Did Eventbrite Get Rid of Check Payout? What You Need to Know

Eventbrite’s Discontinuation of Check Payouts: Why Schools and Nonprofits Are Turning to Event.Gives

Introduction

Eventbrite, a popular platform for event ticketing and fundraising, has reportedly stopped offering check payouts for organizers, creating significant challenges for schools, nonprofits, and other organizations. This change, not yet reflected in Eventbrite’s official documentation as of April 2025, is particularly disruptive for institutions bound by regulations that require payments via check. Schools, in particular, face barriers due to strict fundraising rules that prohibit digital payout methods like direct deposit or PayPal. Fortunately, Event.Gives emerges as the best alternative, offering robust check payout options and a special promotion in May 2025 for qualifying organizations. This blog explores the impact of Eventbrite’s decision on fundraising proceeds , why schools and nonprofits rely on checks, and how Event.Gives provides a solution.

Eventbrite’s Payout System: A Quiet Shift

Eventbrite has historically supported multiple payout methods, including direct deposit, PayPal, and checks, allowing organizers to choose what best suits their needs. However, recent reports indicate that check payouts have been discontinued, with organizers now directed to digital methods. Eventbrite’s help center highlights direct deposit and PayPal as primary options, with instant payouts for U.S. users, but lacks clarity on the status of check payouts. The status of payouts can be tracked under the 'Processing' label, indicating that the payout will be sent on the next business day. Users can initiate manual payouts through Eventbrite by following specific steps outlined in their account settings. This unannounced change has left many organizers, especially those with regulatory constraints, struggling to access their funds based on the available account balance at the time it was created.

Understanding Payout Methods

Payout methods refer to the various ways you can receive funds from your transactions, such as through a bank account, debit card, or other supported payment methods. Understanding your payout method is crucial to ensuring that you can access your available funds in a timely manner.

In most cases, you can choose from a variety of payout methods, including daily payouts, weekly payouts, or monthly payouts, depending on your business needs. For example, if you have a savings account or a checking account, you can set up your payout method to deposit funds directly into your account. Additionally, some payout methods may offer instant payouts or same-day payouts, allowing you to access your funds more quickly.

It’s essential to review your payout method regularly to ensure that it is working correctly and that you are receiving your payouts on time. You can typically find information about your payout method and payout status in your account settings or by contacting the agency or support team. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your funds are always accessible when you need them.

Setting Up a Payout Method

To set up a payout method, you will need to provide your bank account information, such as your account number and routing number. This step is crucial to ensure that your funds are deposited into the correct account. You may also need to verify your account information to ensure that it is accurate and secure.

In some cases, you may need to re-enter your bank account information or add a new bank account to receive payouts. It’s essential to ensure that your bank account information is up-to-date and accurate to avoid any delays or issues with your payouts. You can usually find the option to set up or update your payout method in your account settings or by contacting the support team.

Once you have set up your payout method, you can typically expect to receive your payouts on the next business day or according to your payout schedule. Note that some payout methods may have fees or requirements, such as a minimum payout amount, so it’s essential to review the terms and conditions before setting up your payout method. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient payout process, allowing you to focus on your fundraising efforts.

Why Schools and Nonprofits Depend on Check Payouts

Schools, nonprofits, and public institutions operate under strict financial regulations that often mandate check payouts for fundraising proceeds. These constraints stem from legal, operational, and compliance requirements, making digital alternatives impractical, especially regarding refunds . Key reasons include:

Refund policies are crucial for schools and nonprofits to manage payouts and account balances, especially when events are cancelled or postponed.

Check payouts provide a tangible paper trail that satisfies auditing and compliance standards, ensuring that money is tracked accurately . Admin roles are essential in managing payout methods, ensuring that the correct user permissions are in place to handle sensitive financial information.

Additionally, schools can determine the best payout method for their needs by evaluating various options and considering factors like payout speed and administrative ease.

1. Regulatory Mandates for Public Funds

Public schools and government-affiliated nonprofits must deposit funds into district- or municipality-managed accounts, subject to rigorous oversight. Regulations, such as those in the U.S. Department of Education’s financial guidelines or state laws (e.g., California Education Code Section 41020), often require checks to ensure auditable, transparent transactions for eligible organization . Direct deposits or PayPal transfers may not align with these district-led accounting systems.

2. Restrictions on Third-Party Platforms

Many schools and nonprofits are barred from using platforms like PayPal due to compliance issues. PayPal accounts, often linked to personal emails, may conflict with institutional banking policies or raise security concerns under laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Checks offer a direct, secure method without third-party intermediaries.

3. Legacy Banking Systems

School districts and smaller nonprofits often use outdated banking systems that cannot easily process direct deposits from platforms like Eventbrite. Checks align with existing workflows, avoiding costly system upgrades or integration challenges.

4. Oversight and Approval Processes

School fundraising, such as PTA or booster club events, requires district or board approval. Checks ensure funds pass through formal documentation processes, as noted by the National Association of State Boards of Education. Digital payouts risk bypassing these controls, leading to compliance issues.

5. Nonprofit Compliance Needs

Nonprofits, including school-affiliated groups, must follow IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) status, emphasizing clear financial records. Checks provide an auditable trail, crucial for IRS audits or state charity reviews, while digital methods may complicate reporting.

The Impact on Schools and Nonprofits

Eventbrite’s removal of check payouts creates significant hurdles for affected organizations:

Schools and nonprofits that rely on these funds may face challenges in managing their budgets and planning events. If schools haven't received their funds, they should report the issue promptly to ensure timely resolution.

Additionally, the transition to electronic payments can result in delayed access to funds, which can disrupt financial planning and operations for these organizations.

To mitigate these issues, it's crucial for account owners to understand the importance of a trace ID. This ID can be provided to banks to help trace and resolve any issues related to delayed or missing payments.

1. Locked Funds

Schools unable to use direct deposit or PayPal may find their fundraising proceeds inaccessible, disrupting budgets for programs like extracurricular activities or facility upgrades.

2. Halted Fundraising

Without check payouts, schools may pause or cancel events on Eventbrite, limiting their ability to raise funds for critical initiatives like classroom supplies or field trips.

3. Administrative Strain

Adapting to new payout methods demands time and resources, burdening already overstretched school staff who must navigate Eventbrite’s support or seek alternatives.

4. Trust Issues

The lack of clear communication about this change risks eroding trust in Eventbrite. Social media, including Reddit, already reflects frustration with payout delays, and this could worsen sentiment.

5. Disproportionate Harm

Smaller schools and nonprofits in underserved areas, often reliant on checks due to limited banking infrastructure, face heightened challenges, which this article helpful highlight exacerbating resource inequities.

Case Study: A School in Crisis

Imagine a rural middle school hosting a band fundraiser on Eventbrite, raising $3,000 for new instruments. District policy requires funds to be deposited via check into a district account for auditing. With check payouts discontinued, the school cannot use direct deposit (due to incompatible systems) or PayPal (banned by district rules). The band program stalls, and the school scrambles to find a new platform, highlighting the real-world impact of Eventbrite’s policy.

Event.Gives: The Best Alternative for Check Payouts

For organizations affected by Eventbrite’s change, Event.Gives stands out as the premier solution. Designed for nonprofits, schools, and community groups, Event.Gives offers a user-friendly platform with robust check payout options, ensuring compliance with regulatory needs. Tip: Make your payout method the default for all events to streamline the process. Key features include:

• Check Payouts: Event.Gives supports check payouts for U.S. organizers, making it ideal for schools and nonprofits bound by check-only policies. Additionally, consider the implications of different settlement currencies when setting up your payout options.
• Low Fees: With competitive pricing, Event.Gives minimizes costs, maximizing funds for your cause.
• Fundraising Tools: The platform supports ticket sales, donations, and auctions, with features tailored for school and nonprofit events. Users can set a default payout method to ensure smooth transactions.
• Compliance Focus: Event.Gives aligns with IRS and state regulations, offering clear financial reporting for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Special May 2025 Promotion

In May 2025, Event.Gives is running an exclusive promotion for qualifying organizations, including schools and nonprofits, that meet their criteria. Eligible groups can access check payouts and other premium features at no additional cost for a limited time. This offer provides a lifeline for organizations transitioning from Eventbrite, ensuring seamless access to funds without regulatory hurdles.

What Can My Organization Do:

If Eventbrite’s discontinuation of check payouts affects your organization, act now:

• Schedule a Call with Event.Gives: Contact Event.Gives’ support team of experts to explore their check payout solution and May 2025 promotion. Schedule your call at Event.Gives Contact to see if your organization qualifies. If you encounter any issues, send details to Event.Gives support for assistance.
• Reach Out to Eventbrite: Ask for clarification on payout options and share how this change impacts your school or nonprofit. Ensure you accept the new payout methods to continue receiving funds.
• Evaluate Alternatives: Compare platforms like Event.Gives, Zeffy, or TicketSpice to find the best fit. Select the platform that best meets your organization’s needs.
• Raise Awareness: Post your experience on social media or forums to advocate for change.
• Check Regulations: Confirm your institution’s fundraising rules to ensure compliance with new platforms.

Conclusion

Eventbrite’s decision to end check payouts, poses a serious challenge for schools and nonprofits reliant on checks for regulatory and operational reasons. This change threatens fundraising efforts and disproportionately impacts underserved communities. Event.Gives offers a lifeline with its check payout support, low fees, and a special May 2025 promotion for qualifying organizations. By scheduling a call with Event.Gives’ expert support team, schools and nonprofits can transition smoothly and keep their missions on track. Eventbrite must address this issue with transparency and solutions to regain trust, but for now, Event.Gives is the clear choice for organizations in need.

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