When people first hear that Cheerful is free with 0% platform fees, the next
question is always the same: so how do you actually make money? It’s a fair
thing to ask, and we think the answer should be just as transparent as our
pricing.

The short version: when a donor gives through a Cheerful form, they’re
shown an optional tip that supports Cheerful, entirely separate from their
donation to you. Most donors add a little. Some don’t. Either way, 100% of
the actual donation reaches your cause.

Why we chose tips over fees

Traditional platforms take a percentage of every gift, so the more you raise,
the more they take. We didn’t want to build a business that grows by quietly
shrinking your donations. A donor-paid tip flips that model on its head.