Cashback Fundraising – What you need to know

Cashback Fundraising: An Easy Win for Your Cause

At the moment, we don’t have any suppliers listed in this category, but we’re happy to explain how cashback fundraising generally works, because it can be a very effective and low-effort way to raise money for your school or group.

Cashback fundraising is a form of passive fundraising that rewards your cause whenever your community shops online. It operates through affiliate marketing: when purchases are made after being referred by a particular website, a small commission is paid and shared with your nominated cause.

How It Works

Most cashback fundraising platforms partner with a large number of popular online retailers. Your group signs up as a recipient, and your supporters create their own accounts and shop as usual—except they go through the cashback site first. A small percentage of each purchase is then donated to your group.

Some platforms offer browser extensions or mobile apps that alert shoppers when they’re visiting a participating store, helping ensure no donation opportunities are missed. Many sites also provide promotional tools like pre-written social media posts, email templates, and discount codes to help boost your campaign.

Who Can Participate?

These fundraising platforms typically accept a wide range of groups—not just schools. Eligible causes often include sporting clubs, daycare centres, playgroups, animal rescue groups, youth associations, and even individual fundraisers supporting registered charities.

What Can You Expect to Earn?

The percentage of the donation varies by retailer and platform, but typically ranges from 0.5% to over 20%, with most groups earning around 3–5% of the purchase price. That means a $100 online order might result in a $3–$5 donation to your group.

Sign-Up and Payment Details

Registration usually involves filling out a form with your group’s details, including bank information for receiving funds. Some platforms may request your ABN or proof of not-for-profit status, and you might also need to upload your logo.

Payments are usually made quarterly, though some have minimum balance thresholds (e.g., $10, $25 or $50) before they’ll release funds. Be aware that it can take weeks or even months for donations to be processed due to retailer return policies and platform schedules.

Tips for Success

• Promote regularly: Frequent reminders and sharing special discount offers helps keep your community engaged.

• Use their tools: If browser alerts or apps are available, encourage your supporters to install them.

• Highlight the goal: Connect this fundraiser to a specific purpose (like new playground equipment or library books) to increase buy-in.

• Stay active: Accounts may be closed if there’s no activity for a year, so keep up the momentum.