BetterWorld

Best PledgeSports Alternatives for Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding can be a game changer for nonprofits.

Getting support from many small contributions can add up to something really big! PledgeSports is a platform in the crowdfunding space that has gained some attention for sports-related projects. 

But let's face it, not every nonprofit is working within the sports world, and even if you are, PledgeSports might not be the right fit for your needs.

The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives out there that might be a better match. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the best options for nonprofits like yours. We'll cover what makes each one unique and how they can help you reach your crowdfunding goals without the hiccups that might come with PledgeSports.

What Is PledgeSports?

PledgeSports is a crowdfunding platform made for athletes, teams, and sports projects of all kinds. Started by Richard Pearson, the platform helps connect athletes with supporters to close the funding gap for their sports journeys. 

It operates in over 40 countries and supports everyone from amateur players to professional teams, as well as sports-related events and films.

The platform allows athletes and teams to create campaigns using videos, photos, and social media to tell their stories and gather support. It’s designed to make it easy for anyone to start a campaign and for supporters to get involved meaningfully. Athletes can raise funds directly from the community while at the same time building a fan base and boosting their visibility.

Supporters who contribute can see their impact on an athlete’s progress and often get something unique in return, such as a personalized thank-you or a special experience. Brands can also get involved by sponsoring campaigns, which gives them a chance to align with athletes and support local talent.

Besides crowdfunding, PledgeSports hosts a sports blog that covers a wide range of topics, reaching thousands of fans every week. It’s a space for sharing stories and connecting the sports community further.

Key Features To Consider in Alternatives to PledgeSports

Here’s a breakdown of the key features you should think about when looking for an alternative to PledgeSports:

  • 01. Budget-Friendly Platform

    PledgeSports charges a service fee that ranges from 5-8% of the funds raised. Even if you’re running a charity campaign, the fee stays at 5%, which is higher than many other platforms available for fundraising. 

    Choosing an option with lower fees or more flexible pricing can save more of the money you raise for your cause.

  • 02. Advanced Fundraising Tools

    While PledgeSports focuses on crowdfunding for sports teams, that may not be enough if you’re trying to get the most out of your fundraising efforts. In today’s world, having access to advanced tools is critical. 

    Consider choosing a platform that offers everything you need, such as donation pages, peer-to-peer fundraising, and event tools, in one place.

  • 03. Support for All Types of Nonprofits

    One limitation of PledgeSports is that it only supports sports-related campaigns. This is fine if your focus is solely on sports, but what if you need to raise funds for your church, school, PTO, or animal shelter? 

    Picking a platform that welcomes all types of nonprofits allows you to work on any cause without worrying about restrictions.

  • 04. Platforms With Reviews

    4. Platforms With Reviews

    If you search for PledgeSports reviews online, you might notice that there are few to find. The lack of reviews can make it difficult to judge how well the service works for users. 

    Look for platforms with a solid presence and detailed reviews from other users. This will help you feel more confident about what you’re signing up for.

  • 05. Smooth Reward Fulfillment

    On PledgeSports, you are responsible for delivering rewards to supporters, which can complicate things. Many alternative platforms handle this for you and take care of logistics so you can focus more on your fundraising efforts.

  • 06. Advanced Features

    The features on PledgeSports are pretty basic. There’s no explicit mention of tools like automated payments, receipts, or customizable campaign templates. 

    When searching for alternatives, consider platforms that offer these features up front. Access to the right tools from the start will make running your campaign much easier.

Check out these top 10 platforms that redefine fundraising.

Top 10 PledgeSports Alternatives

01. BetterWorld

When it comes to choosing a crowdfunding platform, why settle for limitations? BetterWorld doesn’t just match what PledgeSports offers—it surpasses it in every way, giving your organization the edge it needs to succeed.

BetterWorld isn’t just a crowdfunding tool. It’s an all-in-one fundraising powerhouse. While PledgeSports limits you to basic crowdfunding, BetterWorld equips you with every tool you need to raise funds creatively and effectively. 

From auctions and ticketing to peer-to-peer campaigns and giveaways, you’re never boxed into one approach.

Creating a crowdfunding page on BetterWorld is as easy as it gets. In minutes, you’ll have a beautiful page ready to inspire donors. With a built-in donation tracker and a comment section, your supporters can see progress in real-time and cheer you on.

Marketing? BetterWorld makes it a breeze. Seamless email tools and social media integrations allow you to reach your donors wherever they are. With a single click you can share your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. With BetterWorld, your message travels faster and farther.

Unlike PledgeSports, BetterWorld believes your hard work should pay off —literally. Every dollar you raise is yours to keep. No fees. No limits. Plus, your donors’ data is protected with top-notch encryption.

Over 100,000 nonprofits already trust BetterWorld to power their fundraising. 

Ready to see what BetterWorld can do? Sign up today and start turning your fundraising dreams into reality.

BetterWorld Key Features

  • Donations
  • Athons
  • Impact Giving
  • Events
  • Donor & Alumni Engagement
  • 100% Free

Pros

  • Offers more features compared to PledgeSports, and it's all free.
  • Designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to online fundraising.

Cons

  • Not suitable for commercial fundraising.

Pricing

  • Runs entirely on optional contributions from donors.
  • Includes unlimited campaigns, team members, and data storage at no extra cost.
  • Platform fee: $0.
  • Credit card fees: 2.9% + $0.30 (most donors cover this, letting you keep everything you raise).

Overall Rating

(Capterra)
4.6 / 5.0

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