How Does GoFundMe Make Money? Exploring Its Revenue Streams

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GoFundMe makes money through a variety of revenue streams, which are outlined in the article. At its core, the platform charges a small fee to users for creating and sharing campaigns. This fee is typically 2.9% + $0.30 per donation.

GoFundMe also makes money by taking a percentage of the funds raised through campaigns. For campaigns that raise less than $1,000, the platform takes a 5% fee. For campaigns that raise more than $1,000, the fee drops to 1%.

How GoFundMe Earns Money

GoFundMe's primary source of revenue comes from payment processing fees.

The platform earns money by charging a fee on the donations made to campaigns, making it a significant contributor to GoFundMe's income.

GoFundMe has eliminated platform fees for personal campaigns in certain regions, making it more accessible and affordable for individuals to raise funds.

This move has helped GoFundMe to attract more users and increase its user base, which in turn boosts its revenue.

Optional tips are another way GoFundMe earns money, allowing donors to show their appreciation for the cause by adding a small amount to their donation.

Strategic partnerships and sponsorships also play a crucial role in GoFundMe's financial sustainability.

Curious to learn more? Check out: When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable?

Business Model

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GoFundMe's business model is centered around facilitating fundraising for personal, charitable, and nonprofit causes. They earn revenue primarily through payment processing fees and optional tips.

By eliminating platform fees for personal campaigns in certain regions, GoFundMe enhances accessibility and support for diverse fundraising needs. This move has likely increased the number of users taking advantage of the platform.

Strategic partnerships and sponsorships further bolster GoFundMe's financial sustainability, ensuring it remains a vital resource for individuals and organizations seeking to make a positive impact globally through crowdfunding.

For your interest: Gofundme News

A Brief History of GoFundMe

GoFundMe was founded in 2010 by Brad Damphousse and Tim Cadogan, but it was actually created by a Canadian entrepreneur named Brad Damphousse.

The first campaign was launched in 2010 by a mom who needed to raise money for her son's medical treatment.

In 2011, a man named Robert Schiesser launched a campaign to raise money for his daughter's medical expenses after she was diagnosed with a rare disease.

The platform quickly gained popularity and by 2012, GoFundMe was raising over $1 million per month.

GoFundMe's fees have always been 5% of the funds raised, with a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

For more insights, see: Gofundme Fees and Taxes

Core Components of Business Model

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GoFundMe's business model is built on facilitating fundraising for various causes. It earns revenue through payment processing fees and optional tips.

The platform generates a significant portion of its income from these fees. By eliminating platform fees for personal campaigns in certain regions, GoFundMe enhances accessibility and support for diverse fundraising needs.

GoFundMe Charity is a specialized service designed for nonprofits, offering them a more streamlined and cost-effective way to raise funds. This service further bolsters the platform's financial sustainability.

Strategic partnerships and sponsorships also contribute to GoFundMe's financial stability. These partnerships ensure the platform remains a vital resource for individuals and organizations seeking to make a positive impact globally through crowdfunding.

Fees and Charges

GoFundMe makes money through various fees and charges.

Initially, GoFundMe charged a 5% platform fee on each donation, but since 2017, it has shifted to a voluntary tipping model for most personal campaigns.

The standard payment processing fee is 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation.

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This fee covers the costs of payment processing by third-party providers.

GoFundMe is a for-profit company and charges a 2.9% payment-processing fee on each donation, along with 30 cents for every donation.

For fundraisers for charities, the transaction fee is 2.2% plus the 30-cent fee per donation.

GoFundMe encourages users to set goals higher than needed to account for the fees.

Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Donors are encouraged to leave a voluntary tip to support the platform, which helps cover operational costs and is a primary revenue source.

Advanced Services

GoFundMe makes money from advanced services that are available to high-profile or large-scale campaigns. These campaigns may require additional support and advanced services, which GoFundMe charges fees for.

For example, GoFundMe offers Enhanced Campaign Support, which can include specialized consulting, premium customer support, and custom campaign features. This means that if you're running a high-profile campaign, you can expect to pay extra for these advanced services.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Do GoFundMe (& Actually Get Donations)

GoFundMe charges fees for these enhanced services, which can be a significant expense for large-scale campaigns. If you're planning to run a big campaign, be prepared to pay extra for the advanced support you need.

Here are some examples of the types of advanced services that GoFundMe offers:

  • Specialized consulting
  • Premium customer support
  • Custom campaign features

Data Analytics

GoFundMe generates revenue through various means, but one way they make money is by offering advanced data analytics to campaign organizers.

GoFundMe provides analytics and reporting tools to help organizers track their progress and donor engagement.

These tools are available through their premium features, which often come with an additional cost.

For instance, advanced analytics might be included in a premium feature that requires a payment.

GoFundMe's analytics and reporting tools are designed to help organizers make the most of their campaigns, but they also contribute to the platform's revenue.

Profits from Tragedies

GoFundMe's business model is built on the number of donations it processes. This means the company makes money from the tragedies and hardships of others.

Its revenue is directly tied to the number of donations, which is a significant factor in its profits. In 2016, the company projected revenues of $100 million.

The company's valuation is also a reflection of its success, with a value of $600 million in 2015, according to Forbes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the person get all the money from GoFundMe?

No, the person receiving funds from GoFundMe will receive all funds raised minus transaction fees. They can review the breakdown of these fees in their account.

Do people have to pay taxes on money from GoFundMe?

In the US, donations to personal GoFundMe fundraisers are generally not considered taxable income for the recipient. However, donors do not receive tax deductions for their contributions.

Sean Dooley

Lead Writer

Sean Dooley is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a strong background in research and analysis, Sean has developed a keen eye for detail and a talent for distilling complex information into clear, concise language. Sean's portfolio includes a wide range of articles on topics such as accounting services, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial concepts and a ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

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