GoFundMe.org Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $11-17 million (varies by fiscal year)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (partnership/invitation model)
• Decision Time: 24 hours to a few days
• Grant Range: $500 (individuals) to variable amounts (nonprofits)
• Geographic Focus: United States (primarily), with some international humanitarian funds

Contact Details

Website: https://www.gofundme.org

Email: info@gofundme.org

Phone: Not publicly listed

Mailing Address: 8605 Santa Monica Blvd, #88639, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Partnership Inquiries: Contact form at https://www.gofundme.org/contact/

Overview

Founded in 2017, GoFundMe.org is an independent 501(c)(3) public nonprofit that has established a unique niche in philanthropic rapid response. Since inception, the organization has raised over $185 million across 235+ funds, delivering 50,000+ grants to individuals and organizations. With a Charity Navigator rating of 87% (3 stars) and an exceptional 97.92% program expense ratio, the organization operates with remarkable efficiency, benefiting from GoFundMe, Inc.'s technology and infrastructure provided at no cost.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, GoFundMe.org raised over $17 million into charitable funds, supported more than 150 community nonprofit organizations, and distributed 11,000+ cash grants to individuals facing crisis situations. Their strategic approach centers on speed and direct impact: they deliver unrestricted cash grants—often within 24 hours—to provide immediate relief "before other aid arrives."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Disaster Relief Funds (variable amounts)

• 2026 Wildfire Relief Fund: Direct cash grants to wildfire survivors
• 2026 Flood Relief Fund: Emergency assistance for flood-affected individuals
• 2026 Hurricane Relief Fund: Distributed $1.4M to 2,200+ survivors in 2024
• Application method: Fund-specific online submission forms

Essentials Fund ($500 per individual grant)

• Emergency assistance for basic needs: rent, food, childcare, medical expenses
• Over $1.8 million raised, 5,000+ individuals/households supported
• Application method: Existing GoFundMe fundraisers reviewed for eligibility

Small Business Relief Fund (minimum $500 match)

• Supporting small businesses impacted by crises
• Application method: Create GoFundMe fundraiser, raise minimum $500, submit for matching

Partner-Specific Funds (variable amounts)

• AAPI Community Fund (over $7M raised, 200+ nonprofits funded)
• Ukraine Humanitarian Fund
• Education Opportunity Fund
• Application method: Partnership arrangements, not open application

Priority Areas

• Crisis response and disaster relief
• Basic necessities (food, housing, healthcare)
• Education access and classroom support
• Environmental justice and climate resilience
• Social justice and AAPI community support

What They Don't Fund

• Projects unrelated to active fund purposes
• Unsolicited general operating support requests
• Organizations not in compliance with IRS requirements
• Entities with leadership financial crimes

Governance and Leadership

Kim Wilford, Chairwoman of the Board

• Also General Counsel for GoFundMe, Inc.
• Recognized by Financial Times as one of the top 20 general counsels globally

Sarah Haacke Byrd, Board Member (joined June 2025)

• CEO of Women Moving Millions
• Mobilized nearly $300 million in funding for women and girls globally

Kobie Fuller, Board Member (joined June 2025)

• Tech and venture capital background

Mia Mosher, Director

Rob Solomon, Director

• Former CEO of GoFundMe, Inc.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Access to funding depends on your situation:

For Individuals:

1. Check active funds at https://www.gofundme.org/current-funds/
2. Submit existing GoFundMe fundraiser through fund-specific form if affected by active crisis
3. Verification based on membership in charitable class defined by fund

For Nonprofits:

• Contact through https://www.gofundme.org/contact/ to discuss partnership opportunities
• Organizations identified through partner recommendations or proactive vetting
• Must pass Trust & Safety Team verification including IRS 501(c)(3) status

Getting on Their Radar

GoFundMe.org actively seeks nonprofit partners who can:

• Deploy rapid crisis relief within 24-48 hours
• Serve underinvested communities, particularly during disasters
• Demonstrate strong community connections and grassroots presence
• Accept and effectively deploy unrestricted cash grants

They have specifically partnered with organizations like Inclusive Action for the City (LA-based) and multiple AAPI community organizations. Contact them directly at info@gofundme.org with specific partnership proposals around crisis response or community support initiatives.

Decision Timeline

• Individuals: 24 hours to a few days
• Nonprofits: Variable, typically weeks for partnership development
• Emergency grants often delivered within 24 hours

Success Rates

Not applicable - partnership/invitation model rather than competitive applications

Reapplication Policy

Individuals can receive grants from multiple funds if affected by different crises. Nonprofits can partner on multiple initiatives.

Application Success Factors

For Nonprofits Seeking Partnership:

• Crisis-Response Capacity: Ability to deploy rapid relief valued highly
• Community Connection: Priority for grassroots organizations with direct community ties
• Shared Values: Emphasis on providing "dignified relief" through unrestricted cash
• Operational Efficiency: 98% program expense ratio suggests they favor efficient partners
• Scale and Reach: AAPI Fund supported 200+ nonprofits across 25+ states

Strategic Positioning: Organizations working in disaster relief, underserved community support, education access, environmental justice, or refugee support are best aligned.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not a traditional funder - no RFPs or application deadlines, think "partnership opportunity"
• Speed is their superpower - grants delivered within 24 hours for emergency relief
• Fund-based model - all grants flow through specific funds with defined purposes
• Partnership over application - success comes from relationship-building, not forms
• Individuals get direct support - $500 grants available through Essentials Fund
• Unrestricted cash model - provides maximum flexibility, not restricted project grants
• Rigorous verification despite speed - ensure clean IRS standing before approaching

References

1. GoFundMe.org Official Website. (2025). About, Our Funds, FAQs, Partnerships. Retrieved February 7, 2026, from https://www.gofundme.org/

2. Charity Navigator. (2025). Rating for GoFundMe.org (EIN 81-2279757). Retrieved February 7, 2026

3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. (2024). Gofundme Org - Form 990 Filings. Retrieved February 7, 2026

4. GuideStar by Candid. (2025). GoFundMe.org Profile (EIN 81-2279757). Retrieved February 7, 2026

5. Foundation Directory Online by Candid. (2025). GoFundMe.org Grantmaker Profile. Retrieved February 7, 2026

6. LinkedIn. (2025). GoFundMe.org Welcomes Sarah Haacke Byrd and Kobie Fuller. Retrieved February 7, 2026

7. GoFundMe.org Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. Retrieved February 7, 2026

8. GoFundMe.org. (2025). The Latest - Impact Stories. Retrieved February 7, 2026

9. GoFundMe.org. (2025). Financials. Retrieved February 7, 2026