How to set up a GoFundMe

How to set up a GoFundMe

IMPORTANT NOTE: ENSURE YOU ARE USING GOFUND ME $$ FOR THINGS YOUR INSURANCE AND/OR FEMA WILL NOT COVER. FEMA and Insurance companies have rules and regulations and can deny your claim if they see you are using GoFundMe earnings to ‘double dip’; more on that HERE and HERE.

Step 1: Sign Up or Log In

  1. Visit gofundme.com.
  2. If you don’t have an account, click Start a GoFundMe and create one using your email, Facebook, or Google account. If you already have an account, log in.
  3. You do not have to set up your own account. Someone can set up an account on your behalf and/or for an organization.

Step 2: Start a New Campaign

  1. After logging in, click the Start a GoFundMe button.
  2. Select the type of fundraiser you want to create (e.g., personal, business, charity, or another category).
  3. Start an account using your email.

Step 3: Add a cover photo or video

  1. Using a bright and clear photo helps people connect to your fundraiser right away.

Step 4: Write Your Story

  1. Use the campaign description area to tell your story:
    • Introduce Yourself: Explain who you are.
    • Explain the Need: Share why you’re raising money (be detailed and honest).
    • Describe the Impact: Show how the funds will help (e.g., medical bills, education, community projects).
    • Include a Call to Action: Ask people to donate and share the campaign.

      • note: FEMA and/or insurance companies will not duplicate benefits you receive from another source; keep your language very general in GoFundMe (i.e.: do not say, help me rebuild my house, or buy new furniture, etc. say things like “help me get back on my feet” etc)

Step 5: Choose a Fundraising Title

  1. Pick a concise and compelling title that reflects who this is directly supporting. Many people donating will not know you personally, so it helps to show a little about you.
    • Example: “Help John Rebuild Home After LA Fire” or “Support Teacher After Losing Everything to Eaton Fire”.
  2. Keep it heartfelt and straightforward. Use short paragraphs and headings for clarity. Your friends and colleagues will be sharing your GoFundMe to their own networks; share as much detail as you’re comfortable with without making it too long.

Step 6: Review Your Fundraiser & edit your ‘Fundraising Goal’

  1. Upload high-quality images or a videos if you have them.
    • Share only what you’re comfortable being shared far and wide.
  2. Videos tend to engage donors more effectively, so consider creating a short, personal video.
  3. Even if the goal is set to 0 it will not stop people from donating; you can always raise more than your goal.

Step 8: Share Your Campaign

  1. Share your campaign link across multiple platforms to reach more people:
    • Social Media: Post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
    • Email: Send personalized emails to family, friends, and colleagues.
    • Messaging Apps: Share the link via text, WhatsApp, Messenger.
    • Community Groups: Post in local forums, Facebook groups, or community boards.
  2. Encourage supporters to share the link with their networks.

Step 10: Withdraw Funds

  1. Once donations start coming in, you can withdraw funds to your bank account:
    • Navigate to the Withdraw section in your account.
    • Follow the steps to link your bank account.
    • GoFundMe charges 2.9% platform fee plus $0.30 for each transaction.
  2. Withdrawals typically take a few business days to process.