Is the GiveGrove GiveBack Model Right for My Organization?
In January 2026, GiveGrove introduced a new pricing option designed to give nonprofits more flexibility, transparency, and control over how their events are funded.
By GiveGrove • 5 min read • Published 2026
Organizations can now choose between two models:
GiveBack Model – no platform fee for organizations, with donors offered an optional tip at checkout or bidding to help keep GiveGrove free for nonprofits
Classic Model – a 4% platform fee on transactions processed through GiveGrove
Both models are actively being used by organizations in 2026, and early results show that each can be a good fit depending on your goals, donor base, and event style.
What We’re Seeing So Far
In the past month about one-third of organizations have chosen it for their events. In just over a month, organizations using GiveBack have already earned approximately $300 returned back to their organizations through GiveBack earnings, on top of the donations donors were already making.
While results vary by event size and audience, this early data shows that optional donor tips can create meaningful additional support without increasing required fees.
So… Is the GiveBack Model Right for Your Organization?
The answer depends on a few key considerations.
1. You Know Your Donors Best
Every donor community is different. Some are very comfortable with optional tipping, while others prefer a more traditional fee structure.
If you’re unsure how your donors might feel, it can be helpful to:
Talk privately with a few trusted supporters
Frame the tip as optional and focused on keeping nonprofit tools accessible
Share that your organization receives a portion of the tips as a thank-you for hosting the event
Organizations remain fully in control of how (and whether) this is communicated to donors.
2. Are You Looking for Additional, Low-Lift Revenue?
The GiveBack Model can create incremental fundraising gains without additional solicitation, sponsorships, or item procurement.
For many events, this may look like:
An extra $50–$100+ raised organically
The equivalent of one or two additional silent auction items
No extra staff time, outreach, or logistics required
While it may not replace major fundraising strategies, it can meaningfully support your mission with very little effort.
3. Are You Trying to Reduce Required Fees?
We built the GiveBack Model after hearing feedback from organizations that:
Were comparing GiveGrove to platforms advertised as “free”
Found a required 4% fee difficult to justify for smaller or community-based events
Although GiveGrove historically saw a high donor cover rate, we recognized that any required fee still places a cost somewhere. The GiveBack Model removes that requirement entirely and allows donors, not the platform, to decide whether to contribute an optional tip.
When Each Model May Be a Better Fit
GiveBack Model may be a good choice if:
You host community-focused or donor-friendly events
You want to minimize required fees
You’re comfortable offering donors an optional way to support your tools
Classic Model may be a better fit if:
You prefer predictable, fixed costs
Your donors or board prefer a traditional pricing structure
You want to avoid any optional checkout prompts
Both models are valid and organizations can choose the one that best aligns with their mission, donors, and leadership comfort. We built the models that you can change them mid-event if desired. So if you try one model, but want to change it, you can do so at anytime under “edit event.”
Want Help Deciding?
If you’d like to talk through which model makes the most sense for your organization or a specific event, our team is happy to help. We can meet, email, or walk through examples together.
Email us at info@givegrove.com, or just book a quick check-in and let’s chat.
Thanks for trusting GiveGrove with your fundraisers! 🍋
GiveGrove makes events and auctions for fundraising easy. Check us out at GiveGrove.com or email info@givegrove.com for more info. Click here to sign up for our mailing list.
