If you’re reading this, chances are your nonprofit tried an AmazonSmile alternative—and it didn’t quite stick. Maybe donors lost interest. Maybe the platform felt clunky or took more time to manage than it saved. You’re not alone. Since Amazon shut down its Smile program on February 2, 2023, countless organizations have been searching for something better.
The truth? Most tools out there don’t fully understand what it takes to keep donors engaged, simplify giving, and actually move the needle. Quick fixes and one-size-fits-all platforms rarely deliver long-term results. What nonprofits really need is a solution that offers more than tech—a partner that brings strategy, support, and sustainability to the table.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best AmazonSmile alternatives available today—and how to find one that actually works for your organization.
What was the AmazonSmile program and why did it matter?
Before we get into the alternatives, let’s take a second to remember what AmazonSmile was really about. For every purchase a customer made through smile.amazon.com, Amazon donated a small percentage to a nonprofit the customer picked. It was simple, automatic, and felt good—people could support their favorite nonprofits just by shopping like they normally did. No extra steps, no extra cost.
It worked quietly in the background. Donors didn’t have to change their habits, and nonprofits got steady little boosts of income. Plus, tools like browser extensions made it even easier to stay connected. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave nonprofits visibility and gave donors a way to support causes they cared about.
The problem after AmazonSmile ended
When AmazonSmile shut down, it left a hole. A lot of nonprofits scrambled to find something similar—something easy for donors and simple to manage. But many of the “alternatives” didn’t deliver. Some required too much setup. Others didn’t connect well with donors. And most didn’t have the same seamless experience that made AmazonSmile feel effortless.
We’ve heard from teams who tried new tools only to feel overwhelmed, under-supported, and stuck with platforms that made more work than they were worth. Without clear data, solid engagement tools, or real-time tracking, it’s hard to know what’s working—or how to improve it. And when donors stop seeing value, they stop giving.
That’s why finding the right replacement matters. It’s not just about plugging a hole. It’s about choosing a fundraising tool that helps you grow, connect, and stay focused on your mission.
What makes a good AmazonSmile alternative?
Not all AmazonSmile alternatives are created equal. If you’ve already tried one that didn’t work out, you know this firsthand. The right replacement needs to check a few important boxes—not just for your team, but for your donors, too.
First, it should be easy. Your donors shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to give. Whether it’s through online shopping, a donation form, or a browser extension, it should feel simple and familiar. Second, it has to fit into your existing efforts—no need for a full tech overhaul or a long learning curve for your team.
You also want smart tools that help you grow. Think: automatic matching donations, recurring donation options, and real-time data so you can see what’s working and make quick changes. And of course, it should give you control over branding, messaging, and outreach—because your cause deserves to shine.
Bottom line? A good alternative should actually make fundraising easier—not just different.
AmazonSmile alternatives for long-term fundraising success
1. Harness – the all-in-one fundraising and marketing partner
If you’re looking for more than a tool—something that can truly drive long-term fundraising success—Harness should be at the top of your list. Unlike platforms that only cover one part of the donor journey, Harness offers a full-service solution designed to meet nonprofits where they are and help them grow from there.
Beyond smart donation tools and recurring gift automation, what sets Harness apart is its built-in marketing expertise. With decades of nonprofit experience, the team behind Harness understands that successful fundraising starts with strategic communication. That’s why the platform includes everything from branded donation forms and donor segmentation to automated text and email messaging that’s personalized, timely, and effective.
Need help planning a campaign? Want to boost year-end giving? Harness offers hands-on support through its Harness Executive program—connecting you with a dedicated fundraising expert who acts as an extension of your team. You’ll get expert guidance on everything from campaign calendars and messaging strategy to donor engagement tactics and performance tracking.
2. ShopRaise – online shopping for a cause
ShopRaise is one of the better-known names in the space, and for good reason. It’s built around the same basic idea AmazonSmile had—turn everyday shopping into donations. But where it stands out is in the way it connects donors with causes through a branded experience. Supporters can shop at popular retailers, and a portion of their purchase goes to your nonprofit. It’s simple, clean, and familiar.
One thing we like? You get a co-branded landing page, so donors feel like they’re still interacting with your organization—not just the platform. That can make a big difference in long-term engagement. Plus, ShopRaise works for nonprofits, schools, and even sports teams, which makes it flexible for all kinds of groups.
That said, it’s not a magic wand. You’ll still need to put some work into marketing and educating your supporters about how it works. But if you’ve got a community that shops online often, this can be a solid revenue source with no extra cost to donors.
3. RaiseRight – gift card-based fundraising
RaiseRight takes a different angle—it’s all about gift cards. Donors buy gift cards for the stores they already shop at (like Target, Starbucks, or Home Depot), and a percentage of that purchase goes to your nonprofit. It’s fundraising through everyday spending, just like AmazonSmile, but with a bit more flexibility built in.
One of the nice things about RaiseRight is that supporters aren’t spending extra. They’re just choosing to buy gift cards through your link instead of grabbing them off the shelf. For donors, it’s easy. For you, it’s a way to create steady revenue without pushing for more donations. It also works well for holidays, birthdays, and special events—times when people are already buying gift cards anyway.
The tradeoff? It takes some planning. You’ll want to build campaigns around it, create clear marketing materials, and maybe even guide donors on how to use it best. But if you’re looking for an ethical shopping experience that lines up with real life, RaiseRight can definitely pull its weight.
4. Walmart Spark Good – built-in donation features
Walmart Spark Good is Walmart’s answer to AmazonSmile. Supporters can round up their purchases and donate the spare change to a nonprofit of their choice. It’s all built right into the Walmart shopping experience—no need for a separate app or site. That’s a big win for convenience.
What makes Spark Good worth considering is how seamless it feels. Donors can set their preferred nonprofit and forget it. Every time they shop, they’re giving a little back. For nonprofits, this can mean consistent micro-donations that add up over time.
But it’s not perfect. Not every nonprofit is eligible right away, and getting listed can take some time. It’s also less customizable—you don’t get your own landing page or the same level of branding you’d find with other platforms. Still, for nonprofits with a donor base that shops at Walmart regularly, this is a simple way to create ongoing support without asking for more money.
5. Samarity – community-focused giving
Samarity takes a more grassroots approach. Instead of just linking donations to shopping, it’s built around the idea of small, recurring support—like micro-giving from people who truly care about your mission. The platform helps nonprofits connect with donors on a more personal level, often using storytelling and consistent communication to keep folks engaged.
What sets Samarity apart is how it leans into community. It encourages people to become regular givers, not just one-time donors. And it’s flexible—you can tie giving to events, goals, or specific needs. It also offers helpful tools for donor communication, which can make your outreach through email or social media more effective.
Now, here’s the catch. Because it’s a bit less known than other platforms, you might need to do more education upfront. But if you’re trying to build a loyal donor base that sticks around for the long haul, Samarity could be a great fit—especially if you’re already active on social and ready to share your story.
6. Target Circle – corporate alignment with community needs
Target Circle is a little different from the other platforms. It’s not a direct donation tool—it’s a voting program. When Target shoppers earn votes through purchases, they can choose which local nonprofits should get Target’s donation dollars. The more votes your organization gets, the bigger your slice of the funding.
It’s a smart way to get exposure and build community support—especially if you already have a loyal audience that shops at Target. The program also gives nonprofits some visibility within the Target app and website, which can help build awareness with new supporters.
That said, Target Circle has a few limitations. You can’t just sign up and go live—it’s an invite-based program, and not every nonprofit qualifies. Plus, since donations depend on votes, your results can vary from one cycle to the next. It works best when paired with strong local engagement and a solid campaign push behind it.
Going beyond donations: maximize impact with matching gifts and smart tech
Use a matching gift tool to double donations
One of the most overlooked ways to increase giving is through matching gifts. A lot of donors don’t even realize their employers will match what they give—sometimes doubling or tripling their donation. That’s why having a matching gift tool built into your fundraising platform can be a game-changer.
These tools make it easy. A donor gives through your site, types in their employer, and instantly sees if their company matches gifts. It takes almost no extra effort on their part, and suddenly, your nonprofit gets twice the impact from one donation.
If you’re still running donation forms without this feature, you’re probably leaving money on the table. Matching gifts aren’t flashy, but they’re one of the most effective ways to grow support without needing more people or more asks.
Create a donor-friendly experience with a donation form
Let’s be honest—if your donation form is clunky, confusing, or slow, people aren’t going to use it. A good donation experience should be fast, easy, and feel good. It’s often the first real interaction a donor has with your organization, so it matters more than most people think.
That’s why mobile-friendly forms, simple layouts, and smart design make a big difference. You want donors to know exactly what they’re giving to, how their gift helps, and how easy it is to come back and give again. Bonus points if they can save their info or set up recurring gifts in just a few clicks.
And it’s not just about ease—it’s also about branding. A clean, custom-branded form shows that your organization is professional and trustworthy. It builds confidence. And with the right platform, you can track who gave, when, and even follow up automatically with a thank-you message or update.
Not just a platform, but a partner
At Harness, we know that fundraising isn’t just about collecting donations—it’s about building real relationships. That’s why we go beyond tools. We become part of your team. From smart donation forms to automated follow-ups and text messages that actually feel personal, we help you create a donor experience that feels thoughtful and connected.
Need someone to help plan your strategy? We’ve got you. Want to finally stop juggling a dozen systems that don’t talk to each other? Done. With Harness, you get hands-on support, a dedicated fundraising expert, and smart technology that works in the background while you focus on the mission. No full-time hire needed.
We’re not here to give you more busywork. We’re here to help you raise more, stress less, and grow faster.
Real results, real support
You don’t have to wonder if this works—we’ve seen it firsthand. Harness has helped nonprofits raise over $30 million, and that’s not just big numbers. That’s food on tables, homes rebuilt, and communities growing stronger.
Our team brings decades of nonprofit experience to the table, so we know what it’s like to wear too many hats and stretch every dollar. That’s why we built our tools to be simple, flexible, and powerful—everything from browser extension giving to recurring donation nudges, personalized messaging, and detailed reporting that actually helps you make decisions.
And you’re never on your own. With Harness, you get a partner who understands your mission, supports your team, and is in it for the long haul.
The path ahead
If you’ve tried replacing AmazonSmile and it didn’t work out, you’re not alone. Not every platform delivers what nonprofits actually need—simple tools, real support, and results you can see. Whether you’ve struggled with engagement, tech headaches, or just didn’t see the impact you hoped for, the right solution is still out there.
The truth is, fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner and the right tools, it can actually feel empowering. You can grow your support, connect with your community, and build something that lasts.
Harness was built for nonprofits like yours—teams that care deeply, work tirelessly, and need more than just another tool. With years of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and operations experience baked into the platform, Harness brings not only smart technology but also real-world expertise to help you grow sustainably.
Whether you’re running your first campaign or scaling a major initiative, you’ll have access to strategic guidance, hands-on support, and data-driven insights that drive real results. If you’re ready to stop settling and start building long-term momentum, we’re here to help you make it happen.
Frequently asked questions
Why did AmazonSmile shut down?
Amazon officially ended the AmazonSmile program on February 2, 2023. The company said the impact was spread too thin across many organizations, making it difficult to drive meaningful change. For nonprofits that relied on it, the shutdown came as a surprise—and left a big gap in easy, passive fundraising.
What was the impact on nonprofits?
Many nonprofits lost a steady stream of small donations they could count on. While the amounts per donor were usually small, they added up over time. The loss also disrupted donor habits and left many organizations scrambling to find new tools or platforms to keep supporters engaged.
What’s the best all-in-one alternative to AmazonSmile?
If you're looking for a full-service solution, Harness is a strong choice. It goes beyond shopping-based giving to offer smart donor engagement, recurring donation tools, matching gifts, text messaging, branded donation forms, and hands-on expert support—all in one platform.
How can I engage donors without additional cost?
Platforms like ShopRaise and Spark Good allow donors to support your nonprofit just by shopping, without spending extra. Matching gifts are another smart strategy—donors give once, and their employer doubles the impact. The key is making it easy and seamless for them.
Do I need technical skills to implement a new fundraising platform?
Not with the right partner. Tools like Harness are designed to be easy to use—even for small teams without tech staff. Plus, Harness offers direct support, setup help, and training to make sure you’re never left figuring it out on your own.
How does Harness differ from other AmazonSmile replacements?
Harness isn’t just another fundraising tool—it’s a full system built to support your entire donor journey. From automated donor engagement to expert-led strategy, you’re getting more than just tech—you’re getting a team that understands your mission and knows how to grow it.
Can these alternatives help with social media and email campaigns?
Yes, many platforms—including Harness—offer tools that help you create consistent messaging across email and social media. From templates to automated updates and campaign tracking, you’ll have what you need to stay connected with your supporters and grow your reach.
