How GoFundMe Works

So, you’ve decided to start fundraising – maybe for yourself, a good cause, a charity, or to get that creative project you’ve always been dreaming of off the ground. Well, good news – GoFundMe is the best place to do that.

GoFundMe is a custom-build platform for crowdfunding and it’s free to start your fundraiser. All you need to do is think of a snappy title, upload your fundraiser story, and set the page live to see the donations rolling in.

But how does GoFundMe work? Fear not, as this page is here to explain all you need to know. Start your GoFundMe today to get going on your crowdfunding journey.

Start a GoFundMe

Start your fundraiser

The first step in starting your fundraising journey is just that – starting your fundraiser. Once you’ve created your GoFundMe account you’ll need to:

  1. Set your fundraiser goal. How much are you looking to raise? Remember, this can be easily adjusted if you meet your initial target.
  2. Tell your story. Why are you fundraising? Tell your audience about why it’s important to raise this money. Maybe it’s for a charity close to your heart, or a friend in need.
  3. Add a relevant picture or video. This helps to tell your story even further.
  4. Watch a video tutorial.
  5. Then set your fundraiser live and it’s as simple as that – you’re good to go.

If you’d like some more information on how best to hone your fundraising story or read about easy fundraising ideas, take a look at our posts on those topics.

Share with friends

An important part of any successful fundraising journey is sharing your page with anyone you can – friends, colleagues, neighbours! Thankfully in this day and age, the existence of the internet and social media makes this far easier – but don’t forget the value of good old-fashioned posters (with a bit of QR code magic!).

  • Send emails. When you’ve got your fundraiser link, email it out to whoever you can! Do a round-robin for your family and friends with an introduction as to why you’re fundraising.
  • Send text messages. Make use of those group chats and send the link to as many as you can.
  • Share on social media. Harness the power of social media with regular tweets, Instagram stories and Facebook posts.
  • Watch a video tutorial.

For more expert advice, check out our blog post on social media tips that make it easy to promote your fundraiser.

Manage donations

Once you’ve started to see donations roll in, it’s important to acknowledge donors and say thank you. GoFundMe has inbuilt tools to make this easy, but sending emails or texts with personalised thanks is always appreciated.

When you meet certain fundraising goals, it’s also a good idea to post updates saying a general thanks. Remember to update on anything to do with your fundraising journey, too – training, offline fundraising events, and anything you think is relevant to keep generous supporters in the loop.

Start a GoFundMe

Fast and safe

Millions trust GoFundMe as the #1 online fundraising expert. That’s why more people start fundraisers with us over any other platform. By choosing GoFundMe, you’ll benefit from:

  • Trust. We provide the industry’s first and only donor protection guarantee, keeping you safe and protecting you against fraud.
  • Speed. We help families and communities get back on their feet quickly.
  • Tools. Our fundraising tools make it easy for you to create, share, and raise money for your campaign.
  • Reach. Share your story far and wide over email, text, and social media.

Service. Our best-in-class Customer Care agents are available 24/7 to offer guidance and support you every step of the way, whether that’s with easy fundraising ideas or quick advice on getting set up.

Learn more

Success stories

Dr. Elliott Sprague and Family

The Grey Nuns Hospital Community started a GoFundMe fundraiser for their colleague, Dr. Elliott Sprague, and his young family. Elliott is battling metastatic colon cancer and is in the palliative stages of his journey.

He was in the early stages of his career when he was hit with this diagnosis and still has significant financial burdens related to long years of university training, as well as family responsibilities. Funds are being raised to help support his family at this difficult time.

Let’s Surprise Cheptenye Soccer Team with New Cleats & Balls

Sam started a fundraiser to raise money for the Cheptenye High School football team in Kenya, intending to initially raise $3,000 to go towards new football gear for the students. 100% of donations go directly to the students, allowing and encouraging them to continue playing football and helping to bring the community together.

Having hit his fundraising target within two hours, Sam revised the goal to $10,000 for additional philanthropy projects.

Save Mikey’s

Mike Clark’s restaurant ‘Mikey’s’ is being displaced, so he created a fundraising page with GoFundMe to help raise money so he can afford to relocate. He hopes to provide stability for his staff members, as well as all of the musicians who count on their live performance venue and to the future of the greater music community in Calgary.

All of the money raised is going towards the restaurant’s relocation, so he can continue to run his community-minded business.

Become our next success story

Inspired to raise money for a cause close to your heart? Join a community of thousands of Canadians who use GoFundMe every day to realise their fundraising ambitions.

With our fundraising resources, top tips, and easy-to-use crowdfunding platform, you’ll be able to kick-start your campaign in just a few simple clicks. Make a difference in someone’s life today.

Start a GoFundMe