Inspire Hope
The GoFundMe 2020 Giving Report
A decade of giving
In the past 10 years, GoFundMe has become a household name synonymous with generosity, kindness, and compassion. While so much has changed in the world—especially within the last year—one thing remains the same: It’s human nature to help others.
Throughout the hardships of 2020, we’ve seen an extraordinary outpouring of generosity from a global community that’s united by a desire to take action and help others.
We’ve heard incredible stories of strangers helping strangers and communities rallying behind local businesses in need, and we’ve felt the power of the experiences they’ve shared.
We saw how the simple act of giving changed countless lives.
It’s important to remember that we’re our best when we come together. As we look toward 2021 and enter the next decade of giving, we can build a more caring world and inspire hope for a better tomorrow.
10 years of GoFundMe
A timeline of GoFundMe’s history and evolution—from the very first fundraiser to billions of dollars raised.
May 2010
GoFundMe.com goes live
April 2013
Millionth donation was made
October 2013
Saving Eliza becomes the first fundraiser to raise $1 million
April 2015
Millionth fundraiser started
May 2015
First billion raised
October 2015
100th employee hired
August 2016
First international office opened in Dublin, Ireland
October 2016
GoFundMe Guarantee introduced to protect donors and organizers
January 2017
GoFundMe acquires CrowdRise to expand fundraising to nonprofits
November 2017
GoFundMe eliminates platform fee and moves to a voluntary tip model
April 2019
GoFundMe.org, the advocacy and charitable arm of GoFundMe, launches
December 2019
120 million donations made
September 2020
More than $625 million raised for COVID-19 relief
the number of fundraisers started by GoFundMe’s most prolific organizer
the most generous day of all time
In response to the movement for racial justice and equality, more donations were made on this date than any other day in GoFundMe history
how many times GoFundMe’s most generous donor has donated
Hope around the world
Here are the most generous countries, US states, and US cities in 2020—see if your hometown made the list.
Most Generous Countries
(Number of donations per capita)
1. Ireland
2. United States
3. United Kingdom
4. Canada
5. Australia
6. Netherlands
7. Italy
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Denmark
Most Generous US States
(Number of donations per capita)
1. Massachusetts
2. New York
3. Oregon
4. Washington
5. Vermont
6. Connecticut
7. California
8. Rhode Island
9. Colorado
10. Minnesota
Most Generous US Cities
(Number of donations per capita, population >50,000)
1. Silver Spring, MD
2. Spring, TX
3. Marietta, GA
4. Alpharetta, GA
5. Fort Lauderdale, FL
6. Alexandria, VA
7. Berkeley, CA
8. Evanston, IL
9. Somerville, MA
10. Rockville, MD
of donations were under
donors
Fastest growing categories globally
Donors gave over $44 million to feed America’s most vulnerable populations experiencing food insecurity made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the tragic death of George Floyd, more than 500,000 donors contributed to help the Floyd family seek justice for George.
Donors gave over $8.2 million, which provided 47 million units of PPE and relief supplies to medical professionals courageously working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The world showed up to honor Breonna Taylor’s life after she was fatally shot by police officers in her home. Donors raised $6.7 million for Breonna’s family.
Navajo and Hopi communities have been devastated by COVID-19. Donors have given over $6.5 million to protect high-risk individuals in their communities.
Donors from more than 130 countries helped the thirsty koalas devastated by the bushfires in Australia.
March
The COVID-19 pandemic goes global, forcing businesses to shut down. GoFundMe launches the Small Business Relief Initiative, granting donations to thousands of small businesses in need.
April
America’s Food Fund becomes the largest GoFundMe of all time, raising over $44 million to help people struggling with food insecurity due to COVID-19.
May
GoFundMe partners with the PGA TOUR for the return of televised golf and raises over $5 million for organizations providing COVID-19 relief.
June
The Official George Floyd Memorial GoFundMe receives more donations than any other fundraiser in GoFundMe history.
August
Wildfires sweep the US and people around the country start fundraisers for families affected in California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado.
October
GoFundMe introduces five GoFundMe Causes, which allow donors to come together around an ongoing need to support individuals and charities working to provide long-term relief.
Historic events, historic change
As we navigate the global COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world have continued to show up to help others—raising money for PPE for frontline workers, education supplies needed for remote learning, unemployment relief, and more. In an incredible display of global generosity, donors raised over $625 million for COVID-19 relief on GoFundMe in just six months. The data behind the donations during the pandemic displays an overwhelming message of support: We’re all in this together.
Justice & Equality
In May, George Floyd’s death brought the gross injustices and inequalities faced by people of color to the forefront of the national discussion. In response, people rallied on GoFundMe to support the movement for justice—for George Floyd, for Breonna Taylor, and for the families of so many others. Fundraisers have brought in donations for everything from battling voter suppression to funding legal defense to pursuing law enforcement reform. In response to the need for a more equitable society, GoFundMe started the Justice & Equality Fund in early June. To date, it has raised over $1 million for organizations addressing both urgent needs as well as broader issues tied to systemic racism.
Australia
Most Generous Cities
Number of donations per capita, population >50,000- 1. Bundaberg
- 2. Wagga Wagga
- 3. Mackay
- 4. Mandurah
- 5. Launceston
Fastest growing donor categories
Outside of Emergencies
Canada
Most Generous Cities
Number of donations per capita, population >100,000- 1. Victoria
- 2. Kelowna
- 3. Kingston
- 4. Saskatoon
- 5. Calgary
Fastest growing donor categories
Outside of Emergencies
United Kingdom
Most Generous Cities
Number of donations per capita, population >50,000- 1. Derry/Londonderry
- 2. Cambridge
- 3. Edinburgh
- 4. Bath
- 5. Luton
Fastest growing donor categories
Outside of Emergencies
Ireland
Most Generous Cities
Number of donations per capita, population >50,000- 1. Galway
- 2. Dublin
- 3. Limerick
- 4. Cork
- 5. Waterford
Fastest growing donor categories
Outside of Emergencies
As we reflect on the past and look toward the future of giving, it’s critical that we find new ways to provide immediate relief to those in need, as well as solutions for long-term issues. The expansion of GoFundMe Causes this year—which brings donors, organizers, partners, and charities together around common interests and ongoing needs—is just the first step of many.
Our hope for 2021 is that we can all continue to come together to inspire hope and change lives through giving. Together, we can create a world where we meet adversity with generosity, unity, and hope.