> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chat.ngo/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chat.ngo/getting-started/chatngo-costs.md).

# ChatNGO Costs

<figure><img src="/files/WTK7vIwhedUnaOgQ0sJg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

ChatNGO is offered **completely free of charge** to nonprofit organizations. There are **no monthly subscription fees, no user fees,** and no additional charges from ChatNGO. This enables nonprofits to leverage AI tools without financial barriers directly through our platform.

However, to access AI functionality within ChatNGO, your organization will need to set up API keys from third-party AI providers such as **OpenAI** (for GPT models) or **Anthropic** (for Claude models). Here is a breakdown of what to expect regarding costs and responsibilities:

### AI Usage Costs

* **Nonprofits are responsible for covering the cost of AI usage directly with the chosen AI providers** (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.).
* Each provider has its own pricing structure for different models. For example, GPT-4 and Claude models have varying rates depending on their capabilities and token usage.
* We recommend that you carefully review the usage fees for each model and provider. Setting up usage limits with each provider is advised to manage and control your budget.

### Suggested Budget

* While the costs will vary based on usage and selected models, we generally recommend budgeting around **$5 per user per month**. This estimate provides a guideline but may differ depending on how often and intensively users interact with the AI models.

### Creating and Linking API Keys

For detailed instructions on how to create and link an API key, please refer to our documentation on [Creating an API Key](/api/how-to-create-api-keys.md). This guide will walk you through the steps needed to connect your workspace to these AI services, enabling your team to access AI-powered features on ChatNGO.

### Monitoring Usage and Setting Limits

* Each model’s usage can add up quickly depending on the volume of interactions. To avoid unexpected costs, regularly monitor your usage and set limits as necessary through your chosen AI provider’s dashboard.
* Both OpenAI and Anthropic provide options to control and monitor API usage, allowing you to set a cap on expenses. We recommend reviewing these tools to help manage costs effectively.

By covering only the direct AI usage costs with third-party providers, ChatNGO provides a cost-effective solution for nonprofits, ensuring they can access the latest in AI technology without incurring platform fees.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.chat.ngo/getting-started/chatngo-costs.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.