Francois de Kerret of Zeffy: 5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy
Drawing on my experience at Zeffy and conversations with hundreds of nonprofit leaders, here are five essential components:
1. A clear mission
2. Strong leadership
3. Reliable funding
4. Community support
5. Continuous improvement
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders and leaders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non-Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Francois de Kerret.
François de Kerret is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zeffy, the only 100% free fundraising platform trusted by over 50,000 nonprofits across North America. With a background in technology and a passion for helping others, François started Zeffy to remove fundraising fees so nonprofits can focus on their mission. Nonprofits have raised over $1B through Zeffy, without losing a single dollar to fees.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
Moving from France to Quebec had a big impact on me. When I arrived, I wanted to give back to my new community, but it was difficult to find volunteer opportunities. That gap inspired me to team up with Thibaut Jaurou, now CTO at Zeffy, to create a platform where it is easier to connect with volunteering opportunities and, eventually, that led us to create Zeffy.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
Our success at Zeffy comes down to three key traits:
Ambitious — We move fast. In just five years, we’ve gone from starting in Quebec to helping 50,000 nonprofits across North America. Humanity faces big challenges, and nonprofits play a key role in solving them. But to make the biggest impact, they need the best tools. That’s why we’re here — to help them keep more of the money they raise, work more efficiently, and take on the world’s toughest problems.
Kindness — Kindness is at the heart of Zeffy. We don’t just help nonprofits — we support each other, too. We believe building a better society starts with us. We work as a team, lift each other up, and communicate with honesty and gratitude. Whether through company initiatives or personal involvement, we put our time and energy where it counts.
Simplicity — We believe in simplicity — whether it’s in our product, processes, or how we communicate. High growth doesn’t have to mean complexity. Zeffy is the fastest-growing fundraising platform in North America because it’s powerful yet easy to use. We keep things simple so nonprofits can focus on what truly matters: helping others.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
Nonprofits are under constant pressure to prove their efficiency. Donors, boards, and the public want to know where every dollar goes. Meanwhile, nonprofit leaders are overworked, underpaid, and expected to do more with less. What they need isn’t just more funding — it’s the right tools to make every dollar count. That’s why Zeffy being free is so powerful. Because when nonprofits keep more of what they raise, they can focus on what really matters: their missions.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
Zeffy exists to help millions of nonprofits change the world. We’ve already removed barriers for 50,000 organizations, giving them access to the technology they need. And we’re just getting started. Our goal is to keep building and adding more tools so nonprofits have a single platform for their operations, without the cost.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
I feel incredibly lucky. I had a strong education and a loving family — something that’s far from guaranteed, whether in this city, this country, or around the world. That perspective shaped my sense of responsibility. I want to help those who didn’t have the same start in life, and building Zeffy is how I do it. It’s not just a mission — it’s what drives me every day.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
- Support nonprofits: Volunteer your time, talents and skills, and give generously! If everyone tried donating 1% of their income (or more if you can!) to nonprofit organizations, it would make a huge difference.
- Raise awareness: Follow nonprofits and causes on social media. Reshare their content. This helps to promote the organization, while also educating your network and the general public on the greatest needs and where they can get involved.
- Get involved: Be engaged and interested in your local community. Promote causes and initiatives that address important social issues and help drive change.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?”
Drawing on my experience at Zeffy and conversations with hundreds of nonprofit leaders, here are five essential components:
1. A clear mission
A clear mission guides everything a nonprofit does. For example, Hope Always Foundation gives kids in hospitals personalized tablets for safe entertainment, bringing them joy and connection during tough times.
2. Strong leadership
Great leaders keep the team focused and inspired. Claire Malfaro, founder of Positively Produced Foundation, helps adults with autism gain job skills and opportunities. Her leadership has expanded the organization’s reach and impact.
3. Reliable funding
A steady flow of donations keeps a nonprofit running Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin relies on fundraising for 60% of its budget. By using Zeffy for events, they’ve raised over $35,000 and saved nearly $1,800 in fees. This approach ensures more funds directly support their mentorship programs.
4. Community support
A nonprofit grows when people believe in and support its cause. Loose Ends, which connects volunteers to finish unfinished textile projects, has built a network of 28,000+ volunteers across 65 countries.
5. Continuous improvement
Nonprofits must adjust and grow to meet changing needs. Tied Together, which supports over 26,000 young men, grows its impact by expanding to more schools, refining its mentorship programs, and adapting to the evolving needs of young men in its community.
By focusing on these elements, nonprofits can build a strong foundation, adapt to challenges, and create a lasting impact.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
For me, it’s pretty simple. I look to the nonprofits we partner with. Their determination to keep going despite challenges motivates me to do the same, supporting them with the tools they need.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I’d love to talk with entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dan Pallotta — his work has challenged the way we think about nonprofits and giving, and I couldn’t agree more with his message. Too often, charities are judged by how little they spend rather than by how much impact they create. At Zeffy, we’re tackling this issue head-on by ensuring nonprofits keep 100% of their donations, so they can focus on maximizing their impact instead of minimizing their budgets.
Dan, if you’re reading this — let’s talk about how we can push this conversation even further. Nonprofits deserve the resources to think big, act boldly, and truly change the world.
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
Follow our journey at Zeffy.com — read our blog and sign up for our newsletter, which reaches over 250,000 nonprofits with free tools, updates, and fundraising tips every week.
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
Francois de Kerret of Zeffy: 5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.