When it comes to fundraising, schools and athletic teams need partners they can trust—partners who prioritize their mission over profits and provide real value for their supporters. The fundraising services landscape is full of companies that promise "free" services but hide critical fees and costs, ultimately leaving teams and supporters with less than they bargained for. Gold Athletics stands out from the crowd by taking a different approach, built on transparency, choice, and a commitment to genuine partnership. Here’s why our coaches, athletes, and supporters are choosing Gold Athletics over the competition.
Competitors’ Hidden Costs: "Free" is Anything But
While many platforms claim to offer “free” services, the reality is often quite different. Here’s a breakdown of what’s really happening with some of these "free" fundraising options:
Donation-Only Model: Most competitors offer a limited selection of ways to raise money—primarily focusing on donations alone. This can create “donation fatigue”, and provides supporters no benefit in exchange for their donation.
Extra Tip Percentages: While supporters may think their entire donation is going to the team, our competitors add “tips” or other percentage-based fees to maximize profits. These "tips" often go directly to the platform, not the team.
Exorbitant Processing Fees: Unlike Gold Athletics, competitors often tack on outrageously high processing fees at checkout. These fees cover way more than credit card processing fees, which means the platform is profiting from the additional charges. Also, these fees usually aren’t disclosed upfront, so supporters end up paying more than they intended.
Selling Customer Data: Data privacy is a hot topic, and rightly so. Some fundraising platforms sell customer information, turning supporters’ contact data into revenue streams for themselves rather than safeguarding donor privacy.*
Misleading “Free” Services: Many of these fundraising competitors advertise their platforms as “free” to use. But no company works for free. Instead, they charge your supporters extra fees at checkout, sell their data, or skim the team’s profits — hidden costs that erode the goodwill between teams and their supporters.
Gold Athletics is approved by the Student Data Privacy Consortium as a trustworthy vendor! Read more about how cyber security is built into the foundation of The GA App.
Gold Athletics Is Transparent, Flexible, and Focused on Success.
Gold Athletics is different. We know that fundraising can be challenging, and we’re committed to making it as seamless and rewarding as possible for every team we partner with. Here’s what sets us apart:
Say Goodbye to “Donor Fatigue”: 15+ Fundraising Options for Maximum Flexibility
At Gold Athletics, we understand that every team and organization has unique needs, so we provide over 15 different fundraising options. From product sales to community events, sponsorships, and more, our versatile options empower teams to find the perfect approach for their supporters. This variety encourages community involvement, allowing supporters to contribute in ways that work best for them and ensuring teams reach their fundraising goals.
Standard Checkout: No Surprises, Just Straightforward Support
Our checkout process is simple and direct—no hidden fees, no surprise charges. With Gold Athletics, donors know exactly where their money is going, and teams know exactly how much they’ll receive. We believe in honoring the trust that supporters place in us, so we keep our process transparent from start to finish. No unexpected fees at checkout means more contributions go directly to supporting the team.
Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Agendas
When you choose Gold Athletics, what you see is what you get. We don’t hide fees, or profit off of sneaky “tips,” or add unexpected percentages at checkout. Our pricing is upfront and transparent, so there’s no guesswork or risk involved. This approach not only builds trust with teams and their supporters but also ensures that everyone knows exactly how their hard-earned money is being used to make a difference.
Privacy Protection: Your Supporters' Contact Info Stays Private
Unlike some competitors who monetize supporter data, Gold Athletics is committed to keeping supporter information safe and private. We never share or sell contact information, because our focus is on protecting the integrity of the relationship between the team and their supporters. This ensures that donors can feel secure in their contribution, knowing their personal information won’t be used or sold.
Click here to learn more about Gold Athletics commitment to cybersecurity and protecting supporter data:
Rewards and Incentives: Celebrating the Hard Work of Every Fundraiser
At Gold Athletics, we believe in celebrating success and recognizing the incredible efforts of every participant. That’s why we provide fantastic rewards and incentives for those who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts.
Whether it’s team prizes, individual incentives, or community recognition, we believe in showing appreciation and fostering team spirit. These rewards not only motivate participants but also add a layer of excitement to the fundraising process.
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