Guide
Youth sports fundraising fees, explained
The most common complaint in fundraising platform reviews isn't about features. It's about how much money disappears between the donor and the team. Here's every kind of fee you'll run into, and what they add up to.
The four kinds of fees
1. Platform percentage
A share of everything raised, taken by the platform. Rep-led services typically keep around 20%. Snap! Raise's help center, for example, says groups keep 80%. Vertical Raise says its fee varies by fundraiser.
2. Card processing
Card networks and processors charge for every payment, typically about 2.9% + $0.30 with Stripe-based platforms. Some platforms charge more. 99Pledges lists 3.49% + $0.49. The question is who pays it: the donor (added at checkout), the team (deducted), or the platform.
3. Donor tips
"Free" platforms often show donors an optional tip at checkout. That's a fair way to fund a free service, as long as donors can easily see it and set it to zero. Reviews and a 2026 lawsuit against one major platform show that pre-selected tips and pre-checked fees frustrate donors.
4. Product splits
With product fundraisers, the team keeps a share of each sale, such as 50% with Double Good. The supporter also pays for the product and often shipping, so a $50 order sends about $25 to the team.
What a $10,000 fundraiser leaves your team
| Model | Team receives | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rep-led, 20% platform fee | ~$8,000 | Donors may also see a processing fee or tip at checkout |
| Product sale, 50% split ($10k in sales) | ~$5,000 | Supporters also pay shipping |
| Free platform, team pays 2.9% + $0.30 (200 gifts of $50) | ~$9,650 | $350 goes to card processing |
| Free platform, donors cover fees | ~$10,000 | Donors pay slightly more than their gift |
| PledgeStop | $10,000 | Supporters each pay a $1 verification fee; PledgeStop currently covers card fees |
Illustrative numbers. Check each platform's current pricing.
Questions that uncover hidden costs
- What exact percentage do we keep, and is it in writing?
- Who pays card processing: the donor, the team or the platform?
- Is there a tip at checkout? Is it pre-selected? Can donors easily choose $0?
- Are there subscription, setup, payout or prize fees?
- Do product sales and straight donations have different splits?
PledgeStop's pricing: PledgeStop takes no percentage of pledges. Each supporter pays a one-time $1 verification fee when they pledge, and PledgeStop currently covers card processing fees, so the team receives the full pledge amount.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical fundraising platform fee?
Rep-led youth sports platforms commonly keep about 20%. Free platforms take 0% and rely on optional donor tips. Card processing of roughly 2.9% + $0.30 per payment applies almost everywhere.
Are donor tips required?
No. On reputable platforms tips are optional. Donors should check the amount at checkout and change it if they want.
Sources
- Snap! Support Center: fundraiser cost
- Vertical Raise blog: Vertical Raise Fee
- 99Pledges Help Center: Pricing
- Pledge It FAQs (2.9% + $0.30)
- AppFollow: Double Good (50% split)
- ClassAction.org: Snap! Raise lawsuit
Ratings, review counts and fees were checked on the dates shown and can change. Review themes are summarized in our own words; read the original reviews at the links above.
Disclosure: PledgeStop runs a youth sports fundraising platform, so we compete with some of the services described here. We've tried to present each fairly, including where they do things we don't. Spot an error? Email support@pledgestop.com.