs, so the organization receives the full amount a donor gives, whether or not that donor adds a contribution
- +Fundraising and the donor CRM are one system, so a ticket buyer, an auction bidder and a member all land on the same contact record
- +Automated tax receipts, payment confirmations and thank-you emails out of the box
- +In-person card payments and cash logging from a phone, with no hardware to buy
Weaknesses
- -Nonprofits only. An individual, an informal group or a business cannot open an account, and eligibility needs an EIN or local equivalent plus a bank account in the organization's name
- -No auctioneer-led live bidding, paddle raise or fund-a-need, and no live streaming for a hybrid gala, so a large seated event run from a stage is better served elsewhere
- -No SMS or text-to-give marketing, and no volunteer management
Key features
Pricing: GivingData vs Zeffy
| Plan | GivingData | Zeffy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Request Quote Go | N/A |
| Tier 2 | Request Quote Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Request Quote Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GivingData pricing and Zeffy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zeffy is free. GivingData is paid.
Go with: Zeffy
Want the highest-rated option?
GivingData: 4.5/5 (79 reviews). Zeffy: 4.9/5 (3,091 reviews).
Go with: Zeffy
Value user reviews?
GivingData: 79 reviews (4.5/5). Zeffy: 3,091 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Zeffy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
GivingData is paid. Zeffy is free. Go with Zeffy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
GivingData is a grants management tool. Zeffy is in fundraising. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Zeffy is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
GivingData
- Our pick for this comparison
Zeffy
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (3,091 reviews)
- Better fit for fundraising
The Bottom Line
GivingData wins this matchup. Our overall Nonprofit Tools pick is Givebutter. Our free Nonprofit Tools pick is Zeffy. That said, Zeffy is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GivingData or Zeffy better?
GivingData is rated in our evaluation. GivingData is paid and Zeffy is free.
What are GivingData and Zeffy used for?
GivingData: Grantmaking software that powers your purpose by uniting funders and grantees.. Zeffy: All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits.
What does GivingData cost vs Zeffy?
GivingData is a paid tool. Zeffy is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.