Fundraising: Why We Are Free

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GoFundMe is the #1 and most trusted leader in online fundraising

Our crowdfunding platform has helped people around the globe raise over $9 billion for causes that make a difference. Here are just a few other reasons why GoFundMe stands apart from other online donation platforms.

  • We’re the first and only platform backed by a donor protection guarantee, making crowdfunding safe for everyone on our site.
  • There are no signup fees or eligibility requirements, allowing you to get started in minutes.
  • There is no long wait period to receive your money. You can withdraw funds right away.
  • We offer simple sharing tools that make it easy to promote your fundraiser.
  • Our best-in-class Customer Care agents are available to help 24/7 through our Help Center.

How we keep fundraising free

Making crowdfunding available to everyone may have you asking questions like, “Is GoFundMe free?” and, “How does fundraising really work?”

Our community of generous donors allows us to keep GoFundMe. Donors are able to leave a voluntary tip when they contribute to a cause on GoFundMe, and these tips allow us to maintain our platform, continue helping those in need, and pay our dedicated employees.

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Payment processing fees vs. platform fees

It’s important to understand that payment processing fees are different from platform fees.

While GoFundMe fees no longer exist, payment processors like WePay and PayPal charge recipients a standard processing fee (2.9% + $.30 per transaction). This allows for credit card processing and the safe transfer of funds.

These payment processing fees are deducted from the donation total. For example, when someone donates $100 through GoFundMe, the payment processing fee would come to $3.20 (2.9% of the total plus $0.30).

GoFundMe saves you money by charging no platform fee.

Keep more of the money you raise with GoFundMe

Millions of people have used our crowdfunding platform to raise money for themselves or others in need. We hope that our no fee fundraising platform allows you to meet your fundraising goals, find financial relief, and help others who need it most.

First time crowdfunding?

Learn how to be successful with our best practices.

Fundraising tips

Easy ways to maximize donations to your fundraiser.

Fundraising ideas

Simple ways to skyrocket your fundraiser’s reach.

GoFundMe vs other fundraising sites

When looking for the right fundraising site for you it’s important to look at other features besides fees. Here are a few features to look for in addition to no platform fees:

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Fundraising tips and guides

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Fast customer support

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Donor protection

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Team fundraising

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Customizable campaign pages

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Mobile app

4 of the most common questions about crowdfunding

How do I know if crowdfunding is right for me?

The best way to define crowdfunding is to understand that it can work for anybody, and there is no cause too big or too small for crowdfunding. Crowdfunding helps bring people together to help others fundraise and ultimately thrive.

Some people might worry that their fundraiser isn’t as worthy as others—but crowdfunding exists to help an array of people and needs. Whether you want to help your pet, raise money to pay for a memorial, or get help with bills, crowdfunding can allow you to overcome the financial barriers that may stand in the way when you need it the most.

Crowdfunding services are not just for individuals seeking emergency financial aid. Businesses can also use them to raise capital and fund new projects. Entrepreneurs can also use crowdfunding to finance their creative ideas or cover damages caused by burglary.

What are the different types of crowdfunding?

Donation-based crowdfunding: This type of crowdfunding is the most common when looking up “what is a crowdfunding campaign.” In donation-based crowdfunding, people search for and support a cause by donating to it without receiving anything in return.

The person running the fundraiser isn’t obligated to pay back donors or give them anything else in return for their contributions. GoFundMe crowdfunding is one of the major sites that uses donation-based crowdfunding.

Equity-based crowdfunding: In equity-based fundraising, the fundraiser organizer accepts money from people looking to invest, typically to help launch a business. In return, investors will receive small equity in the business or company.

Rewards-based: Through rewards-based crowdfunding on platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter, the fundraiser organizer provides a reward or products to donors, usually a service or physical item, in exchange for a contribution.

Note: GoFundMe only allows donation-based crowdfunding.

Is it okay to raise money for myself?

Absolutely. Feeling nervous about asking for help when fundraising online for personal needs is understandable. However, it’s important to remember that financial difficulties are something that many people go through. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out just how many people are willing to lend a helping hand during tough times.

What is the best way to get more donations?

While there’s no magic formula for crowdfunding the most donations, you can definitely take steps to set yourself up for success. It’s crucial to develop a fundraiser that is captivating and resonates with your community. Investing time into your fundraiser story will inspire your network of friends and family to take action.

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Honest reviews from real users

View some review from real life GoFundMe users.

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