Start a GoFundMe for someone in your community

Absolutely! Raising money for someone else is not only okay, it’s often one of the most compassionate and impactful ways to offer support. By starting a GoFundMe on someone’s behalf, you’re offering a lifeline during difficult times, relief from financial worries, and allowing them to focus on what matters most. But before you start a fund, it’s important to ensure that you have the person’s permission (or the family’s permission, if appropriate) and that you’re transparent about how the funds will be used.

Yes, if you know a friend or loved one who needs help covering medical bills, starting a GoFundMe is a great way to help. We recommend you first ask if the person you are fundraising for is comfortable with you starting the fundraiser. Once you set up the fundraiser, you can invite them to set up bank transfers so they will receive the money directly. Learn more about inviting the person you are fundraising for to receive funds.

Yes, GoFundMe allows you to have the funds go directly to the person you’re raising money for. When setting up the fundraiser, you can invite the person to be the beneficiary. Then they will be able to add their banking information to the GoFundMe. This option adds transparency and peace of mind for both the donor and the recipient, ensuring that the funds reach the person in need as quickly and securely as possible. GoFundMe’s platform is designed to make this process simple and safe, so you can focus on raising support, knowing the money will get to where it’s needed most.

If the person you’re fundraising for is not able to add banking information, you can connect your bank account, and then transfer or send them the money outside of GoFundMe.

Yes, you can raise (or lower) your fundraising goal at any time.

The process of setting up and verifying transfers can take 3-7 business days or longer to complete. Then, once your first transfer is sent, it will take on average 2-5 business days for the funds to safely be deposited into the bank account on file.

One small transaction fee (2.9% + $0.30) is automatically deducted per donation—that’s it. Everything else goes directly to your cause. For more information and to estimate what you will receive, check out the GoFundMe pricing calculator.

Yes, you can add team members to help you run the fundraiser after the fundraiser is set up. Visit this help center article for a step-by-step guide to adding team members to your GoFundMe.