what percentage does actblue take

verfiy 2025

3 min read 06-03-2025

Meta Description: Discover exactly how much ActBlue charges for online political donations. This comprehensive guide breaks down ActBlue's fees, explaining their structure and impact on your fundraising efforts. Learn about processing fees, platform fees, and how they compare to other fundraising platforms. Get the facts and optimize your campaign's fundraising strategy. (158 characters)

Introduction:

ActBlue is a popular online fundraising platform for progressive and Democratic political campaigns, organizations, and candidates. Many are curious about ActBlue's fees. This article provides a detailed look at the percentage ActBlue takes from donations, clarifying their fee structure and how it works. Understanding ActBlue's fees is crucial for budgeting and maximizing fundraising efforts. We'll delve into the specifics of their charges, comparing them to other platforms, and offering tips for optimizing your fundraising strategy. Knowing what percentage ActBlue takes ensures transparency and effective campaign management.

ActBlue's Fee Structure: A Breakdown

ActBlue's fee structure is relatively straightforward, though it involves a few components. The fees are not a fixed percentage of every donation. Instead, ActBlue employs a tiered system based on the donation amount and payment processor fees:

1. Payment Processing Fees:

This is the fee charged by the payment processor (like Stripe or PayPal) for processing the credit card or other electronic payment. This fee is usually a percentage of the donation amount, plus a small per-transaction fee. This percentage varies depending on the specific payment method. ActBlue passes these fees directly to the organization receiving the donation; they don't profit from them.

2. ActBlue's Platform Fee:

On top of the payment processing fees, ActBlue charges its own platform fee. This fee is a percentage of the net donation amount (after payment processing fees are deducted). The percentage is dependent on the total amount raised, resulting in a tiered system:

Smaller Campaigns: Generally, smaller campaigns might face a slightly higher percentage fee.
Larger Campaigns: Larger campaigns raising significant sums often qualify for a lower percentage fee. ActBlue's website or contacting their support team will reveal current pricing tiers. This information isn't always publicly and consistently advertised, highlighting the need for direct communication.

It is important to note: ActBlue doesn't publicly display a fixed percentage for their platform fee. The exact percentage varies based on the volume of donations processed.

3. Additional Fees:

There might be additional fees for specific services or features. Always check ActBlue’s current fee schedule or contact their support team for the most up-to-date information. It's important to remain proactive and informed regarding any changes to their pricing.

How to Minimize ActBlue Fees

While you can't avoid all fees, you can minimize their impact:

Encourage Larger Donations: Higher-value donations mean a lower percentage taken by ActBlue's platform fee, resulting in more funds reaching your campaign.
Promote Recurring Donations: Monthly or recurring donations streamline processing and might lead to more favorable fee structures.

ActBlue vs. Other Fundraising Platforms: A Comparison

It's beneficial to compare ActBlue's fees with other online fundraising platforms. While ActBlue is popular, other options exist with varying fee structures. Research competitors to determine which platform best suits your campaign's needs and budget. Consider factors like their fee structure, ease of use, and integration with other campaign tools.

Understanding ActBlue's Transparency

While ActBlue doesn't explicitly state a single, fixed percentage, they are transparent about the fact that fees exist. The lack of a readily available, universally published percentage underscores the necessity of direct engagement with their customer support or website for precise fee details. This information is crucial for accurate budgeting and campaign financial planning.

Conclusion

ActBlue's fees are a combination of payment processing fees (passed through) and their platform fee, which is a percentage of the net donation amount, varying according to the total funds raised. The absence of a single published percentage requires contacting ActBlue for specific cost information. This knowledge is essential for informed budgeting and maximizing the funds your campaign receives. While ActBlue's fees exist, understanding their structure and exploring strategies for minimizing their impact will ultimately benefit your fundraising efforts. By encouraging larger and recurring donations, you can optimize your overall fundraising results and keep a larger portion of the funds raised.