GoFundMe has become one of the most popular platforms for fundraising, allowing individuals and organizations to raise money for various causes—from medical bills and education expenses to disaster relief and small business funding. If you’re considering launching a campaign, you might wonder about the costs involved and what fees GoFundMe charges.
Cost to Start a GoFundMe Campaign
The good news is that starting a GoFundMe campaign is completely free. GoFundMe does not charge any upfront or setup fees for creating and managing a campaign. You can create a fundraiser at no cost, and there’s no fee to withdraw the funds you raise.
GoFundMe Transaction Fees
While there’s no cost to start a GoFundMe campaign, there are transaction fees on donations that cover payment processing. These fees vary slightly by country and payment method but generally include:
| Fee Type | Average Rate in the U.S. |
|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | 2.9% of each donation + $0.30 per donation |
For example, if someone donates $100 to your campaign, GoFundMe would deduct $2.90 plus $0.30, leaving you with $96.80. The transaction fee covers the costs of processing credit card payments, making it possible to withdraw funds quickly.
In certain regions, the transaction fees are slightly higher, but they remain consistent and transparent across campaigns.
International Transaction Fees
If your GoFundMe campaign is based in a country outside of the U.S., be sure to check for localized fees. For instance, in the U.K. and Canada, the transaction fees are also around 2.9% + £0.25 or CA$0.30 per donation, respectively.
How Fees Affect Campaign Proceeds
It’s essential to be aware of these transaction fees, as they will impact the total amount you receive. GoFundMe’s transparency about fees means you can calculate ahead of time how much you’ll need to raise to meet your goals. For example:
- Small Donation Campaigns: Campaigns with many smaller donations may have a slightly higher percentage of total funds going to fees due to the flat $0.30 per transaction.
- Larger Donations: If your campaign primarily attracts larger donations, the percentage impact of the flat fee will be less noticeable.
Tips to Offset Fees and Maximize Your Campaign
- Encourage Direct Sharing: Since GoFundMe operates without a marketing fee, sharing your campaign directly through social media, email, or community groups can help reach potential donors without additional marketing expenses.
- Set Realistic Goals: Consider setting your fundraising goal to slightly exceed what you need to cover the transaction fees. For example, if you need $1,000, you could set your goal to $1,050 to help offset fees.
- Use GoFundMe Tools: GoFundMe offers tools like campaign updates, thank-you notes, and built-in sharing options to help you stay connected with your audience and keep donations coming in.
Starting a GoFundMe is free, making it accessible to anyone with a cause or need for support. However, the 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee on each donation covers essential payment processing. To launch a successful campaign, set realistic fundraising goals, leverage social media for outreach, and remember to calculate transaction fees into your target amount.
For more details, check out GoFundMe’s official pricing page or their help center.
