Give Big Host Fee Information

This year, Give Big Gallatin Valley will include a 3% host fee on all online donations. This fee will come directly to One Valley Community Foundation to help cover the costs of organizing and running this initiative.

For the past decade, Give Big has been hosted at a financial deficit of up to $50,000 annually, with One Valley working behind the scenes to ensure its success. As the event has grown, so have the costs associated with staff time, running the website, marketing, and overall event coordination. The host fee ensures that we can continue offering Give Big to our community, grow the initiative’s impact, and support nonprofits like yours for years to come.

We understand the importance of transparency and want you to feel confident understanding the fee and discussing this change with your supporters. We’ve prepared resources—including FAQs and talking points—to help you navigate any questions.

FAQs

Q. What is the host fee?

The host fee is a 3% charge on all donations made online during Give Big Gallatin Valley. This fee will go directly to One Valley Community Foundation to help cover the costs of hosting and improving the event.

Q. Why is the host fee being implemented?

Give Big Gallatin Valley has always been run at a significant financial deficit of approximately. The host fee ensures that One Valley can continue hosting Give Big, offering nonprofits critical training and support, and improving the initiative to better serve our community.

Q. How will the host fee benefit nonprofits?

The host fee allows One Valley to cover costs like platform fees, event promotion, prizes, and nonprofit training sessions. It also ensures the sustainability of Give Big so we can continue providing this valuable fundraising opportunity for years to come.

Q. Will the host fee apply to offline gifts?

No, the host fee will only apply to donations made through credit, debit, mobile pay, or ACH on GiveBigGV.org. Offline donations—such as cash, checks, donor-advised funds, IRAs, or stock gifts—are not subject to the host fee. These gifts can be made directly to your organization or through One Valley’s Offline Gift Form (available early April).

Q. What are the total fees for online donations made through Give Big?

For online credit card donations, 8% + $0.30 is retained at checkout by GiveGab, credit card companies, and One Valley Community Foundation. Here's the breakdown:

  • 2.5%: GiveGab’s fee for site hosting, maintenance, customer service, and donation processing.
  • 2.5% + $0.30: Credit card processing fee. (Fees may vary for American Express.)
  • 3%: One Valley Community Foundation’s host fee to support marketing, staff time, nonprofit training, and prizes.

Donors can choose to cover these fees at checkout, ensuring 100% of your gift goes to the organization.

Q. What will donors see about the host fee?

Donors will see a clear explanation of the host fee during the checkout process when making their donation. It will be noted as a 3% fee that supports One Valley’s role in organizing and hosting Give Big.

Q. Will donors have the option to cover the host fee?

Yes, donors will be asked during checkout if they want to cover the fees. If they choose to cover the fees, the nonprofit will receive the full gift amount. If donors decline, the 3% host fee and the platform and credit card fees will be deducted from the donation before it is transferred to the nonprofit.

Q. How should I explain the host fee to my donors?

We recommend framing the host fee as a way to ensure Give Big Gallatin Valley remains a sustainable and impactful event for the community. Share that the fee supports the technology, outreach, and operations that make Give Big possible. Use the speaking points provided by One Valley to guide your conversations.

Nonprofit Speaking Points

Purpose of the Host Fee:

  • "The 3% host fee is being introduced to ensure the sustainability of Give Big Gallatin Valley. It helps cover the costs of running the initiative, including technology, marketing, and operational support, which are vital to its success."
  • "Without this fee, One Valley Community Foundation has been running this initiative at a deficit every year, which is unsustainable. This change ensures we can continue to host Give Big and amplify the impact for the nonprofits you care about."

One Valley’s Role as the Host:

  • "One Valley Community Foundation is the host of Give Big Gallatin Valley, providing the platform, resources, and support that make it possible for hundreds of nonprofits to benefit from this community-wide effort."
  • "The host fee directly supports the infrastructure and operations needed to make Give Big successful, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of philanthropy in our region."

Donors’ Option to Cover the Fee:

  • "During the donation process, donors will have the option to cover the 3% host fee. By choosing to cover this fee, they ensure your organization receives the full amount of their gift, maximizing the impact of their contribution."
  • "If donors prefer not to cover the fee, the 3% will be deducted from their gift, and your organization will receive the net amount."
  • "This approach provides donors with flexibility while supporting the sustainability of the Give Big initiative."

Focus on Impact:

  • "The host fee is a small portion of each donation that allows One Valley to continue providing this community-wide initiative and other nonprofit support programs."
  • "This investment ensures a stronger, more impactful Give Big for nonprofits and donors, empowering our entire community."

Your organization will still receive the net donations raised during Give Big. One Valley remains committed to transparency and care in supporting our local organizations. We are here to answer any questions you or your donors may have about the host fee to ensure everyone understands its purpose and value.

If your organization or supporters have additional questions, please contact One Valley President & CEO Bridget Wilkinson at bridget@onevalley.org.