GoFundMe vs HandUp: Which Should Nonprofits Use? (2026)
Choosing between GoFundMe and HandUp for nonprofit fundraising? HandUp is a niche, 100% free platform for nonprofits serving people experiencing poverty (acquired by South Oakland Shelter in 2017). GoFundMe handles general crowdfunding. Here's how both compare to Zeffy, the 100% free fundraising platform trusted by 100,000+ nonprofits across all causes.
Zeffy is trusted by 100,000+ nonprofits
Why nonprofits choose Zeffy over GoFundMe and HandUp
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Keep more of every dollar raised
HandUp is 100% free for eligible social service nonprofits (donor tips support the platform) — a similar model to Zeffy's. GoFundMe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, or 2.2% + $0.30 for verified 501(c)(3) charities. Zeffy gives every nonprofit 100% — even when donors skip the optional tip. We cover processing fees.
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Built for nonprofit fundraising, not one-off campaigns
HandUp is niche — built for nonprofits focused on poverty and homelessness, with limited features beyond direct giving. GoFundMe is built for crowdfunding campaigns. Zeffy gives every nonprofit donations, event ticketing, peer-to-peer, memberships, raffles, auctions, an online store, and a built-in donor CRM — all in one platform, all free.
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Get real help when you need it
HandUp's support is limited to email outreach for partner organizations. GoFundMe Customer Care handles general campaign questions via chat and email. Zeffy gives every nonprofit free phone support, 2–6 hour email responses, and office hours calls — no paid tier required.
Frequently asked questions
How does Zeffy's pricing compare to GoFundMe and HandUp for nonprofit crowdfunding?
HandUp is 100% free for eligible social service nonprofits, with donor tips supporting the platform — a similar model to Zeffy's. GoFundMe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, or 2.2% + $0.30 for verified 501(c)(3) charities. There's also GoFundMe Pro (pro.gofundme.com, formerly Classy) — a separate nonprofit fundraising suite at 2.4–2.5% + $0.30 (+1% Amex). Zeffy charges no platform fees, no transaction fees, no credit card fees — and works for every nonprofit, not just poverty-focused ones.
Who can use HandUp?
HandUp is a niche platform focused on nonprofits serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness. It was acquired by South Oakland Shelter (SOS), a Metro Detroit nonprofit, in 2017 and continues to operate as a free fundraising tool for eligible social service organizations. If your nonprofit doesn't fit that focus, you'd typically use GoFundMe (for crowdfunding), GoFundMe Pro (nonprofit fundraising suite), or a 100% free all-purpose platform like Zeffy.
Can I move my campaign data from GoFundMe or HandUp to Zeffy?
Yes. You can export your donor and transaction data from GoFundMe or HandUp and import it into Zeffy's donor management system. Our team can help you get set up and answer questions along the way.
What's the difference between GoFundMe and GoFundMe Pro?
They're two separate products with different pricing, features, and audiences. GoFundMe (gofundme.com) is a crowdfunding platform for individuals, businesses, and charities — designed for one-time campaigns. Transaction fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, or 2.2% + $0.30 for verified 501(c)(3) charities. GoFundMe Pro (pro.gofundme.com, formerly Classy) is a nonprofit fundraising suite for organizations — branded donation pages, recurring giving, event ticketing, peer-to-peer campaigns, donor CRM, and integrations with Salesforce and EveryAction. Pricing: 2.4–2.5% + $0.30 per transaction (+1% Amex).
Can Zeffy handle more than just crowdfunding campaigns?
Yes. Zeffy includes donation forms, event ticketing, peer-to-peer, auctions, raffles, memberships, an online store, and donor management — all in one free platform. HandUp is limited to direct giving for poverty-focused nonprofits. GoFundMe (standard) is built for crowdfunding campaigns only. GoFundMe Pro adds nonprofit features at 2.4–2.5% + $0.30 per transaction.
Keep comparing — and see why nonprofits choose Zeffy
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