Head-to-head · School Fundraising Software
PledgeStar vs Schoolfundr
PledgeStar leads on 0 checks, Schoolfundr on 0, and 5 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 · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
PledgeStar scores higher on our rubric for school fundraising software: 7.9 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
PledgeStar is the better fit for schools running pledge drives with multilingual families. Schoolfundr is the better fit for schools running free a-thons with group fundraising.
- PledgeStar fits best
Schools running pledge drives with multilingual families
- Schoolfundr fits best
Schools running free a-thons with group fundraising
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Side by side
| Feature | PledgeStar 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Schoolfundr 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in School Fundraising Software | #4 in School Fundraising Software |
| Best for | Schools running pledge drives with multilingual families | Schools running free a-thons with group fundraising |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone | Email, Docs |
| Compliance | 2FA | PCI DSS |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features PledgeStar 4/4 · Schoolfundr 4/4 | ||
| Pledge tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Event fundraising | ✓ | ✓ |
| Family messaging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Peer-to-peer pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Campaign limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Participant limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
Schoolfundr is a cloud fundraising platform for teachers, coaches, parents, athletic programs, clubs, and other school groups. Its focus is activity-based a-thons: campaigns can include dedicated participant pages, customizable donation… 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.
Schoolfundr — where it wins
- Participant pages, leaderboards, and group fundraising support peer-to-peer campaigns
- Tracks online and offline cash and check donations with customizable pledges
- Automated receipts, reminders, and CSV exports support campaign follow-up
Where it doesn't
- Online donations incur Stripe fees of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation
- Optional donor tips fund the service, so donors may see a tip prompt
- Email and documentation are the listed support channels
- PledgeStar7.9/10 · Free plan
A school-focused pledge-drive platform with multilingual student pages and a free campaign option.
Visit PledgeStarFull verdict → - Schoolfundr7.5/10 · Free plan
A no-platform-fee option for school a-thons, with payment processing fees on online gifts.
Visit SchoolfundrFull verdict →
More comparisons
- PledgeStar vs FutureFund
- PledgeStar vs SuccessFund
- PledgeStar vs HometownLift
- PledgeStar vs GoPledge
- PledgeStar vs PledgeAthon
- PledgeStar vs Read for My School
- FutureFund vs Schoolfundr
- SuccessFund vs Schoolfundr
All school fundraising software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update