Why commission-free fundraising matters
Fundraising is art. And fees can be your biggest foe. Platforms that charge a slice—5%, 8%, even 12%—slow your mission. Every pound counts. Commission-free fundraising means 100% of donations go straight to the cause. No hidden cuts. No surprise bills. Just impact.
Did you know?
– In 2023, UK charities lost over £30 million to platform fees.
– A single 5% fee on a £10 000 campaign equals £500 down the drain.
Imagine reclaiming that. Fund more holiday meals, build more community gardens, sponsor more therapy sessions. That’s the power of commission-free fundraising.
The SEIS edge for savvy fundraisers
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) isn’t just for startups. It’s a tax relief tool that can turbocharge donor motivation. Here’s the magic:
– 50% tax relief on investments up to £100 000 per tax year.
– Loss relief if the project doesn’t hit the mark.
– Capital gains reinvestment benefits.
When donors know they can slash their tax bill, they dig deeper. SEIS = bigger pledges. Commission-free fundraising + SEIS = double win.
Top 6 UK crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits
No two platforms are twins. Each has quirks. We’ve rated them on fees, reach, ease and SEIS perks.
1. Oriel IPO
If you crave commission-free fundraising plus SEIS benefits, meet Oriel IPO.
– Commission-free fundraising from Day 1.
– Transparent subscription fees (no surprises).
– Full SEIS support for qualifying social enterprises.
– Curated, high-quality projects only.
– Maggie’s AutoBlog integration to craft SEO-driven stories for your campaign.
Why it rocks:
– Donors claim tax relief seamlessly.
– You keep 100% of funds.
– You get educational webinars and guides on SEIS/EIS.
Example: A community arts group raised £25 000. They paid zero commission. Donors claimed SEIS. Everyone left happy.
2. Crowdfunder
Popular with grassroots causes.
– Platform fee: 5%.
– Payment processing: ~2.5%.
– GiftAid collection built-in.
– No SEIS support for charities (startups only).
Why you might pick it:
– Strong UK network.
– Easy social media share tools.
– Events integration.
Downside: You’ll miss out on true commission-free fundraising.
3. Enthuse
Charity-focused all the way.
– Platform fee: 3%.
– GiftAid autopilot.
– Branded fundraising pages.
– No SEIS pathways.
Perks:
– Minimal fees.
– Great donor management dashboard.
– In-person fundraising tools.
But if commission-free fundraising is your mantra, you’ll still pay.
4. Givey
A quirky twist. Givey calls its fees “tips.”
– Platform fee: 0%.
– Card fee: ~2%.
– Optional tipping for Givey.
– No SEIS.
Givey feels like commission-free fundraising. But beware: card charges sneak in.
5. GoFundMe
Global giant meets local hero.
– Platform fee: 0%.
– Payment fee: 2.9% + 30p.
– Great for personal and charity.
– No SEIS structure.
You get wide reach. But commission-free fundraising? Only platform fees are zero. Card fees remain.
6. Spacehive
Built for civic projects and public good.
– Platform fee: 0%.
– Payment processing: ~1.4%.
– Council partners.
– No SEIS.
Spacehive shines when local councils chip in. But you pay payment fees. And SEIS is off the table.
Making the right choice
Commission-free fundraising is a game of details. Ask yourself:
– Does my campaign qualify for SEIS?
– Can I handle subscription vs. commission fees?
– Do I need GiftAid, physical events or council partnerships?
If SEIS is a fit, Oriel IPO is the standout. It blends 0% commission, SEIS tax relief and content tools like Maggie’s AutoBlog. No other UK platform packs that combo.
Tips for a knockout campaign
Beyond platform choice, you need to nail your pitch. Here’s how:
- Tell a story. Paint a picture.
- Use video. Move hearts faster than text.
- Leverage social proof. Show donors who’ve backed you.
- Offer rewards. Even a thank-you card packs punch.
- Update often. Keep backers in the loop.
Combine killer content with commission-free fundraising and SEIS perks. The result? More funds, bigger impact.
Final thoughts
There’s no silver bullet in fundraising. But cutting out commission? That’s pretty close. When you add SEIS tax relief, you’ve got a recipe for success. Platforms like Crowdfunder and Enthuse have their merits. But only one truly champions commission-free fundraising and commission-free SEIS: Oriel IPO.
Ready to keep every penny and boost donor passion? Dive in with Oriel IPO today.
