Fundraising Software Fees Are Out of Control — Here’s How We’re Changing That
Published by Suzi Boyle Giving • April 2025
Every dollar donated to your organization should support your mission — not disappear into hidden fees.
But in 2024, nonprofits like yours collectively lost over $1.43 billion to fundraising software and transaction fees. And most people didn’t even know it was happening.
At Suzi Boyle Giving, we believe nonprofits deserve better. That’s why we created a Technology Grant that helps mission-driven organizations like yours keep more of what you raise — with no platform fees, ever.
This isn’t just about better software. It’s about a movement to empower givers, eliminate outdated systems, and make every dollar go further.
What Do Fundraising Software Fees Really Cost Nonprofits?
Here’s what the typical nonprofit paid in 2024 just to process online donations and run fundraising events:
- 1.99% + $0.49 per donation in transaction fees (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
- Up to 2.95% in platform fees just to use fundraising tools
- Monthly subscriptions or “tipping” pressure on donors
- Time lost to manual data entry and outdated paper-based workflows
Even “free” platforms often come with hidden costs — from confusing donor fees to limited functionality that prevents organizations from growing.
💡 According to recent market data, the nonprofit fundraising software industry is now worth over $4.4 billion globally. That money should be serving communities — not lining the pockets of tech firms.
📌 Sources for further reading:
- Zeffy: Transaction Fees Impact
- Bloomerang: Platform Fee Comparison
- PayBee: Processing Fee Breakdown
- Global Growth Insights: Market Size
“Is This Just Another Software Pitch?” No — It’s a Movement.
We hear this all the time:
“Is this grant just a way to push a platform?”
The short answer? Absolutely not.
We created the Suzi Boyle Technology Grant because we’ve been in the nonprofit trenches. We’ve planned the events. We’ve processed donations by hand. We’ve watched bloated software companies take thousands of dollars in fees while programs were underfunded.
“We don’t want a financial burden to be the reason organizations don’t have access to newer, more efficient software. Our goal is to empower more givers to make a change — and on a large scale, this is how we do it.”
— Suzi Boyle, Founder
There are no commissions, no behind-the-scenes profits, and no requirements to stay long-term. Just access to better, vetted fundraising tools through a grant-funded platform — so you can raise more and keep more.
Why Paper-Based Fundraising Is Holding You Back
Many nonprofits still rely on paper donation forms, mailed checks, manual spreadsheets, and physical auctions. We understand why — change is hard, especially with limited capacity.
But here’s what you’re really losing:
- Fewer conversions: Online giving is 2–3x faster for donors
- Wasted hours: Manual data entry eats up staff and volunteer time
- Lost revenue: Auction item tracking errors and slow checkout = unclaimed dollars
By upgrading to modern tools through the Suzi Boyle Technology Grant, you don’t just get features — you gain freedom to grow.
You get mobile giving, automated auctions, QR code check-in, ticketing, sponsor packages, and more — without paying thousands in software fees.
Suzi’s Why
Suzi Boyle has spent decades working inside and alongside nonprofits — from small town fundraisers to national impact campaigns. She’s seen the systemic roadblocks that stand between great organizations and their ability to thrive.
She created this grant because she knew there had to be a better way — a way to support nonprofits not just with words, but with the tools they need to operate with excellence.
“We want to put dollars back into communities, not into software companies. This grant is about empowering the nonprofit sector to do what it does best: help others — with no financial friction.”
Join the Movement: Keep More. Do More. Scale Your Mission.
If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or board member, we invite you to:
✅ Apply for the Suzi Boyle Technology Grant
✅ Book a short tour (no commitment required)
✅ Get access to tools that save time and money
✅ Eliminate platform fees for good
This isn’t just about software — it’s about scaling your mission and bringing more hope, faster.
🎯 Click here to apply or learn more
Need help or have questions?
📧 Email: grants@suziboylegiving.com
📞 Call: (208) 907-8888
📍 Address: 770 S 13th St #9125, Boise, ID 83708
Hello:
My name is Karen Pedersen, and I am on the Board of Directors for Through A Child’s Eyes Foundation. Through A Child’s Eyes Foundation works tirelessly to bring the magic of the stage, visual and performing arts to our local community. We currently operate two local dance studios, a piano studio, and sponsor our local community choir. Our fundraising needs are constant as we live in a very depressed and remote socio economic community with over 65% of our school aged children on free and reduced lunch. As part of our mission, no child is turned away from participating in any of our programs or events because of an inability to pay. With over 150 participants in our arts programs, over 45% are on scholarship. Your Technology Grant information was mailed to our Founder, Ms. Cathe Faretto. I was researching your grant, and am seeking further information regarding the logistics of the grant. For example, does the Suzi Boyle Giving provide fundraising software? Does the grant provide funding to purchase efficient fundraising software? We definitely need to move from inefficient fundraising to efficient event software. Your mission perfectly explains our situation and needs. Is there someone I can visit with regarding clarity on the Technology Grant? Thank you for all you do. From one volunteer to another, the work is great, but rewards are greater!!
Sincerely,
Karen Pedersen
Through A Child’s Eyes Foundation
Board Member, Grant Writer
kpmitilda@aol.com
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message — and for the incredible work you and the Through A Child’s Eyes Foundation team are doing to make the arts accessible to every child, regardless of their financial situation. Your commitment to equity and creativity is inspiring, and we’re honored to connect with you.
To clarify: yes, the Suzi Boyle Giving Technology Grant is an in-kind grant that provides your organization with access to a full-service fundraising platform — at no cost to your nonprofit.
This platform was carefully selected and vetted by Suzi Boyle herself, who created the grant after decades in nonprofit work and witnessing firsthand how many organizations were losing precious donor dollars to outdated software, hidden platform fees, and unnecessary event costs.
Here’s what the grant includes:
✅ Access to a professionally supported fundraising platform
✅ Tools for auctions, raffles, ticketing, mobile bidding, donor tracking, and sponsor management
✅ Flat-rate, transparent pricing — no surprise fees or service charges
✅ Support and guidance from a team who understands nonprofit needs
There is no cash component, but the software access typically valued at up to $5,000 is fully covered through the grant — so your organization can shift from manual, time-consuming fundraising efforts to streamlined, efficient technology without a financial burden.
The next step is to complete our short grant application here:
👉 https://suziboylegiving.com/apply-for-a-grant/
Once submitted and approved, you’ll be invited to a brief platform tour with our team so you can see exactly how the technology works, ask questions, and explore how it can serve your specific fundraising events.
We’re so grateful for what you’re doing in your community — and we’d love to support your mission through this grant.
With appreciation from one giver to another,
The Suzi Boyle Giving Team