What Nonprofits Should Know About Givsum: Pricing, Contracts & Support

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Givsum

Rating
A
5/5
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Pros and Cons of Givsum

Pros

User-friendly interface
Mobile card reader
Secure transactions
Supports major cards
Recurring billing options

Cons

Transaction fees apply
Potential learning curve
No mobile app
No BBB accreditation
Higher transaction fees

Overview

In this review of Givsum, a platform built for nonprofits, we examine how it handles credit card processing and donor management. The review covers its fundraising tools, such as the social feed, volunteer tracking, and POS app for in-person events, and analyses its pricing, contract terms, and fee transparency. We also look into customer feedback and industry ratings, especially for its support and satisfaction levels. By the end, you’ll have a clear view of whether Givsum fits your nonprofit’s payment and fundraising needs.

About Givsum

Screen Capture of Givsum Homepage
Givsum Homepage

Founded in 2013, Givsum is an online payment processing and donor management merchant account platform designed for non-profit payment processing.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

Givsum provides a social feed and volunteer tracking system for donors, along with merchant accounts for charities through Braintree Payments, a PayPal subsidiary. The platform supports various donor campaigns, including tournaments, raffles, races, walks, runs, shows, concerts, ticketed events, peer-to-peer and team giving, and item sales. Additionally, Givsum offers tools to promote and track donations.

Point of Sale App

Givsum has introduced a Point of Sale (POS) app and mobile card reader to facilitate checkouts and transactions at in-person fundraising events.

Community and Case Studies

The company offers case studies that demonstrate how their services have benefitted various organizations. These case studies provide insights into the impact of Givsum’s services on advancing organizational missions.

Types of Events Supported

Givsum supports a wide range of fundraising events, including golf and poker tournaments, raffles, runs, walks, races, shows, concerts, fundraising auctions, and other ticketed events.

Additional Tools

Givsum provides tools such as donation embeds, widgets, emails, surveys, and text messages to enhance the fundraising and volunteer management experience.

Reports and Data

The platform includes features for generating reports and data to help organizations track their fundraising and volunteer activities, offering analytical insights to aid in decision-making.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

No Public Complaints

Currently, we cannot find any negative reviews about Givsum, and there is no indication that the company engages in fraudulent activities. Given that Givsum is still a relatively new company, it may take some time for user feedback to surface in typical consumer protection forums. Despite its clean complaint record, Givsum does not yet rank among the top merchant services providers for customer service. We encourage readers to share their own experiences with Givsum in the comments below.

Givsum Lawsuits

As of our research, there are no outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Givsum. Customers with grievances are advised to consider reporting their concerns to relevant supervisory organizations for appropriate action.

Givsum Customer Support Options

Givsum provides phone and email contact information on its website, although it’s unclear if these channels are solely dedicated to customer support. It’s worth noting that Givsum may refer users to Braintree for certain payment processing issues. Braintree is known for its quality customer support, so this arrangement should not be viewed negatively.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop5
BBB RatingN/A

PaymentPop Rating for Givsum

Negative Feedback

There are no negative reviews published about Givsum on the PaymentPop website.

Positive Feedback

We’re a small nonprofit with limited staff, and Givsum has made a big difference. Being able to handle donations, volunteer sign ups, and ticket sales in one place has taken a lot off our plate. It works well and saves us time we used to spend juggling multiple systems.

No BBB Profile

The Better Business Bureau does not maintain a profile for Givsum at this time. We therefore will not factor a BBB rating into this review.

Processing Rates & Fees

Ticket/Donation Pricing

Givsum implements a fee of 5% plus $0.30 for each transaction. The contract with Givsum, processed through Braintree, offers a month-to-month arrangement without any early termination fees. There are no indications of undisclosed charges for using Givsum’s services, and user complaints about excessive fees are not evident.

Givsum Starter Plan

The Starter Plan is available without a sign-up fee, charging a monthly prepayment of $50 or an annual prepayment of $500. This plan imposes a transaction fee of 5% + $0.30, borne by supporters, not the organization. It includes fundamental fundraising tools and member management capabilities.

Givsum Standard Plan

Offered without a sign-up fee, the Standard Plan costs $150 monthly or $1,500 annually when prepaid. It maintains the transaction fee of 5% + $0.30, also paid by supporters. This plan encompasses complete platform access with enhanced fundraising features, data analytics, and QuickBooks integrations.

Givsum Enterprise Plan

The Enterprise Plan does not require a sign-up fee. Pricing for both subscription and transaction fees are established through direct discussions with Givsum. This package covers all elements in the Standard Plan, along with customizable options and possible volume discounts for organizations with extensive transaction volume or numerous clubs or chapters.

No Red Flags

While Givsum’s per-transaction charges may not align with the most affordable merchant account providers, its favorable contract terms and specialized services could be suitable for certain donation-focused entities. The optimal choice varies based on each organization’s requirements, but those aiming for cost savings might consider direct engagement with Braintree or establishing an interchange-plus merchant account through a traditional credit card processor.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

No Outside Agents

Givsum appears to rely on traditional advertising and a growing referral network to market its services. There is no evidence at this time that the company employs independently contracted sales agents, and we have not found any Givsum reviews that describe unethical conduct by the company’s sales team.

Understanding Givsum’s Cost Calculator

Givsum’s “Pricing” page clearly lists its per-transaction rates and includes a cost calculator for ticketed events. Although the company provides sample rates from its competitors, it acknowledges that “competitor data may be inaccurate.” In our opinion, this cost calculator is neither deceptive nor especially useful for potential users. Potential clients are encouraged to make their own calculations using the rates displayed on the company’s website rather than use a comparison tool provided by the company.

Straightforward Marketing

Overall, Givsum’s sales practices are consistent with those of most other “A” rated providers on CPO. If you suspect that Givsum is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden costs.

Givsum pricing and rates
Part of Givsum’s pricing page

Givsum Competitors

Compare Givsum to competitors that earned top marks.

Bottom Line

Givsum rates as a reliable credit card processing option tailored for non-profit organizations. The company’s contract terms require minimal commitment, making it an attractive choice for charities seeking flexibility. Furthermore, Givsum maintains a clean complaint record, which is commendable even among top-rated payment processors.

Charities are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Givsum’s features to determine if its benefits justify the slightly higher-than-average transaction fees. By understanding the full suite of tools and services offered, non-profits can make an informed decision about whether Givsum’s comprehensive support outweighs the additional costs. As with any payment processor, a careful review of the terms and a comparison with other top-rated providers are crucial for selecting the best option.

Read Actual User Reviews

All user reviews have been moved to our partner, PaymentPop.com

Contact Givsum

Contact & Customer Support
President and CEOShawn Wehan
Headquarters3424 Via Oporto Suite G204, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Local Office(224) 244-8786
Additional Support ChannelsOnline Contact Form
Websitegivsum.com