17 May 2025

10 Best Free & Low-Cost Fundraising Tools for South African Nonprofits (2025)

10 Best Free & Low-Cost Fundraising Tools for South African Nonprofits (2025)

10 Best Free & Low-Cost Fundraising Tools for South African Nonprofits (2025)

Author
Author
Romanos Boraine
Romanos Boraine
Category
Free Resources
Free Resources
Raising money as a nonprofit or small organisation can feel daunting—especially when every cent counts. Fortunately, a growing number of donation tools let you collect support online with zero or low fees.
Raising money as a nonprofit or small organisation can feel daunting—especially when every cent counts. Fortunately, a growing number of donation tools let you collect support online with zero or low fees.
Raising money as a nonprofit or small organisation can feel daunting—especially when every cent counts. Fortunately, a growing number of donation tools let you collect support online with zero or low fees.
This guide features 10 of the best free and low-cost fundraising tools for South African nonprofits in 2025, carefully selected for NPOs operating locally. Whether you're searching for free donation software for events, tools to accept recurring donations in South Africa, or global fundraising platforms for local NGOs, there's an option here that fits.
Need help choosing or integrating donation tools?
Book a free 15-min clarity call or explore our Digital Systems Audit to improve your setup.
This guide features 10 of the best free and low-cost fundraising tools for South African nonprofits in 2025, carefully selected for NPOs operating locally. Whether you're searching for free donation software for events, tools to accept recurring donations in South Africa, or global fundraising platforms for local NGOs, there's an option here that fits.
Need help choosing or integrating donation tools?
Book a free 15-min clarity call or explore our Digital Systems Audit to improve your setup.
This guide features 10 of the best free and low-cost fundraising tools for South African nonprofits in 2025, carefully selected for NPOs operating locally. Whether you're searching for free donation software for events, tools to accept recurring donations in South Africa, or global fundraising platforms for local NGOs, there's an option here that fits.
Need help choosing or integrating donation tools?
Book a free 15-min clarity call or explore our Digital Systems Audit to improve your setup.


Top 10 Donation & Crowdfunding Platforms for South African Nonprofits in 2025
Top 10 Donation & Crowdfunding Platforms for South African Nonprofits in 2025
Top 10 Donation & Crowdfunding Platforms for South African Nonprofits in 2025
Finding funding is a perennial challenge for nonprofits and new ventures alike. These fundraising platforms and donation tools help you collect money online seamlessly – many offer special nonprofit rates or free services so more of each donation goes to your cause.
1. BackaBuddy
Description | South African crowdfunding platform tailored for local charities and individuals raising funds for community causes. |
---|---|
Benefits | Offers 0% platform fees for NPOs; uses a donor tip model; well-known in South Africa; boosts credibility and trust. |
Use-cases | Emergency appeals, health campaigns, social causes, community initiatives with local currency support (EFT, SnapScan, card). |
Register | Register your nonprofit on BackaBuddy and start a verified fundraising campaign. |
2. GivenGain
Description | International donation and peer-to-peer fundraising platform enabling South African nonprofits to reach a global donor base. |
---|---|
Benefits | Multi-currency donations, event-based fundraising integration, reduced NPO fees, access to global campaigns. |
Use-cases | Charity races, international fundraising drives, supporter-run peer campaigns, NGO events. |
Register | Apply as a charity under “Start Fundraising” on the GivenGain website. |
3. Donorbox
Description | A free-to-start online donation form tool with features for recurring donations, donor management, and website integration. |
---|---|
Benefits | No setup or monthly fees with tips enabled; supports cards, EFT, PayPal; customisable forms; integrates into any website. |
Use-cases | Monthly giving, digital-first fundraising campaigns, embedding custom donation forms. |
Register | Sign up at Donorbox.org, create your profile and embed your form. |
4. Zeffy
Description | 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits with no transaction or payment processing fees at any level. |
---|---|
Benefits | Donor covers processing fees; robust features including tax receipts, peer-to-peer tools, CRM and event ticketing. |
Use-cases | Fee-free giving, event fundraising, small team donation tracking, donor communication. |
Register | Sign up directly at Zeffy (formerly Simplyk); always free for nonprofits. |
5. PayFast Cause Account
Description | A trusted South African payment gateway offering dedicated donation features for registered NPOs. |
---|---|
Benefits | No monthly fees; enables EFT, SnapScan, card payments; gets your NPO listed on their Cause Index for added visibility. |
Use-cases | Embedding donation buttons on your website, recurring gifts, local digital payments. |
Register | Apply online for a Cause Account with proof of NPO registration. |
6. SnapScan
Description | A mobile payment solution offering NPOs QR codes and links for quick, secure digital donations from any device. |
---|---|
Benefits | No integration needed; widely trusted in SA; accepts all major cards; ideal for events and offline fundraising. |
Use-cases | Mobile giving, event-based fundraising, QR code posters at community sites, social sharing. |
Register | Register a business account under “Accept Donations” to access tools. |
7. Thundafund
Description | South African crowdfunding platform for community and creative projects using a reward-based pledge model. |
---|---|
Benefits | Local support and guidance; flexible campaigns; strong community appeal; promotional reach through platform channels. |
Use-cases | Social enterprises, new product funding, education campaigns, public-benefit projects. |
Register | Apply via their website with a clear campaign, timeline and rewards structure. |
8. Different.org
Description | A unique South African platform where 100% of donations go to vetted nonprofit projects, funded by corporate sponsors. |
---|---|
Benefits | No fees for NPOs; high-trust model; marketing exposure; internal donor network. |
Use-cases | Community infrastructure, clinics, education, small-scale capital projects. |
Register | Register and contact Different.org to submit your project proposal. |
9. M-Changa
Description | Mobile-first African donation platform supporting SMS fundraising, mobile wallets, and bank transfers. |
---|---|
Benefits | Effective for rural outreach; accepts mobile money; low barriers for participation; supports grassroots giving. |
Use-cases | Rural campaigns, youth-led appeals, church-based fundraising, WhatsApp donation drives. |
Register | Create a fundraiser and verify payout options for South Africa. |
10. GlobalGiving
Description | Global crowdfunding platform linking vetted nonprofits with international donors, grants, and matching campaigns. |
---|---|
Benefits | Increased credibility; access to global donor pools; capacity-building and visibility tools. |
Use-cases | International donor access, multi-currency giving, global partnership development. |
Register | Apply for the Accelerator Programme and meet minimum fundraising goals to join. |
Need a clearer donation strategy?
Book a free clarity call or request a Digital Systems Audit – and let’s get your fundraising stack working smarter, not harder.
Finding funding is a perennial challenge for nonprofits and new ventures alike. These fundraising platforms and donation tools help you collect money online seamlessly – many offer special nonprofit rates or free services so more of each donation goes to your cause.
1. BackaBuddy
Description | South African crowdfunding platform tailored for local charities and individuals raising funds for community causes. |
---|---|
Benefits | Offers 0% platform fees for NPOs; uses a donor tip model; well-known in South Africa; boosts credibility and trust. |
Use-cases | Emergency appeals, health campaigns, social causes, community initiatives with local currency support (EFT, SnapScan, card). |
Register | Register your nonprofit on BackaBuddy and start a verified fundraising campaign. |
2. GivenGain
Description | International donation and peer-to-peer fundraising platform enabling South African nonprofits to reach a global donor base. |
---|---|
Benefits | Multi-currency donations, event-based fundraising integration, reduced NPO fees, access to global campaigns. |
Use-cases | Charity races, international fundraising drives, supporter-run peer campaigns, NGO events. |
Register | Apply as a charity under “Start Fundraising” on the GivenGain website. |
3. Donorbox
Description | A free-to-start online donation form tool with features for recurring donations, donor management, and website integration. |
---|---|
Benefits | No setup or monthly fees with tips enabled; supports cards, EFT, PayPal; customisable forms; integrates into any website. |
Use-cases | Monthly giving, digital-first fundraising campaigns, embedding custom donation forms. |
Register | Sign up at Donorbox.org, create your profile and embed your form. |
4. Zeffy
Description | 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits with no transaction or payment processing fees at any level. |
---|---|
Benefits | Donor covers processing fees; robust features including tax receipts, peer-to-peer tools, CRM and event ticketing. |
Use-cases | Fee-free giving, event fundraising, small team donation tracking, donor communication. |
Register | Sign up directly at Zeffy (formerly Simplyk); always free for nonprofits. |
5. PayFast Cause Account
Description | A trusted South African payment gateway offering dedicated donation features for registered NPOs. |
---|---|
Benefits | No monthly fees; enables EFT, SnapScan, card payments; gets your NPO listed on their Cause Index for added visibility. |
Use-cases | Embedding donation buttons on your website, recurring gifts, local digital payments. |
Register | Apply online for a Cause Account with proof of NPO registration. |
6. SnapScan
Description | A mobile payment solution offering NPOs QR codes and links for quick, secure digital donations from any device. |
---|---|
Benefits | No integration needed; widely trusted in SA; accepts all major cards; ideal for events and offline fundraising. |
Use-cases | Mobile giving, event-based fundraising, QR code posters at community sites, social sharing. |
Register | Register a business account under “Accept Donations” to access tools. |
7. Thundafund
Description | South African crowdfunding platform for community and creative projects using a reward-based pledge model. |
---|---|
Benefits | Local support and guidance; flexible campaigns; strong community appeal; promotional reach through platform channels. |
Use-cases | Social enterprises, new product funding, education campaigns, public-benefit projects. |
Register | Apply via their website with a clear campaign, timeline and rewards structure. |
8. Different.org
Description | A unique South African platform where 100% of donations go to vetted nonprofit projects, funded by corporate sponsors. |
---|---|
Benefits | No fees for NPOs; high-trust model; marketing exposure; internal donor network. |
Use-cases | Community infrastructure, clinics, education, small-scale capital projects. |
Register | Register and contact Different.org to submit your project proposal. |
9. M-Changa
Description | Mobile-first African donation platform supporting SMS fundraising, mobile wallets, and bank transfers. |
---|---|
Benefits | Effective for rural outreach; accepts mobile money; low barriers for participation; supports grassroots giving. |
Use-cases | Rural campaigns, youth-led appeals, church-based fundraising, WhatsApp donation drives. |
Register | Create a fundraiser and verify payout options for South Africa. |
10. GlobalGiving
Description | Global crowdfunding platform linking vetted nonprofits with international donors, grants, and matching campaigns. |
---|---|
Benefits | Increased credibility; access to global donor pools; capacity-building and visibility tools. |
Use-cases | International donor access, multi-currency giving, global partnership development. |
Register | Apply for the Accelerator Programme and meet minimum fundraising goals to join. |
Need a clearer donation strategy?
Book a free clarity call or request a Digital Systems Audit – and let’s get your fundraising stack working smarter, not harder.
Finding funding is a perennial challenge for nonprofits and new ventures alike. These fundraising platforms and donation tools help you collect money online seamlessly – many offer special nonprofit rates or free services so more of each donation goes to your cause.
1. BackaBuddy
Description | South African crowdfunding platform tailored for local charities and individuals raising funds for community causes. |
---|---|
Benefits | Offers 0% platform fees for NPOs; uses a donor tip model; well-known in South Africa; boosts credibility and trust. |
Use-cases | Emergency appeals, health campaigns, social causes, community initiatives with local currency support (EFT, SnapScan, card). |
Register | Register your nonprofit on BackaBuddy and start a verified fundraising campaign. |
2. GivenGain
Description | International donation and peer-to-peer fundraising platform enabling South African nonprofits to reach a global donor base. |
---|---|
Benefits | Multi-currency donations, event-based fundraising integration, reduced NPO fees, access to global campaigns. |
Use-cases | Charity races, international fundraising drives, supporter-run peer campaigns, NGO events. |
Register | Apply as a charity under “Start Fundraising” on the GivenGain website. |
3. Donorbox
Description | A free-to-start online donation form tool with features for recurring donations, donor management, and website integration. |
---|---|
Benefits | No setup or monthly fees with tips enabled; supports cards, EFT, PayPal; customisable forms; integrates into any website. |
Use-cases | Monthly giving, digital-first fundraising campaigns, embedding custom donation forms. |
Register | Sign up at Donorbox.org, create your profile and embed your form. |
4. Zeffy
Description | 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits with no transaction or payment processing fees at any level. |
---|---|
Benefits | Donor covers processing fees; robust features including tax receipts, peer-to-peer tools, CRM and event ticketing. |
Use-cases | Fee-free giving, event fundraising, small team donation tracking, donor communication. |
Register | Sign up directly at Zeffy (formerly Simplyk); always free for nonprofits. |
5. PayFast Cause Account
Description | A trusted South African payment gateway offering dedicated donation features for registered NPOs. |
---|---|
Benefits | No monthly fees; enables EFT, SnapScan, card payments; gets your NPO listed on their Cause Index for added visibility. |
Use-cases | Embedding donation buttons on your website, recurring gifts, local digital payments. |
Register | Apply online for a Cause Account with proof of NPO registration. |
6. SnapScan
Description | A mobile payment solution offering NPOs QR codes and links for quick, secure digital donations from any device. |
---|---|
Benefits | No integration needed; widely trusted in SA; accepts all major cards; ideal for events and offline fundraising. |
Use-cases | Mobile giving, event-based fundraising, QR code posters at community sites, social sharing. |
Register | Register a business account under “Accept Donations” to access tools. |
7. Thundafund
Description | South African crowdfunding platform for community and creative projects using a reward-based pledge model. |
---|---|
Benefits | Local support and guidance; flexible campaigns; strong community appeal; promotional reach through platform channels. |
Use-cases | Social enterprises, new product funding, education campaigns, public-benefit projects. |
Register | Apply via their website with a clear campaign, timeline and rewards structure. |
8. Different.org
Description | A unique South African platform where 100% of donations go to vetted nonprofit projects, funded by corporate sponsors. |
---|---|
Benefits | No fees for NPOs; high-trust model; marketing exposure; internal donor network. |
Use-cases | Community infrastructure, clinics, education, small-scale capital projects. |
Register | Register and contact Different.org to submit your project proposal. |
9. M-Changa
Description | Mobile-first African donation platform supporting SMS fundraising, mobile wallets, and bank transfers. |
---|---|
Benefits | Effective for rural outreach; accepts mobile money; low barriers for participation; supports grassroots giving. |
Use-cases | Rural campaigns, youth-led appeals, church-based fundraising, WhatsApp donation drives. |
Register | Create a fundraiser and verify payout options for South Africa. |
10. GlobalGiving
Description | Global crowdfunding platform linking vetted nonprofits with international donors, grants, and matching campaigns. |
---|---|
Benefits | Increased credibility; access to global donor pools; capacity-building and visibility tools. |
Use-cases | International donor access, multi-currency giving, global partnership development. |
Register | Apply for the Accelerator Programme and meet minimum fundraising goals to join. |
Need a clearer donation strategy?
Book a free clarity call or request a Digital Systems Audit – and let’s get your fundraising stack working smarter, not harder.
Conclusion: Fundraising Tools that Work for South African NPOs
Conclusion: Fundraising Tools that Work for South African NPOs
Conclusion: Fundraising Tools that Work for South African NPOs
South African nonprofits face steep challenges: limited staff, stretched budgets, and complex donor needs. But with the right tools, even small teams can raise more with less effort.
This guide covered 10 reliable and affordable donation platforms that help local NPOs do just that – from mobile-first apps like SnapScan to global gateways like GivenGain and GlobalGiving. Each option offers unique strengths, depending on whether you need EFT donations, QR-code giving, recurring donor setups, or international fundraising tools.
If you're unsure which tools to use – or feel your current setup is underperforming – I offer audits and implementation support tailored to your budget, size and systems.
Let’s fix your donation flow together. Book a clarity call or explore our quick-turnaround audit options.
South African nonprofits face steep challenges: limited staff, stretched budgets, and complex donor needs. But with the right tools, even small teams can raise more with less effort.
This guide covered 10 reliable and affordable donation platforms that help local NPOs do just that – from mobile-first apps like SnapScan to global gateways like GivenGain and GlobalGiving. Each option offers unique strengths, depending on whether you need EFT donations, QR-code giving, recurring donor setups, or international fundraising tools.
If you're unsure which tools to use – or feel your current setup is underperforming – I offer audits and implementation support tailored to your budget, size and systems.
Let’s fix your donation flow together. Book a clarity call or explore our quick-turnaround audit options.
South African nonprofits face steep challenges: limited staff, stretched budgets, and complex donor needs. But with the right tools, even small teams can raise more with less effort.
This guide covered 10 reliable and affordable donation platforms that help local NPOs do just that – from mobile-first apps like SnapScan to global gateways like GivenGain and GlobalGiving. Each option offers unique strengths, depending on whether you need EFT donations, QR-code giving, recurring donor setups, or international fundraising tools.
If you're unsure which tools to use – or feel your current setup is underperforming – I offer audits and implementation support tailored to your budget, size and systems.
Let’s fix your donation flow together. Book a clarity call or explore our quick-turnaround audit options.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best free donation platform for South African NPOs in 2025?
1. What is the best free donation platform for South African NPOs in 2025?
1. What is the best free donation platform for South African NPOs in 2025?
For South African nonprofits looking for zero-cost fundraising tools, BackaBuddy and Zeffy are top recommendations. BackaBuddy is optimised for local giving, trusted by SA donors, and charges no platform fees for registered NPOs. Zeffy, meanwhile, is completely free across all services—including donation forms, event ticketing, and CRM—making it ideal for cost-conscious NPOs wanting to avoid transaction charges.
2. How can I accept recurring donations online without monthly fees?
2. How can I accept recurring donations online without monthly fees?
2. How can I accept recurring donations online without monthly fees?
Donorbox offers a reliable recurring donation solution at no cost if you enable donor tipping. It integrates directly into your website and supports EFT, debit/credit cards, and PayPal. It’s especially suited to South African nonprofits looking to build long-term monthly giving programmes without investing in custom tech or fundraising software.
3. Which tools let South African NPOs receive international donations?
3. Which tools let South African NPOs receive international donations?
3. Which tools let South African NPOs receive international donations?
GivenGain and GlobalGiving are designed for cross-border fundraising. GivenGain connects your nonprofit to global donors via charity races and peer-to-peer campaigns, while GlobalGiving offers additional exposure through matching fund opportunities and grant access. Both tools are ideal for NPOs wanting to grow international support and accept multi-currency donations.
4. Can I fundraise online without a website?
4. Can I fundraise online without a website?
4. Can I fundraise online without a website?
Absolutely. Platforms like SnapScan, Zeffy, and M-Changa let you fundraise without needing a full website. You can share donation links or QR codes via WhatsApp, email, or social media. This makes them perfect for grassroots South African nonprofits or community-based projects without web infrastructure.
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Ready to Move Faster?
Book a free 20-minute call to unpack your goals, tools and delivery bottlenecks.
Romanos Boraine
Brand Strategy & Business Growth Consulting
Helping nonprofits, startups and social enterprises grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits and workflow optimisation.
© Romanos Boraine 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Ready to Move Faster?
Book a free 20-minute call to unpack your goals, tools and delivery bottlenecks.
Romanos Boraine
Brand Strategy & Business Growth Consulting
Helping nonprofits, startups and social enterprises grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits and workflow optimisation.
© Romanos Boraine 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Ready to Move Faster?
Book a free 20-minute call to unpack your goals, tools and delivery bottlenecks.
Romanos Boraine
Brand Strategy & Business Growth Consulting
Helping nonprofits, startups and social enterprises grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits and workflow optimisation.
© Romanos Boraine 2025.
All Rights Reserved