Zeffy Nonprofit Starter Eliminates Cost and Paperwork Barriers to Launching a Nonprofit Organization

The newest product supports nonprofits at the earliest stages of impact, allowing individuals to start a nonprofit at no cost—in just three days

MONTREAL, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeffy, the only 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits, has introduced Zeffy Nonprofit Starter, a new product designed to help individuals launch a nonprofit organization in just three days, at no cost. The Nonprofit Starter offers step-by-step guidance at the earliest stages of the nonprofit journey, combining expert-backed document preparation and filing assistance. It removes the fees and complexity that too often stand in the way of people trying to make a difference.

Creating a nonprofit can be intimidating and expensive, with filing fees typically amounting to $2,000 or more when using external vendors. With more than 50,000 North American nonprofits already using Zeffy to fundraise and keep 100% of donors' contributions, this initiative helps new organizations launch faster and begin making an impact from day one. And with the number of nonprofits in the U.S. continuing to grow—the Journal of Business Research found a 25% increase between 2013 and 2023—the need for this kind of support has never been greater.

"The world is facing big challenges, and nonprofits are needed more than ever. But many struggle to get started because of the costs and paperwork involved, which can feel overwhelming when the need for nonprofit help is at its highest. That's why we created the Nonprofit Starter—to help changemakers launch nonprofits quickly and for free," said François de Kerret, CEO and co-founder of Zeffy. "Our mission is to remove barriers so nonprofits can focus on what matters—making a difference—which this offering directly supports."

The product, which ensures compliance with state filing requirements, is currently available in California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In a pilot that began in December, founders used the product to create more than 200 nonprofit organizations in California, where the need for relief and recovery assistance grew following wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Zeffy plans to add more states in the future.

The Nonprofit Starter simplifies registration in four steps. Users complete a quick application, then Zeffy reviews and submits the paperwork, handles state communications, and guides applicants through the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Nonprofits must cover state and IRS filing fees, which are usually around $300 depending on the state, with full 501(c)(3) status typically achieved within a month.

"I can't believe Zeffy is offering such a great service for free. I had no idea how to create my nonprofit, and Zeffy did all the heavy lifting for me in just a few days," says Hope Sanders, founder of Child's Play & Education Inc., which provides free tutoring and educational programs to help over 500 underserved children gain confidence and succeed academically. "This is amazing. Thank you so much!"

The Only 100% Free Fundraising Platform for Nonprofits

Zeffy is the only 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits—without any platform or transaction fees. Zeffy even pays the credit card processing fees associated with online donations. This is possible due to its unique business model in which donors have the option, never an obligation, to leave an extra gift to cover overhead after making a donation.

"Most fundraising platforms take 2-10% of every donation in fees, often without donors realizing it," added de Kerret. "In the U.S. alone, that adds up to more than $1 billion lost each year. Fundraising is often the biggest expense for nonprofits, and losing a percentage to platforms and credit card companies makes it harder to fulfill their mission. Zeffy is free so that nonprofits can keep every dollar they raise, and donors can be sure their gifts go directly to the cause they care about."

Visit the Nonprofit Starter page to learn more or register for a weekly live demo of Zeffy's free fundraising platform.

About Zeffy

Zeffy is the only 100% free fundraising platform, trusted by more than 50,000 nonprofits across North America. Unlike other platforms, Zeffy covers all transaction fees, giving nonprofits access to the best technology at no cost so they can focus on their mission. Funded by voluntary contributions, Zeffy offers donation forms, event ticketing, auctions, donor management, and more. Since 2017, Zeffy has helped nonprofits raise nearly $1 billion and save $50 million in fees. As a Certified B Corporation, Zeffy upholds the highest standards of social and environmental impact, making fee-free fundraising sustainable for the long term.

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SOURCE Zeffy