GoFundMe’s mission is to help people help each other. We want to create a world in which needs everywhere are met by a rising movement of people ready to help. Whether someone has a medical emergency, is the victim of a natural disaster, or just wants to support a cause they’re passionate about, we want to make it as easy as possible for them to get help when it’s needed. If you’d like a more in-depth explanation of GoFundMe’s fees, we cover these details below.
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Are there crowdfunding platform fees?
For organizers in the US, there’s no fee to start or manage a fundraiser. However, there is one small transaction fee per donation. We also accept optional tips from donors, which is how GoFundMe makes money. Donors can choose to tip GoFundMe, but it’s never required.
What is GoFundMe’s platform fee?
GoFundMe offers simple pricing and powerful fundraising. As mentioned above, there’s no fee to start or manage your fundraiser. However, there isone small transaction fee per donation that covers all your fundraising needs. Everything else goes directly to your cause, because that’s what matters most.
How much does GoFundMe charge for the transaction fee?
GoFundMe charges one transaction fee. So, what percentage does GoFundMe take for transaction fees? It’s always free to start and manage a fundraiser on GoFundMe. To help us cover payment processing, there’s a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation. Learn more about GoFundMe’s fees on our pricing page here.
What’s a transaction fee?
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.
Why tip GoFundMe?
Tipping GoFundMe is appreciated, but never required. 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.
What is a recurring donation fee?
If donors choose to make their donation to a fundraiser on GoFundMe recurring, they pay a fee of 5% per donation to help make this feature possible for our community.
Ready to start a fundraiser?
We keep our pricing simple so you can focus on what matters—raising money for the people and causes you care about. We are passionate about empowering people to quickly get the help they need, and we believe our crowdfunding platform does just that. Now that you know about GoFundMe’s fees for 2022, take the next step in starting your online fundraising journey with us by checking out these easy fundraising ideas. If you need further help with GoFundMe, our Customer Care team is here to support you every step of the way. Sign up today to start a fundraiser.
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FAQs
2. How do the fees work? It's free to start and manage your fundraiser on GoFundMe. To help us cover payment processing, there's a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation.
How much does GoFundMe take from $10,000? ›
Here's the breakdown: GoFundMe doesn't take a platform fee: You can set up a fundraiser for free. Transaction fee: A flat fee of 2.9% + $0.30 is deducted from each donation to cover payment processing.
What is a reasonable amount to ask for on GoFundMe? ›
For this reason, it's wise to set a reasonable and attainable fundraising goal when asking for donations. If your total debt is $10,000, it might be a better idea to set an initial fundraising goal of $3,000. People will be much more willing to help when they feel like their donation can make a big impact.
Does 100% of GoFundMe go to the person? ›
One small transaction fee is automatically deducted per donation. Everything else goes directly to your cause, because that's what matters most. Here's how it works.
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.
How much does GoFundMe take from 5000 dollars? ›
But as much as GoFundMe helps people by raising money, it is also helping itself to a share of the money raised. GoFundMe currently collects a 2.9 percent processing fee and 30 cents on each donation.
Do I pay taxes on GoFundMe? ›
If the money raised on GoFundMe is for a personal cause, such as medical expenses or home repairs, it is typically considered taxable income. However, if the money is raised for a charitable cause, it may not be subject to taxes.
Does GoFundMe refund money if goal not reached? ›
You keep every donation you receive (minus the fees) even if you don't reach your target amount.
What is a normal tip for GoFundMe? ›
The 'optional tip' is pre-set at 15% of the value of the donation, and while they do allow this figure to be adjusted, if donors are not seeing this optional tip option, they are even less likely to know it can be adjusted, and 15% is a pretty hefty fee – well above any fees charged by its nearest competitors.
What is the largest amount ever raised on GoFundMe? ›
List of projects
| Project | Amount raised | As of |
|---|
| America's Food Fund | $45,155,532 | April 6, 2022 |
| Stand With Ukraine | $37,059,792 | |
| Help Chelsea Manning Pay Her Court Fines | $267,000 | March 14, 2020 |
| Buffalo 5-14 Survivors Fund | $5,539,786 | September 20, 2022 |
36 more rowsThe main downside of GoFundMe is that it is an all-or-nothing platform. This means that if you do not reach your fundraising goal, you will not receive any of the money that you have raised. This can be a big risk for startups as they may not be able to raise enough money to reach their goals.
Is there a better option than GoFundMe? ›
Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to GoFundMe include reliability and ease of use. The best overall GoFundMe alternative is Givebutter. Other similar apps like GoFundMe are Donorbox, Classy, Fundly, and Snap! Raise.
What happens to leftover money from GoFundMe? ›
By ending the fundraiser, no one will be able to continue donating, and the account will remain in the original organizer's name. If bank transfers were set up and verified, any remaining funds will be transferred to the bank account on file.
What happens if you don't tip GoFundMe? ›
When donors make a single donation, they can leave an optional contribution to help GoFundMe remain free for people who start a fundraiser. Leaving a tip is certainly not mandatory, and it can be changed to any amount, including 0. By leaving a voluntary tip, you're helping us do more good in the world.
Does GoFundMe charge a fee to cash out? ›
So, what percentage does GoFundMe take for transaction fees? It's always free to start and manage a fundraiser on GoFundMe. To help us cover payment processing, there's a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per donation. Learn more about GoFundMe's fees on our pricing page here.
Is Give Butter better than GoFundMe? ›
GoFundMe is a great place to raise money and is a perfect tool for sharing a campaign far and wide, empowering millions of individual fundraisers. However, when comparing features, Givebutter has much more to offer. Givebutter includes access to donor management tools, customization features, marketing tools, and more.
What percentage of donations does GoFundMe keep? ›
But as much as GoFundMe helps people by raising funds, the for-profit company helps itself to a share of the money raised. GoFundMe collects a 2.9% processing fee and 30 cents on each donation.
How long does it take to withdraw money from GoFundMe? ›
How long do withdrawals take? Most withdrawals take between 5 and 7 business days. You can choose between an electronic bank transfer or paper check delivery during the withdrawal process.
