Why We Introduced the 0% Fees Model

Learn how our newest transaction fee coverage model reduces costs and sustains the platform.

As fundraising becomes more complex and donor expectations continue to evolve, non-profits need tools that are flexible, transparent, and built with their financial reality in mind. 

That is why we have introduced the 0% Fees model: a new way to cover transaction fees that puts more money toward your mission by inviting donors to participate in sustaining the technology that supports your work.

What Is the 0% Fees Model?

With Trellis’ 0% Fees model, transaction fees are not deducted from donor-facing purchases. Instead, donors can pay what they want towards fees during checkout. If they don’t, Trellis covers the cost, so you can keep 100% of what you raise.

This is one of four fee-coverage models we offer:

1. Organizations pay the transaction fees
2. Donors pay the transaction fees
3. Donor can choose to cover transaction fees
4. 0% Fees: Donors pay what they want, including nothing

This model is designed to maximize funds going directly to your mission while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the platform.

Trellis Takes on the Risk and Reinvests in You

Unlike traditional donor-cover fee models, with 0% Fees, Trellis assumes the risk when donors choose not to cover transaction fees. We do this to help reduce the variability that fees create for non-profits, giving you more predictability and confidence in your budget.

When donors do contribute, if it exceeds the transaction fee costs, any surplus is reinvested directly into the platform to benefit your fundraising. That includes:

• New fundraising features and enhancements such as Donate Auction Bid and Donation Upsells
• Improvements and expansions to our Raiser's Edge NXT integration
• Real, responsive support for your team
• Sponsorship of sector associations like AFP, AHP, and CASE-NAIS

This model allows us to keep innovating and supporting a wide range of causes, without charging non-profits every step of the way.

You are in Control

If the 0% Fees model doesn’t feel like the right fit for your audience, you can switch to a different fee coverage model at any time. Either way, you still get access to all the fundraising tools Trellis offers, just with a model that works best for your team and your goals.

To learn more about how the model works and enabling it for your next fundraiser, check out this article: How the 0% Fees Model Works