Schools shouldn’t lose a chunk of their hard-earned donations to platform fees. That idea drove the launch of PledgeStar FREE: a simpler, smarter way to fundraise without platform fees.
With this new option, organizations run a full feature PledgeStar fundraiser without platform fees, built to help your community raise more
A Truly Free Way to Fundraise
PledgeStar FREE removes fundraising's biggest barrier: cost.
Instead of charging platform fees, PledgeStar invites donors to add a small optional contribution during checkout to help support the platform, leaving your school with the full intended donation.
No forced fees, just a transparent system where donors choose.
Full Access, Not a “Lite” Version
Many “free” platforms limit features. PledgeStar takes a different approach.
PledgeStar FREE unlocks the same complete toolset used by thousands of successful schools and teams:
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Automated email, text, and social outreach
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Real-time dashboards and reporting
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Secure payment processing
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Mobile-friendly donation pages
You don't sacrifice power for price. You get everything needed to run a high-performing fundraiser from day one.
Why This Matters
Every dollar counts during a fundraiser.
Fundraising companies and platforms often take 30-50% of the donations you receive. PledgeStar FREE flips the script. Instead of pulling funds away from your goal, it gives your community the option to support the platform voluntarily.
That approach creates three major advantages:
1. Lower risk: Launch a fundraiser without worrying about fees cutting into results.
2. Higher returns: When donors choose to contribute, your school keeps more of what it raises.
3. Greater transparency: Families see exactly where their money goes, with no hidden deductions.
Built Around Real Fundraisers
PledgeStar FREE works across every major fundraising format:
Whether you run a quick campaign or a large community event, the platform adapts without adding complexity.
How PledgeStar FREE Works
Getting started takes minutes:
1. Launch your fundraiser: Set up your campaign and share your registration link with families.
2. Families invite supporters: Parents and participants reach out through email, text, and social sharing tools.
3. Donations roll in: Supporters give through a simple checkout experience and choose whether to add a small platform contribution.
4. Track everything in real time: Organizers monitor progress through a live dashboard without spreadsheets or manual tracking.
Backed by a Proven Model
PledgeStar built its platform around one simple goal: help raise more while doing less.
With automated outreach and digital-first fundraising, many schools outperform traditional methods like paper pledge forms.
Now, with PledgeStar FREE, access that same system without worrying about platform costs.
Who Should Use the FREE Plan?
The FREE plan fits organizations wanting:
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A no-risk way to try online fundraising
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A simple setup without budgeting for platform fees
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A modern alternative to paper-based campaigns
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A way to maximize what each fundraiser brings in
For many, this plan delivers everything needed to run a successful campaign, without spending a dollar.
Smarter Fundraising Starts Now
Fundraising shouldn’t come with trade-offs. PledgeStar FREE paves a clear path: launch quickly, reach more supporters, and raise more, all without paying platform fees.
Start your next fundraiser today and see how far PledgeStar FREE takes you.
