The verdict in three sentences
A credible mission site costs between 350,000 and 800,000 FCFA, and an online donation module adds about 400,000 FCFA to collect via mobile money with only 1 to 2.9 % fees. The key to fundraising is not the one-off gift but the recurring gift: 50 donors at 5,000 FCFA a month bring a predictable 3,000,000 FCFA a year. Transparency (activity reports, receipts, public accountability) is what turns a hesitant visitor into a loyal donor.
Mission showcase vs showcase + donation module
The site serves two goals: tell your impact story and let people give in three clicks. Without a payment module you lose impulse gifts.
| Element | Mission showcase only | Showcase + donation module |
|---|---|---|
| Build cost (2026 ballpark) | 350,000 - 800,000 FCFA | 750,000 - 1,200,000 FCFA |
| Delivery time | 10 - 15 days | 18 - 25 days |
| One-off gift Wave / OM | No | Yes |
| Recurring gift (monthly) | No | Yes |
| Fees on gifts | - | 1 - 2.9 % |
| Automatic email receipt | No | Yes |
| Transparency / reports page | Optional | Recommended |
| Annual maintenance | 100,000 - 200,000 FCFA | 200,000 - 300,000 FCFA |
One-off vs recurring gifts: predictability changes everything
One-off gifts fund emergencies; recurring gifts fund operations. A healthy NGO aims for a recurring base that covers its fixed costs.
| Criterion | One-off gift | Recurring gift |
|---|---|---|
| Average amount | 10,000 - 50,000 FCFA | 2,000 - 10,000 FCFA / month |
| Budget predictability | Low | High |
| Acquisition cost | High (each campaign) | Amortized over time |
| Average engagement length | 1 gift | 8 - 18 months |
| 1-year value (5,000 gift) | 5,000 FCFA | 40,000 - 60,000 FCFA |
| Mobile money fees | 1 - 2.9 % | 1 - 2.9 % |
| Growth lever | One-off events | Loyalty + transparency |
Mini case study
Aminata's nonprofit, based in Thies, launches its online collection. It converts 50 donors to recurring gifts of 5,000 FCFA a month, i.e. 250,000 FCFA monthly. Over a year: 3,000,000 FCFA, minus 2 % fees (60,000 FCFA), so 2,940,000 FCFA net. Its donation module (400,000 FCFA) is repaid in under two months of collection, and the recurring base now covers a field coordinator's salary.
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FAQ
How much does a website with online donations cost for a nonprofit?
Budget 350,000 to 800,000 FCFA for the showcase plus about 400,000 FCFA for the donation module, for 750,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA. Transaction fees stay low: 1 to 2.9 % per gift.
Can we receive recurring gifts via Wave or Orange Money?
Yes, we set up monthly debits the donor authorizes once. It is the most powerful lever: a recurring donor is worth 8 to 12 times a one-off gift over the year.
How do we reassure donors about how funds are used?
A transparency page with activity reports, field photos and a budget breakdown clearly lifts conversion. An automatic receipt after each gift builds trust and eases loyalty.
How fast is the site operational?
Between 18 and 25 days with the donation module included and tested. We validate the payment webhooks so no confirmed gift is ever lost.
Let's talk about your project. We build your mission site with one-off and recurring Wave/OM gifts and a transparency page that inspires trust. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
