Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ShopGiv — for consumers, vendors, nonprofits, and partners.
General Questions
ShopGiv is a free community crowdfunding platform that connects consumers, local businesses, and nonprofits. When you shop at participating local vendors, a portion of your purchase is automatically donated to the cause you choose — at no extra cost to you.
No, ShopGiv is completely free for consumers. The app is free to download, there are no membership fees, and you pay the same prices you would normally pay. The donations come from the vendors, not from you.
Download the free app, choose a cause to support, and shop at participating local vendors. When you make a purchase and log it in the app, the vendor donates a portion (typically 5-10%) to your chosen cause. You pay the same price you always would.
ShopGiv is currently focused on Colorado, with a strong presence in Colorado Springs. We're actively expanding to new areas as more vendors and nonprofits join the network.
For Vendors
Learn more about becoming a vendor →Nothing. There are no signup fees, monthly fees, or hidden costs. You only contribute when you make a sale to a ShopGiv customer.
Vendors choose their contribution model. Options include a percentage of sales (typically 5-10%), a flat fee per transaction, or a custom arrangement. We work with each vendor to find what fits their margins.
Actually, no. You only contribute from NEW revenue that ShopGiv brings you — customers you wouldn't have had otherwise. Since your fixed costs are already covered, this new revenue flows to your bottom line at a higher margin, even after your contribution.
You'll be listed in the ShopGiv vendor directory within the mobile app. All ShopGiv users in your area can browse and find your business. You'll also be announced to existing users when you join.
Any legitimate local business — restaurants, auto repair shops, salons, retail stores, service providers, and more. If you serve customers and want to give back to your community, you're welcome.
About 10 minutes. Once approved, you'll be listed in the app within a few business days.
For Nonprofits
Learn more about nonprofit partnership →No. It's completely free to join, and there are no fees taken from your donations.
When your supporters shop at ShopGiv vendors and select your organization, a portion of their purchase is donated to you. Funding accumulates automatically.
You allocate incoming donations across three buckets: Employee Hardship (emergency vehicle repairs for your staff), Client/Community (transportation assistance for people you serve), and Unrestricted (general operating funds). You set the percentages — they just need to total 100%.
It depends on how actively you promote ShopGiv to your network. Just 30 active supporter households can generate approximately $19,000/year. 100 households can generate over $63,000/year.
You choose: check, Venmo, or ACH bank transfer. You can set up automatic payouts or request them manually through your portal.
Not necessarily. We welcome 501(c)(3) organizations, other tax-exempt entities, and community-serving organizations. Hero Funds don't require any formal status.
No. Anyone can create a Hero Fund. No 501(c)(3) status, no paperwork, no bureaucracy.
Almost any cause you're passionate about — restaurant workers, teachers, neighbors in need, local families, specific community groups. You define the mission.
When people in your network shop at ShopGiv vendors and select your Hero Fund, a portion of their purchases flows into your fund.
Creating and running a Hero Fund is completely free.
Employee Benefits
Learn more about employee benefits →Correct. The fund is 100% fueled by vendor contributions when employees shop. There are no fees to the company, no payroll deductions for employees, and no administrative costs.
Emergency vehicle repairs for employees who face transportation crises. When someone's car breaks down and threatens their ability to get to work, this fund helps cover repairs.
You set the eligibility criteria (full-time, part-time, minimum tenure, etc.). You can either approve requests yourself or let our team handle the process.
Yes. One company fund works across all locations nationwide as the ShopGiv network expands.
CSR Partnership
Learn more about CSR partnerships →Most corporate giving is top-down. The company picks a cause, writes a check, and employees hear about it in a newsletter. ShopGiv flips that — employees drive the impact through their everyday shopping, and your company amplifies it.
Base participation is free. If you choose to match employee-generated donations, that's optional and on your terms. You control exactly how much you contribute.
One purchase creates three layers of impact: the vendor donates a portion, employees can choose to match, and your company can match too. Three contributions from a single shopping trip.
You'll receive reports showing how much your employees have generated, which causes they support, and your company's total community impact — all measurable and trackable.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out to our team and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Us