Understanding DashPledge’s 0% platform fee #
DashPledge is designed to help schools and organizations keep more of the money they raise.
DashPledge does not charge the fundraiser a DashPledge platform fee on donations.
During checkout, donors may instead have the option to leave a voluntary tip to DashPledge.
The DashPledge tip is separate from the donation made to the school or organization.
What does 0% platform fee mean? #
A 0% DashPledge platform fee means DashPledge does not deduct a percentage-based platform fee from the fundraiser donation.
For example, if a donor chooses to make a:
$50 fundraiser donation
the $50 is treated as the fundraiser donation amount for campaign fundraising purposes.
If the donor separately chooses to leave a DashPledge tip, that tip is not counted as part of the fundraiser donation.
Are there still payment-processing fees? #
A 0% DashPledge platform fee does not mean that payment processing is free.
Online payments can still be subject to applicable payment-processing fees charged by the payment processor.
These are different from a DashPledge platform fee.
What is a DashPledge tip? #
A DashPledge tip is an optional amount a donor can choose during the donation process to support the DashPledge platform.
The tip is separate from the fundraiser donation.
The donation form shows the applicable amounts before the donor completes the payment.
Is the DashPledge tip required? #
No.
The DashPledge tip is voluntary.
Donors can review the available tip option during checkout and choose the amount that is appropriate for them.
Does the tip go to the school or organization? #
No.
The fundraiser donation supports the applicable school or organization campaign.
The DashPledge tip supports DashPledge and is separate from the organization’s fundraising amount.
Does the tip count toward the campaign goal? #
No.
A DashPledge tip should not increase the campaign’s amount raised or progress toward its fundraising goal.
Campaign progress is based on eligible fundraiser donations.
Does the tip count toward a student’s fundraising goal? #
No.
When a donor contributes through a student mini-fundraiser, the eligible fundraiser donation can count toward that student’s fundraising progress.
The separate DashPledge tip does not count toward the student’s fundraising goal.
Does the tip count toward the main campaign? #
No.
The DashPledge tip is excluded from the overall campaign fundraising total.
This is true whether the donor contributes through:
- The main campaign page
- A student mini-fundraiser page
Only the eligible fundraiser donation contributes to campaign fundraising progress.
Can I change the tip before donating? #
Use the available tip controls on the donation form to review or adjust the voluntary DashPledge tip before completing the payment.
Always review the final amounts shown during checkout.
What should I review before paying? #
Before submitting the donation, check the amounts displayed on the donation form.
You should be able to distinguish between:
- Fundraiser donation
- DashPledge tip, when selected
- Total payment
Only complete the transaction after the amounts look correct.
Why does my total payment differ from my donation amount? #
If you selected a DashPledge tip, your total payment can be greater than the amount you’re donating to the fundraiser.
For example:
Fundraiser donation: $50
DashPledge tip: $5
Total before any applicable payment-processing treatment: $55
In this example, the fundraiser donation remains $50.
The additional $5 is the voluntary DashPledge tip.
Will the fundraiser see my tip as a donation? #
The DashPledge tip should remain separate from the organizer’s fundraiser totals.
Organizer fundraising and payout information should distinguish fundraiser proceeds from the DashPledge tip.
Why does DashPledge offer voluntary tips? #
Voluntary tips provide a way for donors who choose to do so to support the DashPledge platform while allowing DashPledge to offer fundraising without charging the organization a DashPledge percentage-based platform fee on the fundraiser donation.
Is a DashPledge tip tax-deductible? #
A DashPledge tip is separate from the donation made to the fundraiser.
Tax treatment can depend on the circumstances and applicable tax rules.
DashPledge does not recommend treating the optional platform tip as part of the charitable or fundraiser donation shown for the school or organization.
If you have questions about tax deductibility, consult an appropriate tax professional or the organization receiving the fundraiser donation.
What if I selected the wrong tip amount? #
Review the amounts carefully before completing the payment.
If the transaction has already been completed and you believe there is a problem with the tip or payment, contact DashPledge Support.
Do not submit another donation simply to try to correct the first transaction.
What if I have a question about the fundraiser donation itself? #
For general donation instructions, see How to Make a Donation on DashPledge.
For questions about a specific completed transaction, receipt, refund, or payment problem, continue with the other Donations & Donors guides.
What’s next? #
Continue with:
- How Anonymous Donations Work
- How Donor Messages Work
- How to Find Your Donation Receipt
- What to Do If You Have a Donation Problem
- How Donation Refunds Work
