When a medical bill, a funeral, a house fire, or a sudden hardship lands on someone, GoFundMe is where friends, family, and strangers step in. It is the largest personal fundraising platform in the world, built so that anyone can start a campaign in minutes, share their story with a photo, and collect donations directly toward a real need. There are no deadlines and no requirement to hit a goal to keep what you raise, which matters when the situation is urgent. People use it for medical treatment, memorials, emergencies, tuition, adoption, and helping neighbors through a rough stretch. Organizers can post updates so donors see exactly where the money goes, which builds the trust that keeps giving flowing.
What People Use GoFundMe For
- Medical costs: surgeries, treatments, travel to specialists, and recovery time off work.
- Emergencies: house fires, natural disasters, accidents, and sudden job loss.
- Memorials and funerals: helping a family cover costs while they grieve.
- Education and personal goals: tuition, training, starting over, or a creative project.
- Community causes: a school, a team, a local animal rescue, or a neighbor in need.
How Fees Work
GoFundMe does not charge a platform fee on personal fundraisers in many countries, but a payment processing fee is taken from each donation. Donors are also offered the option to leave a tip for GoFundMe at checkout, which is voluntary. Fees can change, so check GoFundMe's current pricing page before you start or give.
If You're Starting a Fundraiser
- Get permission first if you are raising money for someone else, and make sure the money can reach them directly.
- Set a clear, honest goal tied to real costs, and explain how the money will be used.
- Tell your story simply, with a real photo, and post updates as things change.
- Share personally. Most donations come from people the organizer knows and the people they share with.
For step-by-step help, see our guide: How to Start a Fundraiser for Someone in Need (and Actually Get Donations).
If You're Giving: Stay Safe
Most fundraisers are genuine, but scammers sometimes copy real stories and photos, especially after a disaster or a story that goes viral. Before you give:
- Look for a clear connection between the organizer and the person being helped, and check that the beneficiary is named.
- Read the updates. Real campaigns usually post progress and thank-yous over time.
- Give through the official GoFundMe site only, never through a link in an unexpected text, email, or direct message asking you to pay another way.
- When in doubt, give to someone you know or to an established charity instead.
Learn more in our guide: How to Tell if a Charity Is Legitimate Before You Donate.
For anyone who needs help fast, or who wants to give to a cause close to home, GoFundMe is usually the first place to look. Start or find a campaign at gofundme.com.