Head-to-head · School Fundraising Software
PledgeStar vs PledgeAthon
PledgeStar leads on 1 check, PledgeAthon on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePledgeStar · 9.6/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresPledgeStar · 4 of 4
PledgeStar scores higher on our rubric for school fundraising software: 9.6 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
PledgeStar offers family messaging; PledgeAthon doesn't publish it.
PledgeStar is the better fit for schools running pledge drives with multilingual families. PledgeAthon is the better fit for small groups running pledge-based school fundraisers.
- PledgeStar fits best
Schools running pledge drives with multilingual families
- PledgeAthon fits best
Small groups running pledge-based school fundraisers
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Side by side
| Feature | PledgeStar 9.6/10 Visit ↗ | PledgeAthon 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.6 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #1 in School Fundraising Software | #7 in School Fundraising Software |
| Best for | Schools running pledge drives with multilingual families | Small groups running pledge-based school fundraisers |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Email, Phone | |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business |
| Features PledgeStar 4/4 · PledgeAthon 3/4 | ||
| Pledge tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Event fundraising | ✓ | ✓ |
| Family messaging | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Peer-to-peer pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Campaign limit | Not published | Not published |
| Participant limit | Not published | Not published |
| Platform access | Both | Both |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | PledgeStar is a cloud-based platform for schools, youth sports teams, booster clubs and community organizations running jog-a-thons, walk-a-thons, read-a-thons or event-free pledge drives. It gives each student a personalized fundraising… Read the review → |
PledgeAthon is an online a-thon fundraising platform for schools, PTAs, sports teams, churches, nonprofits, and similar organizations. It is aimed at small groups that want to run pledge campaigns without a platform or monthly charge.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
PledgeStar — where it wins
- Student pages support flat and per-unit pledges with post-event payment notices.
- Automates email and text requests and tracks outstanding pledges.
- Offers translations in more than 50 languages and cash/check entry.
Where it doesn't
- The Standard plan charges a 7% platform fee, capped at $1,195 per campaign.
- The FREE plan still applies standard credit-card processing fees.
- Access is web-based, which may not suit teams seeking a native app.
PledgeAthon — where it wins
- No platform fee or monthly charge, with unlimited fundraisers and participants
- Participant pages support sharing by link or QR code
- Tracks cash and checks alongside card and wallet donations
Where it doesn't
- Card donations incur standard Stripe processing fees
- Online payouts run through Stripe
- Support is available by email
- PledgeStar9.6/10 · Free plan
A school-focused pledge-drive platform with multilingual student pages and a free campaign option.
Visit PledgeStarFull verdict → - PledgeAthon7.4/10 · Free plan
A free web platform for pledge campaigns with participant pages and Stripe payouts.
Visit PledgeAthonFull verdict →
More comparisons
- PledgeStar vs FutureFund
- PledgeStar vs Schoolfundr
- PledgeStar vs HometownLift
- PledgeStar vs SuccessFund
- PledgeStar vs GoPledge
- PledgeStar vs Sponsorly
- FutureFund vs PledgeAthon
- Schoolfundr vs PledgeAthon
All school fundraising software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update