GoFundMe for Nonprofits: Pros and Cons Every Founder Should Know

2 Oct

When money is tight and your nonprofit needs fast fundraising, GoFundMe is often the first name that comes to mind. It’s well-known, easy to set up, and has a global audience of givers.

But here’s the truth: just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s the best long-term fit for every nonprofit. After helping multiple organizations set up digital fundraising systems, I’ve seen GoFundMe work—and I’ve seen where it falls short.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons so you can decide if GoFundMe should be part of your fundraising strategy.

Pros of Using GoFundMe for Nonprofits

1. Easy to Set Up

You can launch a campaign in minutes. No web developer needed, no complicated coding—just upload your story, images, and goal.

2. Massive Brand Recognition

GoFundMe is a household name. Donors trust it, which can help reduce hesitation when giving online.

3. Low Barrier to Entry

It’s free to start a campaign. You don’t need a full website, you just need a story. Perfect for new or small nonprofits.

4. Social Sharing Features

GoFundMe integrates seamlessly with social media, making it easy for supporters to share your campaign and increase visibility.

5. Donor Protection & Security

The platform offers fraud protection and secure payment processing, which gives donors confidence.

Cons of Using GoFundMe for Nonprofits

1. Platform & Processing Fees

While GoFundMe removed its platform fee in the U.S., there are still transaction fees (around 2.9% + $0.30 per donation). That adds up quickly for larger campaigns.

2. Limited Branding

Your page looks like every other GoFundMe campaign. Unlike a nonprofit-branded website, you can’t fully control the donor experience.

3. Short-Term Focus

GoFundMe is designed for one-off campaigns (like emergencies or events), not long-term donor relationships. There’s no built-in donor database, email nurture, or monthly giving features.

4. Oversaturated Market

Because it’s so popular, GoFundMe is crowded. Without strong storytelling and promotion, your campaign might get lost.

5. Less SEO Value

Donations happen on GoFundMe’s site—not yours. That means you lose out on valuable traffic, backlinks, and search visibility for your nonprofit’s brand.

When GoFundMe Works Best

Emergency Fundraisers – disasters, urgent medical aid, or time-sensitive campaigns.
Small Nonprofits/Individuals – those without websites or donor systems in place.
One-Time Events – like a benefit concert, community drive, or school fundraiser.

When to Consider Other Tools

Long-term donor growth? → Platforms like Donorbox or Fundraise Up help you build recurring donations and integrate into your own website.
Want better branding? → A custom landing page (Squarespace, WordPress) gives you full control.
Serious nonprofit fundraising? → Dedicated platforms like Classy or Givebutter offer stronger analytics a nd CRM features.

If you’re a new nonprofit or testing a specific campaign, GoFundMe is a great launchpad. But as you grow, move donors to your own ecosystem—your website, your email list, your donation page.

Think of GoFundMe as your “starter fundraising tool,” not your forever home.

At Socials Runway, we help nonprofits move from short-term campaigns to sustainable fundraising systems. If you’re thinking of what website platform to use for your nonprofit, you may explore here.

Socials Runway Marketing