6min read · by KindRise’s founder, a Brooklyn resident
PTA Fundraising Platforms Compared: What to Use and When
School parent groups have more fundraising options than ever — and that abundance makes choosing harder. This guide breaks down the main categories of PTA fundraising platforms, what they actually cost, and when to use each.
The two main categories
Most school fundraising falls into one of two models. Understanding the difference saves a lot of confusion about fees, logistics, and what your group actually keeps.
1. Product fundraising companies
Companies like Great American Fundraising, ABC Fundraising, Charleston Wrap, Innisbrook, and FundraisingZone provide catalogs, order forms, and product fulfillment. Students sell items — gift wrap, candles, entertainment books, food, merchandise — to family and community members. The school keeps 40–50% of the revenue; the company keeps the rest.
What it costs the school: 50–60% of every dollar raised goes to the product company — not your cause.
What parents experience: Bringing home an order form, selling to grandparents and neighbors, waiting for delivery, distributing items.
2. Online donation platforms
Platforms like KindRise, Zeffy, Pledge It, DonorBox, and GoFundMe Charity let you create a campaign page and ask supporters to donate directly. No product involved. Supporters click a link or scan a QR code and give online.
What it costs the school: Platform fee (0%–8%) plus payment processing (~2.9% + $0.30/transaction). Total real cost is typically 3–12% depending on the platform.
What parents experience: Clicking a link, entering a card or using Apple/Google Pay, done in 60 seconds.
Fee comparison across common options
| Platform | Platform fee | Processing fee | Nonprofit required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| KindRise | 0.75% (0.50% on plan) | 2.9% + $0.30 | No |
| Zeffy | 0% (donor tip model) | 2.9% + $0.30 | Yes — 501(c)(3) |
| Pledge It | 7–8% | 2.9% + $0.30 | Yes |
| GoFundMe | 0% (tip model, ~3–5% real) | 2.9% + $0.30 | No |
| Product companies | 50–60% of sales | N/A | No |
On a $5,000 campaign: KindRise at 0.75% costs $37.50 in platform fees. A product fundraiser at 50% means you raised $10,000 in gross sales to net $5,000 — two to three times more selling effort for the same result.
When to use product fundraising
- Your community expects and looks forward to the annual catalog sale
- You want students actively involved in earning the money (skill-building angle)
- Your donors prefer to get something in return for their money
- You don't have a strong online presence or email list to drive a donation campaign
When to use an online donation platform
- You have a specific, urgent goal ("$2,400 for field trips — school year ends in 6 weeks")
- Your parent community is active on email, WhatsApp, or social media
- You want fast setup — a KindRise campaign is live in 15 minutes
- You want to keep as much of every dollar as possible
- You're running a campaign mid-year or alongside another fundraiser
Launch a KindRise campaign and a unique QR code is generated instantly. Download it, drop it on any flyer or poster, and supporters scan to donate in under a minute — no URL to type, no friction between the ask and the gift.
Launch your campaign free →See also: PTA fundraising templates, LAUSD school fundraising guide, and full fee comparison across platforms.
Ready to start? Launch a donation page on KindRise in minutes — with a free AI-generated banner, an auto-generated QR code for flyers, and low transparent fees so more of every dollar reaches your cause.
KindRise is a small, independent project. Email support@gokindrise.com and a real person reads it and helps directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fundraising platform for a PTA?
It depends on your goal. For online donation campaigns tied to a specific school need, KindRise (0.75% platform fee) and Zeffy (0% fee, requires 501(c)(3)) are among the lowest-fee options. For product fundraising (catalog sales, cookie dough), companies like Great American Fundraising or ABC Fundraising let families sell items with the school keeping 40–50% of sales.
How much do PTA fundraising platforms charge?
Donation platforms typically charge a platform fee (0%–8%) plus payment processing (around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). Product fundraising companies take 50–60% of product revenue, leaving the school with 40–50%. On a $5,000 campaign, a 5% platform fee costs $250; KindRise's 0.75% costs $37.50.
Does a PTA need to be a 501(c)(3) to use fundraising platforms?
Most PTAs affiliated with California State PTA or National PTA already have 501(c)(3) status through the umbrella organization. Independent parent groups (PTOs) may not. Platforms like KindRise work for any group — 501(c)(3) or not. Zeffy requires 501(c)(3) status. GoFundMe Charity requires nonprofit verification.