IgnitionDeck vs Donorbox: Why Platform Operators Choose Self-Hosted Crowdfunding
If you’re building a crowdfunding platform — not just adding a donate button to a website — the choice between SaaS tools like Donorbox and self-hosted solutions like IgnitionDeck comes down to one question:
Do you want to pay a percentage of every dollar forever, or own your platform outright?
Donorbox Platform Fee
1.5%
of every donation, forever
The Real Cost of “Free” SaaS Crowdfunding
Donorbox markets itself as “free to start” — and technically, that’s true. But if you’re building a crowdfunding platform, that 1.5% platform fee adds up fast.
Here’s the math most Donorbox users don’t do until it’s too late:
| Monthly Donations | Donorbox Fee (1.5%) | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000/month | $75/month | $900/year |
| $10,000/month | $150/month | $1,800/year |
| $25,000/month | $375/month | $4,500/year |
| $50,000/month | $750/month | $9,000/year |
| $100,000/month | $1,500/month | $18,000/year |
And that’s before payment processor fees (another 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).
IgnitionDeck Core
$349/year
Flat. No percentage fees. Ever.
Break-Even Point
~$2K/mo
Above this, IgnitionDeck saves money.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | IgnitionDeck | Donorbox |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | $349/year flat | 1.5% of all donations |
| Platform Fees | None | 1.5% forever |
| Data Ownership | 100% yours (your servers) | Stored on Donorbox servers |
| White-Label | Full white-label capability | Donorbox branding |
| Payment Gateways | 10+ (including crypto) | Stripe, PayPal |
| Platform Commissions | Charge your own fees | Not available |
| Multi-Creator Marketplace | Yes (Stripe Connect) | No |
| Customization | Unlimited (you own the code) | Limited to their dashboard |
| Rewards/Perks System | Built-in with multiple tiers | Not available |
Why Platform Operators Choose IgnitionDeck
1. Keep 100% of Platform Revenue
With Donorbox, they take 1.5% of every dollar. With IgnitionDeck, you pay a predictable $349/year. Process $10,000 or $10,000,000 — the cost stays the same.
2. Charge Your Own Platform Fees
Donorbox doesn’t let you run a real marketplace. IgnitionDeck includes Stripe Connect — route payments to creators while taking your platform cut.
3. Your Data, Your Servers
Donorbox stores donor data on their servers. IgnitionDeck keeps everything in your WordPress database — full ownership, no vendor lock-in.
4. Real Crowdfunding Features
Donorbox is a donation form. IgnitionDeck is a crowdfunding platform with rewards, funding goals, flexible/fixed funding, and campaign updates.
The Savings Add Up Fast
Real Example:
A crowdfunding platform processing $50,000/month would pay Donorbox:
$9,000/year
in platform fees alone. With IgnitionDeck:
$349/year
That’s $8,651 saved — money that goes back into growing your business.
Annual Savings Calculator
| Annual Volume | Donorbox Cost | IgnitionDeck | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $750 | $349 | $401 |
| $100,000 | $1,500 | $349 | $1,151 |
| $250,000 | $3,750 | $349 | $3,401 |
| $500,000 | $7,500 | $349 | $7,151 |
| $1,000,000 | $15,000 | $349 | $14,651 |
Pricing Comparison
Donorbox
- Platform Fee: 1.5% of all donations (no cap)
- Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.30
- Premium Add-ons: $8-$40/month each
- At $50K/month: ~$9,000/year in fees
IgnitionDeck
| Core | $349/year |
| Deployed | $679/year |
| Managed | $299/month |
All plans: Zero platform fees, 10+ gateways, 30-day money-back guarantee
When Donorbox Might Be Right
We’ll be direct: Donorbox isn’t a bad product. It makes sense for specific situations:
✓ Small nonprofit just getting started
✓ Processing less than ~$2,000/month
✓ Zero technical resources
✓ Don’t need crowdfunding features
But if you’re building a crowdfunding platform — not just adding a donate button — IgnitionDeck is the professional choice.
Migration Is Easier Than You Think
Already on Donorbox? Switching doesn’t mean starting over:
- Export your donor data from Donorbox (CSV available)
- Install IgnitionDeck on your WordPress site
- Import historical data into your new platform
- Connect Stripe/PayPal — your existing accounts work
- Launch — stop paying 1.5% on every dollar
Need Help Migrating?
Our Deployed plan ($679/year) includes setup assistance and hands-on migration support.
Ready to Stop Paying Platform Fees?
IgnitionDeck gives you everything you need to run a professional crowdfunding platform — without giving up 1.5% of every donation forever.
30-day money-back guarantee • Zero platform fees • Full support included
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Donorbox to IgnitionDeck?
Yes. Export your donor data from Donorbox and import it into IgnitionDeck. Your existing Stripe or PayPal accounts will work with either platform.
Do I need technical skills to use IgnitionDeck?
Basic WordPress knowledge is helpful. If you can install a plugin and configure settings, you can run IgnitionDeck. For hands-off setup, our Deployed ($679/year) or Managed ($299/month) plans include installation and support.
What if I don’t renew my IgnitionDeck license?
Your crowdfunding platform keeps working. You’ll retain PayPal payments and basic functionality — you just won’t get premium features or updates until you renew.
Does IgnitionDeck charge transaction fees?
No. IgnitionDeck charges zero platform fees. You only pay your payment processor’s standard fees (e.g., Stripe’s 2.9% + $0.30).
Can I charge my own platform fee to creators?
Yes. With Stripe Connect integration, you can set your own commission percentage. You become the platform operator earning revenue — not just avoiding fees.
Ready to own your crowdfunding platform? Start with IgnitionDeck →