BackaBuddy has announced that as of June, it charges 0% platform fees on all campaigns, meaning every rand raised goes directly to the cause. For individuals, schools, charities and community groups, this shift has already helped more people raise funds, reach donors and uplift lives.
BackaBuddy says the move to 0% platform fees has already helped channel over R12-million extra directly into the hands of campaigners and charities.
In the past 12 months, more than 54 000 donations through BackaBuddy have raised over R157-million — supporting medical care, education, disaster relief, disability access, housing and many personal needs across South Africa, says the platform.
People Funding Purpose
"When people feel empowered, they give more," says Patrick Schofield, Founder and CEO of BackaBuddy. "Compulsory. Mandatory. Exclusionary. These are words I don't like. But choice, agency and accessibility? These are words I do. It's what informed my thinking in developing the 0% platform fee model at BackaBuddy."
Schofield says, "Firstly, to maximise funds going directly to those who need them. But also, by giving you the option to add a voluntary tip when you donate, you're given the choice — and the agency — to support the work we do in enabling crowdfunding for others. If you feel our service is excellent and our platform delivers real value, you'll choose to support us. And if not, you won't. What better way to ensure everyone at BackaBuddy is super focused on excellence in service and being the best possible platform out there for you."
The platform says that both large and small charities are already benefiting from the change.
The team at Rainbows and Smiles says, "The 0% platform fee has been a real gift. It reassures donors that their contributions go directly where they’re needed — and for smaller charities like ours, it removes so much of the stress of fundraising. Every rand now makes an even bigger difference."
BackaBuddy concludes that its 0% platform fee officially launched in June. Donors now have the option to leave a small voluntary tip to help support the platform — while every rand raised (minus only third-party payment processing fees) goes directly to the campaign.
For more information, visit www.backabuddy.co.za. You can also follow BackaBuddy on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor