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.

Fueling Growth Without Burdening Non-Profits

As the demand for digital fundraising grows, so do the expectations placed on the platforms powering it. At Trellis, we’re committed to building a platform that evolves with the needs of modern non-profits. But that evolution comes with real costs: ongoing infrastructure, secure payment systems, regulatory compliance, customer support, and the development of new features that help you raise more.

To make that possible, we had two choices: increase costs for the non-profits we serve or invite donors to help. We chose to ask donors, because we understand how tight non-profit budgets can be and we believe cost should not be a barrier to powerful fundraising.

Trellis Takes on the Risk and Reinvests in You

Unlike traditional donor-cover fee models, with 0% Fees, when donors choose not to contribute, we cover the gap. We do this because we believe in trust-based giving and in building tools that serve the sector.

The optional fees we do receive are reinvested directly into the platform to benefit your fundraising. That includes:

• Features like Donate Your Bid and Donation Upsells
• New integrations and improvements to existing tools
• Real, responsive support for you and 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