Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about getting started with OpenGiving
Getting Started
Is OpenGiving a charity?
No. OpenGiving is marketplace infrastructure for fundraising. Here's what that means and why it matters.
What is a GivingProfile?
Your public impact identity. A permanent, verifiable record of every contribution you make on OpenGiving.
How to Launch an OpenGiving Campaign
Learn how to start your campaign on OpenGiving in 3 easy steps. It's completely free with no setup fees.
How It Works
Do you handle shipping?
No. OpenGiving is a peer-to-peer marketplace. Shipping is arranged directly between buyers and sellers.
How does the marketplace work?
Sellers list items and choose how much goes to a campaign. Buyers shop and funds split automatically at checkout.
Can I contribute without giving money?
Yes. List items for sale and route proceeds to campaigns. Turn things you don't need into impact.
Payments & Fees
How do campaigns receive funds?
Funds route automatically through Stripe. Direct contributions and marketplace sales both reach campaigns without manual transfers.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Only if the campaign is run by a registered nonprofit. Most campaigns on OpenGiving are personal fundraisers, which are not tax-deductible.
What fees does OpenGiving charge?
A transparent platform fee plus standard payment processing. No hidden costs. All fees are disclosed upfront.
Our Approach
How is OpenGiving different from other fundraising platforms?
We combine marketplace infrastructure with impact profiles. Multiple ways to participate, all tracked on a permanent identity.
How Marketplace-Based Fundraising Works
OpenGiving enables three routes to contribution: selling items, shopping with purpose, and direct giving. All tracked, all verified, all building your impact profile.
The Problem with Cash-Only Fundraising
Traditional fundraising creates barriers. Not everyone has spare cash, but they might have items to sell, time to contribute, or purchasing power to redirect.
Why Impact Identity Matters
GivingProfiles create a permanent, public record of every contribution. It's like a resume for giving — traveling with you and growing over time.
Still have questions?
Our team is always happy to help you succeed with your campaign.
