The implementation process for GivingTools is designed to be fast, intuitive, and user-friendly. Most organizations can get started within minutes to a few hours, depending on how much customization they want. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
Create a Demo Account
Visit GivingTools.com and sign up for a free demo account. The demo is prepopulated with sample appeals and settings, allowing you to explore the platform without commitment.
Customize Appeals
Use the built-in templates to create various appeal types such as one-time gifts, recurring donations, capital campaigns, product sales, and event registrations. You can modify appeal visuals, add custom fields, and set gift designations.
Configure Payment Processors
Choose from Stripe, CardConnect, Worldline, or PayPal. You can enable donor-paid fees, disable AmEx, or discourage credit card use to reduce costs.
Set Up Your Giving Page
Customize your giving page with branding elements. You can embed forms directly into your website or use hosted pages and QR codes for access.
Add Managers and Permissions
Assign multiple managers to oversee campaigns, donor data, and reporting.
Test Transactions
Use the demo environment to simulate donations and verify the donor experience.
Go Live
Once satisfied, activate your account and start accepting real donations.
Monitor and Export Data
Track appeal performance, donor history, and export data for accounting or marketing tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp.
The entire setup can be completed in less than a day, especially for organizations familiar with online platforms. No technical expertise is required, and support is available via email and tutorials.
GivingTools offers extensive customization options to meet the unique needs of nonprofits, churches, schools, and other charitable organizations. Here are the key customization capabilities:
Campaign Websites
Create campaign-specific microsites that mirror your branding and organize appeals in a centralized hub.
These features make GivingTools highly adaptable for organizations with diverse fundraising strategies, branding requirements, and operational workflows.
GivingTools is known for its transparent and low-cost pricing model. There are no setup fees, cancellation fees, security fees, or hidden charges for its core donation platform. Monthly pricing is based on the selected plan:
All plans include unlimited users and appeals. ACH processing is available at a flat rate of 25¢, and credit card rates start as low as 1.9% + 25¢. PayPal integration is included at no extra cost.
For campaign websites, GivingTools charges a one-time setup fee of $700, which includes secure hosting for 3–5 years. This is separate from the donation platform and applies only if you opt for a custom campaign microsite.
Support is provided via unlimited email assistance at no extra charge.
GivingTools offers a simple onboarding experience backed by helpful resources and responsive support. Here's what new users can expect:
The platform is designed to be intuitive, so most users can get started without formal training. However, the support team is known for being responsive and helpful, often described as feeling like an extension of the nonprofit’s own staff.
GivingTools employs robust security protocols to protect user and donor data. Key measures include:
These measures ensure that GivingTools maintains a high standard of data protection and operational integrity.
GivingTools follows a continuous improvement model, with updates released incrementally. The platform is currently rolling out version 3.0, which includes performance enhancements, especially in the Reports section for organizations with large donor bases. Updates are managed internally and applied automatically, with weekly software updates to ensure security patches and feature refinements are consistently deployed.
Users can also submit feedback directly through their dashboard, influencing future updates. This agile approach allows GivingTools to respond quickly to user needs while maintaining platform stability.
GivingTools maintains a user-first policy regarding data ownership and portability. Organizations retain full ownership of their donor and transaction data. The platform allows users to freely export data in CSV format, compatible with tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp. There are no restrictions or fees associated with data access or export, ensuring nonprofits can migrate or integrate their data as needed.
This open data policy supports transparency and flexibility, making it easy for organizations to scale, audit, or transition without vendor lock-in.
GivingTools offers flexible scaling options with no penalties or restrictions. All plans—Flex (free), Standard ($15/month), and Value ($30/month)—include unlimited users and appeals, allowing organizations to expand their fundraising efforts without incurring additional costs.
Organizations can cancel anytime without fees, and there are no minimum usage requirements. This makes it easy to scale down during off-seasons or budget constraints. Upgrading or downgrading plans is straightforward and can be done directly through the account settings.
This flexibility ensures that GivingTools can adapt to the evolving needs of nonprofits, whether they’re launching a major capital campaign or managing routine donations.
GivingTools offers a flexible, no-contract model that allows organizations to scale, cancel, or renew their usage at any time without penalties. Key terms include:
This approach makes GivingTools especially attractive to nonprofits that need flexibility in managing seasonal campaigns or adjusting budgets.
GivingTools adheres to industry-standard security and compliance protocols to ensure data protection and regulatory alignment. These include:
These measures position GivingTools as a secure and trustworthy platform for handling sensitive donor and financial data.
