Stripe Fees Explained for Nonprofits
By HeartBridge Team · · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- HeartBridge uses your nonprofit's own Stripe account, and HeartBridge adds no per-gift platform fee.
- Stripe's standard fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
- Donor fee coverage can help offset processing costs if it is explained clearly.
- Comparing platforms works best when you separate software pricing from payment processing.
- Before switching, confirm merchant of record, per-gift fees, and donor fee options in writing.
What do Stripe fees mean for nonprofit donations?
If you are comparing stripe fees nonprofit donations can trigger, start with the basics: each nonprofit connects its own Stripe account. HeartBridge is never the merchant of record, and HeartBridge adds no per-gift platform fee.
For each transaction, Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 applies. That means the processing cost is tied to the gift itself, not to a separate HeartBridge platform charge.
If you want a plain-language refresher on the role Stripe plays in the payment flow, see What Merchant of Record Means, and Why It Matters.
How should a small nonprofit think about the real cost of a donation?
The clearest way to plan is to separate the gift amount from the processing fee. Stripe's fee formula is straightforward, so your team can estimate what will be deducted before funds settle in your account.
| Example donation | Stripe fee formula | Illustrative processing fee | Net to nonprofit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25 | 2.9% + $0.30 | $1.03 | $23.97 |
| $50 | 2.9% + $0.30 | $1.75 | $48.25 |
| $100 | 2.9% + $0.30 | $3.20 | $96.80 |
Those examples are illustrative only, but they show the pattern: the fixed $0.30 matters more on smaller gifts, while the percentage matters more as gifts grow. If your average donation is modest, even small fee changes can affect how much of each gift reaches your mission.
For a related setup question, this guide on Setting Up a Nonprofit Bank Account and Stripe Together may help you organize the money flow before launch.
Should you ask donors to cover the fee?
Some donation forms invite donors to cover processing costs. That can help offset Stripe fees, but it should be presented clearly so donors understand what they are paying for.
HeartBridge supports that style of giving through Stripe-connected donation forms and related tools. If you use donor-facing language, keep it simple: the donation supports your mission, and the optional extra amount helps cover processing.
A practical approach for a small team is to test the message on a single campaign first. Watch whether donors complete the form, whether the opt-in is easy to understand, and whether staff can explain it consistently if someone asks.
What pricing details matter before you switch?
When you compare platforms, do not look only at the headline monthly plan. Ask how the platform handles payment processing, whether it is merchant of record, whether there is a separate platform fee per gift, and whether donors can cover fees.
HeartBridge plans are simple: Starter is free, Professional is $29/month, and Enterprise is custom. Because each nonprofit uses its own Stripe account, the payment processing relationship stays in your control.
If you are deciding whether a move makes sense, review the feature set first, then compare the fee structure. You can also read Features and Pricing to see how the tools and plans fit together.
How do Stripe fees compare with other pricing models?
Some vendors bundle software pricing, payment processing, and fee coverage into one package. Others separate the software subscription from the payment processor. The most important step is to identify what is included and what is not.
For example, if a platform says it covers fees, ask whether that is a true savings for your nonprofit or simply a different pricing structure. If you are unsure, request a written explanation from the vendor before you change anything.
HeartBridge's model is direct: your nonprofit connects its own Stripe account, HeartBridge adds no per-gift platform fee, and Stripe's standard processing rate applies. That makes it easier to forecast net revenue from each donation.
Do this this week
- Pull your last 10 online gifts and estimate Stripe fees using the 2.9% + $0.30 formula.
- Decide whether your donation form should invite donors to cover processing costs.
- Review your current fundraising pages and note any unclear language about fees.
- Compare your current setup with HeartBridge's pricing and switch pages.
- Write down one question you still need to ask your current vendor about merchant of record or fee handling.
What should you ask before moving platforms?
Before you switch, ask these questions in writing:
- Who is the merchant of record?
- Is there a per-gift platform fee?
- What processing fee applies to each donation?
- Can donors cover the processing fee?
- How are recurring gifts handled?
Those answers will tell you much more than a marketing headline. They also help a volunteer treasurer explain the cost structure to the board without guesswork.
What if you are comparing against another vendor?
If you are evaluating another platform, keep the comparison focused on facts you can verify. For example, if you are reviewing Software4Nonprofits or DONATION Pro, use the vendor's own pricing page and ask any remaining questions directly.
For a broader comparison path, you may also want to review Software4Nonprofits alternative and DONATION Pro alternative. If you are dealing with an older setup or a complicated migration, Flipcause rescue may also be relevant.
Key takeaways
- HeartBridge uses your nonprofit's own Stripe account, and HeartBridge adds no per-gift platform fee.
- Stripe's standard fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
- Donor fee coverage can help offset processing costs if it is explained clearly.
- Comparing platforms works best when you separate software pricing from payment processing.
- Before switching, confirm merchant of record, per-gift fees, and donor fee options in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Do nonprofits pay Stripe fees on every donation?
Yes. For HeartBridge-connected donations, Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 applies to each transaction.
Does HeartBridge add its own per-gift fee?
No. HeartBridge adds no per-gift platform fee.
Who is the merchant of record with HeartBridge?
Each nonprofit connects its own Stripe account, and HeartBridge is never merchant of record.
Can donors cover the processing fee?
Yes. HeartBridge supports donor fee coverage on donation flows that invite donors to cover the fee.
What should a volunteer treasurer check before switching?
Check the merchant of record, the per-gift platform fee, the processing fee, and whether donor fee coverage is available.
Where can I compare HeartBridge plans?
Start with Pricing, then review the switch path on Switch.
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Frequently asked questions
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