GoFundMe is an American crowdfunding platform that allows individuals to raise for specific occasions. The company exists to make a profit, which is not uncommon in the industry. Its users can use it to ask for fundings from the public for events, such as celebrations, emergencies, graduations, etc. GoFundMe began its operations in 2010 and operating well since then.
GoFundMe is available in various markets, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, France, and Ireland. The company currently operates from Redwood City, California, where its headquarters are. However, it also has offices in San Diego and Dublin. Similarly, GoFundMe also has operations in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and the UK.
GoFundMe started its operations in 2010 under the founders’ Brad Damphousse and Andrew Ballester. They knew each other from their previous business venture, known as Paygr. Initially, the founders created a website under “CreateAFund”. However, they later changed it to GoFundMe, which remains its name until now. After the rebranding, the website also received various upgrades.
GoFundMe basically allows users to create their own page to raise money. On this page, they describe the amount they require and their cause. Similarly, they can upload a photo or video on this page. Once done, users can share their projects with people through social network links and emails. Once others receive the link, they can donate to the user’s cause through debit or credit card.
Over the years, GoFundMe has been one of the top names in the crowdfunding platform. However, it uses an e-commerce business model, which attracts attention to its operations. This attention results in competitors and alternative products for the company. While competition can be constructive, it can also hamper companies from making more profits. Some of the top GoFundMe competitors and alternatives include the following.
1. Fundly
Fundly is a crowdfunding website that allows users to generate online funding. The company allows organizations, such as schools, churches, teams, politics, charities, etc., to raise money online. Their donors may include family and friends, colleagues, donors, and other supporters. Like GoFundMe, Fundly allows users to use social media platforms to promote their causes and get fundings.
Fundly has existed in the market more than GoFundMe. The company started its operations in 2009. Like GoFundMe, Fundly also charges for crowdfunding. The company makes money based on the scale of the fundraiser. Fundly is one of the most prominent competitors to GoFundMe due to its similar services. Overall, it is easy to use and offers outstanding customer service.
2. Bonfire
Bonfire is another crowdfunding platform that allows organizations to raise money and spread awareness for causes. However, it does not include the same process as some other platforms in this list. Instead, it allows donors to purchase t-shirts, the proceeds of which go to the user. Every user can design their favourite custom shirt, which Bonfire then produces in high-quality to sell to donors.
Bonfire provides various t-shirt styles, colours, and sizes. Overall, it provides a straightforward and easy-to-use process for the design process. Therefore, even users with basic design knowledge can make their favourite t-shirts. The company charges a low base fee for every product. Any residual amount goes to the user who requires fundings.
3. Givebutter
Givebutter is also a well-known crowdfunding platform that has everything required to raise finance. The company offers an easy-to-customize format that users can share as well. Users can add videos and tell their supporters about their cause. The platform also provides a live supporter feed. Similarly, it allows supporters to raise funds as a team and track their group progress.
Givebutter has created a positive name for itself in the market due to its online fundraising services. The company offers affordable solutions for all-size organizations. Furthermore, it continues to expand its functionality and bring innovations. Signing up to the platform is free, which provides users with various features. Overall, it is one of the top competitors to GoFundMe.
4. Double the Donation
Double the Donation is a matching gift and volunteers grand information platform. The company provides online fundraising tools to help nonprofit organizations and schools increase their matching gift donations. This platform allows these organizations to raise more money by enabling donors to submit employee matching gift requests.
However, Double the Donation is not a similar service as GoFundMe. Despite that, it provides a great alternative to GoFundMe. It is also an integrated option into other GoFundMe alternatives. Double the Donation has a yearly fee of $299. However, it also allows a free 14-day trial period during which customers can evaluate its services.
5. Indiegogo
Indiegogo is another well-known crowdfunding website founded in 2008 by Danae Ringelmann, Slava Rubin, and Eric Schell. The platform is one of the first websites to offer crowdfunding services. Being an old name in the market, Indiegogo has attracted substantial attention to its platform. This platform serves as a way for users to get funds. However, it also provides donors with several rewards.
Indiegogo enables users to raise money for any personal projects. In terms of scope, it is not similar to GoFundMe, which serves a different userbase. Despite that, both platforms share some overlaps. In general, businesses and startups prefer this platform. The company charges a 5% fee for all funds raised and any relevant credit card processing fee.
6. Kickstarter
Kickstarted is one of the leading names in the online fundraising market. The company provides various tools to bring creative projects to life. Like Indiegogo, it caters more to the needs of the business users than others. The company has existed since 2009. It is well-known for its platform that allows innovative products and services to materialize.
Like Indiegogo, Kickstarter provides its users tangible rewards and experiences for their pledges. Its platform is open to backers from several areas throughout the globe. Kickstarter charges a 5% fee on the total funds raised through its platform. However, it has a unique model where fundraisers only receive funding if they meet their goals.
7. Patreon
Patreon is an American membership platform that allows content creators to raise funding. It is not similar to some other names on this list. Overall, its model differs significantly compared to others. However, it provides a subscription service to generate funds. In terms of function, it allows users to offer rewards to their subscribers in exchange for income.
Patreon is well-known among online content creators. For example, most YouTubers use it to raise finance from their subscribers. However, it may also facilitate writers, podcasters, musicians, adult content creators and other users. The platform categorizes its users based on the content they produce. For any pledges it helps facilitate, Patreon charges a 5% commission.
8. DonateKindly
When it comes to a free alternative to GoFundMe, DonateKindly is one of the top names on the list. The platform provides a free website for users to raise funds. It allows users to embed a donation form to their website to start receiving funds quickly. Apart from its primary function, it also provides several tools to manage the relationship between donors and fundraisers.
DonateKindly gets its advantage from being a free alternative to GoFundMe. The platform does not charge for the use of its services. Instead, it runs on donations that help continue its operations. Overall, this platform does not any involve any fees for users. DonateKindly primarily focuses on nonprofits and does not cater to other users.
9. GiveSendGo
GiveSendGo is an online crowdfunding platform for churches and other faith-based organizations. It primarily focuses on helping Christian organizations raise funds. The platform has several features, which cater specifically to its particular userbase. It also shows users’ appreciation by gifting 10% of its raised donations to active campaigns.
GiveSendGo does not charge a fee for its platform. However, card payment processing fees apply to all transactions. Its service provides an alternative to campaigners who get denied on other platforms due to religious issues. However, having limited scope, GiveSendGo does not pose a threat to other more dominant names.
10. FundRazr
FundRazr is a free crowdfunding platform that has been operational since 2009. It operates in over 35 countries internationally. However, it focuses on a wish list of items that can help organizations drive their mission forward. This model differs from other platforms, which focus on raising funds. This way, it provides more transparency on how organizations wish to operate.
FundRazr allows users to run a wide range of crowdfunding campaigns. It also covers various types of causes, for example, education, arts, memorials, medical care, nonprofits, etc. Although free, FundRazr also has a paid and pro option for users. It also provides several tools to help communicate with donors.
Conclusion
GoFundMe has gained significant traction in the online crowdfunding market. The company operates a platform that helps users raise finance through the public. However, its business model has also attracted significant competition. A list of GoFundMe’s competitors and alternatives is provided above.
