Start an Emergency Fundraiser on GoFundMe
When life brings unexpected moments, look to your community for help. GoFundMe is a trusted way to quickly fundraise for the funds you need.
Start a GoFundMe
Everything you need to help your fundraiser succeed is here. Start fundraising on GoFundMe today
How to Start a GoFundMe
Step 1
Our tools help create your fundraiser
Click the ‘Start a GoFundMe’ button to get started. You’ll be guided by prompts to add fundraiser details and set your goal, which can be changed anytime.
Step 2
Share your fundraiser link to reach donors
Once live, share your fundraiser link with friends and family to start gaining momentum. You’ll also find helpful resources for running your fundraiser in your GoFundMe dashboard.
Step 3
Securely receive the funds you raise
Add your bank information to securely start receiving funds or invite your intended recipient to add theirs. You don’t need to reach your fundraising goal to receive your money.
Tips for your emergency fundraiser on GoFundMe
Examples of emergency relief fundraisers on GoFundMe
Tornado relief
Maui wildfire relief
Rebuilding after fire
Tornado relief
After a tornado caused damage throughout Kansas, a family was faced with significant destruction to their home. Their community came together to support the GoFundMe raising money for temporary housing, essentials, and rebuilding costs.
Maui wildfire relief
After the wildfires devastated the Lahaina community, a GoFundMe was started for a local crew. Donors across the world showed up to help them rebuild.
Rebuilding after fire
When Texas wildfires left her mother’s home in ashes, James started a GoFundMe to help her with temporary living arrangements and get back on her feet. He raised more than $5,000 with donations from the community.
Resources for emergency relief fundraising
Questions about emergency relief fundraising on GoFundMe
Can I start a fundraiser for myself or my family?
Yes, millions of people have started a fundraiser on GoFundMe for themself or their family amidst a financial crisis. Rebuilding and recovering after a natural disaster, unexpected bills, and many more emergency use cases find support though crowdfunding.
How do I set up a fundraiser so that someone else receives the money?
If you want to support someone you know through a difficult situation, we recommend first asking them if they are ok with you starting a fundraiser on their behalf. Once you set up the fundraiser, you can invite them to set up bank transfers so they will receive the money directly. Learn more about inviting the person you are fundraising for to receive funds.
What details should I include in my emergency relief fundraiser?
Include as many details as you feel comfortable about what happened, what you need to raise money for, and how the funds will be used. If applicable, estimating the costs of what you need will also help donors decide how much to donate. For example, if you are fundraising for a new roof after a storm, listing your estimated price builds confidence with donors by helping them know how money will help you.
Can I raise my goal if I the financial needs increase?
Yes, you can raise (or lower) your fundraising goal at any time.
How long will it take to receive the money raised?
The process of setting up and verifying transfers can take 3-7 business days or longer to complete. Then, once your first transfer is sent, it will take on average 2-5 business days for the funds to safely be deposited into the bank account on file.
How much of the money will I keep?
One small transaction fee (2.9% + $0.30) is automatically deducted per donation—that’s it. Everything else goes directly to your cause. For more information and to estimate what you will receive, check out the GoFundMe pricing calculator.
Can I raise money on GoFundMe for a charity that provides disaster relief?
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Can I invite friends or family to help me run the fundraiser?
Yes, you can add team members to help you run the fundraiser after the fundraiser is set up. Visit this help center article for a step-by-step guide to adding team members to your GoFundMe.
What countries are supported to fundraise for on GoFundMe?
There are currently 20 countries where our payment processors can send funds. Review our list of supported countries and currencies to help ensure that your country is supported.
Why start an emergency fundraiser?
Starting a fundraiser on GoFundMe for emergency relief provides a critical support network in times of unexpected crises, such as natural disasters, accidents, or urgent community needs. Millions of people have started a fundraiser to address immediate necessities like emergency relief, medical bills, repairs, and basic needs during unprecedented events. GoFundMe empowers users to share their immediate needs and provide donors with a secure way to support them. Whether it’s aiding in the aftermath of a disaster, supporting a family suddenly facing a loss, or rallying community support for urgent local needs, GoFundMe is a tool for your community to turn compassion into tangible assistance, ensuring that help arrives when it’s needed most.