Zeffy vs Funraise: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Zeffy and Funraise 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: Zeffy is our free Fundraising pick. Givebutter is our overall pick. Pick Funraise if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Zeffy
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Funraise 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
Funraise
The all-in-one fundraising platform built by nonprofiteers for nonprofits.
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive all-in-one platform for various fundraising needs
- • You want aI and machine learning optimize donation performance and personalize giving
| At a Glance | Zeffy | Funraise |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Fundraising | Fundraising |
Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Zeffy or Funraise?
Choose Zeffy if
All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits
- You want a fully free tool (Funraise 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
Choose Funraise if
The all-in-one fundraising platform built by nonprofiteers for nonprofits.
- You want comprehensive all-in-one platform for various fundraising needs
- You want aI and machine learning optimize donation performance and personalize giving
| Feature | Zeffy | Funraise |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.9/5 3,091 reviews | ★4.5/5 145 reviews |
| Categories | FundraisingNonprofit Tools | FundraisingNonprofit Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Funraise
The all-in-one fundraising platform built by nonprofiteers for nonprofits.
Funraise's pricing structure is somewhat confusing due to multiple 'Free' and 'Essentials' tiers, but the $0/month Essentials plan is quite generous for basic fundraising needs.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive all-in-one platform for various fundraising needs.
- +AI and machine learning optimize donation performance and personalize giving.
- +Strong focus on recurring giving with tools like Card Updater Genie.
- +User-friendly interface for managing donors and campaigns.
- +Built by nonprofiteers, ensuring features are tailored to the sector.
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not readily available on the public pages, requiring a demo or contact sales.
- -The extensive feature set might have a learning curve for smaller organizations with limited staff.
Key features
Pricing: Zeffy vs Funraise
| Plan | Zeffy | Funraise |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $0/month Essentials |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $99/month, billed annually Premium Plans |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $0 Free |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Contact Us Standard |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Contact Us Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Zeffy pricing and Funraise pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Zeffy is free. Funraise is freemium.
Go with: Zeffy
Want the highest-rated option?
Zeffy: 4.9/5 (3,091 reviews). Funraise: 4.5/5 (145 reviews).
Go with: Zeffy
Value user reviews?
Zeffy: 3,091 reviews (4.9/5). Funraise: 145 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Zeffy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Zeffy is free. Funraise is freemium. Go with Zeffy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are fundraising tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Zeffy is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Zeffy
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (3,091 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Funraise
- Choose if you want the all-in-one fundraising platform built by nonprofiteers for nonprofits
The Bottom Line
Zeffy is our free Fundraising pick. Givebutter is our overall pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zeffy or Funraise better?
Zeffy is rated in our evaluation. Zeffy is free and Funraise is freemium.
What are Zeffy and Funraise used for?
Zeffy: All-in-one free fundraising and CRM for nonprofits. Funraise: The all-in-one fundraising platform built by nonprofiteers for nonprofits..
What does Zeffy cost vs Funraise?
Zeffy is completely free. Funraise is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.