Getting Started
What is a credit card processor?A credit card processor is the technology that carries out the financial transaction, ensuring when your donor inputs their credit card information on your campaign page, you get the payment!
CauseMatch offers a number of different options to assist you in processing donations for your campaign.
ALL the credit card processors and fiscal sponsors are third-party companies with their own fees, contracts, and setup. To create and connect any other financial options, please see the most up-to-date information via the corresponding knowledge base documents and speak to your Campaign Manager.
Aren't you a credit card processor?
No! CauseMatch is a platform that specializes in fundraising technology for effective crowdsourcing campaigns. We have integrated with the best (and most secure) credit card processors to create a seamless donation process for your donors and minimize donor abandonment. However, we do not work with the banks to carry out transactions nor store your money.
Why can't you open a credit card processing account for us?
Just like you wouldn't have a neighbor create a bank account in your name, you don't want a third party in control of your hard-earned money! (And fundraising IS a lot of hard work!). We have access to your integrated accounts to help you on the day of the campaign, but the accounts are YOURS to do with what you like before, during, and after the campaign. In addition, when your Finance Admin opens up an account, often the regulatory process involves identification and tax-status verification to prevent fraud. These are just some of the reasons why CauseMatch cannot simply open a credit card processing account for you, though we will help you every step of the way!
Why are you not integrated with.....?
A part of our role as fundraising experts means making sure our clients are SUCCESSFUL. During a campaign thousands (if not tens of thousands) of donations will come rolling in onto one page. We need to make sure the credit processor can handle the immense load of donations on campaign day and ensure the payment processor itself will not crash, process the payments slowly, or have integration issues. We have carefully chosen who we are integrated with to make sure your donor's information is secure and your campaign is the most successful it can be. Fundraising is hard, accepting money shouldn't be.
What do I need to consider when opening up an account?
When selecting a payment processor, be aware the costs can vary. Some charge a percentage, some a flat rate, while other processors charge
annual fees or tack on a rolling rate for tax receipts. Additionally, some processors take longer to set up than others and have tight regulations to follow.
All of these payment processors are third parties, and we do not control their costs or set-up times! Therefore, when you decide to run a campaign make sure to speak to your campaign manager to ensure your launch-date is reasonable.
How to choose an integrated financial processor for your CauseMatch Campaign:
Setting up Your Payment Processor
While the challenging part of fundraising is asking for donations, receiving those donations shouldn't be a hassle! By integrating your credit card processor right on the campaign page, donating and donating NOW becomes a no-brainer.
In addition to online donations through our checkout page, we work with a number of fiscal sponsors who collect donations on your behalf and can issue a tax receipt (if you do not have a Tax ID). Additionally, we are integrated with a number of voucher companies for organizations operating out of Europe.
And don't worry; good 'ol cold, hard cash is accepted, too! By using our "offline donation" feature, you can input donations that were collected via other means like check or bank transfer.
BEFORE BEGINNING CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
- What is your goal currency and will you be needing additional currencies?
- Will you need tax-deductible receipts? For which currencies/countries?
- Will there be matching?
- Are you planning on a Bonus Round
Integrated Credit Card Processors
Please see the documents linked below for the relevant financial info:
What's next?
Once you have decided on which credit card processors, fiscal sponsors, voucher companies and your tax-deductible status, make sure to speak to your campaign manager about set-up!
Please note:
1. We cannot make last-minute changes or additions to your financial settings. CauseMatch needs at least 3 business days between when you have a credit card processing account/voucher company account/or fiscal sponsor approval fully set up and when you can go live.
2. We try and assist our clients with the integrated services, however, we cannot control their set-up times or fees so please read the contracts carefully.