Crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular way for nonprofits to raise money and engage supporters. In fact, the global crowdfunding market is projected to reach reached approximately $18.4 billion in 2024, and the average nonprofit crowdfunding campaign raises around $9,000. By tapping the “wisdom of the crowd,” charities can fund specific projects, emergencies, or creative endeavors through small contributions from many people. Below we explore five of the largest U.S. crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits (or which can be used by nonprofits) and compare their features, success stories, pros, and cons for nonprofit fundraising.
Kickstarter is one of the best-known crowdfunding sites and is practically synonymous with online fundraising for creative projects. Since its launch in 2009, Kickstarter has facilitated over $8.43 billion in pledges and successfully funded 269,000+ projects ranging from art and music to technology inventions. Kickstarter uses an all-or-nothing model: campaigns set a funding goal and deadline, and they only receive funds if the goal is met (backers aren’t charged unless the project hits its target). This creates urgency and trust – backers know their money will only be used if the project can actually move forward. Notably, Kickstarter is reward-based crowdfunding: supporters pledge money in exchange for rewards or pre-orders (a copy of a product, tickets to a film, etc.), rather than making a tax-deductible donation.
Successful campaigns: Kickstarter has a track record of high-profile successes, especially in the creative and tech space. For example, innovative products like the Pebble smartwatch and Oculus Rift headset got their start on Kickstarter, raising millions. Arts and culture nonprofits have also used Kickstarter to fund specific projects – for instance, an arts nonprofit might fund the production of a documentary or a community theater renovation by offering backers special experiences or acknowledgments. As of 2024, over 250,000 projects have been funded, from indie films to social impact inventions. This large, active community of 20+ million backers is a big plus – “when people think of crowdfunding, they often think of Kickstarter,” one user noted.
Key features: Because of its focus on discrete projects, Kickstarter is ideal for time-bound, creative endeavors (campaigns can run up to 60 days). It has a rigorous review process to ensure projects meet their guidelines (pure charity or personal cause campaigns are not allowed – you cannot simply fundraise for general operating funds or a charity with no creative output). For nonprofits, this means Kickstarter is only suitable if you have a specific project with a tangible outcome (a book, film, product, event, etc.). If you do, the platform offers slick campaign pages with videos, updates, and reward tiers. The all-or-nothing format can be a motivator: Kickstarter itself notes that this model helps spur donations and media attention.
Costs: Kickstarter charges a 5% platform fee on funds raised, plus payment processing fees of ~3% + $0.30 per pledge (with a discounted micro-pledge fee for very small donations). If the project fails to reach its goal, backers keep their money and no fees are charged. Some users feel the fees are on the high side – “transaction fees are somewhat on the high end compared to other creative crowdfunding websites,” one creator observed.
Pros & cons: For nonprofits, Kickstarter’s huge community and visibility are major advantages – there’s a built-in audience of enthusiasts scouting for cool projects. The all-or-nothing model and tiered rewards can energize backers. On the downside, it’s not suitable for general charity fundraising or emergency needs (you must have a concrete project and a deliverable). Also, if you don’t reach your goal you get $0, which can be a risk for smaller organizations. Finally, the platform + payment fees (~8% total) should be budgeted into your funding goal. In summary, Kickstarter is a powerhouse for creative nonprofit projects that can capture the public’s imagination – but it’s less friendly for day-to-day fundraising or causes without a tangible creative output.
Indiegogo is another major crowdfunding platform that supports a wide range of campaign types – from tech gadgets and creative works to community causes. Founded in 2008 (actually launching even before Kickstarter), Indiegogo has helped raise over $2 billion for 800,000+ projects and ventures worldwide. Unlike Kickstarter, Indiegogo is more flexible in its approach: campaigners can choose Fixed funding (all-or-nothing, similar to Kickstarter) or Flexible funding, where you keep whatever you raise even if the goal isn’t met. This flexibility can be useful for nonprofits or individuals who will put any funds to work, even if the full target isn’t reached. Indiegogo also allows fundraising for charitable and personal causes (it briefly ran a charity-focused site called Generosity.com, which later merged into GoFundMe), so nonprofits are welcome on the platform.
Successful campaigns: Indiegogo’s open platform has led to many creative and cause-related successes. One famous early Indiegogo campaign, “Let’s Give Karen – the bus monitor – a Vacation,” went viral and raised $703,000 to help a bullied school bus monitor retire – showing the platform’s capacity for compassion-driven campaigns. On the innovation side, Indiegogo has hosted hits like the Flow Hive (an honey-harvesting invention) and various eco-tech projects. Nonprofits have used it for things like funding social enterprises, community inventions, and even medical expense relief campaigns. Indiegogo also offers an InDemand feature that allows campaigns that met their goal to continue raising money beyond the deadline – useful if a nonprofit project generates momentum and you want to ride that wave longer.
Key features: Indiegogo provides customizable campaign pages with videos, images, updates, and social media integration. It doesn’t have an extensive built-in donor CRM or event system (it’s geared more toward one-time campaigns, not ongoing management). One notable feature is the choice of funding model: with Flexible Funding, you’ll pay the same fees but get whatever money is pledged immediately when the campaign ends, goal reached or not. This is helpful if partial funding can still advance your mission (though campaigns must raise at least $500 total to disburse). For Fixed funding, it works like Kickstarter (only collect funds if goal hit). Indiegogo also supports team members on a campaign and provides analytics (you can integrate Google Analytics to track traffic). However, some advanced fundraising tools (ticketing, livestream events, etc.) are not offered – it’s a lean platform focused on the campaign page itself.
Costs: Indiegogo’s fees are similar to Kickstarter’s. It charges a 5% platform fee on all funds raised, plus payment processing (3% + $0.20 per transaction). One important note: Indiegogo also withholds an additional 5% reserve fund from your earnings, held for up to 6 months, to cover any chargebacks or refunds (if none occur, that reserved amount is released later). This policy, unique to Indiegogo, effectively means you don’t get a small portion of your funds right away, which might be a cash flow consideration for nonprofits. Some users have complained about the fees and the reserve hold – “the fees are high… and most money raised will likely be from people you already know,” one campaigner noted, emphasizing that promotion is still largely up to the organizer.
Pros & cons: For nonprofits, Indiegogo’s flexible funding is a big plus – you can opt to keep partial funds, which is useful for causes where every dollar helps. The platform also doesn’t have Kickstarter’s strict prohibition on charitable fundraising, so you can directly fund a cause or charity project. Indiegogo’s global reach and slightly less selective ethos mean there is a broad range of projects, though its community of backers is somewhat smaller and less specialized than Kickstarter’s in the creative arena. A potential downside is that because anyone can post almost any idea, it doesn’t have the same cachet of curation; standing out and gaining trust might require extra effort. There have also been instances of campaigns failing to deliver, so backers may be cautious – Indiegogo does not guarantee project outcomes and leaves due diligence to donors. In summary, Indiegogo is a versatile choice that gives nonprofits more control over funding structure and duration (thanks to InDemand continuing funding after the initial campaign). Just be mindful of the total fees (~8%+), including the temporary 5% hold-back, and be prepared to work your networks – as always, success often comes from rallying your own community behind the cause.
GoFundMe is the world’s largest social fundraising platform, famous for personal cause campaigns and charitable giving. It has become the go-to site for individuals and nonprofits seeking donations for emergencies, medical bills, community projects, or any charitable cause. Since its founding in 2010, GoFundMe and its related crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits have processed over $30 billion in donations globally. (This figure includes GoFundMe’s acquisition of Classy.org, a nonprofit fundraising software, in 2022.) The platform reports 150+ million donations made to date. For nonprofits, GoFundMe offers a huge audience and household name recognition – donors often feel comfortable giving on GoFundMe because they “know the website” and trust it.
Successful campaigns: GoFundMe’s hall of fame is full of headline-making charitable campaigns. For example, when NFL player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field in January 2023, supporters flocked to GoFundMe and donated $8.6 million+ to his toy drive fundraiser within days. Similarly, GoFundMe has facilitated millions in relief aid after natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, and countless community-driven efforts (from helping a beloved teacher pay for surgery to funding animal rescue missions). Nonprofits can create official GoFundMe pages for specific projects or have supporters launch peer-to-peer fundraisers on their behalf. One thing to note: anyone can start a GoFundMe for a cause, so sometimes a nonprofit’s supporters may already be raising money for them on the platform organically. GoFundMe’s massive user base and viral potential make it unparalleled for emergency and compassionate causes that capture public attention.
Key features: GoFundMe is designed for simplicity and shareability. Creating a campaign is quick: add a story, photos/video, set a goal (optional), and you’re live. Campaigns have no deadline (you can raise money indefinitely) and no minimum requirement – you keep whatever is donated, even if it’s below your goal. Funds can be withdrawn by the organizer at any time (even before the campaign ends). This flexibility is great for urgent needs. The platform provides easy social media sharing tools and an update section to keep donors informed. One notable feature: donors are prompted to leave an optional “tip” to support GoFundMe’s operations, since the platform doesn’t charge a fundraising fee. These tips (often set at 10-15% by default) go to GoFundMe, not to the campaign, and donors can choose $0 tip if they want. For nonprofits, GoFundMe launched a charity-specific program (previously GoFundMe Charity, now integrating with Classy), but even a small nonprofit can use the standard GoFundMe interface to solicit funds. It lacks some advanced tools – “essential fundraising tools like email marketing, a CRM, event management, auctions, and interactive supporter feeds” are not built into GoFundMe – it’s very basic compared to dedicated nonprofit fundraising software. However, the name recognition, ease of use, and viral reach are its stand-out features.
Costs: GoFundMe notably charges no platform fee – it’s free to start a fundraiser. The company instead relies on donor tips and volume. Payment processing fees still apply: 2.9% + $0.30 per donation is deducted to cover credit card costs. These processing fees cannot be passed to donors directly (the tip system is separate). Practically, this means for every $100 raised, about $3 goes to fees – still a low overhead. There are no contracts, subscription, or goal penalties on GoFundMe. This pricing model has made GoFundMe very attractive to grassroots fundraisers. Do note that if you’re a certified 501(c)(3), you might also consider GoFundMe’s partner site (Classy) for larger-scale campaigns, but that involves different fees; the plain GoFundMe is ideal for simplicity.
Pros & cons: The biggest pro is GoFundMe’s popularity and ease. Donors trust it; as one user put it, “supporters feel comfortable giving through GoFundMe because they know the website”. For urgent and emotional causes, it’s often the first place people turn – which can lead to an outpouring of support from strangers in addition to your own network. Being able to keep funds regardless of goal, and withdraw on a rolling basis, is crucial for time-sensitive needs. Another plus: no platform fee means more of each donation goes to the cause (aside from payment processing). On the downside, visibility on GoFundMe is a double-edged sword: while viral phenomena occur, most campaigns still rely on the organizer’s personal network to gain traction. It’s not guaranteed that posting a GoFundMe will bring in donors you don’t know – you have to promote it. Also, for nonprofits, GoFundMe pages are limited in customization and lacking in integration with donor databases or other fundraising activities. You might use it for a one-off campaign, but it won’t replace a full-featured fundraising CRM. Lastly, as campaigns become large, there can be scrutiny about legitimacy. GoFundMe has put safeguards in place (like verifying big campaigns and guaranteeing refunds if misuse is found), but nonprofits should be prepared to be transparent and communicative, especially if a campaign goes viral. In summary, GoFundMe is the best choice for charitable causes that need rapid, broad-based support – it’s user-friendly and trusted, though it’s more of a megaphone than a multi-purpose fundraising tool.
Patreon takes a different approach to crowdfunding: it enables fans to provide recurring funding (usually monthly pledges) to creators, nonprofits, or anyone who creates content and community value. Instead of one-time campaigns with a goal, Patreon is more like a membership platform – patrons subscribe to support a project or organization in exchange for exclusive updates, content, or perks. Since launching in 2013, Patreon has grown into a funding lifeline for many YouTubers, podcasters, artists, and a number of nonprofits with loyal followings. It has over 250,000 active creators and has paid out $3.5 billion to creators as of early 2025. Nonprofits that produce regular content (for example, investigative journalism outlets, educational creators, or arts organizations) have started to use Patreon to cultivate a base of supporters who chip in every month.
How it works: A nonprofit (or individual) on Patreon sets up tiers of membership – for instance, $5/month “Supporter” level, $20/month “Insider” level with extra benefits, etc. Patrons sign up with a credit card for a monthly payment and in return get whatever benefits the organization offers: it could be behind-the-scenes updates, early access to content, special Q&A sessions, or simply the good feeling of supporting a cause. Unlike the other platforms on this list, Patreon is ongoing – there’s no end date. This makes it more analogous to a monthly giving program or membership base for a nonprofit. For example, an environmental nonprofit could use Patreon to share videos and stories from the field exclusively with patrons, creating a community of engaged donors who sustain the work. Many Patreon pages effectively function like modern “donor clubs” or subscription services for nonprofit content. It’s worth noting that patrons generally expect regular content or communication in return, so this platform fits best if you have a content strategy.
Successful examples: Many of Patreon’s top earners are creative entities (webcomic artists, video producers, etc.), but some nonprofits and educational creators are prominent too. For instance, the “Chapo Trap House” political podcast (not a nonprofit, but advocacy-oriented) reportedly earns over $150,000 per month from patrons. Smaller-scale, a science education YouTuber who is a nonprofit might have 1,000 patrons giving $5 each ($5k/month) which covers ongoing project costs. Patreon itself reports that the platform now processes over $1 billion per year in payments to creators – a sign of how mainstream this model has become. While Patreon might not generate a sudden influx of cash like a viral GoFundMe, it can provide steady, predictable income that helps nonprofits plan long-term. Another plus: Patreon fosters community. Patrons often feel like insiders and devoted fans, not one-time donors. This can increase retention and word-of-mouth.
Costs: Patreon’s revenue model is to take a percentage of creators’ income. Depending on the plan the creator chooses, Patreon takes 5% to 12% of the monthly pledges. Most nonprofits would likely use the Pro plan (8%) or perhaps the Premium if they need advanced features like team accounts. In addition, there are payment processing fees (roughly 2.9% + $0.30 on each pledge, with a slightly higher percentage for very small pledges under $3), and payout fees when transferring money out (for example, ~$0.25 for direct deposit or 1% via PayPal). All told, fees might consume around 8–10% of what patrons give – higher than a one-time campaign site, but in exchange Patreon provides the infrastructure for subscription billing and community management. Some users have voiced that Patreon can get expensive as you grow – “the pro version of the software is a little expensive for small creators,” one reviewer noted, referencing the cut Patreon takes.
Pros & cons: The obvious pro is recurring revenue – instead of chasing one-off donations, you build a base of loyal supporters. This can be transformative for nonprofit sustainability. Patreon also handles the heavy lifting of subscription billing, declines, etc., and provides a communication channel (you can post updates that only patrons see). It’s arguably the best platform for crowdfunding creative output or ongoing work rather than a single project. For nonprofits with a strong storytelling or content element, Patreon can essentially act as a donor membership program. However, a con is that Patreon is not a one-time windfall – it requires continuous engagement. You have to keep producing content or updates to retain patrons; if you go silent, people might drop off. It also may be harder to attract patrons for causes that aren’t content-driven. Another consideration: Patreon contributions are not tax-deductible donations in the way they are structured (patrons are paying for “benefits” in a sense, and Patreon itself is not a nonprofit). Nonprofits can certainly acknowledge Patreon income as donations on their end, but patrons probably won’t get a tax receipt. Additionally, Patreon’s focus on creators means some features a nonprofit might want (like a donor CRM, event ticketing, or major gift handling) are outside its scope. Finally, branding and discovery on Patreon can be challenging – there is no huge marketplace to virally find causes (it’s not like GoFundMe’s public feed; discovery is usually through the creator’s own promotion). In summary, Patreon is ideal for nonprofits with an ongoing content mission and devoted followers (think advocacy media, open-source educators, artistic organizations). It turns crowdfunding into a subscription model – which can be incredibly valuable – but it’s a long-term play that comes with an expectation of consistent engagement.
Mightycause (formerly Razoo) is a platform built specifically for nonprofit fundraising. Launched in 2006, it was one of the pioneers of online charity crowdfunding and is known for powering many community giving days and peer-to-peer fundraisers. Over the years, more than 150,000 causes have used Mightycause, raising upwards of $600 million for nonprofit causes. In fact, 2024 was a record year – Mightycause reports that in 2024 alone it facilitated over $500 million in donations across 27,000+ different fundraisers. Unlike the other platforms listed, Mightycause isn’t oriented toward personal fundraising or product launches – it’s designed for 501(c)(3) charities, schools, and teams to raise money for their missions.
Key features: Think of Mightycause as an all-in-one online fundraising suite. Nonprofits can create custom donation pages and crowdfunding campaigns on their own website (Mightycause provides embeddable forms, donate buttons, and even a WordPress plugin). You can run unlimited campaigns – from a general year-end fundraiser to specific projects or events. There are built-in tools for peer-to-peer fundraising, allowing supporters to create their own mini-campaigns to benefit your nonprofit. Mightycause also supports team fundraising and events (for example, a Walkathon or Giving Tuesday campaign with multiple team pages and a leaderboard). It includes donor management features: a basic CRM system, analytics dashboards, email integrations, and even text message outreach. Essentially, it brings many features of traditional donor software into a crowdfunding context. Importantly, there’s no all-or-nothing requirement – nonprofits keep whatever is donated immediately, and there are no time limits unless you set one. This makes it suitable for both short-term crowdfunding and ongoing donation drives. Also, because it’s nonprofit-focused, Mightycause allows you to accept recurring donations, set up matching grants, and track donor data in ways general platforms don’t. Many donors encounter Mightycause through big regional “Giving Day” events (Mightycause has powered statewide giving days where thousands of nonprofits participate simultaneously). If your nonprofit ever joins one of those, you’ll likely use the Mightycause interface.
Costs: Mightycause operates on a subscription model for organizations. They offer different plans – as of 2025, a Starter plan at $79/month and a Plus plan at $119/month, each with increasing features. These plans allow unlimited fundraising campaigns, integrations, and support. In addition, donation processing fees apply: up to 1.9% + $0.49 per transaction (the exact rate can vary based on your plan and payment processor). The platform does not take a cut of donations on top of that if you’re on a paid plan; if you use their limited free option (for example, some giving events allow a free entry-level use), donors are typically prompted to leave an optional tip to cover platform costs (similar to GoFundMe’s tip model). For many smaller nonprofits, the monthly fee is the biggest consideration – it is a significant expense, but it covers all your online fundraising needs (contrast this with “free” platforms that take a percentage of each donation; for larger fundraising volume, a flat monthly can be cost-effective). It’s worth noting that during big community campaigns (like GivingTuesday), sometimes sponsors cover fees or provide discounts on Mightycause to encourage participation.
Pros & cons: For nonprofits serious about crowdfunding and donor engagement, the advantages of Mightycause are the tailored tools and support. You get a branded experience (campaign pages can carry your logo and style), and features like goal thermometers, donor walls, and matching gift tracking are built-in. Peer-to-peer capability means you can exponentially grow reach by having supporters fundraise on your behalf. Also, because it’s nonprofit-centric, Mightycause understands tax-deductible giving and provides proper donation receipts and reporting for your donors – a critical piece for compliance. Another pro is no need to hit a goal to keep funds (all contributions go to your cause straight away). On the con side, Mightycause’s name recognition among casual donors is lower than something like GoFundMe – a donor might trust it slightly less simply because they haven’t heard of it (some users note a lack of brand recognition as a challenge for newer crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits – this applies here). You might need to explain to supporters that it’s a secure, reputable tool. Additionally, the monthly subscription cost is a barrier for very small organizations. If you’re only trying to raise a few thousand dollars, paying ~$79 a month might not be feasible; in that case, you’d use the free versions of other crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits. But if you anticipate raising tens of thousands or running multiple campaigns a year, Mightycause could pay for itself. Finally, Mightycause is not suited for non-charitable projects or businesses – it’s solely focused on charitable fundraising, so it doesn’t have an audience for product innovations or personal causes (which is fine if you’re a nonprofit). In summary, Mightycause is a powerful, feature-rich platform for nonprofits to grow their donor community online. It shines for organized fundraising campaigns, giving days, and organizations that want more than a simple donate button – but it comes with an ongoing cost and slightly lower public profile. For many U.S. charities, though, it has become a trusted backbone for their online fundraising (with over $600M raised for good causes to date).
Crowdfunding in the U.S. has evolved to serve different needs – from Kickstarter’s project-driven patrons, to GoFundMe’s viral generosity, to Patreon’s subscription-style support and nonprofit-specific solutions like Mightycause. For nonprofits, choosing the right platform comes down to your campaign type and goals:
Need quick emergency funds or a broad donor reach? GoFundMe is probably your best bet due to its massive user base and zero platform fee.
Launching a creative project or product that aligns with your mission? Kickstarter (or Indiegogo for more flexibility) can rally enthusiasts around your idea, especially if you can offer engaging rewards.
Building a long-term donor community? Patreon might help convert followers into sustaining members, providing reliable income between big campaigns.
Running a structured fundraiser or annual event? A nonprofit-oriented platform like Mightycause could give you more tools to manage teams, ticketing, and donor data.
It’s also common for nonprofits to use multiple crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits over time – perhaps running a Kickstarter for a one-time project, a GoFundMe for a specific emergency, and Patreon for ongoing support, all in parallel. Regardless of platform, success still depends on crafting a compelling story, setting a clear goal, and actively promoting the campaign. Each of these top platforms offers a slightly different path to engage the crowd in your cause, and as crowdfunding continues to grow, nonprofits have more opportunities than ever to innovate in fundraising. With the right approach, the power of the crowd can turn even a small grassroots idea into a fully funded reality. Good luck, and happy crowdfunding!