FundraisingTechnologyCharitiesTipsStrategy
The Truth About Free Fundraising
26 February 2026
Kam T.
‘Free’ fundraising platforms aren’t free. They’re just paid for differently.
Several auction platforms - including some I previously licensed at scale - now position themselves as ‘free’ to charities, funded by optional donor tipping.
It sounds compelling, doesn’t it…
But at the exact moment a supporter has just given generously, they’re asked whether they’d also like to tip the platform.
It may be optional.
But it isn’t neutral.
Someone is still paying.
It was precisely these clever but ethically uncomfortable shifts from former SaaS providers that led us to build our own proprietary fundraising technology with a completely transparent blueprint.
If a charity hires us, they know what we charge. If a donor gives, they know where their money goes.
I genuinely welcome the scrutiny now building around tipping practices.
In fundraising, long term trust is the real currency. Technology should protect it - not quietly monetise it.
Several auction platforms - including some I previously licensed at scale - now position themselves as ‘free’ to charities, funded by optional donor tipping.
It sounds compelling, doesn’t it…
But at the exact moment a supporter has just given generously, they’re asked whether they’d also like to tip the platform.
It may be optional.
But it isn’t neutral.
Someone is still paying.
It was precisely these clever but ethically uncomfortable shifts from former SaaS providers that led us to build our own proprietary fundraising technology with a completely transparent blueprint.
If a charity hires us, they know what we charge. If a donor gives, they know where their money goes.
I genuinely welcome the scrutiny now building around tipping practices.
In fundraising, long term trust is the real currency. Technology should protect it - not quietly monetise it.