Lately, it feels like tipping has become an expected part of nearly every transaction. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or checking out at a self-serve kiosk, you’re likely to be met with a prompt suggesting a generous tip. It’s no surprise that more Americans are questioning when, where, and how much to tip, and whether the system still makes sense.
Recent conversations, surveys, and media coverage all point to the same conclusion: tipping culture is reaching a tipping point.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to a Bankrate survey from June 2025, 63% of Americans report holding at least one negative view of tipping. Even more telling, 41% believe tipping culture has gotten “out of control,” up from 35% the previous year. A Today Show segment echoed this sentiment, reporting that Americans feel overwhelmed by the current tipping environment.
The frustration goes beyond the tip amounts themselves. The way tipping is prompted, often through pre-filled screens, leaves 38% of respondents irritated. Additionally, 27% say these prompts make them tip less or not at all.
Investopedia noted that Gen Z and millennials, in particular, are rethinking tipping norms. Many in these age groups argue that businesses, not customers, should ensure workers are fairly compensated.
The Tipping Landscape is Murky for Fundraisers
NewsNation brought attention to how tipping has expanded into areas where it was once uncommon, such as self-checkouts and fast-casual counters. That same trend is starting to appear in fundraising platforms, where donors are now being asked to tip — not the cause, but the software provider.
In her article, The Illusion of ‘Free’ – Why Donors Deserve Better, Cheddar Up CEO Nichole Montoya explains how these prompts can be confusing and misleading. Donors may assume their entire contribution goes to the cause, only to discover a portion is directed elsewhere. In some cases, they may even reduce their intended donation to offset the added cost.
A little insider tip:
Watch a quick video showing where those platform tips really end up:
A Better Way to Give and Collect
Tipping fatigue is real, and many people are tired of the guesswork. That’s why Cheddar Up keeps things simple. We don’t include tip prompts during checkout, so your supporters can give with confidence, knowing exactly where their money is going.
Whether you’re collecting for a school trip, a team fundraiser, or neighborhood dues, you stay in control. Organizers can set who covers fees, customize receipts, and offer multiple payment options, all without asking payers to tip the platform.
No surprise requests. No added pressure. Just a clear, trustworthy experience that makes giving easy for everyone involved.
Before you go
Ready to offer a more straightforward and trusted way to collect? Cheddar Up makes it simple for you and your community.
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Unleash the Colors: How to Host a Color Run Fundraiser
A color run fundraiser combines the thrill of a fun run with bursts of bright color along the way. Participants start in white and make their way through a course filled with “color stations,” where volunteers toss powder or spray safe, water-based paint so everyone finishes covered head to toe in color.
But it’s more than just a fun event. A color run is a powerful way to raise money from multiple angles. You can collect registration fees, sell extras like t-shirts or color kits, bring in local sponsors, and tap into peer-to-peer fundraising to reach even more supporters.
Even better, it’s easy to organize everything in one place. With a simple collection page, you can manage sign-ups, track payments, and keep donations flowing without the usual hassle.
To get started, there are two great setup options: a standard fundraiser template for straightforward, all-in-one collecting, or a peer-to-peer template that lets participants create their own pages and boost your total even further.
7 Best Online Fundraising Platforms for Your Organization
The best fundraising websites are built to make your life easier. They help you set up a fundraising page, share it with your community, and collect money online without the need for endless spreadsheets or constant follow-up.
Here’s the truth: Not every platform fits every organization. Whether you’re a PTA treasurer raising money for a senior trip or you’re a growing nonprofit ready to level up your fundraising, the fundraising website you choose matters.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what online fundraising websites are, why organizers use them, and what to look for when choosing one. Let’s dive right in! An online fundraising website is a tool that helps you organize fundraising events, collect donations online, and track the success of your campaigns. Think of it as the go-to online place where people can learn about and give to your cause.
The best online fundraising platforms go beyond just payment processing. They allow you to communicate with your team and your donors, manage events, set up peer-to-peer fundraisers, and more.
From coordinating with volunteers to tracking donations, it’s no secret that having the right tool on your side can save time and reduce stress!
How to Host a Trunk or Treat Fundraiser
Planning a trunk or treat fundraiser for your PTA, church, or nonprofit? This step-by-step guide walks through the whole process, from setting admission and pricing trunk spots to collecting sign ups and running the event day. You can set it all up online, and this template gets you started in minutes. A trunk or treat fundraiser is a Halloween event where kids collect candy from decorated car trunks in a parking lot, while the host organization raises money through admission, trunk-spot fees, and concessions. Instead of going door to door, families walk from car to car in a designated parking area, collecting treats from creatively decorated trunks. Each participant, often called a trunker, decorates their vehicle with fun, spooky, or themed displays.
Schools, churches, PTAs, and nonprofits typically host trunk or treat fundraisers in mid- to late October. Because the whole event happens in one contained parking area rather than across a neighborhood, it’s a safe, weather-flexible way to bring the community together and support the organization.
Trunk or Treat Sign Up Sheet: Make It in 5 Minutes or Less
Create a haunting, all-in-one sign-up sheet for a trunk-or-treat event in just minutes – free! Includes registration and volunteer time slots. The most ghoulishly fun season is creeping up, which means it’s time to set up your trunk or treat sign up sheet. Building the whole thing online takes a few minutes (easily the least scary part of your season!). If you organize for a PTO, church, HOA, or scout troop, you get one place to collect attendee registrations, sign up trunk hosts and volunteers, and take payments for entry or food. This guide walks you through it with an online sign up sheet template, including how to set up registration and volunteer sign-ups on the same page. The fastest way to create a Trunk or Treat sign up sheet? Skip the blank page. Cheddar Up’s Trunk or Treat template gives you a ready-to-customize starting point with registration, donation items, waivers, and volunteer sign ups already built in. Just add your event details, make it your own, and share the link with your community.
