When something bad happens to someone these days, a crowdfunding campaign is often set up soon after to help with expenses. Social media helps get the word out quickly, letting us know how to help support those we care about - or even total strangers - who’ve experienced something terrible. Crowdfunding sites, like GoFundMe, have become pretty popular, as about two in 10 U.S. adults donated money to a campaign on one last year, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Their survey of 1,146 adults across the country shows donors have pitched in on these sites to help cover the cost of everything from emergency treatments to Little League sports equipment, but people still have doubts about whether those getting the money really need it and use it responsibly.
- Most donors give small amounts to campaigns, about 60% of those who contributed gave $50 or less to the last one they supported.
- While about 20% of Americans supported a crowdfunding campaign last year, that’s a lot lower than the seven in 10 who made a charitable contribution in 2025.
- Medical expenses and health care causes are ones that get the most support, about 40% of those who donated to a crowdfund last year say it was in this category.
- The second most common cause donors supported was memorials or funerals.
- That’s followed by groceries and other daily necessities, veterinary expenses or animal causes, and natural disaster relief.
- But even those who are happy give money to help still have doubts, not just about those getting the funds, but also about the fees charged by the crowdfunding sites
- Only 44% are at least “somewhat” confident that these sites charge reasonable service fees.
- The thing is, big for-profit fundraising sites claim they only charge transaction fees to cover payment processing costs. GoFundMe now takes 2.9% plus 30-cents off individuals’ U.S. donations, after dropping their 5% fee on those who launch personal campaigns back in 2017.
- There’s also some doubt about where the money goes, as only about one in 10 adults are “very” or “extremely” confident that people who raise money through crowdfunding platforms really need the funds. More than half say they’re at least “somewhat” confident those raising money really need it and about half are at least “somewhat” confident they use it responsibly.
Source: AP News
Scott's Thoughts:
- We’d be naive to think everyone using crowdfunding campaigns is legit, but there’s a special place in hell for those using it to scam us.
- I have received help with crowdfunding. I have also given back to it.
- Many people giving small amounts really adds up.