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 record of every contribution you make on OpenGiving, for as long as your account is open.
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. You buy from another person, not from OpenGiving. 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 we hold the payment until the delivery is confirmed.
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?
Contributions are credited to the organizer's wallet when they're paid, and a campaign's share of a sale once the delivery is confirmed. The organizer withdraws from the wallet to PayPal.
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?
OpenGiving keeps 9% of the price of a physical item or a service. Digital items pay a flat fee instead, and contributions pay no OpenGiving fee. The payment processing fee is added to what the buyer or contributor pays.
Our Approach
How is OpenGiving different from other fundraising platforms?
We combine marketplace infrastructure with impact profiles. Multiple ways to participate, all recorded on one public profile.
How Marketplace-Based Fundraising Works
OpenGiving enables three routes to contribution: selling items, shopping with purpose, and direct giving. Each one is recorded on your impact profile as the money moves.
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 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.