GivingTools

GivingTools is an online fundraising platform tailored to meet the needs of nonprofits, churches, schools, and other charitable organizations. Founded in 2014 by Fathom, a creative agency established in 1999, GivingTools was born out of a desire to reduce the high costs and complexity associated with online giving. Initially launched as a simple capital campaign website tool, the platform evolved into a full-featured donation management system. In 2017, GivingTools 2.0 was released, offering a complete overhaul based on user feedback, with enhanced security, multi-processor support, and a suite of features not commonly found in competing platforms. The platform is designed to be both user-friendly and highly functional. Donors benefit from a passwordless checkout experience, which simplifies the giving process while maintaining robust security. They can view their giving history, update payment methods, and even choose to cover processing fees to maximize their contributions. For nonprofits, GivingTools offers unlimited fundraising appeals, including one-time and recurring donations, capital campaigns, product sales, event registrations, and volunteer signups. These appeals can be embedded directly into websites, shared via hosted pages, or accessed through QR codes. One of the standout features of GivingTools is its pricing model. Unlike many competitors, it offers transparent, low-cost plans with no hidden fees. Organizations can choose from three plans—Flex (free), Standard ($15/month), and Value ($30/month)—each with varying processing partners and rates. ACH transactions are processed at a flat rate of just 25¢, while credit card rates can be as low as 1.9% + 25¢. The platform also supports PayPal integration at no extra cost, and all plans include unlimited users and appeals. GivingTools is backed by Fathom’s broader capabilities in web design, print, and video production, allowing nonprofits to create cohesive campaign experiences across digital and physical media. The platform also includes donor management tools, reporting and analytics, customizable receipts, and exportable data. Its customer support is frequently praised for being responsive and knowledgeable, often described as feeling like an extension of the nonprofit’s own team. Security is another core strength of GivingTools. Despite offering a frictionless donor experience, the platform maintains industry-leading security standards, including PCI compliance and secure data handling. This balance between ease of use and protection makes it particularly appealing to organizations that prioritize donor trust.