What It Really Costs to Fundraise: Fees Explained Simply

Before you launch a fundraiser, you want to know one thing: what does it cost?

It's a fair question, and the answer should be simple. Here's exactly how it works on Generous.nz.

Starting is free

There are no setup fees, no subscriptions, and nothing to pay upfront. Creating a fundraiser page costs nothing. If you raise nothing, you owe nothing — which means trying an idea carries no financial risk.

When money comes in, there's a small fee — and it's invoiced, never taken from your donations

The platform charges a simple fee of 5% + GST on money raised. The important part is how it's collected: the fee is invoiced to you (weekly, charged to the payment card you add during setup) — it is never deducted from your donations or sales. Every dollar a supporter gives goes to your cause; your fee is settled separately.

That fee covers the things that make the fundraiser possible: secure payments, fraud protection, the platform itself, and support.

Selling vouchers: the three-way split

Voucher fundraisers work slightly differently, because there are three parties:

• The supporter pays the full price for the voucher.
• The fundraiser keeps a share of every sale — at least 10%, often more.
• The business receives its wholesale price (which it sets), and the platform fee on wholesale sales is invoiced to the business — with the first $1,000 in wholesale sales fee-free.

Example: a $100 voucher with a 10% share means $10 goes to the fundraiser, the business receives $90, and the business's platform fee applies to its sales.

Donations, one-off or monthly

Donations work the same way whether they're one-off or monthly — 5% + GST, invoiced separately and never taken from the gift. Monthly giving is a great way to build predictable income, and the fee structure doesn't penalise it.

Where the money goes

Money goes straight to your verified bank account through Stripe, the same secure processor used by businesses across New Zealand. You can see exactly what's come in and what's been invoiced — no surprises, no mystery fees.

Why we're upfront about this

Trust is everything in fundraising, and hiding fees would betray it. When you know exactly what a fundraiser costs, you can set your goal accurately and tell supporters honestly where money goes. It's the same transparency we recommend to every fundraiser — trust is built on clarity.

A quick tip for setting goals

Because the fee is invoiced to you (not taken from donations), factor it into your planning: if your cause needs $5,000, budget for the fee alongside it so the total cost is planned, not a surprise. And if you're fundraising as a registered charity, check the donation tax credit guide so your supporters can claim their credits.

Fundraising should be simple, transparent and free to try. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.

Frequently asked questions

Is there any cost to start a fundraiser?

No — creating a page is free, and there's nothing to pay until you raise money.

Is the fee taken from my donations?

No — the fee is invoiced to you separately and never deducted from donations or sales. Supporters' money goes to your cause.

What is the fee exactly?

5% + GST on money raised. For wholesale sales, the fee is on the business's sales, with the first $1,000 fee-free.

How is the fee paid?

It's invoiced weekly and charged to the payment card you add during setup — so there's nothing to remember or chase.

How do I set my goal with the fee in mind?

Plan for it: if you need $5,000 for the cause, budget the fee alongside it so your campaign plan is honest and complete.