The Best GoFundMe Alternatives

Quick Summary

• GoFundMe is great for personal causes, but less effective for group-led or event-based fundraising.
• SignUpGenius offers the most complete solution, combining donations, volunteer coordination, and event planning—all in one platform with no added fees.
• Other platforms each have their niche strengths—Bonfire for merchandise, Donorbox for recurring nonprofit giving, Facebook for reach—but most lack coordination tools.
• If you're organizing a school fundraiser, community event, mission trip, or memorial, SignUpGenius gives you the tools to simplify logistics and maximize impact.

With SignUpGenius, you can coordinate everything from one easy platform.

👉 Create Your Campaign Now

Why Do People Look for GoFundMe Alternatives?

GoFundMe is popular, but not perfect. Common reasons people look for other platforms include:

• High processing fees (2.9% + $0.30 per donation, plus optional tips) and limited payment flexibility
• No built-in volunteer management or scheduling tools
• Not designed for group or event-based fundraising
• Limited branding or customization options

If you're coordinating an event or involving volunteers, you may need more than a simple donation page.

What Features Should You Look For in a Fundraising Alternative?

Look for tools that go beyond collecting money:

• Donation + event integration: Manage volunteer shifts, RSVPs, and donations in one place
• Low fees: Minimize platform or transaction costs to maximize funds
• Custom messaging and branding: Tailor pages to reflect your cause or organization
• Mobile-friendly access: Ensure ease for donors and participants on any device
• Secure payment options: Trustworthy processing like Stripe

💰 According to recent studies by Blackbaud, online giving accounted for 13% of total fundraising revenue in 2023—a number that’s expected to keep growing as more donors give digitally and via mobile¹. Choosing a platform that supports donations and community engagement is critical for long-term success. SignUpGenius helps fundraisers stay ahead by combining both.

What Makes SignUpGenius a Great Fundraising Platform?

SignUpGenius is a flexible, fee-friendly solution for fundraisers tied to events or group participation. Whether you're running a PTA fundraiser, non-profit event, or raising money for medical expenses, SignUpGenius lets you manage it all in one place.

Top Features:

• Collect donations directly on sign up forms
• Embedding options for your website
• Easy visibility and data access
• Offer incentives to your donors by setting multiple donation levels
• Process payments securely with Stripe
• No platform fees for donations

🗂️ Real World Example: Stanford University Museum raises $250,000 with SignUpGenius!

👉 See How They Did It

Other GoFundMe Alternatives to Consider

While SignUpGenius offers the most flexibility for event-based and group fundraising, here’s a quick look at how other platforms stack up—and where they shine best:

• SignUpGenius – Best for coordinating donations, volunteers, and events in one place. Ideal for schools, churches, and community organizers looking to streamline everything with no platform fees.
• GoFundMe – Best for personal fundraising. Strong brand recognition and ease of setup for individuals raising money for a variety of causes.
• Bonfire – Best for merchandise fundraising. Great if you want to sell t-shirts or other custom products, with automatic order fulfillment and no upfront cost.
• Donorbox – Best for organizations with recurring donors. Offers donation forms, CRM integrations, and tools for donor management, but not built for events or volunteer coordination.

When Should You Use SignUpGenius?

💡 Choose SignUpGenius when:

• You’re hosting a fundraiser tied to an event or group effort
• You want to avoid platform fees
• You need to manage volunteers and communication
• Your audience values simplicity and mobile access

FAQ: Practical Fundraising Tips

Q: What’s the best way to promote a fundraiser online?
A: Use email, social media, and community channels to spread the word. Include clear calls to action and update supporters regularly to keep momentum going.

Q: How do I collect donations without losing money to fees?
A: Compare both platform and processing fees. Some platforms (like SignUpGenius) only charge standard payment processing, with no added platform fee.

Q: What makes a fundraising page successful?
A: Clarity and simplicity. Tell a compelling story, include images, explain how the money will be used, and make giving easy on mobile and desktop.

Q: What’s the difference between GoFundMe and SignUpGenius?
A: GoFundMe focuses on personal donation pages. SignUpGenius adds event planning and volunteer scheduling features—ideal for fundraisers tied to group efforts.

Q: How do I coordinate volunteers during a fundraiser?
A: Use a tool that lets people sign up for shifts or tasks online. It streamlines communication and helps fill every slot without back-and-forth emails.

Q: Can I use one tool for both donations and event planning?
A: Yes. SignUpGenius lets you collect payments and organize people in one place—perfect for community events, school fundraisers, and mission trips.

Ready to start raising money?

¹ Blackbaud Institute. 2023 Charitable Giving Report.