Venmo and Zelle fundraiser for college clubs: track payments safely
Most college students already pay each other with Venmo or Zelle, so it is the easiest way to collect fundraiser money. The risk is messy tracking: screenshots, mismatched names and payments that land in the wrong place.
Money never touches Cornell Craves. Students pay the club directly over Venmo or Zelle, and there is no commission or fee.
Set it up cleanly
Use an official club account
Route money to a club account managed by your treasurer, not a personal account, so the funds are clearly the organization's. Follow your funding board's and university's rules on how club money is held.
Give every order a reference
Ask buyers to include their order in the payment note so the treasurer can match payment to order.
Confirm before you buy
Only count an order once the payment is confirmed, and place your vendor order after the deadline.
How Cornell Craves helps
Buyers order on the club's listing, see the club's payment handle and pay the club directly. The club confirms each payment in its orders dashboard and can export the order list. Cornell Craves never touches the money, so the payment record stays with your club and your bank.
Keep records for your treasurer
Export the order list, keep your vendor receipt and record the total raised. These three items answer most questions from a funding board or advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Should a club use a personal Venmo for a fundraiser?
It is safer to use an official club account so the money is clearly the organization's and easy to audit.
Does Cornell Craves process payments?
No. Students pay the club directly by Venmo or Zelle. Cornell Craves does not hold or move money.
Does Cornell Craves take a cut of the money?
No. Students pay the club directly through Venmo or Zelle. Cornell Craves never handles or holds the money and takes no fee.
Who can use Cornell Craves?
Clubs must be legitimate Cornell student organizations, and new clubs are reviewed before their first drop goes live. Ordering is for current Cornell students with an @cornell.edu Google account. Cornell Craves is an independent student project and is not run or endorsed by Cornell University. It does not replace any Cornell approval, and each club stays responsible for following university and county rules.
Contact
Questions or want to list a fundraiser? Email [email protected] or message @cornellcraves on Instagram.
Last reviewed: September 2026.