Shopify Non-Profit Pricing: Plans, Discounts & Setup (2026)
- Shopify Nonprofit Pricing: Overview
- DefinitionWhy Is Shopify The Best Platform For Non-Profit Organizations?Shopify NPO Lite Plan ($29/month)Shopify NPO Full Plan ($99/month)NPO Plans vs Standard Shopify PlansWhich NPO Plan Should You Choose?Limitations of Shopify NPO PlansHow to Sign Up for Shopify Nonprofit Pricing
- Eligibility by CountryBest Shopify Apps for Nonprofit Stores
- EComposer: Shopify Page BuilderShoppingGivesEasy DonationShop for GoodGoodAPI Plant Trees Clean SeasJoy Loyalty Program & Rewards by AvadaThree Nonprofit Success Stories on Shopify
- Ornaments 4 OrphansDarzahWagsterHow Nonprofits Can Promote Their Shopify Store
- Use Supporter ContentBuild a Referral ProgramKeep Your Community EngagedApply for Google Ad GrantsTell Your Story VisuallySummarize this post with AI
Nonprofits running online stores often face the challenge of high fees, which are usually the same for luxury fashion brands or organizations raising money for a cause. However, Shopify is one of the few platforms offering discounted pricing for registered nonprofits.
Shopify provides two nonprofit plans: NPO Lite ($29/month) and NPO Full ($99/month), come with lower transaction fees, unlimited staff accounts, and the ability to accept donations directly through Shopify Payments. This is a significant cost saving compared to standard Shopify plans, where comparable features would cost $49 to $299 per month.
In this guide, we’ll explain what each NPO plan includes, compare them to standard Shopify pricing, and detail how to qualify and apply. We’ll also cover the best apps for nonprofit stores, real success stories, and alternative platforms worth considering.
Shopify Nonprofit Pricing: Overview
Definition
Shopify offers two discounted plans for registered nonprofit organizations: NPO Lite and NPO Full. These plans are not listed on Shopify’s public pricing page, so you need to contact Shopify support to access them.
Both plans provide benefits not available on standard Shopify plans at the same price, such as lower transaction fees, unlimited staff accounts, and the ability to accept donations via Shopify Payments.
To qualify, your organization must be officially registered as a nonprofit. You’ll need to provide documentation like a tax-exemption letter or a government-issued nonprofit certification. In the U.S., this typically means having 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.
Why Is Shopify The Best Platform For Non-Profit Organizations?
Here are the key reasons why Shopify is the best platform for non-profits:
- Commitment to sustainability: Shopify actively fights climate change through its Sustainability Fund and its carbon-neutral platform. Nonprofits choosing Shopify contribute to a greener future and benefit from Google Cloud’s sustainable infrastructure.
- Affordable Non-Profit Plans: Shopify offers discounted pricing specifically for non-profits, making it easier for organizations with limited budgets to establish an online presence.
- User-Friendly Experience: The platform’s intuitive interface enables non-profits to easily set up and manage their online store without technical expertise.
- Fundraising Capabilities: Shopify offers various fundraising features, including donation buttons, crowdfunding campaigns, and recurring donations.
- E-commerce Functionality: Non-profits can sell merchandise, event tickets, and other products to generate revenue and support their cause.
- Brand Building: Shopify allows for extensive customization, enabling non-profits to create a unique and professional online presence that reflects their brand identity.
- Marketing and Communication: Shopify integrates with various marketing and communication tools, enabling non-profits to reach their audiences and engage supporters.
- Secure Payment Processing: Shopify ensures secure transactions through its built-in payment gateways, and compliance with industry standards protects donor and customer data.
Here’s a quick look at how the two plans compare.
Shopify NPO Lite Plan ($29/month)
- Target audience: Nonprofits just starting their online journey or requiring essential features beyond the basics.
- Pricing: $29 per month
Key features & benefits:
- 1% transaction fees with third-party payment providers (lower than the 2% on the Basic plan).
- Lower credit card rates via Shopify Payments.
- Ability to accept donations via Shopify Payments if registered as a charity in the US or Canada.
- Unlimited staff accounts (a feature typically reserved for the Shopify Plus plan).
- Real-time carrier shipping (normally found in the Advanced plan).
Shopify NPO Full Plan ($99/month)
- Target audience: Nonprofits seeking a comprehensive online solution with enhanced features, paralleling the offerings of the regular Shopify plan with added advantages.
- Pricing: $99 per month
Key features & benefits:
- 0% transaction fees with third-party payment providers (better than the Shopify and Advanced Shopify plans).
- Advanced credit card rates with Shopify Payments.
- Unlimited staff accounts (compared to the 5 offered in the Shopify plan).
- Ability to accept donations if registered as a charity in the US or Canada.
- Real-time carrier shipping (similar to the Advanced plan).
NPO Plans vs Standard Shopify Plans
Feature NPO Lite ($29/mo) NPO Full ($99/mo) Basic ($19/mo) Grow ($49/mo) Advanced ($299/mo) Transaction fees (3rd party) 1% 0% 2% 1% 0.6% Staff accounts Unlimited Unlimited 0 5 15 Real-time carrier shipping Yes Yes No No Yes Donation acceptance Yes (US/CA) Yes (US/CA) No No No Credit card rates Lower than Basic Advanced-level Starting at 2% Starting at 1% Starting at 0.6% The NPO plans offer significantly better value than standard Shopify plans for qualified nonprofits. NPO Lite at $29/month gives you features that would normally require the Advanced plan at $299/month, including unlimited staff accounts and real-time carrier shipping. NPO Full at $99/month eliminates third-party transaction fees entirely, a benefit not even available on the $299/month Advanced plan. If your organization qualifies, the savings are substantial.
Which NPO Plan Should You Choose?
Choose NPO Lite if:
- You’re a small nonprofit just getting started with online selling or fundraising.
- You need lower transaction fees but don’t require zero fees.
- Your budget is tight and $29/month is more manageable.
- You want unlimited staff accounts and real-time carrier shipping without paying for the Advanced plan.
Choose NPO Full if:
- You process a high volume of transactions and want to eliminate third-party payment fees entirely.
- You need Advanced-level credit card rates to minimize payment processing costs.
- Your organization has grown beyond basic needs and requires the most comprehensive feature set available.
- The $99/month investment is justified by the savings on transaction fees alone.
Limitations of Shopify NPO Plans
- Not publicly listed: You cannot sign up for NPO plans through Shopify’s website. You must contact Shopify support directly and go through a manual verification process.
- Donation acceptance is limited: Only nonprofits registered in the United States or Canada can accept donations through Shopify Payments. Organizations in other countries cannot use this feature.
- Verification required: You need to provide official documentation proving your nonprofit status, such as a 501(c)(3) letter in the U.S. or equivalent certification in Canada. This can take time to process.
- No Shopify Plus features: NPO plans do not include Shopify Plus features like checkout customization, advanced automation, or dedicated account management. If you need enterprise-level capabilities, you’ll still need to upgrade.
- App costs are separate: While the NPO plans reduce your Shopify subscription and transaction fees, any third-party apps you install still come at their regular prices. Budget for app costs on top of your plan.
How to Sign Up for Shopify Nonprofit Pricing
Step 1: Create a Shopify account. Start by signing up for a standard Shopify account. You can use the 3-day free trial to set up your store before applying for nonprofit pricing.
Step 2: Prepare your nonprofit documentation. Gather the documents that prove your organization’s nonprofit status. In the U.S., this is typically your 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS. In Canada, you’ll need your registered charity number from the CRA. Other countries may require equivalent government-issued certifications.
Step 3: Contact Shopify support. Reach out to Shopify’s live support team through chat or email. Let them know you’re a registered nonprofit and want to apply for NPO pricing. You cannot access these plans through the regular plan selection page.
Step 4: Complete verification and activate your plan. Shopify’s team will review your documentation and verify your nonprofit status. Once approved, they’ll switch your account to either NPO Lite or NPO Full based on your preference and needs. The transition happens on your existing store, so you won’t lose any setup work.
Eligibility by Country
Shopify’s NPO plans are available to registered nonprofits globally, but donation acceptance through Shopify Payments is currently limited to organizations in the United States and Canada. Nonprofits in other countries can still access the discounted plan pricing, lower transaction fees, and unlimited staff accounts, but they’ll need to use third-party apps or payment processors to handle donations.
To qualify, you’ll need to provide official proof of your nonprofit status from your country’s relevant government authority. The specific documentation varies by region, so contact Shopify support for guidance on what’s accepted in your location.
Best Shopify Apps for Nonprofit Stores
EComposer: Shopify Page Builder
EComposer stands out as a must-have Shopify app for nonprofits, combining user-friendly functionalities with high-end design capabilities.
Why we like it: EComposer is a notable Shopify page builder app tailored for nonprofits, facilitating the creation of attractive web pages with its user-friendly drag-and-drop feature. Even without coding experience, users can easily design pages using EComposer’s vast collection of ready-made templates. Importantly, nonprofits can take advantage of EComposer’s free plan, allowing them to design up to three custom pages, showcasing their offerings and influence efficiently.
Key features & benefits:
- Real-time Designing: With the live drag-and-drop editor, visualize your page’s evolution as you make changes.
- Extensive Customization: Design a myriad of pages, from landing to product pages and even “coming soon” or contact pages.
- Simplified Categorization: The Section Builder enables you to construct and categorize sections for your store theme.
- Diverse Layouts: Access to an expansive library with over 200 section layouts and a variety of components, and it’s still growing.
- SEO Boost: Optimize your site with custom titles, meta descriptions, and image adjustments for improved search engine visibility and faster page loads.
- Mobile-Optimized: Ensures a seamless browsing experience across all devices.
- Round-the-Clock Support: Avail 24/7 live chat support for any assistance or troubleshooting.
Pricing:
- Free: Ideal for nonprofits just starting their online journey. Design up to three custom pages.
- Standard: $19/month, or $190/year (save 17%).
- Pro: $39/month, or $390/year (save 17%).
- Premium: $149/month, or $1,490/year (save 17%).
Rating: 5/5
ShoppingGives
ShoppingGives is a platform that enables brands to support nonprofits while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Why we like it: ShoppingGives enhances customer loyalty and engagement for nonprofits, allowing them to make a meaningful impact while building customer bonds.
Key features & benefits:
- Seamless Donation Management: Enjoy a comprehensive, fully managed donation process that follows regulatory standards.
- Assured Donation Delivery: The platform guarantees that 100% of your donations go to your chosen nonprofits.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilize actionable data to optimize budget allocation and personalize marketing strategies more effectively.
- Omnichannel Giving: Extend your reach beyond online spaces. Create a unified giving experience digitally and physically through Shopify POS integration.
- Granular Donation Control: Customize your donation initiatives by managing amounts and exclusions to individual product SKUs and variants.
Pricing:
- Starter: $29/month with a 7-day free trial. Perfect for budding entrepreneurs looking to weave purpose into their brand’s story.
- Plus: $271/month. Advanced tools for nurturing customer relationships and enhancing giving programs.
- Partner: $846/month. Ideal for scaling brands with a rich, integrated experience.
- Pro: Custom pricing. Seamlessly integrates the platform’s APIs into your systems.
Rating: 4.4/5
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Easy Donation
Among many apps, Easy Donation is a simple and powerful tool that streamlines donation collections.
Why we like it: Easy Donation transforms the donation process, making it uncomplicated for your patrons to offer monetary contributions when they check out from your store. With its user-centric approach, the app ensures that every donation is processed securely via Shopify Payments. Furthermore, its notification feature ensures that businesses remain informed about every charitable act, allowing them to measure their collective impact.
Key features & benefits:
- Universal Accessibility: Enables customers to donate from any section of your website.
- Digital-First Approach: Craft a 100% online donation page that eliminates the need for physical transactions.
- Diverse Donation Options: Provide a variety of choices for customers to support their favorite causes.
- Branded Receipts: Personalize donation receipts to resonate with your brand’s aesthetic, making donors feel cherished and acknowledged.
- Efficient Tracking: An organized system to monitor donations on a monthly or yearly basis for every supported charity, simplifying record-keeping.
Pricing:
- Basic Plan: $6.99/month.
- Advance Plan: $9.99/month.
Rating: 4.8/5
Shop for Good
Shop for Good helps businesses drive customer loyalty by integrating charitable initiatives.
Why we like it: We’re impressed by how easily it lets brands connect with trending causes and makes compliance and donation handling straightforward.
Key features & benefits:
- Consumer Engagement: Offer customers the option to round up their change during the checkout process, fostering a sense of participation in the charitable act.
- Rewards for Donating: Enhance customer experience by providing discounts or gifts in exchange for their donation.
- Tailored Giving: Merchants can choose to donate a percentage from select products or collections or set a fixed or custom donation amount during the buying process.
- Expansive Charity Database: Stay relevant by supporting causes that resonate with the current societal pulse, leveraging DailyKarma’s extensive charity catalog.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Gain insights into customer engagement, Average Order Value (AOV) trends, and detailed donation metrics to fine-tune your charitable strategies.
Pricing:
- Startup Brands: $0/month. Free to install with a 10% deduction from donations. Includes percentage of sales, cart round-up, $1 donation, and more.
- Emerging Brands: $299/month. Enhanced campaign options and customization for established Shopify merchants.
- Scaling Brands: $700/month. Handles up to 20,000 transactions monthly with a fully customized brand experience and premium support.
- Enterprise Brands: Custom pricing. Custom API integrations and unparalleled support for mission-driven brands.
Rating: 4.9/5
GoodAPI Plant Trees Clean Seas
In today’s eco-conscious world, businesses are often looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and positively impact the environment. Enter GoodAPI Plant Trees Clean Seas: a Shopify app that integrates sustainability seamlessly into your e-commerce journey.
Why we like it: This app isn’t just about planting trees — it’s about nurturing brand value, building trust, and enhancing customer loyalty.
Key features & benefits:
- Hands-free Eco Commitment: Effortlessly set up automated tree planting, allowing you to maintain your focus on business growth.
- Highlight Your Green Efforts: Use the no-code marketing badges, counters, premium photos, and videos to showcase the tangible impact of your store.
- Global Reach: Multi-currency and multi-language support ensures your green message is universally understood.
- Seamless Integration: Whether you’re selling online or offline, it perfectly aligns with the Shopify POS system.
- Exceptional Support: A dedicated team is ready to assist with any setup queries.
Pricing: The app is free to install. You only pay for the trees you plant at an affordable $0.33 each per month, making sustainability accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Rating: 5/5
Joy Loyalty Program & Rewards by Avada
Joy Loyalty helps nonprofits build long-term supporter relationships by rewarding engagement and repeat purchases. It turns one-time donors and buyers into loyal advocates through points, rewards, and referral programs.
Why we like it: Joy Loyalty is particularly valuable for nonprofits because it incentivizes repeat support. Whether your supporters are purchasing merchandise or making donations, you can reward their loyalty with points, discounts, or exclusive perks. The referral program also helps nonprofits grow their supporter base organically.
Key features & benefits:
- Points-Based Rewards: Award points for purchases, sign-ups, social media follows, and other engagement actions.
- Referral Program: Encourage supporters to refer friends with rewards for both the referrer and the new customer.
- VIP Tiers: Create tiered loyalty levels to recognize your most dedicated supporters.
- Customizable Widget: Match the loyalty widget to your nonprofit’s branding for a cohesive experience.
- Email Notifications: Automated emails keep supporters informed about their points balance and available rewards.
Pricing:
- Free: Covers up to 250 orders per month with core loyalty features.
- Starter: $29/month for growing stores with expanded capabilities.
- Growth: $129/month for advanced features and higher order volumes.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale operations.
Rating: 4.9/5
Three Nonprofit Success Stories on Shopify
Ornaments 4 Orphans
Ornaments 4 Orphans is a notable fair-trade initiative supporting African orphans. Their Shopify store showcases unique, region-specific decorations, emphasizing the artisans’ talents, providing sustainable jobs, and combating poverty. Each ornament tells a story of craftsmanship and hope, connecting buyers directly to the communities they support.
Darzah
Darzah, initiated by Child’s Cup Full, preserves Palestinian heritage via traditional tatreez embroidery. Their Shopify store displays handcrafted items, funding artisans and job programs in the West Bank. With an elegant online store, Darzah seamlessly communicates its purpose, enriching the customer journey with informative pop-ups.
Wagster
Wagster is a standout nonprofit selling natural dog treats. Their online store emphasizes easy navigation, community engagement, and core mission. Using captivating images and user-contributed content, Wagster effectively conveys its message and empowers individuals to overcome obstacles.
What these three nonprofits have in common is a clear mission-driven approach to their Shopify stores. They use compelling visuals, authentic storytelling, and streamlined shopping experiences to turn visitors into supporters. Their success shows that when a nonprofit’s online store reflects its values, customers don’t just buy products — they invest in a cause.
How Nonprofits Can Promote Their Shopify Store
Use Supporter Content
One effective way for nonprofits to create more interest and drive sales is to tap into the content created by their customers. Nonprofit organizations frequently attract passionate communities, and if you are already harnessing hashtags on various social media platforms, you can harness the power of user-generated content (UGC) to enhance your broader marketing initiatives.
User-generated content, encompassing images, videos, and testimonials shared by your supporters, possesses a genuine authenticity that deeply resonates with your target audience. Feature this content on your Shopify store, social media channels, and email campaigns to build trust and show the real-world impact of your mission.
Build a Referral Program
Referral programs harness the power of social networks and influencer marketing to enhance a nonprofit’s visibility. By presenting incentives such as discounts and special offers, nonprofits can motivate their supporters to introduce their cause to friends and family. This approach rewards loyal supporters and appeals to potential new backers.
Keep Your Community Engaged
The core of any nonprofit is its community. Regular engagement maintains the connection, reminding supporters of the value they contribute and the difference they make. Whether through newsletters, social media, or events, keeping communication channels open fosters a deeper relationship, building loyalty and increasing advocacy.
Apply for Google Ad Grants
For nonprofits keen on exploring paid advertising, Google Ad Grants is an invaluable resource. This initiative offers qualifying organizations a credit allocation for their Google Ad campaigns, with potential grants in the USA reaching up to $10,000, though the amount may vary by location.
To benefit from Google Ad Grants, nonprofits need to complete a straightforward verification by Google. Upon approval, they can harness the power of Google Ad campaigns to boost visibility, increase web traffic, and engage a broader audience.
Tell Your Story Visually
Every nonprofit has its own special story and purpose. Telling this story in a way that grabs attention can get more people to help out. This could be a story about someone they’ve helped or how the nonprofit started. These stories touch people’s hearts, making it easier for them to connect with the cause and see the excellent work being done. Use high-quality images, videos, and infographics throughout your Shopify store and marketing materials to bring your mission to life.
Alternatives to Shopify for Nonprofits
Platform Monthly Cost Transaction Fees Best For Zeffy Free 0% Small nonprofits wanting zero fees Classy Custom pricing 2.4% + $0.30 (cards) Mid-to-large nonprofits with complex campaigns DonorBox Free to start 1.75% platform fee Recurring donation management Fundraise Up Custom pricing 4% AI-powered donation optimization GivingFuel Free 4.99% Simple one-time donation pages When Shopify NPO Is the Better Choice
Shopify NPO plans make the most sense when your nonprofit needs a full e-commerce store alongside donation capabilities. If you sell merchandise, event tickets, or branded products to fund your mission, Shopify gives you a complete online store with inventory management, shipping tools, and payment processing — all at a discounted nonprofit rate. The unlimited staff accounts and lower transaction fees add further value that pure donation platforms cannot match.
When an Alternative Platform Makes More Sense
If your nonprofit’s primary activity is collecting donations rather than selling products, a dedicated fundraising platform may serve you better. Platforms like Zeffy offer zero fees, which is hard to beat for small organizations operating on tight budgets. Classy and Fundraise Up provide advanced campaign management and AI-powered optimization that Shopify doesn’t offer natively. If you don’t need a storefront and just want a simple donation page, tools like DonorBox or GivingFuel get you up and running faster with less setup.
In Conclusion
Shopify offers a powerful platform for nonprofits, with dedicated NPO pricing plans, a rich app ecosystem, and proven success stories from organizations around the world. The NPO Lite plan at $29/month and NPO Full plan at $99/month deliver features that would cost significantly more on standard plans, including unlimited staff accounts, lower transaction fees, and donation acceptance through Shopify Payments.
Whether you’re just starting your nonprofit’s online presence or looking to optimize an existing store, Shopify provides the tools and flexibility to support your mission. By combining the right NPO plan with purpose-built apps and smart promotional strategies, your nonprofit can expand its reach, engage more supporters, and maximize the funds that go directly toward your cause.
Shopify Non Profit Pricing: FAQs
Does Shopify offer a free plan for nonprofits?
No. Shopify doesn’t offer a free plan for nonprofits. The most affordable NPO option is the NPO Lite plan at $29 per month. However, you can use Shopify’s current promotional offer to start for free, then pay $1 per month for the first three months while you set up your store and apply for NPO pricing.
Can nonprofits outside the US use Shopify NPO plans?
Yes. Shopify’s NPO plans are available to registered nonprofits globally, not just in the United States. However, the donation acceptance feature through Shopify Payments is currently limited to nonprofits registered in the US and Canada. Organizations in other countries can still access the discounted pricing and reduced transaction fees.
What documents do I need to apply for Shopify nonprofit pricing?
You’ll need official proof of your nonprofit status. In the US, this is typically your IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter. In other countries, you’ll need the equivalent government-issued nonprofit certification or tax exemption letter. Shopify may also ask for your organization’s registration number and a brief mission description.
How long does it take to get approved for Shopify NPO plans?
Most nonprofits report that the approval process takes between 2 and 5 business days after submitting documentation to Shopify support. The timeline depends on how quickly you provide complete documentation and the volume of applications Shopify is processing.
Can I accept donations on Shopify without an NPO plan?
Technically, you can add a “donation” product to any Shopify plan. However, without an NPO plan, you won’t benefit from the reduced transaction fees, and Shopify Payments won’t formally recognize the transactions as donations. For proper donation processing with compliance, the NPO plans are the recommended path.
Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Vietnam. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.Related Post
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