Whether you’re a nonprofit fundraising for a new program or an individual collecting donations for a business idea, there is a platform out there to support your goal. One of the most widely known websites is GoFundMe, but it may not have everything to suit your specific needs.
Fortunately, there are many popular GoFundMe alternatives that provide all the must-have fundraising features in addition to specialized tools that can enhance your campaign. To help you find your ideal fundraising platform, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top GoFundMe alternatives for you to explore.
But first, let’s go into more detail about why you should consider choosing an alternative to GoFundMe’s popular website.
Why Look for GoFundMe Alternatives?
GoFundMe is a crowdfunding platform that allows users to collect donations for a variety of purposes, from medical emergencies to nonprofit campaigns. However, some downsides that come with the fundraising platform include:
Limited countries eligible for fundraising. Currently, GoFundMe supports fundraising in only 20 countries, meaning that fundraisers in ineligible countries cannot start a campaign on the platform.
Limited customer support. GoFundMe does not have a customer service number that you can call for immediate assistance.
Payment delays. GoFundMe has a verification process for individual fundraisers that may take up to 10 business days or longer. Then, depending on the payment processor, payments can take between 7 to 30 days before they’re available for use. Compared to other platforms, this is a lengthy turnaround time.
Top GoFundMe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a fundraising platform with more engaging and convenient features, check out some of the popular GoFundMe alternatives on our list.
Fundly’s crowdfunding platform allows individuals (and nonprofits!) to raise money for nearly any cause, project, or event without raising requirements or start-up fees.
Fundly is a “Keep It All” (KiA) platform. This means fundraisers don’t have to reach their goal to receive the money they raise. Whatever donations they receive, they keep (minus any standard fees).
Fundly’s versatile fundraising tools equip fundraisers with beautiful, fully customized crowdfunding campaign pages. This platform enables users to tell campaign stories, post updates, add photos and videos, and share their page across social media.
For example, Dos Velos Images ‘Saving Lives 1 Click at a Time’ is a successful fundraising campaign hosted on Fundly. Thanks to its highly visible share buttons and the ability to add multiple explanatory videos to convey the campaign’s purpose, the campaign was easy to share across social media and build support.
Pricing
Fundly has a 0% platform fee. Our payment partner, Stripe has a transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 for credit card processing.
Fundly vs. GoFundMe
So, which platform is right for you? Check out this direct comparison between Fundly and GoFundMe for more information:
Fundly
Platform Design: Designed specifically with nonprofits in mind. The platform’s interface, features, and functionalities all cater to the needs and goals of nonprofits.
CRM Integration: Fundly provides CRM integration which allows nonprofits to manage donors, communications, and campaigns in a central location
Extra Features: Fundly has dedicated nonprofit-centric features such as giving levels which allow organizers to offer physical rewards based on donation amounts. It also partners with VolunteerEasy, a platform that helps nonprofits connect with passionate supporters.
GoFundMe
Platform Design: Versatile, but initially designed with just individuals in mind rather than for nonprofit campaigns
CRM Integration: GoFundMe can integrate with a variety of CRMs, but does not have its own dedicated CRM for nonprofits.
Extra Features: GoFundMe has a feature that lets you explore local fundraisers to see how people in your community are fundraising for inspiration.
Although GoFundMe does offer nifty features, Fundly’s platform can help nonprofits go further in the long run. Its customizable campaign pages and network nonprofit-specific tools can help you fuel your organization’s mission.
2. Double the Donation: Platform to Extend Fundraising Impact
The Basics
Double the Donation is one of the most valuable services available to nonprofits. This fundraising platform helps nonprofit organizations easily raise more money by enabling your donors to submit employee matching gift requests.
It’s important to note that Double the Donation is not a crowdfunding tool like GoFundMe. It’s included on this list because it’s a valuable matching gift service integrated into nearly every GoFundMe alternative.
If you’re a nonprofit with a large number of donors that give either directly through your organization’s website or through a GoFundMe-like tool, you should check out Double the Donation’s services.
Pricing
Double the Donation’s pricing options range depending on the size of your organization. You can contact the Double the Donation team to get a quote for your specific organization’s needs.
3. Bonfire: The Best T-Shirt Fundraising Website
The Basics
Bonfire enables organizations to raise money and spread awareness for causes by selling high-quality t-shirts to their donors!
Fundraisers can design their own custom t-shirts in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Don’t worry—you don’t have to be a graphic design whiz to create awesome products. With Bonfire’s simple t-shirt design tool, anyone can be a pro at making high-quality apparel.
Not only can you sell branded t-shirts, but Bonfire also lets you additional donations on top of what you sell. More ways to give means more donations toward your fundraising efforts!
Pricing
Bonfire charges a low base price for each of its products. To calculate your price, you’ll need to subtract the base price from your sales to determine your fundraising profits. Take advantage of their price calculator tool for the best estimate. For additional donations, Bonfire only charges an 8% fee.
4. Indiegogo: GoFundMe Alternative for Innovators
The Basics
Indiegogo is a fundraising platform that enables individuals to raise money for any kind of innovative personal project, including films, product improvements, technological inventions, and more.
Indiegogo is recognized for hosting endeavors before they hit the mainstream. New projects are launched on their site every day, creating an active community where your project can go big.
Tap into a creative community of imaginative tech and innovation to earn exposure for your projects and start raising funds!
Pricing
Indiegogo’s service charges a platform fee of 5% of all funds raised and a credit card processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
5. Classy: Fundraising Platform for Larger Nonprofits
The Basics
Classy’s crowdfunding platform can be the driving force behind any crowdfunding initiative, whether it’s Giving Tuesday, recurring giving programs, capital campaigns, or any other fundraiser.
Use Classy to build unique and evergreen microsites for your supporters, allowing them to get involved with your mission.
Pricing
Contact Classy to get a custom price for your specific nonprofit size and endeavor.
6. Kickstarter: GoFundMe Alternative for Creative Projects
The Basics
Kickstarter is one of the world’s largest fundraising tools for bringing creative projects to life. Fundraisers can receive backing from donors throughout their process and share their final projects on their personalized Kickstarter pages.
Kickstarter uses an all-or-nothing model, so fundraisers only receive funding if they meet their goals. This can be a strong motivator for both fundraisers and supporters to raise funds before time runs out.
Pricing
Kickstarter collects 5% of total funding for completed projects, as well as a payment processing fee of 3% + $.20 per pledge.
7. Patreon: Best Fundraising Site for Recurring Support
The Basics
If your team’s goal is to fund a long-term creative endeavor, Patreon is for you. Patreon’s crowdfunding platform hosts projects that rely on constant, modest donations.
Essentially, it’s a subscription model of fundraising rather than a traditional donation-based crowdfunding process. Your fans subscribe to a monthly membership to access exclusive content, sneak peeks of upcoming projects, and whatever else you want to share with them.
Pricing
It’s completely free to get started with Patreon. Once your organization begins earning funds, a small percentage plus an industry-standard payment processing rate from your patrons is taken out depending on which of the three packages you choose.
8. GiveSendGo: Best Platform for Faith-Based Fundraising
The Basics
GiveSendGo is an excellent option for faith-based organizations and churches. With this tool, your team can fund anything from mission projects to personal campaigns. GiveSendGo will help you raise money for your Christian endeavor by providing fundraising tools that cater specifically to churches and faith-based organizations.
Plus, GiveSendGo shows users appreciation by gifting 10% of the donations raised by the site overall to active campaigns.
Pricing
GiveSendGo doesn’t charge a platform fee but has a third-party processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction made.
9. FundRazr: GoFundMe Alternative for Specific Wishlists
The Basics
If your group is fundraising for a specific wish list of items to drive your mission forward, consider using Fundrazr. Fundrazr helps nonprofits obtain specific lists of items by launching easy-to-create crowdfunding projects.
Before using Fundrazr, determine what items your nonprofit organization would like to acquire. For example, a school might need a list of sports equipment. With Fundrazr, your team will be able to easily communicate your needs to supporters and contact contributors with announcements, thank-you letters, and updates, all from one centralized hub.
Pricing
Get started for free with Fundrazr’s platform. All you need to do is fill out this information form for a personalized experience and pricing.
10. ArtistShare: Best Fundraising Site for Musicians
The Basics
ArtistShare is a fully managed services suite that is known as the Internet’s first rewards-based crowdfunding site. This service provides musicians with multiple services to successfully start their careers in the industry.
With this platform, artists can receive not only funds but also professional project consultation, marketing tips, product manufacturing and fulfillment, and much more.
With these tools, you’ll be able to kickstart your music career with the help of dedicated supporters.
Pricing
ArtistShare is currently by invitation only. Check out their page for more details on getting involved.
11. GiveCampus: Best Platform for Educational Fundraising
The Basics
GiveCampus is a premiere fundraising platform for nonprofit educational Institutions launched in 2015 with a mission to “increase the quality, affordability, and accessibility of education”. It has facilitated more than $3 billion in charitable giving to colleges, universities, and K12 schools.
GiveCampus’ digital fundraising and volunteer management platform allows for schools to more effectively engage donors through its tailored giving experiences. Additionally, the platform provides real-time reporting, appeal-tracking, and analytics, so your team can easily understand its current performance.
Pricing
GiveCampus offers plans starting as low as $1,000 per year based on your platform needs. You can book a demo to learn how GiveCampus can help you streamline your fundraising workflows.
12. Kiva: Best Fundraising Site for Microlending
The Basics
With Kiva, your supporters can lend as little as $25, and as much as they please to support your cause. This platform works successfully when you attract attention to your Kiva campaign through your marketing outreach methods.
Then, your supporters can lend you money to support your mission. Once your team is able, they repay the donor when funds are available. With a few simple steps, you’ll have the funds to get started with your next endeavor. It’s that simple!
Pricing
With Kiva’s platform, your team can borrow up to $15,000 at 0% interest over 36 months. Here’s where to apply to get started with your Kiva crowdfunding project.
13. Experiment: GoFundMe Alternative for Scientific Research
The Basics
From biology to paleontology to physics, Experiment’s crowdfunding platform helps raise money for science-related projects. Your supporters can stay updated on your progress with both lab note updates and your own fundraising page.
Here’s how it works: Once your team defines a research goal and gains colleague endorsement, you’ll be reviewed by the Experiment team for approval. Then, you’ll be granted access to your fundraising page, allowing you to get started sharing it with your supporters. When your goal is reached, your team receives the funds raised.
Pricing
Experiment is an all-or-nothing model, which incentivizes hosts to raise their funds by the end of the timeline. Once the goal is hit, your team is charged 8% platform fees + 2.9% + 30¢ in payment processing fees.
14. Onevest: GoFundMe Alternative for Entrepreneurs
The Basics
Onevest’s crowdfunding tool helps investors, entrepreneurs, and organizations seeking resources for starting their business endeavors. This tool can benefit anyone from new entrepreneurs, to seasoned investors looking to grow their portfolios with the help of their supporters.
This platform is unique because it offers specific project advisor support, as well as access to the CoFoundersLab Learning Center for users looking to maximize their impact with money raised.
Pricing
Discover your pricing options with Onevest by reaching out for a cofounder or team support through their website.
15. Snowball: Best Platform for Mobile Fundraising
The Basics
With Snowball’s fundraising platform, you can tap into the popularity of mobile phones by creating compelling, mobile-optimized campaign pages. Whether you’re launching a nonprofit capital campaign or collecting funds alongside a fundraising event, Snowball has the tools to streamline your efforts.
On your campaign page, you can add custom fields, a fundraising thermometer, and recurring giving options. Plus, you can simplify giving on the go by setting up text-to-give.
Pricing
Snowball has a free Essential plan that comes with a mobile donation page, recurring donation capabilities, and basic event registration—though there is a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee.
For more advanced plans starting at $549 a year, you can tap into more features such as text-to-give, after-hours customer support, auction management, and more.
https://blog.fundly.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GoFundMe-Alternatives_Feature.jpg14002200Kate Whitehttps://fundly.com/assets/logos/v2/fundly_logo_with_text_181_50.pngKate White2024-08-01 07:54:302024-08-27 12:58:31GoFundMe Alternatives: 15 Best Fundraising Platforms to Use
Crowdfundingis a popular fundraising strategy used to raise funds for medical expenses, artistic projects, scientific research, business startups, nonprofit organizations, and more. If you’re interested in starting one of these campaigns but you’re unsure which platform to use, you’ve come to the right place!
Here, we’ll walk through 30+ of our favorite crowdfunding websites to give you a better sense of your choices. Here’s what we’ll cover:
It’s important to know what to look for when choosing which site will best meet your fundraising needs, and that can vary greatly depending on your size, cause, and operating budget.
Which Crowdfunding Site is Best?
Different crowdfunding websites vary in fundraising guidelines, platform and payment processing fees, and so on. Keep an eye out for platform-specific rules and practices when considering your options.
For example, some crowdfunding sites follow a “Keep it All” (KiA) method of fundraising, while others opt for an “All or Nothing” (AoN) approach. Essentially, organizers of KiA fundraisers receive funding regardless of whether they meet their fundraising goal, while AoN fundraisers can only collect if they reach their initial objective.
Most crowdfunding websites price their services based on a percentage of overall funds collected. However, platform and processing fees can vary depending on the site.
Additionally, certain platforms cater to more niche fundraising needs, while others cover a broad range of topics. Overall, the best crowdfunding site is one that appeals to a large number of potential fundraisers and audiences—like Fundly! With this in mind, let’s jump in!
Best Overall Crowdfunding Website
1. Fundly
The Basics
Fundly’s crowdfunding platform allows for individuals and organizations to raise money nearly any cause, project, or event. Fundly is a “Keep It All” (KiA) platform, which means that fundraisers can keep whatever donations they receive (minus a platform fee of 4.9% and a credit card processing fee of 2.9% + $.30/transaction).
Standout Features
Fundly’s crowdfunding site is incredibly easy to use and has a blog-like feel to it. Fundraisers can easily add images and videos, share personal stories on their fundraising pages, and spread the word about their campaign via email, Facebook, and Twitter. An automated fundraising thermometer shows each fundraiser’s progress, and each page can be customized with colors, logos, and even background images.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Fundly’s versatile and easy-to-use platform makes it a top pick for any type of crowdfunding campaign. Plus, their support team is always there to answer any questions!
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Individuals
2. MyCause
The Basics
It’s free to start a crowdfunding campaign with MyCause, an Australian-based crowdfunding platform. They offer both a flexible and a fixed crowdfunding model, and they let fundraisers choose which campaign they’d like to run. Individuals can raise money for any cause, whether it’s for personal medical expenses, adoption fees, scientific research, or anything else.
Standout Features
MyCause has a variety of social sharing options so that fundraisers and donors can easily share their crowdfunding campaign via Facebook, Twitter, email, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and other platforms. This feature allows fundraisers to spread the word about their crowdfunding campaign far and wide, reaching as many people as possible.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a beautiful crowdfunding website to help raise money for any sort of personal need, MyCause is a great option. Their simple layout and easy-to-use tools make it simple for anyone to fundraise!
3. GoGetFunding
The Basics
GoGetFunding is a popular crowdfunding website dedicated to effective fundraising for personal causes. Since its inception in 2011, this platform has raised millions of dollars for all sorts of campaigns, including medical, travel, community, and charity needs.
Standout Features
Crowdfunding pages are simple to set up on GoGetFunding’s intuitive platform, with only four easy steps required before launching your fundraising page. Then, you can begin accepting donations immediately with credit and debit cards as well as through PayPal.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
GoGetFunding also provides fundraisers with personal fundraising coaches to help guide them through the crowdfunding process. This can be extremely useful for those new to fundraising and experienced fundraisers seeking a basic refresher course.
4. RALLY.org
The Basics
Rally.org is one of the easiest to use fundraising platforms for individuals, groups, and charitable causes. Fundraisers without technical expertise can launch their campaigns in minutes with inspiring, high-end designs. Then, donors can start giving in no time.
Standout Features
Rally.org creates its crowdfunding pages with robust social sharing capabilities in mind to help your team share your fundraisers far and wide. Thanks to their dedicated social sharing integrations, you can invite supporters to participate via email, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Rally.org offers a highly secure payment processing system for credit and debit payments. Plus, a crowdfunding page is free to set up on their site, with a 5% platform and 2.9% + 30 cents credit card fees for each donation. They also offer special rates for agencies and consultants!
5. GoFundMe
The Basics
GoFundMe is one of the biggest names in the crowdfunding space, and their online tools have helped numerous individuals and groups collect funding for a wide range of needs, including medical, emergency, memorial, education, and more.
Standout Features
This crowdfunding website allows you to manage your donations by accepting gifts, processing transactions, thanking donors, and withdrawing funds. GoFundMe’s platform also offers a streamlined giving process for donors as well as a simplified fundraising process behind the scenes.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
GoFundMe employs a number of special assistants called Customer Happiness Agents who assist fundraisers in maximizing their success and troubleshooting the fundraising platform. With 24/7 support available, this crowdfunding website is dedicated to providing users with speedy and efficient responses.
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Nonprofits
6. Fundly
The Basics
Fundly starts with the basics of the Fundly crowdfunding platform and adds peer-to-peer fundraising capabilities specifically crafted for nonprofits. With Fundly, organizations can set up a beautiful and brand-cohesive fundraising page in mere minutes. From there, fundraisers can use Fundly’s tools, such as social sharing options, to spread awareness and take their campaigns to the next level.
Standout Features
Fundly campaigns are meant to be highly shareable and visually appealing. Additionally, teams can set up their fundraisers as peer-to-peer campaign pages to reach an even broader audience.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Between cost efficiency, ease-of-use, and dedicated fundraising features, Fundly is the best choice for nonprofits that are looking to start a crowdfunding campaign.
7. Double the Donation
The Basics
Double the Donation is a matching gift database that nonprofits can use to double (or even triple) their crowdfunding revenue. Using Double the Donations, supporters can look up their employers’ name to learn about their company’s matching gift program and determine their eligibility.
Standout Features
By partnering with Double the Donation, you can embed a search tool with their matching gift database into your nonprofit’s website or online giving forms. This way, you can easily encourage donors to research their eligibility and take the necessary next steps, providing your organization with additional donations at the cost of soliciting one.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Although Double the Donation isn’t a dedicated crowdfunding website, it can do a lot to boost the success of any of your crowdfunding campaigns. With all of the new donors you’ll be bringing in, you’re going to want to steer them toward completing a matching gift request as soon as possible to maximize their donations!
8. Handbid
The Basics
Handbid’s crowdfunding and peer-to-peer tools help nonprofits everywhere connect to philanthropic supporters. With a user-friendly interface, you can easily set up, organize, and run your fundraiser without hassle. Plus, these tools integrate directly into their auction platform—letting you track and engage with our donors all in a single place. Existing users (those who have attended your past events and auctions) can start contributing with just a few clicks!
Standout Features
Handbid puts a unique spin on gamification. While many platforms only offer a fundraising thermometer, this forward-thinking company has developed a unique puzzle feature, giving donors a fun and interactive way to participate in your campaign. Simply select “before” and “after” photos that illustrate some aspect of your mission. Handbid then turns your “before” photo into a puzzle that donors can purchase pieces of to slowly reveal your “after” photo in real-time. They also supply traditional crowdfunding tools like leaderboards and fundraising thermometers to optimize your peer-to-peer campaigns.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an affordable crowdfunding platform with an easy-to-use interface, Handbid is the solution for your team. This intuitive platform will handle the legwork, so you can spend less time managing your fundraisers and more time engaging your supporters.
9. Classy
The Basics
Classy is a powerful crowdfunding platform that helps nonprofits from all over the world raise meaningful funds. Its customizable, conversion-optimized campaigns can help you get the most out of your crowdfunding. In fact, they’ve helped nonprofits raise more than $5 billion dollars since 2010.
Standout Features
Classy’s mobile-optimized campaigns make it easy for supporters to give wherever they are without hassle. Its intuitive analytics and reporting allow you to track your campaign from start to finish and make needed adjustments when necessary.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Classy is a great choice for nonprofits interested in running large campaigns that require comprehensive solutions. Its impressive tech stack will help you scale your donor base and empower your supporters.
10. Plumfund
The Basics
Although Plumfund serves a wide range of crowdfunders, the site boasts a strong contingent of nonprofits. At any given time, Plumfund has over 2,700 campaigns running in the “charities” category. Like many of the other platforms, it’s a straightforward crowdfunding model designed to help fundraisers collect more for their causes.
Standout Features
This crowdfunding site lets campaign organizers receive offline contributions to their Plumfund 100% free of charge. That way, all of your funds are stored in a centralized location and you can easily view an accurate representation of your progress toward your goal.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Plumfund is a simple and straightforward crowdfunding platform that gives nonprofit fundraisers the tools they need to run a campaign. It’s a safe bet that has a strong suit in combining online and offline fundraising efforts.
11. Fundrazr
The Basics
FundRazr is a crowdfunding website that comes with ready-built social integrations, options for quickly and easily uploading images and videos, and a dedicated fundraising support team. Like with many other platforms, it also offers a feature that lets fundraisers add incentives to encourage giving.
Standout Features
Fundrazr’s crowdfunding website helps to reduce fundraising costs, turn your supporters into fundraisers, run multiple campaigns on a single website, and securely receive contributions directly into your account.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Fundrazr promotes their nonprofit offering in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. Their platform lets nonprofits create a crowdfunding campaign in minutes, share the campaign via social media once it is live, and receive contributions immediately.
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Schools
12. Donate Kindly
The Basics
DonateKindly is a free online donation tool and crowdfunding website specialized for year-round campaigns that fund schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations. To get started, add their free online donation tools to your school’s website and encourage your supporters to give and share your free fundraising pages.
Standout Features
DonateKindly stores basic information about your donors to make it easy to reach out to them for future fundraisers. They also send automated thank you messages and tax receipts to your donors for added convenience. With these features, your crowdfunding campaigns will only get more and more successful as time goes on!
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
DonateKindly’s features make it easy for nonprofits, schools, student initiatives, and other organizations to start free crowdfunding campaigns. Leverage their year-round free fundraising tools to raise more money and reduce fees.
13. DonorsChoose
The Basics
DonorsChoose is designed to help teachers and public schools raise money for supplies, classroom materials, and other education-related items. When a crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal, DonorsChoose sends materials directly to the school.
Standout Features
Because DonorsChoose follows a model where individuals who fundraise receive the necessary materials instead of funds, it relieves the fundraiser of the stress of shopping. To cover the costs of their unique process, this platform subtracts a $30 fee from each crowdfunding campaign.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
DonorsChoose is a highly specific crowdfunding platform. If you’re a teacher who’s in need of school supplies, it may be the perfect fit for you.
14. StartSomeGood
The Basics
StartSomeGood bills itself as “The Crowdfunding Platform for Changemakers,” and aims to help world-changing projects succeed. In fact, their website is used exclusively for social change initiatives such as education and other nonprofit causes.
Standout Features
One of the best features offered by StartSomeGood is their Global Support Team which provides fundraisers with personalized feedback before launching their campaigns. Their advice helps ensure that every campaign is positioned to reach and surpass its goal.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
StartSomeGood is a great choice for social change initiatives like schools that are in need of some extra help during setup. With their team’s personalized feedback, your organization will receive the advice it needs to make your campaign stand out from the crowd.
15. DoJiggy
The Basics
DoJiggy is an online fundraising platform with a number of revenue-generating solutions including crowdfunding, auctions and raffles, online donations, and e-commerce stores. Their crowdfunding platform allows you to create an online fundraising page, share it with supporters, and securely process donations for your cause.
Standout Features
This crowdfunding website comes equipped with a variety of useful features, and the platform has continued to expand its online functionality. Now, their crowdfunding solution can leverage live stream integrations, text-to-donate features, and more.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
DoJiggy is a great choice for fundraisers who are looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one virtual fundraising platform. It not only incorporates powerful crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising tools, but their software can also set your team up for success in a variety of other ways as well.
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Startups
16. Crowdfunder
The Basics
Crowdfunder is a UK-based crowdfunding website which aims to help individuals and groups connect with supporters to fund their community projects, businesses, sports teams, personal causes, and charities. Crowdfunder gives fundraisers the ability to raise money via their intuitive and simple crowdfunding site.
Standout Features
This crowdfunding website brands itself as both “people led” and “people driven.” Not only do they provide a powerful platform for effective social fundraising, they also offer fundraisers access to their comprehensive coaching and support team.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Crowdfunder is a leader in personal and team crowdfunding that has the software to truly help fundraisers get the support they need. It’s a great pick for UK-based individuals looking for an innovative and effective path to funding.
17. WeFunder
The Basics
Wefunder’s goal is to connect investors with founders and startups they believe in. As they explain on their website, “Everyone has their personal motivations for investing in startups, but ours is to support founders we believe in, pursuing a vision we care about, with a good chance of earning a return should that vision transform into reality.” If you’re looking to fund a startup business, this platform is a great place to start.
Standout Features
Wefunder is the largest business-funding portal based on dollars raised, companies funded, and network of investors. This is due to Wefunder’s focus on understanding the mindset and needs of business founders.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Wefunder is a great solution for startups looking to turn potential customers into owners with true connections to the business. This site also has the added bonus of being willing to do all the grunt work of fundraising, so you, the founders, can focus on what is important for your business.
18. StartEngine
The Basics
StartEngine is a leading equity crowdfunding platform with an emphasis on venture capital and angel investing. StartEngine’s equity crowdfunding platform, previously known as SeedInvest is now able to offer the option for investors to grow more startup investing access. They’ve helped more than 1,000 startups to raise over $700 million dollars since 2015.
Standout Features
This platform offers a simplified lending and crowdfunding process, pairing eager startups with willing investors to create effective and long-term partnerships. To get started, businesses complete a streamlined application with basic information about their company and finances which is then screened to determine if the business is a good fit for the platform. Upon approval, investors can start funding your business, providing you with the revenue you need to grow and thrive.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
StartEngine boasts a rapidly growing network of personal investors that has recently exceeded 500,000. With the help of investors, they aim to raise $10 billion for companies by 2029.
19. Fundable
The Basics
Fundable’s slogan says it all: “Now anyone can fund your business.” In its first year, this platform generated $80+ million in funding commitments, and the crowdfunding website continues to develop today. To create a campaign, startups choose between the rewards option (funds in exchange for product sales) and the equity option (funding from accredited investors).
Standout Features
One of Fundable’s best features is that they take a hands-on approach. Their team will work with your business to help you better understand fundraising strategies, launch your crowdfunding campaign, and market your company.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Fundable works with thousands of investors who might be the right backers for your up-and-coming business. And once you sign up, their investor database is immediately available for you to browse. It’s an online solution to the funding problem many startups face.
20. Crowdcube
The Basics
Crowdcube is all about making investing accessible, affordable, and rewarding by enabling everyday individuals to invest alongside professionals and venture capital firms. This way, startups, early, and growth-stage businesses can secure funding, and investors can gain a stake in companies they previously wouldn’t have had access to.
Standout Features
With Crowdcube, you receive access to the following features: new investment opportunities added weekly, full pitch pages and videos from startups, the ability to handpick the businesses you want to support, and the option to invest as little as 10 pounds.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Crowdcube is a European equity crowdfunding site with the tools startups need to secure funding and the opportunities individual investors are looking for. Its focus is on accessible, affordable, and rewarding investments.
21. iFundWomen
The Basics
iFundWomen is a crowdfunding platform dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs fund their startups, receive coaching, and make connections. This statement on their website summarizes their overall mission: “For women who have big ideas, we’re here to make them happen.”
Standout Features
This platform knows that raising capital can be the most difficult part of the startup process. As such, they work to provide near-immediate access to funding through their online crowdfunding platform as well as small business grants from corporate partners. Not to mention, iFundWomen also offers access to one of the largest communities of female entrepreneurs who are able to learn and grow alongside one another.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
iFundWomen is one of the best equity crowdfunding websites for women-owned companies looking for sufficient funding to get started. By partnering with this platform, women are able to bring their business visions to life with the help of eager investors looking to fund up-and-coming businesses like theirs.
22. Seedrs
The Basics
Seedrs is an online platform that allows startup businesses to collect necessary funding via an equity crowdfunding model. This UK-based crowdfunding site has raised an approximate £1,117M for more than 1330 investment opportunities since its start in 2012.
Standout Features
Seedrs offers startup businesses and their founders the ability to grow their networks, acquire new customers, and raise critical investment funding. Then, once you complete your campaign, you can receive long-term benefits by joining the Seedrs Alumni Club, with access to exclusive partners, resources, and events!
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
A Seedrs campaign follows six easy steps to get started: submit a campaign, create a video and marketing plan, host a private launch, make your campaign public, reach 100% of your target revenue, and then collect your funds.
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Religious Groups
23. GiveSendGo
The Basics
GiveSendGo lets churches and congregations raise money for their religious organization. Whether your project is to fund a mission, pay administrative costs, or cover medical expenses, this crowdfunding platform can handle it all!
Standout Features
While other crowdfunding sites typically take between 4 and 10% of donations, GiveSendGo is 100% free. This crowdfunding website is backed by voluntary donations from supporters, so they don’t need to charge a commission from your hard-earned contributions.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
GiveSendGo even gives 10% of the donations they receive to campaigns on their site. They have so much faith in the individuals and organizations that use their crowdfunding website that they support them personally!
24. We Raise
The Basics
The We Raise Foundation helps organizations and individuals raise funds for youth programs, community projects, and other mission-driven activities. These crowdfunding projects can be large or small, ranging from less than $1,000 to more than $50,000, depending on the organizer’s needs. This platform encourages fundraisers with all types of projects to raise money on their site, giving a special focus to those working to free people from violence, poverty, and inequality.
Standout Features
With We Raise, you get to keep all of the money you collect, whether you reach your intended goal or not. We Raise believes that any gift given is useful to your project, so they urge you to keep your funds and put them toward your mission. They even encourage donors to cover donation processing fees themselves so that your project takes 100% of the proceeds!
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
We Raise empowers its users to share their stories because they find that donors contribute more when they connect with a crowdfunding project’s blog posts, pictures, and videos.
25. WayGiver
The Basics
WayGiver is a Christian crowdfunding website dedicated to providing individuals, churches, and ministries with the tools they need to fund religious causes and overall honor Jesus. Common examples of campaigns on this platform include for mission trips, ministry programs, sabbaticals, service projects, and more.
Standout Features
The crowdfunding process is simple with WayGiver’s intuitive design and easy-to-use platform. To get started, create a free online campaign page and promote it on social media and within your digital network. Then, gifts provided by supporters will be automatically transferred to your bank account, so you can begin funding your need as quickly as possible.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Because WayGiver is specific to Christian needs and ministry opportunities, this crowdfunding platform offers a fantastic way for fundraisers to connect with like-minded individuals who are eager to support their efforts.
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Rewards-Based Campaigns
26. Bonfire
The Basics
Bonfire combines classic t-shirt sales with the power of modern online fundraising to create a unique crowdfunding experience. Fundraisers can create custom t-shirts in a variety of styles and sell their products on their personal crowdfunding campaign pages. Crowdfunding campaign organizers can even set their own selling price to have full control over their fundraising potential.
Standout Features
Bonfire makes designing high-quality apparel easy for anyone, regardless of your graphic design skill level and tech expertise. You can use their t-shirt builder to create unique designs that represent your cause in mere minutes. To take it a step further, accept additional donations on top of t-shirt sales so everyone can support your cause in whichever way works for them.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a unique twist to your crowdfunding campaign, try starting a Bonfire campaign. You can raise money and awareness for your cause by creating awesome-looking t-shirts for your supporters to wear for years to come.
27. ABC Fundraising
The Basics
ABC Fundraising lets individuals and organizations raise money by selling various products such as candles, popcorn, face masks, and even holiday merchandise. Creating a product fundraising campaign is free and painless because their team does all the heavy-lifting, including designing, creating, and distributing your merchandise.
Standout Features
ABC Fundraising offers a vast array of unique products to sell. Your supporters will never get tired of your fundraisers because there’s always something new to choose from! Plus, tools like their free fundraising thermometers and online storefronts can help boost your campaign and bring in more revenue and new support.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
ABC Fundraising is known for its successful fundraisers hosted by schools and churches, although organizations of all shapes and sizes are welcome to take part. Your supporters will love receiving memorable, branded merchandise while giving to a good cause.
28. Represent
The Basics
Represent offers an intuitive crowdfunding platform for designing and selling t-shirts to raise money for any cause. With a simple startup process and no upfront costs, this site saves you time and money. This rewards-based crowdfunding site has even been recognized by TIME and The Wall Street Journal for their unique and innovative platform.
Standout Features
Represent’s campaigns are remarkably user friendly. In just three steps, you can customize your products, share your fundraising page, and sell merchandise. Then you just need to wait for your products to be shipped. Represent also offers a “no inventory” model which means no financial risk to the fundraiser, along with extensive customer service to help guide users’ campaigns.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
With Represent, you can track real-time sales analytics so you can see which products are the most popular and successful.
Best Crowdfunding Websites for Creative Projects
29. Kickstarter
The Basics
Kickstarter is one of the most recognizable names in crowdfunding, helping thousands of creative fundraisers earn money for projects related to the arts. Kickstarter does not allow fundraising for charity organizations, and fundraisers cannot offer monetary incentives.
Standout Features
Kickstarter’s platform is designed to help artistic entrepreneurs showcase their story and cause. Kickstarter has even put together a “Creator Handbook” to help guide fundraisers through the crowdfunding process.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Kickstarter is a major power player in the creative project fundraising world for a reason—it’s run with creative thinkers and innovators in mind! Just remember that they practice the “All or Nothing” method, meaning if you don’t reach your goal, you don’t keep any of the money you’ve raised.
30. Indiegogo
The Basics
Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform for creative individuals with great ideas. Fundraisers first create a “Coming Soon” page to promote their campaign. Once they’ve generated enough engagement around their idea, they can start raising money for it. After the project has been successfully funded, the organizer can sell their product in the Indiegogo marketplace.
Standout Features
Indiegogo offers two different crowdfunding models: flexible funding and fixed funding. The flexible model allows fundraisers to keep whatever they raise, regardless of whether they hit their goal or not. The fixed model is a bit more risky and only lets fundraisers cash out if they meet their goal by a certain deadline.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Indiegogo is one of the leading crowdfunding platforms for creative projects. They also have a separate platform, Generosity, that can be used to raise money for charitable causes and events.
31. Pozible
The Basics
Pozible uses its global reach to crowdfund for various creative endeavors. From comic books and plays to art exhibits and films, Pozible helps individuals raise money for the artistic and creative projects they care about.
Standout Features
Pozible follows an “All or Nothing” crowdfunding model, which they frame as a plus for their fundraisers. Their website states that, “We believe creators know the most about what it will take to make their project a reality, and only receiving a fraction of their target amount is not going to be enough for them to be able to complete their project.” By having to set a realistic target, fundraisers only have to complete their project if they are successful in receiving sufficient financial support.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
With fundraisers in more than 100 countries, Pozible is a smart global crowdfunding platform for creative individuals. If you need help funding a creative or artistic project, look to Pozible for help!
32. Patreon
The Basics
Patreon is a unique subscription-based crowdfunding website which brands itself as “the best way for artists and creators to get sustainable income and connections.” By offering bronze, silver, and gold tiers of memberships, supporters can choose the amount they give monthly based on the perks and incentives offered at each level.
Standout Features
Patreon provides an easy-to-use platform for fundraisers of all shapes and sizes, including podcasters, musicians, visual artists, nonprofits, and local businesses. Creators can sell varying levels of membership to their top levels of supporters, who in turn receive exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights.
Example Campaign
Final Thoughts
Patreon’s crowdfunding model looks a bit different than that of a typical crowdfunding platform, relying on monthly membership fees to sustain creators and fund their work. This way, creators and fundraisers are able to receive a recurring stream of income, rather than one-time gifts.
Crowdfunding Websites: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding offers numerous benefits by providing an efficient and effective way to build capital. Around $17.2 billion dollars in crowdfunding money is raised annually in North America! For startups, crowdfunding offers an opportunity to get their ideas up and running quickly without a financial ceiling.
For nonprofits, crowdfunding places your organization in the spotlight and gives it a meaningful opportunity to market your mission. Whether you plan on using it to power your capital campaigns, awareness days, or disaster relief efforts, it’s an incredibly powerful resource to boost your revenue.
How can I use crowdfunding?
There are several ways you can use crowdfunding, here a few examples:
The opportunities are endless, just be sure to add relatable stories and engaging images to capture your campaign and inspire donors to give.
What should I look for in a crowdfunding site?
Of course, your crowdfunding website needs will depend on your cause and organization. However, there are a couple of key features you should consider:
Donor experience. Look for a platform that makes the donation process easy with a secure payment processing system and enables repeat donations.
Usability. Your crowdfunding website should include intuitive design tools, tracking tools, and other easy customization options.
Integrations. From email to website and social media, make sure your chosen platform can easily integrate with other marketing channels to reach more supporters.
Engagement tools. Find a platform that enables you to easily update supporters and let them know your latest campaign news.
Multimedia support. Double check you can upload images, videos, and other media hassle-free to enhance your page and make it your own.
Crowdfunding Websites: Conclusion
Whether you’re in the market for a creative breakthrough or educational leg-up, crowdfunding websites can support your efforts. Start your selection process by finalizing your campaign goals, researching your budget, and comparing your options.
Consider looking into other third-party reviews to solidify your choice’s reputation, track record, and fee structure. This way, you can be sure you’ve selected the right one for your project.
For more ideas and tips to inspire your fundraising, check out these additional resources:
https://blog.fundly.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Crowdfunding-Websites_Feature.jpg5471030Kate Whitehttps://fundly.com/assets/logos/v2/fundly_logo_with_text_181_50.pngKate White2024-01-04 09:08:232024-08-06 07:38:05Top Crowdfunding Websites to Raise Support for Any Cause
https://blog.fundly.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/peer-to-peer-fundraising-benefits.jpg321650Kate Whitehttps://fundly.com/assets/logos/v2/fundly_logo_with_text_181_50.pngKate White2017-12-22 05:29:542018-01-02 12:40:104 Big Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Benefits for Nonprofits and Individuals
