Despite widespread criticism, Americans continue to turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to support those in need. But a recent survey reveals that many people are uncertain about the effectiveness of these campaigns and harbor doubts about who benefits from them.
The survey found that only nine percent of respondents believed that crowdfunding campaigns were very effective, while more than half doubted the fees charged by platforms like GoFundMe. Many also questioned whether the money raised was used responsibly and whether donors knew for certain how their funds were being spent.
One major concern is the service fee charged by these platforms, which can range from 2.9% to 5%. While some argue that this is a nominal fee, others see it as a significant drain on donations meant for those in need.
For instance, during the recent fundraiser for Renee Nicole Good's family, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, donors tipped around 17.5 percent of their contributions to GoFundMe – a figure that would have added up to over $260,000.
Another issue is the lack of transparency regarding crowdfunding campaigns. While some fundraisers may be legitimate, others may not need or use the money at all. Moreover, research suggests that successful campaigns often benefit individuals from more affluent and well-connected backgrounds, rather than those in greater need.
That being said, crowdfunding remains an essential means for providing immediate support during times of crisis. For example, medical expenses and funeral costs are among the most common reasons people turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
While there may be more efficient ways to handle medical bankruptcies and funeral costs, giving through crowdfunding – even if imperfectly – is often the only viable option available for many individuals in distress.
The survey found that only nine percent of respondents believed that crowdfunding campaigns were very effective, while more than half doubted the fees charged by platforms like GoFundMe. Many also questioned whether the money raised was used responsibly and whether donors knew for certain how their funds were being spent.
One major concern is the service fee charged by these platforms, which can range from 2.9% to 5%. While some argue that this is a nominal fee, others see it as a significant drain on donations meant for those in need.
For instance, during the recent fundraiser for Renee Nicole Good's family, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, donors tipped around 17.5 percent of their contributions to GoFundMe – a figure that would have added up to over $260,000.
Another issue is the lack of transparency regarding crowdfunding campaigns. While some fundraisers may be legitimate, others may not need or use the money at all. Moreover, research suggests that successful campaigns often benefit individuals from more affluent and well-connected backgrounds, rather than those in greater need.
That being said, crowdfunding remains an essential means for providing immediate support during times of crisis. For example, medical expenses and funeral costs are among the most common reasons people turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe.
While there may be more efficient ways to handle medical bankruptcies and funeral costs, giving through crowdfunding – even if imperfectly – is often the only viable option available for many individuals in distress.
... i mean, 5% fee sounds legit but when u consider it's a lot of money 
. like, i've seen those fundraisers for families who lost loved ones and the donations r huge 
. but then theres the part where some ppl dont even need the help 
... like, i get that crowdfunding can be imperfect but at least its there to help people in a crisis situation 
. my friend's uncle had to crowdfund for his cancer treatment and it really made a big difference 
. so yeah, I think crowdfunding is still worth using even with all the doubts 
.
. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's great that people are willing to give when someone needs it, but at least be aware of the fees you're paying, right? Like, if you're giving money for a good cause, shouldn't you know how much of it is going towards fees? 
). But I do think we need to have a more open and honest discussion about how these platforms work and what we can do to make them better 
.
like how do we even no if the money's being used for real? It seems like some ppl just use it 4 personal gain or somethin 
But at the same time, crowdfunding does help in a pinch & its def better than nothing 
Like, I get it, there are some shady fees, but what choice do these people got? They need help ASAP! 
. So yeah, let's make crowdfunding work, even if it means biting the bullet on those fees. It's all about getting help to those who need it most 
.
. So yeah, even with all its flaws, it's still a way to help when we really need it most. Just wish there was more trust in the system, you feel? 
crowdfunding is a mess rn... 9% of ppl think it's effective lol who do they know? 
. Like, I saw this one fundraiser for a girl who got shot and people were donatin' big bucks, but 17.5% of it went to GoFundMe fees? That's crazy talk! 
. Maybe we can find ways to make crowdfunding better, but for now, let's just try to do what we can with the resources we have 
. But on the other hand, there's some major doubts about how effective they really are.
. It's like, I get that they need to make money too, but come on! The thing is, it feels like a lot of people are just donating for the sake of donating, without really knowing where their money is going 
.
... and let's be real, medical bills and funeral costs aren't cheap, so yeah, crowdfunding is still an option we have to make use of 
instead of questioning each other's integrity. crowdfunding can be a lifesaver for people in need, but only if done right 
like people gotta pay those huge fees just to help others out and it's still super sketchy who gets the money 
and what really bothers me is that these platforms are supposed to be about helping ppl in need but they're actually just benefiting rich people who know how to use them 
. And what really gets me is when you think about people who genuinely need help, and they're struggling to scrape together enough to cover their medical bills or funeral costs... it's like, isn't there a way to make this system work better for everyone? 