Help With GoFundMe: Top 8 Crowdfunding Questions (2024)

| 4 min read Crowdfunding

Have you recently decided to launch your own fundraiser and you want to make sure you have all the facts before getting started? Maybe you haven’t made up your mind about whether crowdfunding is right for you? Or perhaps you’re wondering why GoFundMe and does GoFundMe take a percentage? Wherever you are in your crowdfunding journey, we want to ensure you get help with GoFundMe fundraising and find all the information you need.

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8 questions about GoFundMe answered

Every fundraising platform is different, so it’s important to understand the fees involved, if customer support is offered, and details about receiving your funds. Below, we answer the top questions about using GoFundMe and how it works. To learn more, check out our video:

1. How much does it cost to set up a GoFundMe?

In the US, there’s no fee to start or manage your fundraiser. Take a look at our pricing page for more information before you start raising funds. To set up a donation page on GoFundMe, organizers will need a phone number, an email address, and a compelling fundraiser story and/or photos that explain why they are fundraising. The organizer will also need a bank account to receive donated amounts.

2. How do the fees work?

A transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 is automatically deducted from each donation, so you never have to worry about paying a bill.

3. What percentage does GoFundMe take?

There is one small transaction fee per donation that covers all your fundraising needs. Everything else goes directly to your cause, because that’s what matters most.

4. How much does GoFundMe keep?

As previously mentioned, there is one small transaction fee per donation that covers all your fundraising needs. It’s important to us that everyone is able to get the help they need—which is why we don’t charge a fee to start a fundraiser. Instead, we accept optional tips from donors that help make it possible for us to offer powerful and trusted fundraising tools, customer support, and a global team of Trust & Safety experts.

5. How long does it take to get your money from GoFundMe?

If you are fundraising for yourself, you will need to complete our payment processor’s standard verification process before funds will be safely delivered to your bank account. This verification process may take up to 10 business days or longer if required verification information is not provided or is determined by our payment processor to be unclear or insufficient. As a fundraiser beneficiary, you may choose to receive funds on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Most of our users choose daily.

6. How does GoFundMe pay you?

Safe and secure fundraising is our top priority. That’s why we partner with industry-leading payment processors like PayPal to accept and deliver your donations.

The transaction fee is automatically deducted from each donation. It covers the costs of credit and debit charges, safely delivering donations, and helps us offer more ways to donate—through credit, debit, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. This is the only fee deducted on GoFundMe to cover all your fundraising needs.

7. Does GoFundMe have a customer service number?

While GoFundMe does not have a customer service number, our Customer Care team is dedicated to helping through email support.

To reach GoFundMe’s Customer Care team, please access this contact page. You can also search our Help Center for common account questions, or read our blog for countless fundraising tips and advice.

8. Where can I share my GoFundMe?

You can share your GoFundMe anywhere and everywhere! The best way to build momentum for your fundraiser is to receive support from people you know. Share your fundraiser on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms, as well as through email, text, or printed flyers. Encourage your family and friends to share your fundraiser with their community, too. With crowdfunding, it’s easy to reach people who are outside of your network.

Start fundraising with GoFundMe today

Whether you’re raising funds to pay medical bills or you’re inspired to do charity crowdfunding to support a cause that’s close to your heart, GoFundMe wants to help. It’s important to note that businesses can also use online fundraising for financial support or to raise money for a new project. What sets GoFundMe apart is our advanced social fundraising tools and our fundraising resources. Take a look at these mistakes successful fundraisers avoid to make sure you maximize donations and reach your fundraising goals. Every day people use GoFundMe to help others from around the world, and you can find support, too. Sign up today to start your fundraiser.

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Help With GoFundMe: Top 8 Crowdfunding Questions (2024)

FAQs

How much does GoFundMe take from $5000? ›

There's no fee to start or manage your fundraiser. However, to help us operate safely and securely, one small transaction fee (2.9% + $0.30, which includes debit and credit charges) is deducted per donation.

What is the best strategy for GoFundMe? ›

Here are the most important steps to take throughout your fundraiser:
  • Tell your story in at least 1-3 paragraphs.
  • Share your fundraiser as soon as you're ready, in more than one place, multiple times.
  • Post an update within 1 week.
  • Set up bank transfers.
Nov 14, 2023

Why is no one donating to my GoFundMe? ›

When people don't feel a personal connection to your fundraiser, they're less likely to donate. The key to fixing this is by sharing personal stories or testimonials that highlight the impact of your cause.

What is the fastest way to raise money on GoFundMe? ›

How to fundraise fast with these easy ideas
  1. Focus on the 'why' ...
  2. List your individual expenses. ...
  3. Reach out to your inner circle first. ...
  4. Add special dates within the fundraiser. ...
  5. Reach out to different types of donors. ...
  6. Get creative with how you share your fundraiser.

How much does GoFundMe charge for $100 donation? ›

How much does GoFundMe charge for a $100 donation? GoFundMe, a for-profit company, applies a 2.9% payment-processing fee for each donation and an additional 30 cents per donation. To illustrate, if a campaign raises $1,000 through ten donations of $100 each, GoFundMe would collect approximately $32.

How much does GoFundMe take out of $3,000? ›

GoFundMe charges one transaction fee—that's it. So, what percentage does GoFundMe take for transaction fees? A transaction fee of 2.9% +$0.30 is automatically deducted from each donation, so you never have to worry about paying a bill. Learn more about GoFundMe's fees on our pricing page here.

How to make a GoFundMe go viral? ›

Let's start with your GoFundMe Campaign Description.
  1. Image is everything. So use an amazing photo for your campaign. ...
  2. Even better. Create a video! ...
  3. Use a descriptive headline that grabs attention. Don't be boring. ...
  4. Make the most of your campaign description.
Dec 1, 2023

Is there a better website than GoFundMe? ›

The best overall GoFundMe alternative is Givebutter. Other similar apps like GoFundMe are Donorbox, Classy, Fundly, and Snap! Raise. GoFundMe alternatives can be found in Fundraising Software but may also be in Nonprofit CRM Software or Auction Software.

What is the largest amount ever raised on GoFundMe? ›

As of December 2021, the most amount of money raised for a personal reason on Gofundme.com is $44 million.

What is the downside of GoFundMe? ›

While GoFundMe can be a helpful tool, raising the full amount you need is not guaranteed. Success depends on how well you can spread the word about your campaign and whether your cause resonates with people. Reaching your fundraising goal requires dedicated time and effort.

How fast does GoFundMe pay you? ›

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.

Can I use GoFundMe to buy a house? ›

So how should you go about crowdfunding a real estate purchase? Here are some tips. Although you could use a mainstream crowdfunding site such as Kickstarter or GoFundMe, it wouldn't be tailored to your particular mission. Specialty real estate crowdfunding sites are designed for various housing goals.

How long does it take to get a GoFundMe approved? ›

How long will it take? After you upload documents, please allow 1-2 business days for verification. Once your documents have been successfully uploaded, it may take an additional 2 or more business days for your funds to be transferred.

What are good GoFundMe ideas? ›

Seven fundraising ideas for inspiration
  • Fund a life-saving surgery for a furry friend. ...
  • Help someone you love fund their college tuition. ...
  • Build an amazing invention. ...
  • Honor someone special in your community. ...
  • Fund an independent student newspaper. ...
  • Do something special for a veteran. ...
  • Help people in your local community.

How do I get my GoFundMe noticed? ›

Tips for promoting your GoFundMe online:
  1. Ensure your fundraiser description is ready. Why are you raising money? ...
  2. Be specific with your ask. People want to see their donations as significant and important. ...
  3. Share regularly. ...
  4. Ask friends and family to share on your behalf.

Why does GoFundMe charge 15%? ›

In place at GoFundMe since 2017, The Tip amount is meant to support the platform itself, covering operational costs and enabling the platform to continue to deliver its services. The platform adds 15% at checkout. Yes, you read that correctly, 15%. It's the default amount they ask of donors to cover site fees.

Is there a better option than GoFundMe? ›

The best overall GoFundMe alternative is Givebutter. Other similar apps like GoFundMe are Donorbox, Classy, Fundly, and Snap! Raise. GoFundMe alternatives can be found in Fundraising Software but may also be in Nonprofit CRM Software or Auction Software.

Does the person get all the money from GoFundMe? ›

One small transaction fee is automatically deducted per donation—that's it. Everything else goes directly to your cause, because that's what matters most.

What happens if GoFundMe exceeds a goal? ›

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.

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