Compare Nonprofit Tools
Onward vs. Zeffy for Nonprofits
Zeffy is a zero-fee way to take donations, sell tickets and run auctions, funded by optional donor contributions; Onward connects straight to your Zeffy forms, so gifts go directly to you with no Onward cut, and connects your nonprofit with local businesses, professionals and neighbors.
Last updated November 1, 2026
| Onward | Zeffy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to the nonprofit | Free, and it stays free | No. fees; funded by optional donor contributions at checkout |
| Where donations and ticket sales go | Straight to your Zeffy form (or any donate button), with no Onward cut | Processed by Zeffy |
| Raffles, auctions, memberships, online store | No. | Yes. |
| Donor database and newsletters | No. | Yes. |
| Volunteer shifts and hours | Yes. | Not listed on Zeffy's site |
| Local businesses recognized for giving, sponsors by level, matching gifts | Yes. | No. |
| A community network: a feed, followers, local businesses and professionals connected to your cause, and one-tap sharing to Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn | Yes. Discover and the Hub | No. |
| Where it works | Nationwide | North America |
| Year-round business recognition: sponsor wall, business pages, promotion and thank-you posts | Yes. | No. |
When Zeffy is the better pick: you want to take donations, sell tickets or run an auction without paying fees.
When Onward is the better pick: you want your community and local businesses to see and celebrate who supports you, and volunteers recognized for their time.
The best part: you can use both. Keep Zeffy for fee-free donations, tickets and auctions. Onward points your buttons straight to your Zeffy forms, then puts your sponsors, volunteers and verified giving in front of your whole community, so more people find their way to those forms.
Questions
Can Onward count gifts made on Zeffy?+
Zeffy details from Zeffy's comparison page, checked Nov 1, 2026. These are Zeffy's own claims.
Give your supporters the spotlight.
Create your nonprofit's page free. Everything on Onward today is free, and it stays free.