Head-to-head · School Fundraising Software
Schoolfundr vs PledgeAthon
Schoolfundr 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 scoreSchoolfundr · 8.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSchoolfundr · 4 of 4
Schoolfundr scores higher on our rubric for school fundraising software: 8.2 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Schoolfundr offers family messaging; PledgeAthon doesn't publish it.
Schoolfundr is the better fit for schools running free a-thons with group fundraising. PledgeAthon is the better fit for small groups running pledge-based school fundraisers.
- Schoolfundr fits best
Schools running free a-thons with group fundraising
- PledgeAthon fits best
Small groups running pledge-based school fundraisers
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Side by side
| Feature | Schoolfundr 8.2/10 Visit ↗ | PledgeAthon 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.2 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #3 in School Fundraising Software | #7 in School Fundraising Software |
| Best for | Schools running free a-thons with group fundraising | Small groups running pledge-based school fundraisers |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs | |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business |
| Features Schoolfundr 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 | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
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
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
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
- Schoolfundr8.2/10 · Free plan
A no-platform-fee option for school a-thons, with payment processing fees on online gifts.
Visit SchoolfundrFull verdict → - PledgeAthon7.4/10 · Free plan
A free web platform for pledge campaigns with participant pages and Stripe payouts.
Visit PledgeAthonFull verdict →
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All school fundraising software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update