Learn more about fundraising, donating, or sharing on GoFundMe.
Questions about fundraising
How do I start a GoFundMe?
View our full guide on how to start a GoFundMe for inspiration, examples, tips, and more.
How does GoFundMe work?
Here’s how fundraising on GoFundMe works:
To get started, just tap the green ‘Start a GoFundMe’ button. After a few questions to help set up your fundraiser – including setting a goal – you’ll then write your fundraising story or, if you’re on the app, you can record a video. Next, you’ll customise your fundraiser, adding details to let potential donors understand your cause.
Even if you haven’t met your fundraising goal, you can set up daily transfers to your bank account to receive money. If you need us, we’ll be there every step of the way with fundraising tips and support. Ready to get started? Start a GoFundMe
What can I raise money for?
We see people use GoFundMe to raise money for themselves, friends and family, or even complete strangers in random acts of kindness. People raise money for just about everything, including medical expenses, education costs, volunteer programmes, youth sports, funerals & memorials, and even animals & pets.
We’re always amazed at the ways people use GoFundMe to raise money. Check out some recent success stories, or see how GoFundMe works.
How does GoFundMe keep fundraisers safe?
GoFundMe features the very best in secure payment encryption technology. Your donors’ online payments are safe, and your money is stored securely until you’re ready to request a withdrawal via electronic bank transfer.
How do I withdraw funds from my fundraiser?
Once your GoFundMe starts receiving online donations, you can easily request a withdrawal at any time. Withdrawing money does not affect the progress meter displayed on your fundraiser. Simply click ‘Withdraw’ while logged in to your account and follow the instructions. You can withdraw your balance directly to your bank account. Bank transfers take 2-5 business days to arrive. Learn how to start withdrawals
Can a friend withdraw the money that I raise for them?
Yes. GoFundMe makes it easy for another friend or family member to securely access the funds you have raised. Through GoFundMe, they will receive direct access to the money you have raised. Please note: You will not be able to enter their bank information during the withdrawal process; they will need to do this themselves. Learn how to invite a beneficiary
Are there any deadlines or time limits?
Although there are important withdrawals deadlines you’ll need to observe to avoid donations being refunded to donors, your fundraiser will remain live until you choose to turn off donations or remove the fundraiser altogether. Most organisers leave their fundraisers active indefinitely to refer back to the kind comments and support they received. Learn more
What if I don’t reach my goal?
No problem. Reaching your goal is not required. With GoFundMe, you keep each and every donation you receive. Your fundraiser will be able to accept donations even after your goal is reached. Once the goal is reached, the progress meter on your fundraiser will show that you have received more than your goal amount. If you’d like to continue raising money, you can keep your fundraiser running for as long as you’d like. Learn more about goals
How do I get donations?
GoFundMe provides an easy way to raise money from your friends, family, and online community. Our platform makes it simple to share your fundraiser in a variety of ways to bring in donations, track your progress, and post updates to engage your community. Check out our fundraising tips and fundraising ideas for advice on how to raise more donations.
Is my country supported?
Check our list of supported countries and currencies to ensure that your country is supported.
Questions about donations
What is the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee?
We are proud to offer the first and only donor protection guarantee: the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. Every day, thousands of people get the help they need from generous donors. Our team of Trust & Safety specialists work night and day to make sure that funds get to the intended recipient, every time. We guarantee you a full refund in the rare case something isn’t right. Whether you donate to a fundraiser for a person or a charity, you’re protected.
How is my donation protected?
The GoFundMe Giving Guarantee protects your donation. Donations of any amount are covered for one full year after you donate. Your donation is protected, wherever you donate from.
You are making the world a better place for someone every time you give. We believe it’s our responsibility to protect your kindness – by protecting your donation. Donate with peace of mind. Only on GoFundMe.
What do people fundraise for?
Here are some examples of the fundraisers we’ve seen on GoFundMe for a range of brilliant causes.
Security System for Miller’s Ark
Little Moon, a baby donkey at Miller’s Ark sanctuary in Hampshire, was stolen in “broad daylight” back in 2023. A kind supporter decided to fundraise for a security system to be installed there to prevent similar happening again and managed to raise more than £7k. Thankfully, Little Moon was found safely too.
Chesterfield Flood Victim Appeal
Storm Babet hit the UK and battered it hard, causing widespread flooding, damage and devastation. In Chesterfield, homes were ruined and businesses destroyed. The community came together to donate a massive £100,000 to an appeal to help those affected get back on their feet.
Save Salford Lads and Girls Club
Salford Lads and Girls Club is an iconic youth club in Salford, near Manchester. It has been a lifeline for young people in that area for decades, but at the end of 2024 they announced that they were having funding issues. The Manchester Evening News decided to spring into action to help, starting a GoFundMe to raise the £250,000 needed for them to keep running. They met and smashed that target.
Help me fight Cholangiocarcinoma to prolong my life
Sarahjane is just 43 and a mum to six children, but has been diagnosed with rare cancer cholangiocarcoma – an aggressive disease located in her bile duct. She wants to explore every option she can to extend her time with her family and is fundraising for a 12 month dentric cell infusion programme, which could potentially lead to remission. The treatment costs £50,000 in total, so Sarahjane has started a GoFundMe to help.
Fundraising tips
Here’s some simple fundraising tips to get you started.
Writing your fundraiser story
Your fundraiser story is one of the first steps you take when starting a GoFundMe. It’s the place where you can really lay out why you’re fundraising for your good cause and why it’s close to your heart. Go into as much detail as you can with where the money will go and who it will help, adding pictures and even video to help to illustrate this. A well-written fundraiser story will capture potential donors.
Sharing your fundraiser
When you’ve set your fundraiser live, shout about it! Share your fundraiser link on social media platforms when you’ve started it and keep sharing it through your journey. That might be when you’ve met a fundraising goal, if you’ve taken part in a fundraising event, completed a certain stage of fitness training… keep the momentum going. Make sure to utilise your group chats, email lists, Facebook groups that you’re in to really spread the word around your community.
Post updates
Much like sharing on social media, it’s important to keep posting updates at any stage you can of your fundraising journey. Not only does it keep your donors in the loop, but it means the page looks fresh and active. You can post pictures to your updates on GoFundMe, too! When you’ve posted one, make sure to share your page again.
Thank your donors
A really important step of any fundraising journey is to show appreciation for those who have supported you. You can thank your donors on GoFundMe when they contribute, but also think about writing a personalised note, letter or email detailing exactly how much their donation means to you. By doing this you make people feel valued and also may help to build connections for future fundraising.
