GoFundMe alternatives you should use instead

Summary

Raising money for different things can have its challenges. In today’s funding climate “Go Fund Me” is a staple, but what if you don’t want to be aligned with Go Fund Me? If you are looking for an alternative to Go Fund Me, you are in luck. In this post, Jonathan lists a handful of alternatives here and describes the benefits of each tool. 

 

Fundraising Platform Comparison: Unveiling the Top Alternatives to GoFundMe

Fundraising is a critical part of making positive changes and supporting important causes. GoFundMe has become a household name in this area, offering a platform where individuals, nonprofits, and other groups can raise money for different needs. However, even though GoFundMe is well-known, there are various reasons to consider alternatives. Some people might look for platforms with lower fees, other features, or a focus on particular types of fundraising.

Different platforms have different strengths. For example, some platforms might provide better tools for nonprofit organizations, while others are more suitable for personal fundraising campaigns. Factors like platform fees, payment processing fees, and the flexibility to create personalized fundraising pages can influence the choice of platform. Some may have a flat payment processing fee, like 2.9%, and others might have additional charges per transaction. Whether someone is looking to fundraise for medical expenses, creative projects, or community initiatives, choosing the right platform can significantly impact the success of their fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways

• There are alternatives to GoFundMe that cater to diverse fundraising needs with varying fee structures.
• Effective fundraising platforms offer specialized features for individuals, nonprofits, and various campaigns.
• Choosing the right platform is critical to maximizing fundraising success and engaging donors efficiently.

Why Should You Take a Look at an Alternative to GoFundMe?

When aiming to raise money online, it’s important to explore various fundraising platforms to find the one that suits their needs. GoFundMe is known for its ease of use and wide recognition, but alternative platforms may offer benefits that align better with specific fundraising goals. Here are some reasons to consider alternatives:

• Platform Fees: Alternative platforms might have lower platform fees, allowing more donations to go directly to the cause.

• Features: Some platforms may offer different features, such as personalized fundraising pages, peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities, or tools tailored for nonprofit fundraising.

• Flexibility: Certain alternatives could be more flexible regarding the campaign types they support, which may be crucial for niche or unique fundraising events.

• Payment Processing Fees: It’s vital to compare payment processing fees as they vary. Some competitors might offer lower or even zero payment processing fees.

• Community Engagement: Some alternatives specialize in creating a more robust community engagement around the fundraising effort, which could help reach the fundraising goal.

• Nonprofit Support: Nonprofits might find platforms explicitly designed for their needs, providing more relevant tools and resources than a general-purpose platform like GoFundMe.

Here is a list of aspects one might consider when looking for a GoFundMe alternative:

• Lower platform and transaction fees
• Specialized fundraising tools
• Customizable fundraising pages
• Nonprofit-specific features
• Different types of fundraising support
• Enhanced social sharing capabilities

By considering different crowdfunding sites, individuals and organizations can maximize their fundraising success and ensure they use the best tool available for their unique situation.

Here Are Some of the Top GoFundMe Alternatives

Several platforms serve as alternatives to GoFundMe when looking to raise money online. Each provides different features and benefits tailored to a variety of fundraising needs.

 

Fundly allows for a visual storytelling approach, where individuals and nonprofits can create compelling campaigns. They charge a standard platform fee along with a payment processing fee.

Givebutter is a free-to-use platform that supports various types of fundraising efforts. They offer personalized fundraising pages and focus on social fundraising. Transaction fees are required for payment processing.

Kickstarter is best known for helping creative projects come to life. They use an all-or-nothing model where funds are only collected if the fundraising goal is met. Kickstarter charges a 5% fee on the collected funds and payment processing fees.

Indiegogo is similar to Kickstarter but offers more flexibility with fixed and flexible funding campaigns. This site also charges a platform fee and credit card processing fees.

Crowdrise by GoFundMe focuses on charity and nonprofit fundraising. It is designed for those who want to engage in charitable and personal causes, specifically event fundraising.

Below is a comparison table highlighting key details:

Platform	Platform Fee	Payment Processing Fee	Best For
Fundly	Varies	2.9% + $0.30 per trans.	Visual storytelling campaigns
Givebutter	Free	0.5-1% + Credit Card Fee	Social fundraising
Kickstarter	5%	3-5%	Creative projects
Indiegogo	Varies	3% + $0.30 per trans.	Flexible funding options
Crowdrise	Varies	2.9% + $0.30 per trans.	Nonprofit and event fundraising

These platforms present unique tools and fees that cater to different types of fundraisers and donors. It’s important for individuals and organizations to consider these alternatives when planning their next fundraising campaign.

Fundly

Fundly is a crowdfunding platform focused on helping individuals and nonprofits raise money for various causes. Unlike some platforms that charge a fee, Fundly ensures anyone can start a campaign without upfront costs. It is known for using a tiered pricing structure, where the payment processing fee depends on the amount raised.

Users appreciate Fundly’s user-friendly interface and the ability to create personalized fundraising pages. The tool’s design aspects, including videos and photo galleries, engage donors and help share the campaign across social networks.

Nonprofits often choose Fundly because it offers peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities. This encourages supporters to create their fundraising pages linked to the primary campaign. The social nature of Fundly can increase visibility and, ultimately, donations.

Each transaction on Fundly incurs a standard payment processing fee plus a small platform fee. Specifically, Fundly charges a 2.9% processing fee plus $0.30 per transaction. These fees are typical for the industry and go towards maintaining the platform and the services provided.

Campaign creators find Fundly’s mobile app especially useful, as it allows for management of their campaigns on the go.

To summarize, Fundly provides a flexible fundraising solution with features that can be valuable for individuals looking to cover personal expenses and nonprofits seeking funding for their causes.

Paymattic

Paymattic is a comprehensive payment solution designed to streamline fundraising for organizations, nonprofits, and individual campaigns. This platform offers users a wide array of financial tools, allowing for efficient online management of donations and payments.

Features of Paymattic:

• Automated Recurring Donations: Paymattic allows donors to set up regular contributions, easing the process for both the donor and the receiver.
• Multiple Payment Gateways: It supports numerous payment options, which include major credit cards and alternative payment methods.
• Customizable Forms: Users can create personalized fundraising pages to match their campaign’s unique needs.
• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Facilitates supporters to raise funds on behalf of the organization, expanding the reach of campaigns.

The platform is equipped with a payment processing system that handles transactions smoothly. However, it is pertinent to note that Paymattic comes with payment processing fees. These fees typically involve a per-transaction percentage and a fixed amount, similar to other platforms.

For nonprofits, Paymattic provides specific offerings that cater to their unique needs, ensuring a more tailored fundraising experience. The platform’s user-friendly interface emphasizes efficiency and clarity in the payment process.

A notable aspect of Paymattic is its commitment to security. It employs robust measures to protect financial data and transactions, ensuring peace of mind for both fundraisers and donors.

Organizations looking for an alternative to GoFundMe or similar platforms may find Paymattic a viable option, mainly due to its versatility in supporting diverse fundraising initiatives—from medical expenses to nonprofit fundraising.

Classy

Classy is a fundraising platform that caters to nonprofits looking to boost their fundraising capabilities. It is an alternative to GoFundMe, particularly for organizations seeking a more tailored experience. They offer tools designed to engage donors and streamline the donation process.

Nonprofits can create personalized fundraising pages on Classy, making it easier to tell their story and connect with potential donors. It supports fundraising efforts, such as peer-to-peer campaigns, events, and annual giving programs. Classy’s platform is versatile, and it includes features like event registrations, ticketing, and recurring donation options, which benefit nonprofits looking to raise funds efficiently.

Key Features:

• Personalized fundraising pages
• Recurring donations
• Event registration and ticketing
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics

The platform charges a standard transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction, which includes credit card processing fees. This is similar to what other platforms charge. However, Classy prides itself on delivering a high-quality experience, focusing on engagement and donor retention.

They provide fundraising tools and resources to help organizations reach their goals. Classy’s customer service and support system are designed to assist nonprofits through every step of their fundraising campaign.

Nonprofits can also use Classy to organize large-scale fundraising events and campaigns, leveraging the platform’s ability to handle high volumes of donations and participants. This makes Classy a robust solution for those looking to raise significant funds and engage with a broad audience.

Givebutter

Givebutter is a modern fundraising platform that has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and versatile features. Nonprofits, individuals, and groups may use it to raise money without the burden of a platform fee. They offer options for multiple fundraising efforts, such as events, campaigns, and team fundraising.

Key Features:

• Free to use: No platform fee; relies on optional tips by donors.
• Payment Processing Fee: A standard 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
• Personalized Fundraising Pages: Users can customize their fundraising pages to suit their campaign.
• Wide Range of Fundraising Tools: Includes member management, ticketed events, and peer-to-peer fundraising.

The platform allows users to engage donors through storytelling and media integration, which can help make their campaign more compelling. Payment processing on Givebutter is straightforward, accepting various payment methods, including credit cards and Venmo.

Payment Methods Accepted:

• Credit/Debit Cards
• Venmo
• PayPal

In fundraising, Givebutter positions itself as a competitive alternative to platforms like GoFundMe, especially for those seeking more features to support their fundraising needs. Their comprehensive approach to fundraising makes it a reliable tool for anyone looking to raise money online, from medical expenses to nonprofit projects.

GiveWP

GiveWP is an effective platform for online fundraising, specially catered to nonprofits and individuals seeking an alternative to GoFundMe. The platform enables users to create personalized fundraising pages and execute successful campaigns.

Features:

• Customizable Donation Forms: Users can customize donation forms to match their branding.
• Recurring Donations: Allows donors to give regularly without re-entering their details.
• Donor Management: Provides tools to manage and communicate with donors effectively.

Fees:

• No Platform Fee: GiveWP doesn’t charge a platform fee.
• Payment Processing Fee: Standard payment processing fees apply depending on the payment gateway.

Fundraising through GiveWP is straightforward. Once the fundraising goal is set, the campaign goes live, and donors can start contributing. The platform supports various payment methods to make transactions easy for donors.

Campaign Types:

• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Enables supporters to raise money on behalf of the organization.
• Fundraising Events: Users can sell tickets and manage events directly through the platform.

GiveWP is often seen as a robust solution for raising money. With comprehensive tools for tracking and reporting, organizations can monitor their fundraising efforts and engage with their supporters efficiently.

One notable advantage of GiveWP is its emphasis on building long-term donor relationships, vital for recurring support. With its user-friendly interface, GiveWP stands out as a reliable and effective fundraising platform for nonprofits and personal campaigns.

Indiegogo

Indiegogo is a crowdfunding website that stands out as a dynamic platform for both creative projects and inventive products. Unlike other platforms, its scope is broad, catering to various projects, including tech innovations, community improvements, and art endeavors.

Critical Aspects of Indiegogo:

• Flexibility: Campaign creators can choose between fixed or flexible funding. Fixed funding means all contributions are returned if the goal is unmet; flexible funding allows creators to keep all funds raised.

• Fees: Indiegogo charges a 5% platform fee on all funds raised for a campaign. Additionally, there is a payment processing fee, usually around 3%, plus $0.30 per transaction.

• Campaign Types: They support a variety of campaigns:

  • Product Launches: Great for bringing new ideas to market.
  • Creative Works: Suitable for artists, filmmakers, and musicians.
  • Community Projects: Helps support local and global causes.

• Funding Options:

  • InDemand: This lets campaigns continue to raise money after hitting initial goals.
  • Backer Insurance: Contributors can choose insurance on their backing, providing an extra sense of security.

Reach & Engagement:

• Global Platform: Indiegogo has a widespread reach and supports campaigns worldwide.
• Promotions: They offer promotional tools and analytics to help campaigners understand and grow their donor base.

Success Rate: They have hosted successful campaigns like Flow Hive and BauBax, but remember that success is not guaranteed. Campaign effectiveness depends on marketing, the appeal of the project, and often, the persistence of those who create and promote it.

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform for creative art, music, film, technology, and design projects. Creators present their project ideas to the public, seeking financial backing from individuals interested in supporting their endeavors. The platform operates on a pledge system where backers are only charged if the project meets its fundraising goal by a specified deadline. This all-or-nothing approach motivates creators to promote their projects actively.

Key Features:

• All-or-nothing funding: Projects must reach their goal to receive any money.
• Project categories: Offers a range of creative categories for fundraising.
• Backer rewards: Creators often offer tiered rewards for different levels of pledges.

Fees:

• Platform fee: 5% of the total funds raised.
• Payment processing fee: Ranges from 3% + $0.20 to 5% + $0.05 per transaction.

Kickstarter allows individuals and organizations to pitch their projects by creating a detailed fundraising page. These pages include videos, images, and a story that explains the project’s purpose and potential impact.

Payment Process:

• Creators set a funding goal and a timeline.
• Backers make pledges via credit cards.
• Funds are collected only if the goal is met by the deadline.

Unlike GoFundMe, which is used for various personal causes, Kickstarter focuses on bringing creative projects to life. To ensure a successful campaign, creators must actively engage with their community and communicate their vision to potential backers.

Bonfire

Bonfire is a fundraising platform that assists individuals, nonprofits, and communities in generating funds by selling custom apparel. They handle everything from printing to shipping, allowing users to raise money through merchandise without worrying about upfront costs. The process is straightforward:

1. Design your product using Bonfire’s intuitive tools.
2. Set your price and campaign duration.
3. Promote your campaign to potential supporters.
4. Supporters purchase products, and profits go toward your cause.

Key Features:

• User-friendly design interface.
• High-quality apparel options.
• No upfront costs; pay only if shirts are sold.
• Social media integration for easy sharing.

Fees: While launching a campaign is free, Bonfire deducts a base cost for product production and a small percentage as a platform fee. Payments are secure, with a standard payment processing fee for transactions.

Financial Details:

• Base cost: Varies by product.
• Platform fee: Small percentage per transaction.
• Payment processing fee: Industry standard.

Bonfire is praised for its dedicated customer support and the ability to create highly personalized fundraising pages. It suits a variety of fundraising efforts, from personal fundraising for medical expenses to large-scale nonprofit fundraising events.

Their platform allows fundraisers to sell custom apparel directly to their supporters, including t-shirts, hoodies, and more. Notably, there is a strong emphasis on community and storytelling to encourage donations and sharing.

Usage:

• Individuals raising funds for personal causes.
• Nonprofits seeking creative fundraising ideas.
• Communities and groups organizing fundraising events.

For those searching for a GoFundMe alternative, particularly those looking to raise funds by selling custom merchandise, Bonfire offers a robust solution that balances ease of use with comprehensive fundraising tools.

Patreon

Patreon operates differently from typical crowdfunding sites. It’s a platform that allows content creators to receive funding directly from their audience on a subscription basis. Unlike GoFundMe, a widely used platform for one-time fundraising events, Patreon is designed for ongoing support.

Monetization Model: Patreon content creators offer exclusive content and experiences to their supporters, known as “patrons,” in exchange for a monthly subscription fee. The platform is mainly used by artists, musicians, podcasters, and writers who wish to monetize their craft and engage with their audience on a deeper level.

Fee Structure:

• Patreon takes a 5% commission on the money creators earn.
• Payment processing fees vary but are typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

Service Offerings:

• Membership tiers: Creators can set up different membership levels with varied rewards.
• Community tools: Allows for interaction between creators and their patrons.
• Flexible payouts: Creators can withdraw their earnings monthly.

Creators appreciate Patreon for its ability to provide a steady, recurring income. This helps them focus on their work without the pressure of traditional fundraising campaigns. The platform enables creators to form a community of patrons who support their work over time. It’s an effective fundraising tool for those seeking a long-term solution to funding their projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some popular crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits?

A: Some popular crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits include Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Donorbox, Give Lively, and Mightycause.

Q: What is the best GoFundMe alternative for donation-based fundraising?

A: Donorbox is considered one of the best GoFundMe alternatives for donation-based fundraising due to its user-friendly interface and low processing fee of 2.9%.

Q: How can I increase fundraising success for my nonprofit?

A: To increase fundraising success for your nonprofit, consider using platforms like Give Lively or Mightycause that offer tools for creating engaging fundraising campaigns and reaching a wider audience.

Q: What are some practical fundraising ideas beyond GoFundMe?

A: Some practical fundraising ideas beyond GoFundMe include organizing virtual events, launching peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and leveraging social media to raise funds for your cause.

Q: Are online fundraising platforms offering lower processing fees than GoFundMe?

A: Yes, platforms like Donorbox and Give Lively offer lower % processing fees of 2.9% compared to GoFundMe, making them cost-effective alternatives for online fundraising.

Q: How can I find the best GoFundMe alternative for my nonprofit’s fundraising needs?

A: You can find the best GoFundMe alternative for your nonprofit’s fundraising needs by comparing features, processing fees, and user reviews of different crowdfunding platforms before deciding.

Q: Which crowdfunding platform allows for the most successful fundraising campaigns?

A: Kickstarter is known for enabling successful fundraising campaigns due to its large user base, strong community support, and reputation for launching innovative projects.

Final Thoughts

Individuals and nonprofits should consider each service’s cost-efficiency and features when selecting a fundraising platform. GoFundMe is a popular choice, but alternatives like Fundly, Givebutter, and others can also be suitable depending on one’s unique needs.

• Platform Fees vary widely, with some platforms opting for a no upfront fee model and instead charging a per transaction or payment processing fee.
• Crowdfunding Options can range from personal fundraising for medical expenses to nonprofit fundraising for a cause.
• User Experience: Some platforms may offer personalized fundraising pages and social fundraising tools to help engage potential donors.
• Payment Processing Fees: These are usually standard across platforms, often around 2.9%.

Different platforms may excel in distinct areas, such as peer-to-peer fundraising, ease of use, or specific campaigns like events or team fundraising. Users are advised to identify platforms that:

• Align with their fundraising goals
• Offer the right balance between features and fees
• Provide robust customer support

Fundraisers must read the fine print, understand the cost implications, and ensure the chosen platform aligns with their fundraising strategy. Free platforms may be available, but standard payment processing fees are still required. As the online fundraising landscape evolves, one should stay informed about new and emerging platforms that could better serve their fundraising efforts.