2025 GoFundMe Reviews: What Nonprofits Are Saying

GoFundMe is a popular fundraising platform. Both individual fundraisers and nonprofits can use the simple and accessible tool to raise funds, but how do you know if it's right for you?

Let’s dive into GoFundMe reviews highlighting strengths, considerations, pricing, and more.

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What sets GoFundMe apart from other platforms?

People are drawn to GoFundMe for:

• An easy way to set up a crowdfunding campaign and share a story 

• User-friendly features and technology

• The ability to keep funds raised, even when a goal isn’t met

• Secure payment processing with the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee to protect donors

• Fundraising without platform fees (transaction fees of 2.9% + $0.30 still apply)

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GoFundMe reviews

Now, let’s see exactly what organizations enjoy and dislike about GoFundMe with real and verified reviews.

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GoFundMe pros 

Cause awareness

“I recently started a nonprofit and am working to fundraise for my cause. Go Fund Me is a great way to reach members in the community who may or may not know about your cause. Talking about finances and raising funds can be an awkward conversation among friends and family. Go Fund me allows you to promote your nonprofit in easy, convenient ways. They give you promotional graphics to use and they provide great behind the scenes management features.” - Lauren F.

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Easy set up

“Easy to set up funding campaigns for small organizations.” - Romeu P.

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Personalization‍

“The best part about GoFundMe is you can pick on your particular issue that you have to let the donors know what you need help with. It gives it more humanistic feeling. I also like that they're able to see other people comment which makes it more Personal” - Brytwauna T.

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What is the disadvantage of GoFundMe?

Customer support

“The robot service chat was not helpful but i went on a live chat. That person was very polite but unable/unwilling to speak to me via phone so that i could be lead through the process to access/transfer funds. Instead i had to maneuver through multiple windows online and 1 1/2 hours later no success.” - Brad

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Complex payment policies

“Their payments policies are obscure, confusing, and arbitrary. They are holding our money, making random refunds, and not paying out funds on time. I will never use these guys again.” - Matt B.

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Reputation

“The association between GoFundMe which is typically for individuals seeking funding for something, and nonprofits is not a positive association. The name GoFundMe Charity doesn't sound very good either. We never received one donation through them with all of our donors preferring to donate through PayPal.” - Amanda C.

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Fees

“I was not a fan of the fees associated. I feel like there should be reduced charge for nonprofits using the platform to raise money for their cause.” - Meghan G.

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Pricing

GoFundMe doesn’t charge a platform fee for personal or nonprofit fundraisers, but processing fees for each donation are 2.9% + $0.30. Donors can leave optional tips to keep the platform free.

GoFundMe has a 4.1 /5 value for money rating on Capterra. While GoFundMe is often advertised as a free fundraising tool, platform fees are passed onto your organization and can deduct significant money from fundraising totals. 

Zeffy ensures you are using a free tool, which means absolutely no hidden fees (no transaction or platform fees).

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Features

GoFundMe has a 4.2 /5 features rating on Capterra.

• Flexible funding: Nonprofits keep funds (minus fees) without a minimum.

• Tax-deductible donations: Tax receipts for verified nonprofits.

• GoFundMe Charity: Customizable pages and secure transfers for nonprofits.

• Easy sharing: Share campaigns via social media, email, or direct links.

• Donor insights: Access detailed donor data and insights.

• Recurring donations: Supporters can set up automatic contributions.

• Donor appreciation: Thank donors individually through the dashboard.

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Customer support

GoFundMe has a customer service rating of 3.9/5 on Capterra. 

• Help center: Self-service guides, FAQs, and articles.

• Email support: Direct access to the GoFundMe team for specific issues.

• Trust & safety team: Personalized support for major issues via online chat.

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Why this nonprofit chose to ditch GoFundMe

Loose Ends, a nonprofit helping grieving families complete unfinished textile projects, initially used GoFundMe, but when high fees hit, they decided to look elsewhere. The organization found Zeffy’s free platform (no transaction or platform fees). It increased donor participation, grew operations, hired staff, expanded its volunteer network, and saved over $1,700.

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The best GoFundMe alternatives

It’s good to keep your options open. If GoFundMe doesn’t meet your needs right now, consider these GoFundMe alternatives:

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Zeffy

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Zeffy is 100% free fundraising, offering complete management of campaigns, email lists, and donor engagement with a 4.8 Capterra rating.

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Highlight features: 

• 100% free and designed specifically for nonprofits

• Online donations

• Event and raffles

• Sell products and services

• Crowdfunding campaigns

• Peer-to-peer campaigns

• Memberships

• Fundraising thermometer

• Recurring donations

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Spotfund

Spotfund is an easy-to-use platform for personal fundraising campaigns, with no fees for setup or transactions.

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Highlight features: 

• Easy set up

• Fundraising tracking

• US bank accounts required to donate

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Bonfire

Bonfire is best for product-based fundraising, offering custom apparel sales without upfront costs.

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Highlight features: 

• Great for creators and small businesses

• Custom artwork uploads for apparel

• Brand awareness and recognition

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GoFundMe Reviews FAQs

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