What is GoFundMe and how does it work?

December 11, 2020 08:02 PM AEDT | By Edita Ivancevic
 What is GoFundMe and how does it work?

Image Source: Shutterstock

Summary

  • GoFundMe is a platform where people of all income can start an individual campaign for collecting money.
  • Reasons for the fundraiser could be numerous, from personal travelling, honeymoon, wedding expenses, healthcare treatments, and so on.
  • Users need to sign up for a GoFundMe account, set the financial goal, write a short description explaining for what reason the money is required.

Raising money for any occasion is possible on GoFundMe, an online platform where anyone can start a campaign to crowdsource money from strangers.

GoFundMe is famous for raising thousands of dollars for those experiencing difficulties in life, mostly related to fatal medical conditions. However, many individuals have raised money for different things as well, such as travelling, weddings, pets, sports, business, family, events, etc.

The network does not charge expensive fees for the raised charity money. Instead, it allows its users to have a feeling of reassurance after the foundation expires.

Who can use GoFundMe?

GoFundMe is a platform available to all people, no matter what their income threshold is. It is widely used by individuals, families, businesses, corporations, and so on.

For example, single-parent or low-income families can raise a campaign to pay for their children’s school trips. If business prodigies do not catch an eye from investors, GoFundMe might be a good place to ask for the financial push.

Image Source: Shutterstock

When was the site launched and how much money did it distribute?

The crowdfunding network started its operations in 2010. Within a decade, GoFundMe managed to allocate more than US$5 billion, contributing more than 50 million donors across the globe.

According to the official web page, there have been two million individual campaigns started on GoFundMe. An approximated number of 10,000 campaigns were reported to be created on a daily basis.

How does GoFundMe work?

Unlike some other fundraising websites, individuals that started the campaign can still get the money even if the goal was not met. For example, if a newlywed couple begin a fundraiser for their honeymoon and set the goal at A$10,000, they could still receive the money even if they managed to raise only A$2,000.

The mentioned system had made GoFundMe widely popular, but especially in the US where health costs are costly, so any financial help is more than welcome.

However, before setting a goal, GoFundMe users need to sign up for an account – either using their Facebook account or via an email address.

Once the account is created, users need to inform how much money they want to raise, choose the fundraiser occasion, and write a short description about why they need money.

GoFundMe provides tips for the caption, as donors value honesty and transparency. The more information there is, the more likely it is to raise a higher sum.

Image Source: Shutterstock

How much does GoFundMe charge per donation?

Compared to some other crowd raising platforms, GoFundMe does not charge the user for joining the forum. It is also the cheapest online fundraising provider in the market.

Individual campaigns need to pay US$0.3 per donation, as well as a 2.9 per cent processor fee.

When it comes to charitable events, they need to pay the same amount per donation, but a 7.9 per cent transaction processor fee.


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (Kalkine Media, we or us), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary. Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.


AU_advertise

Advertise your brand on Kalkine Media

Sponsored Articles


Investing Ideas

Previous Next
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.