Quick Overview
- 1#1: 99Pledges - Online platform for managing pledge-based school fundraisers like walk-a-thons and read-a-thons with real-time tracking and payments.
- 2#2: OneCause - Mobile bidding and auction software designed for school galas, silent auctions, and event fundraising.
- 3#3: GiveSmart - Comprehensive mobile fundraising solution for school auctions, ticketing, and donor engagement.
- 4#4: SchoolAuction.net - End-to-end auction management software tailored for schools, handling procurement, bidding, and payments.
- 5#5: BigDay - All-in-one app for PTAs and PTOs to run fundraisers, manage events, directories, and communications.
- 6#6: MemberHub - Parent organization platform with fundraising tools, e-commerce, and community website features for schools.
- 7#7: PledgeStar - Simple online pledge tracking and collection system for school events and fundraisers.
- 8#8: Donorbox - User-friendly donation platform with recurring gifts and forms optimized for school fundraising campaigns.
- 9#9: Classy - Robust fundraising and donor management software used by educational nonprofits for peer-to-peer and events.
- 10#10: Bloomerang - Donor CRM with fundraising tools, reporting, and engagement features suitable for school nonprofits.
Tools were prioritized based on features that address core fundraising needs, quality of user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater effectively to schools, PTAs, and educational nonprofits.
Comparison Table
Streamline school fundraising with this comparison table featuring popular tools like 99Pledges, OneCause, GiveSmart, SchoolAuction.net, BigDay, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing, and usability details to identify the perfect software for their school’s needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 99Pledges Online platform for managing pledge-based school fundraisers like walk-a-thons and read-a-thons with real-time tracking and payments. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | OneCause Mobile bidding and auction software designed for school galas, silent auctions, and event fundraising. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | GiveSmart Comprehensive mobile fundraising solution for school auctions, ticketing, and donor engagement. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | SchoolAuction.net End-to-end auction management software tailored for schools, handling procurement, bidding, and payments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | BigDay All-in-one app for PTAs and PTOs to run fundraisers, manage events, directories, and communications. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | MemberHub Parent organization platform with fundraising tools, e-commerce, and community website features for schools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | PledgeStar Simple online pledge tracking and collection system for school events and fundraisers. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Donorbox User-friendly donation platform with recurring gifts and forms optimized for school fundraising campaigns. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Classy Robust fundraising and donor management software used by educational nonprofits for peer-to-peer and events. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Bloomerang Donor CRM with fundraising tools, reporting, and engagement features suitable for school nonprofits. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.0/10 |
Online platform for managing pledge-based school fundraisers like walk-a-thons and read-a-thons with real-time tracking and payments.
Mobile bidding and auction software designed for school galas, silent auctions, and event fundraising.
Comprehensive mobile fundraising solution for school auctions, ticketing, and donor engagement.
End-to-end auction management software tailored for schools, handling procurement, bidding, and payments.
All-in-one app for PTAs and PTOs to run fundraisers, manage events, directories, and communications.
Parent organization platform with fundraising tools, e-commerce, and community website features for schools.
Simple online pledge tracking and collection system for school events and fundraisers.
User-friendly donation platform with recurring gifts and forms optimized for school fundraising campaigns.
Robust fundraising and donor management software used by educational nonprofits for peer-to-peer and events.
Donor CRM with fundraising tools, reporting, and engagement features suitable for school nonprofits.
99Pledges
specializedOnline platform for managing pledge-based school fundraisers like walk-a-thons and read-a-thons with real-time tracking and payments.
PledgeHop technology allowing students to collect pledges across multiple events in one app
99Pledges is a specialized online fundraising platform tailored for schools, enabling seamless management of pledge-based events like walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, jog-a-thons, and bowl-a-thons. It allows students to collect pledges digitally via a mobile app, with real-time dashboards for organizers to track progress, leaderboards, and payments. The platform automates reminders, incentive tracking, and secure payment processing, making it ideal for PTAs and school groups.
Pros
- Completely free for schools with no setup fees or minimums
- Student mobile app for easy pledge collection and fun engagement
- Real-time tracking, leaderboards, and automated payment processing
Cons
- Limited to pledge-style fundraisers, less versatile for general donations
- Transaction fees of 3.95% + $0.30 per credit card payment
- Basic customization options compared to enterprise-level tools
Best For
Elementary and middle schools running student-led pledge events like fun runs or reading challenges.
Pricing
Free platform for schools; 3.95% + $0.30 per online transaction (Visa/MC), slightly higher for Amex.
OneCause
specializedMobile bidding and auction software designed for school galas, silent auctions, and event fundraising.
Paddle Raise mobile bidding, which transforms guest smartphones into interactive bidding devices for higher engagement and revenue.
OneCause is a robust fundraising platform designed for auctions, galas, and events, enabling schools to host mobile bidding, silent auctions, raffles, and ticketing seamlessly. It offers real-time donor engagement tools, customizable event pages, and integrated payment processing to maximize fundraising potential. Ideal for school PTOs and booster clubs, it streamlines event management from setup to post-event reporting.
Pros
- Seamless mobile bidding app engages donors in real-time
- Comprehensive event management with ticketing and payments
- Detailed analytics and donor tracking for future campaigns
Cons
- Primarily auction-focused, less ideal for non-event fundraisers
- Pricing can be steep for small or infrequent events
- Initial setup requires some technical familiarity
Best For
Schools and PTOs hosting annual galas, auctions, or large-scale events needing interactive mobile fundraising tools.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at $99/month for basics, with per-event pricing from $1,000+ based on attendee volume and features; custom enterprise plans available.
GiveSmart
specializedComprehensive mobile fundraising solution for school auctions, ticketing, and donor engagement.
Real-time mobile bidding platform that allows instant donor participation and outbidding during live events
GiveSmart is a robust fundraising platform tailored for event-based fundraising, particularly auctions, galas, and paddle raises commonly used by schools and PTAs. It offers mobile bidding, guest management, real-time reporting, and integrated payment processing to streamline the entire event workflow. The software excels in engaging donors on-site and online, helping schools maximize funds raised during high-impact events.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile bidding app for real-time donor engagement
- Comprehensive event tools including check-in, live auctions, and analytics
- Reliable integration with payment processors and donor databases
Cons
- Pricing model favors larger events, less ideal for small fundraisers
- Steeper learning curve for non-auction features
- Limited support for ongoing, non-event-based campaigns
Best For
Schools and PTAs organizing large-scale auction events like annual galas or fundraisers.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starting at around $1,000 per event plus 5-7% transaction fees on funds raised; custom quotes available.
SchoolAuction.net
specializedEnd-to-end auction management software tailored for schools, handling procurement, bidding, and payments.
Waiverless mobile bidding app that enables seamless phone-based bidding without paperwork, boosting participation and revenue.
SchoolAuction.net is a specialized online platform tailored for schools to manage silent auctions, live auctions, and fundraising events effortlessly. It provides tools for item cataloging, bidder registration, real-time mobile bidding via a custom app, and integrated payment processing. The software streamlines the entire auction process, from setup to post-event reporting, helping PTAs and school groups maximize donations with minimal technical expertise.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface ideal for non-technical volunteers
- Robust mobile bidding app with real-time updates
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for post-event insights
Cons
- Limited to auction-focused fundraising, lacking broader donor management
- Event-based pricing can add up for frequent users
- Fewer integrations with general CRM tools compared to enterprise options
Best For
PTAs and school fundraiser organizers seeking a straightforward, auction-specific platform for annual events.
Pricing
Event-based pricing starts at $495 per auction, with tiered plans up to $1,495 for advanced features and unlimited bidders; annual subscriptions available for multiple events.
BigDay
specializedAll-in-one app for PTAs and PTOs to run fundraisers, manage events, directories, and communications.
Seamless integration of school calendars, directories, and payment processing into a single community platform
BigDay is an all-in-one platform tailored for school communities, PTAs, PTOs, and clubs to manage events, calendars, directories, and fundraising activities. It simplifies online payments for dues, donations, event tickets, and fundraisers through customizable forms and campaigns. With mobile apps and seamless integrations, it fosters community engagement while streamlining administrative tasks for schools.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for admins and families
- Integrated payments for events, dues, and donations reduce tool fragmentation
- Free tier available for small groups with scalable paid plans
Cons
- Limited advanced fundraising tools like peer-to-peer campaigns or deep CRM analytics
- Customization options for forms and pages are somewhat basic
- Best suited for schools; less ideal for large-scale independent fundraisers
Best For
PTAs, PTOs, and school clubs seeking an intuitive, all-in-one hub for community events and straightforward fundraising.
Pricing
Freemium model: Free Essential plan for basics; Pro plan at $49/month (billed annually) for unlimited payments and advanced features; Enterprise custom pricing.
MemberHub
specializedParent organization platform with fundraising tools, e-commerce, and community website features for schools.
Private online member hub with directories and targeted communications that uniquely combines community building with integrated fundraising tools.
MemberHub is an all-in-one platform tailored for PTAs, PTOs, booster clubs, and school organizations, enabling easy management of communications, events, directories, and fundraising. It provides tools for custom websites, email/SMS blasts, online stores for spirit wear and merchandise, donation forms, and event ticketing to streamline school fundraising efforts. The software emphasizes parent engagement through a private online community, making it simple for volunteers to organize and execute fundraisers without technical skills.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop website builder and communication tools
- Seamless eCommerce integration for school stores and donations
- Strong focus on private member directories to boost engagement
Cons
- Limited advanced fundraising analytics and reporting
- Pricing scales quickly for larger groups or premium features
- Customer support can be slower during peak seasons
Best For
PTA/PTO leaders at K-12 schools needing an easy platform for parent communication and basic online fundraising like merchandise sales and events.
Pricing
Annual plans start at $540/year (Essential), $1,080/year (Plus), up to $1,980/year (Pro), with monthly billing options at higher rates.
PledgeStar
specializedSimple online pledge tracking and collection system for school events and fundraisers.
Real-time interactive leaderboards with prize incentives to boost participant engagement and pledges
PledgeStar is a specialized online platform for pledge-based fundraising, ideal for school events like walk-a-thons, read-a-thons, and bike-a-thons. It enables organizers to create customizable event pages, collect pledges and online payments, manage teams, and track progress with real-time dashboards and leaderboards. The software automates reminders, thank-yous, and reporting to streamline the entire fundraising process for schools and nonprofits.
Pros
- Highly specialized for pledge-drive events with excellent tracking tools
- Intuitive setup and mobile-friendly interface for organizers and participants
- Free core platform with automated communications and reporting
Cons
- Transaction fees (4.9% + $0.30) can reduce net proceeds on large campaigns
- Limited support for non-pledge fundraising like auctions or merchandise sales
- Fewer integrations with accounting or CRM tools compared to broader platforms
Best For
Schools and youth organizations running simple pledge-based events like walk-a-thons or read-a-thons.
Pricing
Free setup and core features; 4.9% + $0.30 per online transaction; premium add-ons for advanced customization starting at $99/event.
Donorbox
specializedUser-friendly donation platform with recurring gifts and forms optimized for school fundraising campaigns.
Peer-to-peer fundraising tools that empower students, parents, and alumni to create personalized campaign pages
Donorbox is a user-friendly online donation platform designed for nonprofits, including schools and PTAs, enabling the creation of customizable fundraising forms for one-time, recurring, and peer-to-peer campaigns. It integrates seamlessly with websites, WordPress, and social media, supporting features like text-to-donate and crowdfunding pages. Ideal for school fundraising, it helps collect funds for events, projects, or general needs without monthly fees.
Pros
- No monthly fees, only transaction-based pricing
- Quick setup with embeddable forms and mobile optimization
- Supports recurring donations, peer-to-peer fundraising, and text-to-give
Cons
- Transaction fees (1.5% platform + processor) can accumulate for high-volume campaigns
- Limited built-in reporting and CRM compared to school-specific tools
- Lacks advanced features like event ticketing or auction management
Best For
Small schools, PTAs, and educational nonprofits needing simple, cost-effective online donation collection without complex setup.
Pricing
Free Standard plan with 1.5% platform fee + payment processor fees (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 Stripe); Pro plan at $159/mo for lower fees and advanced features.
Classy
enterpriseRobust fundraising and donor management software used by educational nonprofits for peer-to-peer and events.
Classy Video, which allows embedding personalized fundraising videos directly into donation pages to dramatically increase donor conversion rates.
Classy is a robust online fundraising platform tailored for nonprofits, including schools, offering tools for creating customizable donation forms, managing peer-to-peer campaigns, and hosting virtual or in-person events. It provides advanced donor management, CRM integrations, and detailed analytics to track fundraising performance and donor engagement. While highly scalable, it's best suited for organizations with dedicated fundraising teams rather than small PTAs.
Pros
- Powerful peer-to-peer and event fundraising tools with leaderboards and team management
- Strong integrations with CRMs like Salesforce and advanced reporting dashboards
- Customizable branding for professional-looking campaigns that boost donor trust
Cons
- High platform fees (3.5-5% + payment processing) make it costly for small school fundraisers
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users due to extensive customization options
- Overkill for basic school needs, lacking simple one-click setup for PTAs
Best For
Mid-sized schools or districts with experienced fundraising staff seeking enterprise-level scalability and donor retention tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$4,000/year for basic plans, plus 3.5-5% platform fee on transactions and standard payment processing fees (2.2% + $0.30).
Bloomerang
enterpriseDonor CRM with fundraising tools, reporting, and engagement features suitable for school nonprofits.
Engagement Meter, which scores donor loyalty to prioritize outreach and boost retention rates
Bloomerang is a cloud-based donor management CRM primarily designed for nonprofits, offering tools for tracking donors, managing gifts, online fundraising forms, and engagement analytics. For school fundraising, it supports parent and alumni donor tracking, recurring donations, and basic campaign management, helping PTAs and school foundations build long-term supporter relationships. While versatile, it lacks specialized school features like student-led peer-to-peer campaigns or integrated auction tools commonly found in dedicated education fundraising software.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with minimal learning curve
- Strong donor retention and engagement scoring tools
- Robust reporting and segmentation for targeted school campaigns
Cons
- Lacks school-specific features like peer-to-peer or event ticketing
- Pricing scales quickly with donor database size
- Limited integrations with school management systems
Best For
Small to mid-sized schools or PTAs prioritizing donor relationship management over complex event-based fundraising.
Pricing
Starts at $119/month (billed annually) for up to 500 contacts; scales to $299+/month for larger databases, with unlimited users.
Conclusion
The reviewed school fundraising software provides versatile tools to address diverse campaign needs, from pledge-based drives to events and donor engagement. At the top is 99Pledges, setting the standard for managing walk-a-thons and read-a-thons with real-time tracking and payments. OneCause and GiveSmart follow as excellent alternatives, with OneCause leading in mobile bidding and Galas, and GiveSmart offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution. Together, these tools empower schools to run effective, streamlined fundraisers.
Ready to elevate your school's fundraising? Start with 99Pledges to leverage its powerful features and turn your efforts into meaningful impact.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison