Open Grants vs Zeffy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Open Grants 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: Open Grants wins this matchup. Givebutter is our overall Fundraising pick. Givebutter is our free Fundraising pick. 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:
Open Grants
Discover and apply for grants with AI-powered search and streamlined application tools.
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly reduces time spent on grant research
- • You want increases the likelihood of finding relevant funding opportunities
Zeffy
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Open Grants 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 | Open Grants | Zeffy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | AI Assistants | Fundraising |
Rating | - | 4.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Open Grants or Zeffy?
Choose Open Grants if
Discover and apply for grants with AI-powered search and streamlined application tools.
- You want significantly reduces time spent on grant research
- You want increases the likelihood of finding relevant funding opportunities
- Your work is AI assistants-shaped, not fundraising-shaped
Choose Zeffy if
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
- You want a fully free tool (Open Grants 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 AI assistants-shaped
| Feature | Open Grants | Zeffy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.9/5 3,091 reviews |
| Categories | AI AssistantsAI Research | FundraisingNonprofit Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Open Grants
Discover and apply for grants with AI-powered search and streamlined application tools.
The pricing for Open Grants is quite fair, especially with a robust Free tier and a very affordable Basic plan at $5/month.
Watch out
Storage limits on Free/Basic tiers
Strengths
- +Significantly reduces time spent on grant research.
- +Increases the likelihood of finding relevant funding opportunities.
- +Centralizes the grant application process.
- +Accessible for various organization types and individuals.
Weaknesses
- -Reliance on AI may require user refinement for highly specific grants.
- -Free tier may have limitations on features or number of applications.
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: Open Grants vs Zeffy
| Plan | Open Grants | Zeffy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $5/month Basic | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $15/month Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Open Grants pricing and Zeffy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zeffy is free. Open Grants is freemium.
Go with: Zeffy
Want the highest-rated option?
Zeffy is rated 4.9/5. Open Grants has no ratings yet.
Go with: Zeffy
Value user reviews?
Open Grants: no ratings yet. Zeffy: 3,091 reviews (4.9/5).
Go with: Zeffy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Open Grants is freemium. Zeffy is free. Go with Zeffy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Open Grants is a AI assistants tool. Zeffy is in fundraising. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Zeffy is rated 4.9/5; Open Grants has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Open Grants
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Zeffy
- Completely free
- Better fit for fundraising
The Bottom Line
Open Grants wins this matchup. Givebutter is our overall Fundraising pick. Givebutter is our free Fundraising pick. That said, Zeffy is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Open Grants or Zeffy better?
Open Grants is rated in our evaluation. Open Grants is freemium and Zeffy is free.
What are Open Grants and Zeffy used for?
Open Grants: Discover and apply for grants with AI-powered search and streamlined application tools.. Zeffy: All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits.
What does Open Grants cost vs Zeffy?
Open Grants is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Zeffy is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.