In today’s digital world, raising funds for personal causes has never been easier, thanks to the rise of fundraising sites for individuals. Whether you’re looking for help with medical bills, education expenses, community projects, or a life-changing dream, there’s a platform tailored for your needs.
But with so many crowdfunding options available, how do you choose the right one? This guide dives into the top fundraising platforms for individuals, what sets them apart, how they work, and what to look for before starting your campaign.
Why Individuals Use Fundraising Sites
People turn to fundraising platforms for many reasons, such as:
- Medical emergencies (hospital bills, surgery costs)
- Education needs (tuition, school supplies)
- Travel or mission trips
- Personal emergencies (fire, theft, job loss)
- Creative projects (film, music, art)
- Memorials and funerals
- Animal or pet care
These platforms offer individuals the ability to create a digital donation page, tell their story, share it with their network, and collect donations securely and quickly.
Key Features to Look for in a Fundraising Site
Before diving into specific platforms, consider the features that make a fundraising site suitable for individuals:
1. Low or No Platform Fees
Some sites charge fees for using their service, while others operate on tips. Look for platforms that allow you to keep more of the donations you raise.
2. Ease of Use
An intuitive setup, customizable donation pages, and mobile optimization are essential for managing and promoting your campaign.
3. Payment and Payout Options
Check whether the platform supports your country and offers fast, secure payouts to your bank or PayPal account.
4. Social Sharing Tools
Fundraising success often depends on spreading the word. Look for sites with strong integrations with Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and email tools.
5. Trust and Transparency
Choose platforms with clear terms, good customer reviews, and secure data handling practices.
Top Fundraising Sites for Individuals in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the best and most trusted fundraising sites for individuals, each with unique strengths depending on your goals.
1. GoFundMe
Best for: Personal medical and emergency needs
Platform fee: 0% (standard payment processing fees apply)
GoFundMe is one of the most recognized fundraising sites globally. It’s trusted by millions and used for medical bills, accidents, and personal tragedies. Its storytelling format allows for emotional connection, which drives support. While GoFundMe has no platform fee, donors are encouraged to leave a voluntary tip to support operations.
Pros:
- Highly trusted and widely recognized
- Easy setup and mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Not ideal for non-emergency or creative projects
- Heavily saturated with campaigns, making visibility difficult
2. WhyDonate
Best for: Individuals in Europe, especially for personal, social, and creative causes
Platform fee: 0% platform fee
WhyDonate is a modern, Europe-based fundraising platform that caters to individuals, non-profits, and social campaigns. It supports multiple European languages and payment systems, including iDEAL, SEPA, and Bancontact. The platform is GDPR-compliant and allows for flexible fundraising, recurring donations, and extensive personalization of pages.
Pros:
- Tailored for European users
- Multilingual and multi-currency
- Recurring donation options
- 100% mobile-optimized
Cons:
- Less known outside Europe
3. Fundly
Best for: Creative and community-focused causes
Platform fee: 0% (with 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction fee)
Fundly is popular for personal projects, such as creative ventures or community fundraising. The site supports photo and video sharing, progress updates, and blog-style storytelling, making it ideal for ongoing support and engaging followers over time.
Pros:
- Engaging, visual campaign builder
- Built-in blog and update features
- Social media integration
Cons:
- Limited to U.S. campaigns and bank accounts
- Higher transaction fees
4. Kickstarter
Best for: Creative, artistic, or entrepreneurial projects
Platform fee: 5% + payment processing
While Kickstarter isn’t for emergency needs or personal tragedies, it shines in creative and product-based fundraising. Users must reach their full funding goal or receive nothing (“all or nothing” model). If you’re launching a board game, indie film, or music album, Kickstarter could be your launchpad.
Pros:
- Ideal for creative minds and startups
- Large community of backers
- Rewards-based campaigns
Cons:
- All-or-nothing model
- Not suitable for personal emergencies or non-business causes
5. Indiegogo
Best for: Personal gadgets, innovation, and early-stage ideas
Platform fee: 5% + standard processing
Indiegogo offers more flexibility than Kickstarter. It allows both fixed and flexible funding, meaning you can choose whether to keep what you raise or not. It’s used by individuals who want to validate ideas or build support for niche tech or personal projects.
Pros:
- Flexible funding model
- Allows personal and business use
- Worldwide availability
Cons:
- Platform fee can add up
- Backer community smaller than Kickstarter
6. Facebook Fundraisers
Best for: Direct reach to friends and family
Platform fee: 0%
Facebook’s native fundraising tool lets individuals create fundraisers directly on their profiles. You can raise money for birthdays, emergencies, or even nonprofits. Funds are collected via Facebook Pay, and you can update friends in real-time.
Pros:
- No fees
- Immediate audience access
- Integrates into social sharing
Cons:
- Not available in all countries
- Less customization than full platforms
Tips for Running a Successful Individual Fundraiser
Having the right platform is half the battle. The other half is how you run your campaign. Here are some expert tips:
1. Tell a Compelling Story
Share your journey with emotion and honesty. Include photos, videos, and real-life context to connect with potential donors.
2. Set a Realistic Goal
Break down what the money is for—people like knowing where their contribution will go.
3. Engage Your Network
Don’t just post once. Use emails, social media, and messaging apps to consistently remind people and share updates.
4. Say Thank You
Gratitude goes a long way. Send personal thank-yous, update donors with outcomes, and celebrate milestones.
5. Keep the Momentum
Add updates, new photos, and share success stories to keep your fundraiser alive and visible.
Final Thoughts: Choose What Suits You
No single platform fits everyone. The best fundraising sites for individuals depend on your personal cause, location, urgency, and how you plan to engage your network. If you’re in Europe and need flexibility and simplicity, WhyDonate is an excellent choice. For U.S.-based emergency needs, GoFundMe remains the go-to. If you’re working on a creative project, Kickstarter or Indiegogo may be your best match.
The key is to get started, be authentic, and rally support around your cause. With the right story and the right platform, people are willing to help—you just need to give them a way to do it.
