The Best Crowdfunding Sites for New Nonprofits (And How to Grow Your Followers Along the Way)

Starting a nonprofit is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re trying to raise money and grow your audience with limited resources. I recently came across a discussion where a new nonprofit shared that they had just launched, were working on a cultural event, and needed to fundraise while growing their followers.

This question stuck with me, because it’s one many nonprofits face: Which crowdfunding sites are the best to start with if you have very minimal funding and want to grow your community at the same time?

1. GoFundMe Charity – Best for Accessibility

GoFundMe is one of the most well-known platforms, which makes it easy to build trust with donors. It’s free for nonprofits to start, and it integrates well with social media sharing. Campaigns with strong storytelling and visuals tend to spread quickly.

Pro Tip: Pair your fundraiser with Facebook posts that spotlight individuals or stories behind your event. This gives people a reason to both donate and follow.

2. Classy – Best for Long-Term Growth

Acquired by GoFundMe, Classy is designed specifically for nonprofits. It supports peer-to-peer fundraising (supporters raising on your behalf), event ticketing, and recurring giving. If you see yourself running multiple events beyond one cultural celebration, Classy is worth exploring.

3. MightyCause – Best for Small Budgets

MightyCause has low fees and offers built-in donor management features. It’s especially good for nonprofits with limited budgets, as it helps you track donors and keep them engaged beyond a one-time campaign.

4. Facebook & Instagram Fundraisers – Best for Growing Followers

If you’re already using Facebook or Instagram, their native fundraising tools are a great starting point. Donors can give without leaving the platform, and because people often share fundraisers with friends, it helps grow your follower base organically.

Pro Tip: Post behind-the-scenes content—like rehearsals, volunteers setting up, or personal stories from participants. These authentic moments drive both donations and new followers.

5. Kickstarter (for Creative Events)

Kickstarter isn’t nonprofit-specific, but for creative projects—like a fashion show or cultural arts event—it can be a unique fit. Campaigns that highlight art, culture, or community often gain traction here.

The best crowdfunding site for your nonprofit depends on your goals and capacity. If you need fast traction, start with GoFundMe Charity or Facebook Fundraisers. If you want to build for the long term, look into Classy or MightyCause. And if your event has a strong cultural or creative angle, Kickstarter could help you stand out.

The key is to think beyond fundraising. Every campaign is also an opportunity to grow your audience—so share stories, invite engagement, and let people feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Want to brainstorm fundraising ideas for your nonprofit? Connect with me directly on Instagram: @katchmedigital.