Make a difference for your favorite nonprofit by starting a GoFundMe for your birthday, a marathon, or just because you care.
Start a GoFundMe
Start a GoFundMe
Everything you need to help your fundraiser succeed is here. Start fundraising on GoFundMe today
How to start Tips Examples Resources Questions Why GoFundMe
How to start a GoFundMe
Step 1
Our tools help create your charity fundraiser
Click the ‘Start a GoFundMe’ button to get started. You’ll be guided by prompts to add fundraiser details and set your goal, which can be changed anytime.
Step 2
Share your fundraiser link to reach donors
Once live, share your fundraiser link with friends and family to start gaining momentum. You’ll also find helpful resources for running your fundraiser in your GoFundMe dashboard.
Step 3
Funds are sent securely to the charity
When you start a fundraiser for a verified charity on GoFundMe, our payment processor sends the payment directly to the charity you have selected, meaning you do not need to worry about withdrawls.
Start a GoFundMe
Tips for your charity fundraiser on GoFundMe
Share your “why”
In your fundraising description, share why you are fundraising for the charity. Researching the charity’s website for a quick mission statement or to explain how they live out their cause is also helpful for potential donors.
Use events or moments
One way to help drive donations is to tie your cause back to a timely moment or event. Whether it’s breast cancer awareness month, an upcoming marathon, a birthday, or a random Tuesday that you want to make special, share the date so people can get excited.
Thank and update donors
Easily keep donors updated about the campaign’s progress and thank them for their support. Simple gestures like personalized thank you notes with an ask for additional help in sharing your cause with their networks is easy but powerful.
Examples of charity fundraisers on GoFundMe
Biking for National Parks Swifties unite Help for a Dog Shelter
Biking for National Parks
Timothy has competed in RAGBRAI, an annual cycling event across the state of Iowa, for the last 9 years. He decided to use his experience to help support a cause he cares about- the National Park Foundation! By starting a fundraiser, he raised $1,000 to accompany his great accomplishment of… Read more
Swifties unite against Malaria
When Emily offered to sell her six Taylor Swift tickets at face value if Swifties would come together to help her raise the money to fight Malaria. She started a GoFundMe and has raised over $24,000, nearly five times the amount of her fundraising goal as appreciation for… Read more
Help for a Local Dog Shelter
Nonprofit Bark from the Heart Rescue in Illinois took four small dogs into their care to keep them from potentially being put down. These pups needed work ranging from spays and neuters to vaccinations and bloodwork. With no funds left to help these sweet pups, Bark… Read more
Resources for charity and nonprofit fundraising
Questions about charity fundraising on GoFundMe
How does the charity receive the money I raise?
Funds raised on a charity fundraiser through GoFundMe will be processed through our payment partner, PayPal Giving Fund, who will deliver the funds directly to the charity on your behalf. As the fundraiser organizer, you do not need to do anything to transfer funds to the charity!
What details should I include in a charity fundraiser?
In your fundraiser description, we recommend adding a note about why the charity is important to you. If you are fundraising for the charity as part of an event or moment, include the date to help donors know when they should donate by.
Can I raise my goal if I the financial needs increase?
Yes, you can raise (or lower) your fundraising goal at any time.
I’m running a marathon, as part of my experience can I use GoFundMe to fundraise for a charity?
Yes, hundreds of people have used GoFundMe to fundraise for a charity as part of their marathon or other endurance race. Whether the race you are competing in has a nonprofit program or not, you can use your miles for a great cause by fundraising for your favorite charity.
How much of the money I raise does the charity keep?
There is no fee to start a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe. One small transaction fee of 2.2% + $0.30 is automatically deducted from each donation of a verified charity fundraiser. For more information, visit the GoFundMe pricing page.
Can I raise money on GoFundMe for a charity in memory of my loved one?
Yes, you can fundraise for a charity or nonprofit you care about by selecting “Charity” when prompted to select who you are fundraising for in your GoFundMe setup.
Can I add friends and family as team members?
Yes, if you are fundraising as part of a team, you can add team members to help you run the fundraiser after the fundraiser is set up. Visit this tips article for advice on using team members to help your GoFundMe reach its goal.
I work for a nonprofit, can I start a GoFundMe for my charity?
Yes, starting a GoFundMe for your nonprofit is a great way to quickly crowdfund for a specific need.
What image should I use for my charity fundraiser?
It is recommended that you use a photo or video that brings why you are fundraising to life. For example, if you are fundraising on your birthday, use a photo of yourself holding up a sign for the charity or doing something related to the nonprofit to help potential donors relate. If you don’t want to use a photo, you can use the nonprofit’s logo.
Why fundraise for a charity on GoFundMe?
Did you know that fundraising for a charity can have an even bigger impact than a donation alone? That’s because your fundraiser can raise more than what you alone can give. As the world’s most trusted online fundraising platform, GoFundMe provides the tools and support needed to easily raise funds for your favorite charity. With features like the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee, donors can contribute confidently, knowing their generosity is protected. Whether your charity is creating medical breakthroughs, providing disaster relief, or serving your local community, starting a GoFundMe empowers you to help your chosen charity thrive.
Start a GoFundMe
