5 Best Event Ticketing Platforms for Nonprofits in 2026
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Running a nonprofit means every dollar matters. When you organize fundraising galas, charity auctions, community events, or awareness campaigns, ticketing fees can eat into donations meant for your mission. A $50 gala ticket with 10% fees means losing $5 that should go to your cause—multiply that across 200 attendees and you've lost $1,000 before the event even starts.
The right ticketing platform makes a difference. Some platforms offer nonprofit discounts. Others donate their fees to charity. A few keep their fees so low that verification isn't necessary. The best choice depends on your organization's size, event types, and how much you're willing to sacrifice in features for lower fees.
This guide reviews the 5 best ticketing platforms for nonprofit organizations in 2026, comparing fees, features, and real-world costs to help you keep more money for your mission.
Quick Comparison: Best Nonprofit Ticketing Platforms
| Platform | Fees | Best For | Nonprofit Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| TixFox | $0.39 flat | All nonprofit events | Lowest absolute cost |
| Zeffy | $0 (100% free) | Small nonprofits | Completely free |
| Ticket Tailor | $0.43 (50% off) | Registered charities | Half-price ticketing |
| Humanitix | ~2% + fees | Social impact orgs | Fees fund education |
| Givebutter | $0 with tips | Peer fundraising | Modern donation tools |
What Nonprofit Organizations Need from Ticketing
Critical Features
Low or Zero Fees Every dollar saved on ticketing goes directly to your mission. A platform charging 10% on $50,000 in ticket sales costs your nonprofit $5,000—money that could fund programs, supplies, or services.
Donation Integration The best nonprofit platforms let attendees add donations during ticket purchase. Someone buying a $75 gala ticket might add a $25 donation if the option is easy and clear.
Tax-Deductible Receipts Supporters need proper documentation for tax deductions. Platforms should automatically generate receipts showing the tax-deductible portion of ticket purchases.
Instant or Fast Payouts Nonprofits often need funds quickly for venue deposits, catering, or supplies. Waiting 5-7 days after an event for your money creates cash flow problems.
Simple Setup Small nonprofits don't have IT departments. The platform should be simple enough that volunteers can create and manage events without technical expertise.
Common Nonprofit Event Types
Fundraising Galas - Formal dinners with auctions and entertainment (100-500 attendees)
Charity Runs/Walks - Community fitness events (200-2,000 participants)
Benefit Concerts - Music events supporting causes (150-800 attendees)
Community Festivals - Free or low-cost public gatherings (500-5,000 people)
Educational Workshops - Training and awareness programs (20-100 participants)
Volunteer Appreciation Events - Thanking supporters (50-200 people)
#1: TixFox — Best Overall for Transparent Low Fees
TixFox offers the clearest value for nonprofits with a simple $0.39 flat fee per ticket—no percentages, no hidden costs, no nonprofit verification required. For most charitable events, this ends up cheaper than platforms requiring verification or relying on donor tips.
Why TixFox Works for Nonprofits
The Math is Simple:
For a $75 charity gala ticket:
- TixFox: $0.39 (0.5%)
- Zeffy: $0 (but relies on donor tips)
- Ticket Tailor (charity rate): $0.43 (0.6%)
- Humanitix: ~$1.50 (2%)
- Eventbrite: $6.56 (8.7%)
For 200 gala tickets, TixFox costs just $78 total versus $1,312 on Eventbrite.
Real Nonprofit Savings
Scenario 1: Annual Fundraising Gala (200 guests at $85)
Revenue: $17,000
- Eventbrite fees: $1,475
- TixFox fees: $78
- More for your mission: $1,397 saved (95% less)
That $1,397 could be a month of program supplies or services.
Scenario 2: Charity 5K Run (350 runners at $40)
Revenue: $14,000
- Eventbrite fees: $1,022
- TixFox fees: $136.50
- More for your mission: $885.50 saved (87% less)
Scenario 3: Benefit Concert (180 tickets at $55)
Revenue: $9,900
- Eventbrite fees: $793
- TixFox fees: $70.20
- More for your mission: $722.80 saved (91% less)
Scenario 4: Educational Workshop Series (12 events × 45 people at $30)
Annual volume: 540 tickets = $16,200
- Eventbrite annual fees: $1,458
- TixFox annual fees: $210.60
- Annual savings: $1,247.40 (86% less)
TixFox Nonprofit Features
✅ $0.39 flat fee - Transparent pricing, no percentages
✅ No verification needed - Available to all nonprofits immediately
✅ Instant payouts - Cash flow for venue deposits
✅ Pay-what-you-can ticketing - Perfect for sliding scale fundraisers
✅ Custom branding - Match your nonprofit's colors and logo
✅ Free for free events - Community events at zero cost
✅ Add-ons - Sell merchandise, sponsorships, meal upgrades
✅ Multiple ticket types - General admission, VIP, supporter tiers
✅ Discount codes - Early bird pricing, volunteer discounts
✅ QR code check-in - Fast entry management with mobile app
✅ Real-time tracking - Monitor ticket sales and revenue live
✅ Email notifications - Automated confirmations and reminders
✅ Capacity limits - Control event size
✅ Tax receipt ready - Download attendee data for receipts
Pay-What-You-Can Feature
TixFox's pay-what-you-can ticketing is perfect for inclusive fundraising:
- Set a suggested amount ($25)
- Attendees choose what they can afford ($10-$100+)
- No one excluded due to finances
- Often raises MORE than fixed pricing
Example: Community theater fundraiser suggests $30, but supporters pay $15-$75 based on ability, averaging $38 per ticket.
What TixFox Doesn't Have
❌ Built-in auction tools (use separate auction software)
❌ Donor CRM integration (export data to your CRM)
❌ Relies on donor tips (you pay the low $0.39 fee)
Cost Comparison: 250-Person Charity Gala at $95/ticket
Total Revenue: $23,750
| Platform | Fees | Your Revenue | % to Mission |
|---|---|---|---|
| TixFox | $97.50 | $23,652.50 | 99.6% |
| Zeffy | $0* | $23,750 | 100%* |
| Ticket Tailor (charity) | $107.50 | $23,642.50 | 99.5% |
| Humanitix | ~$475 | $23,275 | 98.0% |
| Eventbrite | $2,065 | $21,685 | 91.3% |
*Zeffy relies on donor tips to stay free—typically 10-15% of donors contribute tips, which funds the platform.
Who Should Choose TixFox?
Perfect for:
- Nonprofits wanting guaranteed low fees
- Organizations running multiple annual events
- Groups without 501(c)(3) verification handy
- Events needing instant payouts
- Pay-what-you-can sliding scale fundraisers
- International nonprofits (135+ currencies)
- Small to mid-size charities (50-500 attendees)
Not ideal for:
- Organizations needing built-in auction tools
- Groups wanting 100% free (choose Zeffy)
TixFox Pricing
Paid tickets: $0.39 flat per ticket
Tickets under $5: $0.30
Free events: $0.00
Monthly fees: None
Setup fees: None
Stripe processing: 2.9% + $0.30 (standard rates)
Start Your Nonprofit Event with TixFox →
#2: Zeffy — Best 100% Free Platform
Zeffy stands out as the only platform that's completely free for nonprofits—zero platform fees, zero transaction fees, and they even cover credit card processing costs. Instead of charging nonprofits, Zeffy asks ticket buyers for optional tips to support the platform.
Why Choose Zeffy
The Value:
Zeffy is genuinely 100% free. Most "free" platforms still charge credit card processing fees (2.9% + $0.30), but Zeffy absorbs these costs. For a nonprofit selling 200 tickets at $50 each:
- Revenue: $10,000
- Zeffy fees: $0
- Credit card processing: $0 (Zeffy covers it)
- You keep: $10,000 (100%)
How it works: At checkout, supporters see an optional tip request to help keep Zeffy free. Typically 10-15% of buyers add tips, which funds the platform. Tipping is voluntary—buyers can skip it without issue.
Zeffy Features
✅ 100% free - No fees whatsoever
✅ Zeffy covers credit card processing - True zero cost
✅ Nonprofit-only - Must be registered charity
✅ Ticketing, donations, memberships - All-in-one
✅ Simple interface - Easy for volunteers
✅ Tax receipts - Automated
✅ Multiple ticket types - Various pricing tiers
✅ Custom branding - Add logo and colors
✅ Email confirmations - Automated
What Zeffy Doesn't Have
❌ Auction or raffle tools
❌ Instant payouts (standard processing timing)
❌ Pay-what-you-can pricing
❌ Advanced customization
Real Zeffy Savings
Charity Walk (400 participants at $35):
- Revenue: $14,000
- Zeffy fees: $0
- TixFox fees: $156
- Eventbrite fees: $1,022
Winner: Zeffy saves $156-1,022
Who Should Choose Zeffy?
Perfect for:
- Small nonprofits watching every dollar
- 501(c)(3) organizations with verification
- Groups comfortable with tip-based model
- Straightforward ticketing needs
Consider alternatives if:
- You need auctions/raffles (choose GalaBid)
- You prefer paying low fees over tips model (choose TixFox)
- You need instant payouts (choose TixFox)
Zeffy Pricing
Everything: Free
Credit card processing: Free (Zeffy covers it)
Supported by: Optional buyer tips
#3: Ticket Tailor — Best for UK Charities
Ticket Tailor offers 50% off for registered charities—bringing their standard $0.85 per ticket down to $0.43. They're a B Corp committed to ethical business, making them ideal for nonprofits prioritizing values-aligned vendors.
Why Choose Ticket Tailor
The Discount:
For a $60 fundraising dinner ticket:
- Standard Ticket Tailor: $2.46 (4.1%)
- Charity discount (50% off): $1.16 (1.9%)
- TixFox: $0.39 (0.7%)
- Zeffy: $0 (100% free)
Ticket Tailor's charity rate is solid—better than most percentage-based platforms but slightly higher than TixFox's flat fee.
Ticket Tailor Features
✅ 50% charity discount - Half-price for registered nonprofits
✅ B Corp certified - Ethical business practices
✅ Clean interface - Professional look
✅ 5,000 free tickets/year - For free events
✅ Direct payout control - Connect your own processor
✅ Multiple ticket types - Flexible pricing
✅ Discount codes - Early bird and member pricing
✅ Box office mode - Sell at the door
✅ Mobile check-in app - Scan QR codes
✅ Custom branding - Match your nonprofit
✅ UK-based support - Strong in United Kingdom
Real Ticket Tailor Costs
Museum Fundraiser (120 tickets at $75):
- Revenue: $9,000
- Ticket Tailor (charity): $51.60
- TixFox: $46.80
- Zeffy: $0
- Eventbrite: $787.20
Savings vs Eventbrite: $735.60 (93% less)
Who Should Choose Ticket Tailor?
Perfect for:
- UK-based registered charities
- Nonprofits prioritizing B Corp values
- Organizations wanting clean, professional design
- Charities with verification documents ready
Consider alternatives if:
- You want absolute lowest fees (TixFox at $0.39)
- You want 100% free (Zeffy)
- You're not a registered charity (no discount)
Ticket Tailor Pricing
Standard: $0.85 per ticket
Registered charities: $0.43 per ticket (50% off)
Free events: 5,000 tickets/year free
Verification: Required for charity discount
Learn More About Ticket Tailor →
#4: Humanitix — Best for Social Impact Mission
Humanitix donates 100% of their booking fee profits to education charities worldwide. When nonprofits use Humanitix, the booking fees your attendees pay fund schools and education programs for children in need—turning transaction costs into donations.
Why Choose Humanitix
The Mission:
Humanitix is a certified B Corp and social enterprise. Unlike traditional platforms that keep profits, Humanitix funds:
- Education programs globally
- School supplies for underserved communities
- Healthcare and basic necessities
For nonprofits with strong values alignment, using Humanitix means even the booking fees serve a charitable purpose.
Humanitix Features
✅ 100% of profits to education - Fees become donations
✅ B Corp certified - Social enterprise model
✅ Lower fees for nonprofits - Reduced rates
✅ Carbon neutral - Environmental commitment
✅ Donation collection - Add donation options
✅ Multiple ticket types - Flexible pricing
✅ Custom branding - Match your organization
✅ Email marketing - Built-in tools
✅ Advanced reserved seating - For formal events
✅ Mobile check-in - QR code scanning
✅ Analytics dashboard - Track sales
Humanitix Fees
Per ticket: ~2% + payment processing
All booking fee profits fund education charities
For a $50 ticket: ~$1.00-1.50 fee (funds education)
Real Humanitix Impact
Conference (200 tickets at $85):
- Revenue: $17,000
- Humanitix fees: ~$340
- Those fees fund education programs
- Your nonprofit: $16,660
- Global impact: $340 to education
Compare to:
- TixFox: $78 fees, $16,922 to your cause
- Zeffy: $0 fees, $17,000 to your cause
- Eventbrite: $1,475 fees, $15,525 to your cause
Who Should Choose Humanitix?
Perfect for:
- Values-driven nonprofits
- Organizations prioritizing social impact
- Groups wanting fees to serve charitable purposes
- International awareness campaigns
- Nonprofits comfortable with ~2% fees
Consider alternatives if:
- You need absolute lowest fees (TixFox)
- You want 100% free (Zeffy)
- Budget is extremely tight
Humanitix Pricing
Platform fees: ~2% (nonprofit rate)
Payment processing: Standard rates
All profits go to education charities
#5: Givebutter — Best for Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Givebutter combines modern donation tools with event ticketing—perfect for nonprofits running peer-to-peer campaigns, crowdfunding, or events where supporters fundraise on your behalf.
Why Choose Givebutter
The Features:
Givebutter excels at peer-to-peer fundraising:
- Supporters create personal fundraising pages
- They share with their networks
- Donations and ticket sales flow to your nonprofit
- Social-friendly design for sharing
This works beautifully for charity walks, runs, and campaigns where supporters mobilize their communities.
Givebutter Features
✅ Free with tips - $0 platform fee (tips optional)
✅ Peer-to-peer campaigns - Supporters fundraise for you
✅ Modern design - Social media friendly
✅ Crowdfunding pages - Professional donation pages
✅ Event ticketing - Integrated with fundraising
✅ Text-to-donate - Mobile giving
✅ Donor management - Track supporters
✅ 24/7 support - Live chat and email
✅ Custom branding - Match your nonprofit
✅ Email marketing - Communication tools
Givebutter Fees
With tips on: $0 platform fee (supporters optionally tip)
Tips off: 3% platform fee
Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30 (cards), 1.9% + $0.30 (ACH)
Real Givebutter Use Case
Charity 5K Walk with Peer Fundraising:
- 200 runners register at $35 each = $7,000
- Each runner creates fundraising page, raises average $150
- 200 runners × $150 = $30,000 in peer fundraising
- Total raised: $37,000
Givebutter handles both ticket sales and peer fundraising in one platform.
Who Should Choose Givebutter?
Perfect for:
- Charity walks, runs, rides
- Campaigns with peer fundraising component
- Nonprofits wanting modern, social-friendly tools
- Organizations comfortable with tips model
Consider alternatives if:
- You don't need peer-to-peer features (TixFox simpler)
- You want guaranteed free (Zeffy)
- Simple ticketing is all you need
Givebutter Pricing
Platform: Free with optional tips, or 3% without tips
Processing: 2.9% + $0.30 (cards)
No monthly fees
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
1. Absolute Cost
Lowest Guaranteed Cost:
- TixFox: $0.39 flat = 0.5-2% depending on ticket price
- Ticket Tailor (charity): $0.43 flat = 0.7-2%
Free (Tip-Supported):
- Zeffy: $0 (donors tip voluntarily)
- Givebutter: $0 with tips, 3% without
Percentage-Based:
- Humanitix: ~2% (profits fund education)
Winner: Zeffy (100% free), then TixFox ($0.39 flat)
2. Nonprofit Verification Required
No Verification:
- TixFox: Available to all immediately ✅
- Humanitix: General access
Verification Required:
- Zeffy: Nonprofit-only platform
- Ticket Tailor: For 50% discount
- Givebutter: Nonprofit-focused
Winner: TixFox (instant access, no paperwork)
3. Payout Speed
Instant:
- TixFox: Immediate access ✅
Standard:
- All others: 2-7 days depending on processor
Winner: TixFox (critical for venue deposits)
4. Donation Integration
Excellent:
- Givebutter: Purpose-built for donations ✅
- Humanitix: Built-in donation options
- Zeffy: Full donation platform
Basic:
- TixFox: Add-ons can function as donations
- Ticket Tailor: Manual workarounds
Winner: Givebutter & Zeffy
5. Auction/Raffle Tools
None of the platforms reviewed have built-in auction tools. For fundraising galas with auctions, consider:
- GalaBid (all-in-one: tickets + auctions + raffles)
- Use TixFox for ticketing + separate auction software
6. International Support
Best Global:
- TixFox: 135+ currencies ✅
- Humanitix: International focus
Regional:
- Zeffy: US/Canada
- Ticket Tailor: UK/US strong
- Givebutter: US-focused
Winner: TixFox (most currencies)
7. Ease of Use
Simplest:
- TixFox: 2-minute setup ✅
- Zeffy: Very simple interface
- Ticket Tailor: Clean and intuitive
More Features (Steeper Learning):
- Givebutter: Many features to learn
- Humanitix: Standard complexity
Winner: TixFox & Zeffy
Real-World Nonprofit Scenarios
Scenario 1: Annual Fundraising Gala (250 guests at $95)
Event Details:
- Formal dinner with silent auction
- Live music and entertainment
- Revenue goal: $23,750
Platform Comparison:
| Platform | Fees | Your Revenue | Saved vs Eventbrite |
|---|---|---|---|
| TixFox | $97.50 | $23,652.50 | $1,967.50 |
| Zeffy | $0 | $23,750 | $2,065 |
| Ticket Tailor | $107.50 | $23,642.50 | $1,957.50 |
| Humanitix | ~$475 | $23,275 | $1,590 |
| Eventbrite | $2,065 | $21,685 | — |
Winner: Zeffy saves most, TixFox close second with instant payouts
Scenario 2: Monthly Educational Workshops (12 events × 40 people at $25)
Event Details:
- Year-round program (480 tickets annually)
- Total revenue: $12,000
- Need consistent cash flow
Annual Cost Comparison:
| Platform | Annual Fees | Your Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| TixFox | $187.20 | $11,812.80 |
| Zeffy | $0 | $12,000 |
| Ticket Tailor | $206.40 | $11,793.60 |
| Humanitix | ~$240 | $11,760 |
| Eventbrite | $1,296 | $10,704 |
Winner: Zeffy (free), TixFox saves $1,108.80 vs Eventbrite annually
Scenario 3: Charity 5K Run (500 participants at $40)
Event Details:
- Community fitness fundraiser
- T-shirt included in registration
- Revenue: $20,000
Platform Comparison:
| Platform | Fees | Your Revenue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TixFox | $195 | $19,805 | Instant payout |
| Zeffy | $0 | $20,000 | 100% free |
| Givebutter | $0* | $20,000 | *With peer fundraising |
| Ticket Tailor | $215 | $19,785 | Clean interface |
| Humanitix | ~$400 | $19,600 | Fees fund education |
| Eventbrite | $1,430 | $18,570 | Highest fees |
Winner: Zeffy or Givebutter (both free), Givebutter adds peer fundraising tools
Scenario 4: Benefit Concert (180 tickets at $60)
Event Details:
- Local venue concert
- Support music education programs
- Revenue: $10,800
Platform Comparison:
| Platform | Fees | Your Revenue | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| TixFox | $70.20 | $10,729.80 | 93% less than Eventbrite |
| Zeffy | $0 | $10,800 | 100% saved |
| Ticket Tailor | $77.40 | $10,722.60 | 93% less |
| Humanitix | ~$216 | $10,584 | 80% less |
| Eventbrite | $1,069.20 | $9,730.80 | — |
Winner: Zeffy (free), TixFox strong second
Scenario 5: Free Community Festival (2,000 attendees, $0 tickets)
Event Details:
- Free public event
- Need RSVP tracking for planning
- Zero ticket price
Platform Comparison:
| Platform | Cost for 2,000 Free Tickets |
|---|---|
| TixFox | $0 |
| Zeffy | $0 |
| Ticket Tailor | Free (5,000/year limit) |
| Givebutter | $0 |
| Humanitix | $0 |
| Eventbrite | $0 |
Winner: All platforms free for free events
How to Choose Your Nonprofit Ticketing Platform
Choose TixFox if you want:
✅ Lowest guaranteed cost - $0.39 beats tip-reliant models long-term
✅ No verification hassle - Start immediately
✅ Instant payouts - Cash flow for deposits
✅ Pay-what-you-can - Inclusive fundraising
✅ Custom branding - Professional look
✅ International events - 135+ currencies
✅ Simple setup - 2 minutes to launch
✅ Transparent pricing - No surprises
Best for: All nonprofit event types, multiple annual events, international organizations, instant payout needs
Choose Zeffy if you want:
✅ 100% free - Truly zero cost
✅ No credit card fees - Zeffy covers processing
✅ Simple interface - Easy for volunteers
Best for: Small nonprofits, tight budgets, straightforward ticketing needs
Choose Ticket Tailor if you want:
✅ B Corp ethics - Values-aligned vendor
✅ 50% charity discount - Half-price ticketing
✅ Clean design - Professional aesthetic
Best for: UK-based registered charities, formal events, organizations prioritizing B Corp partners
Choose Humanitix if you want:
✅ Social impact - Fees fund education
✅ Values alignment - Mission-driven platform
✅ Carbon neutral - Environmental commitment
Best for: Values-driven nonprofits, comfortable with ~2% fees for impact
Choose Givebutter if you want:
✅ Peer-to-peer fundraising - Supporters fundraise for you
✅ Modern tools - Social media friendly
✅ All-in-one - Donations + ticketing
Best for: Charity walks/runs, peer-to-peer campaigns, modern nonprofits
Nonprofit Ticketing Best Practices
Maximizing Donations
Add Donation Options at Checkout
Most platforms let you add donation tiers:
- $25 supporter level
- $50 champion level
- $100 benefactor level
- Custom amount
Many attendees add $10-50 donations when the option is clear and easy.
Create Ticket Tiers
Instead of one ticket price, offer:
- General admission: $50
- Supporter: $100 (includes donation)
- Benefactor: $250 (premium seating + tax-deductible donation)
Higher tiers often sell better than expected.
Enable Early Bird Pricing
- Early bird: $60 (first 50 tickets)
- Regular: $75 (general sale)
- Last-minute: $85 (final 2 weeks)
Early birds encourage early commitment and cash flow.
Tax Receipts and Compliance
Document Deductible Portions
For a $100 gala ticket where $40 covers dinner:
- Ticket price: $100
- Fair market value (dinner): $40
- Tax-deductible: $60
Your platform should help you track this. TixFox exports attendee data you can use for receipts.
Send Timely Receipts
Supporters need receipts by January 31 for previous year's taxes. Have a process to:
- Export attendee data
- Calculate deductible portions
- Send official receipts with 501(c)(3) info
Keep Records
Save ticket sales data for audits:
- Who purchased
- When they purchased
- Amount paid
- Deductible portion
Marketing Nonprofit Events
Email Your Supporters First
Past donors and volunteers are most likely to attend. Email them 4-6 weeks before event with early bird pricing.
Leverage Social Media
- Share ticket link in bio
- Post event countdown
- Share mission impact stories
- Tag sponsors and partners
Partner Promotion
Collaborate with:
- Local businesses (they share with customers)
- Other nonprofits (cross-promotion)
- Community groups
- Media outlets
Tell Impact Stories
Don't just sell tickets—share:
- Who the event helps
- What donations funded previously
- Specific outcomes and impact
People attend when they understand the mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is truly the cheapest for nonprofits?
Zeffy is 100% free—no fees at all, and they cover credit card processing. TixFox at $0.39 flat is cheapest among platforms you pay directly, often beating tip-reliant models over time. Ticket Tailor's 50% charity discount brings costs to $0.43 per ticket.
For a 200-ticket event at $50:
- Zeffy: $0
- TixFox: $78
- Ticket Tailor (charity): $86
- Eventbrite: $1,022
Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) to get nonprofit discounts?
Depends on platform:
- TixFox: No verification needed ($0.39 for everyone)
- Zeffy: Must be registered nonprofit
- Ticket Tailor: Need charity documentation for 50% discount
- Humanitix: Generally accessible
- Givebutter: Nonprofit-focused
If you lack verification handy, TixFox offers immediate access at guaranteed low cost.
Can I collect additional donations during ticket purchase?
Yes! Most platforms support this:
- TixFox: Use add-ons for donation tiers
- Zeffy: Built-in donation options
- Givebutter: Purpose-built for donations
- Humanitix: Integrated donation collection
- Ticket Tailor: Manual workarounds
Which platform has instant payouts?
Only TixFox offers truly instant payouts. This matters when you need funds immediately for venue deposits, catering, or supplies. Other platforms require 2-7 days processing.
Can I issue tax-deductible receipts?
All platforms let you export attendee data. You'll need to:
- Export ticket buyer information
- Calculate tax-deductible portions
- Send official receipts with your 501(c)(3) info
None automate the full receipt process—you'll handle this separately.
Do these platforms work for free community events?
Yes! All platforms are free for free events:
- Issue free tickets
- Track RSVPs
- Manage capacity
- Check in attendees
TixFox, Zeffy, Givebutter, Humanitix, and Ticket Tailor all offer free RSVP tracking at no cost.
Can I run auctions with these platforms?
No—none of the 5 platforms reviewed include built-in auction tools. For fundraising galas with auctions:
- Use TixFox for ticketing (lowest cost)
- Use separate auction software (BidPal, 32Auctions, Greater Giving)
Or consider GalaBid, an all-in-one platform with tickets, auctions, and raffles.
What about international nonprofits?
TixFox supports 135+ currencies—best for international organizations. Humanitix also works globally. Others focus on US/UK/Canada markets.
How do peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns work?
With Givebutter:
- Create main campaign/event
- Supporters create personal fundraising pages
- They share with friends/family
- Donations flow to your nonprofit
- Track who raises the most
Perfect for charity walks where participants fundraise before the event.
Should nonprofits absorb ticketing fees or pass them to buyers?
Philosophy question with no right answer:
Absorb fees: Makes tickets easier to sell (cleaner price) Pass fees to buyers: Maximizes mission revenue
With TixFox's $0.39 fee, absorbing costs is financially viable. With Eventbrite's 10%+ fees, passing costs makes more sense or you lose significant revenue.
Final Recommendation
For most nonprofit organizations, TixFox offers the best combination of low cost, simplicity, and flexibility:
Why TixFox is Our Top Recommendation
✅ Guaranteed low cost - $0.39 flat fee beats uncertainty of tip-supported models
✅ No verification delays - Start selling tickets immediately
✅ Instant payouts - Critical for nonprofit cash flow
✅ Pay-what-you-can - Inclusive fundraising feature
✅ Works for all event sizes - 20-500+ attendees
✅ International support - 135+ currencies
✅ Free for free events - Community gatherings at zero cost
✅ Transparent pricing - No surprises
Real Impact
For a nonprofit running 10 events annually (average 150 attendees at $45):
- Total annual revenue: $67,500
- TixFox annual fees: $585
- Eventbrite annual fees: $5,887.50
- Annual savings with TixFox: $5,302.50
That $5,302 funds:
- Months of program supplies
- Staff or volunteer training
- Additional services to your community
- Expansion of mission impact
When to Choose Alternatives
- Want 100% free? → Zeffy (tip-supported model)
- UK registered charity? → Ticket Tailor (50% discount)
- Need peer fundraising? → Givebutter (social campaigns)
- Values-driven mission alignment? → Humanitix (fees fund education)
The Bottom Line
Nonprofit organizations work too hard raising money to lose significant portions to platform fees. Traditional ticketing platforms charging 8-14% can cost your mission thousands annually—money that should fund programs, not technology.
TixFox's $0.39 flat fee provides the transparency and cost savings nonprofits deserve. Combined with instant payouts, pay-what-you-can options, and zero monthly fees, it's the practical choice for organizations wanting to maximize mission impact.
Whether you're planning your first fundraising gala or running your 50th annual event, choosing the right platform keeps more money working for your cause.
Start Your Nonprofit Event with TixFox →
Related Resources
- Best Eventbrite Alternatives 2026
- House Party Ticketing Platforms
- Valentine's Day Event Ticketing
- TicketSource Alternatives UK
Support Your Mission: Every dollar your nonprofit raises matters. Whether you're feeding families, supporting education, protecting the environment, or advancing any worthy cause, ticketing fees shouldn't drain mission revenue. TixFox's $0.39 flat fee means a 200-ticket gala saves you $1,300+ compared to traditional platforms—money that directly serves your community. Set up your next fundraising event in 2 minutes and keep more donations where they belong: supporting your mission. 💙
