How to Set Up Donation-Based Ticketing: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Decide if Donation-Based is Right for Your Event

Ask yourself:

• Is your goal fundraising, awareness, or community engagement?
• Are you offering food, entertainment, or other perks that would justify a suggested minimum?
• Will your audience respond well to flexible contribution options?

If flexibility, inclusiveness, or donor-first strategy is the goal, donation-based ticketing is likely a great fit.

2. Choose a Ticketing Platform That Supports Donations

Platforms like RSVPify make it easy to offer donation-based tickets while still retaining professional event management tools. Here’s what to look for:

Key Features to Evaluate:

• Flexible ticket pricing: Ability to set a “donation” or “pay what you want” field.
• Low processing fees: Some platforms charge less for donation-style tickets or waive fees for nonprofits.
• Payout structure: How quickly do you receive funds? Can you access payments before the event?
• Custom branding & forms: Ability to align the ticketing experience with your nonprofit’s image.
• Data exports and integrations: Export registrant lists, donation amounts, and integrate with tools like Salesforce or QuickBooks.
• Email communications: Send confirmations, reminders, and post-event thank you messages.

RSVPify offers all of the above, along with drag-and-drop form customization and private event access controls—making it a smart choice for donation-based fundraising events.

3. Set Up Your Tickets

• Add a “donation ticket” type and allow attendees to enter their own amount.
• Optionally, set suggested donation tiers (e.g., $25, $50, $100) to guide giving.
• Consider including a minimum donation if you need to cover hard costs (food, venue, etc.).

4. Add Clear Messaging on the Ticket Page

Make sure visitors understand:

• Their donation helps fund a specific cause or goal.
• Every contribution matters—no matter the amount.
• The event is open and welcoming, even if someone can’t give much.

A compelling, mission-driven message can increase average donation sizes.

5. Promote the Event Strategically

Use multiple outreach channels:

• Email campaigns to your donor list
• Social media with messaging around flexibility and accessibility
• Partner organizations to help expand reach

Highlight the donation-based model as a benefit, not a compromise.

6. Prepare for the Event

• Use your platform to print name badges or check-in lists.
• Test your payment gateway and mobile check-in tools if accepting walk-up donations.
• Train volunteers to thank guests at check-in and direct them toward giving opportunities.

7. After the Event: Follow Up and Report

Post-event follow-through is critical for maintaining donor trust and transparency.

• Export registrants and donation data for your CRM, accounting system, or board reporting.
• Send thank-you emails personalized with donation amount and impact messaging.
• Report back to your community—via newsletter or social—on how funds raised will be used.

You can also tag attendees based on their donation level and invite them to future campaigns or VIP opportunities.