But where to start? When thinking about fundraising websites, it’s important to select the one that best suits your needs. That is why we’ve outlined the benefits of using GoFundMe vs. JustGiving. From fees, to customer support and security, we want your crowdfunding experience to be as simple and effective as possible – and get vital funds to get to the people that need them most, fast.

If you’re thinking of starting a crowdfunder for a personal cause, planning a charity fundraising event or function, or want to raise money for a charitable initiative, think about GoFundMe today. It’s fast, free to start and safe. Everything you need to succeed is here.

How GoFundMe compares to JustGiving

Starting a fundraiser can be daunting. From wondering what to fundraise for, to considering how to word why it is you’re fundraising, it can be very hard to get started. 

Looking at successful fundraisers online, it can also be tricky to wonder how they got to that point.

With so many different online fundraising platforms available, it can be tricky to know which the best option is. GoFundMe and JustGiving are both digital crowdfunding platforms, but what they can offer donors and fundraisers is slightly different.

It’s important to think what is best for you, but with so much information out there it can be hard to get to grips with what is available to you. We can break down the difference between the two platforms for you and answer any burning questions you may have had.

Let’s compare the two to see which one is most suitable for your fundraiser.

GoFundMe fees

GoFundMe wants to make it easy for you to raise funds for the causes you care about, which is why, unlike other sites, we offer 0% platform fees for personal and charitable UK fundraisers when you crowdfund with us.

There are industry standard transaction fees of 2.9% + £0.25p per donation apply. Fundraisers for registered charities and nonprofit organisations have fees of 1.9% + £0.20p per donation, with all Gift Aid processed and passed on to the charities for free. We also deliver all charity donations free.

JustGiving fees

Similarly, JustGiving offer 0% platform fees for, but impose transaction fees of 2.9% + £0.25 for crowdfunding.

UK charities also incur payment processing fees of 1.9% + £0.20. JustGiving has a 5% fee on GiftAid. 

Some charities also pay a monthly subscription fee of £15-£39 plus VAT for their service.

Withdrawing funds for crowdfunding campaigns

GoFundMe: Access your money quickly

With GoFundMe, you can set up withdrawals right away and once verified, donations appear within 2-5 days. Many other platforms place a seven to 30-day hold on funds, but GoFundMe’s speedy process means that financial aid can be delivered urgently. GoFundMe has been delivering millions of pounds of aid to those in crisis for the last decade. In 2022, the GoFundMe community raised hundreds of millions to help victims of war in Ukraine shortly after the country was invaded. 

GoFundMe: Use a beneficiary product

The beneficiary product also sets GoFundMe apart. Organisers can also invite someone else to withdraw the funds as the beneficiary. The beneficiary can then directly access the donations. This means you can raise money for someone else without touching the funds – avoiding difficult questions and having to organise bank transfers.

JustGiving: Expect delays

Customers using the JustGiving fundraising platform have to wait 14 days before they can withdraw funds after launching their page – and this is only if your payment details have been verified. JustGiving users also have to wait between 6-10 working days for the funds to reach them once a withdrawal has been made. There is no beneficiary product.

GoFundMe: Chosen by 100 million

GoFundMe has been chosen by by over 100 million donors worldwide. This makes us the largest social fundraising platform in the world. We’ve raised over £15 billion (and counting), evidencing the level of trust users have in our service.

GoFundMe: No deadlines

GoFundMe fundraisers don’t have to worry about falling short of their fundraising goal because, unlike many similar platforms, there are no deadlines, limits or penalties for fundraisers staying live. Fundraising pages remain online until you turn off donations or remove them. If you choose to, you can leave your online donation form active indefinitely and continue accepting money even after reaching your goal. It also means you don’t have to meet your goal to start withdrawing the money.

JustGiving: Expiry dates

All JustGiving fundraising pages have an expiry date. This means that if you want to extend your deadline, users are required to log into their account and manually change this.

At GoFundMe, we understand that people have busy lives. We want to make fundraising as simple as possible for our users, which is why we don’t expect our users to spend their valuable time manually adjusting the timeframe in which they can fundraise.  

Support and advice

GoFundMe’s hardworking team of Customer Care agents are on hand seven days a week. This means that whenever and however you choose to manage your account, we’ll be right here when you need us to ensure you have the best user experience possible.

Our user-friendly GoFundMe mobile app is an all-in-one tool that lets you launch and manage your crowdfunding page, and makes it easy to share your fundraiser on social media.

We are also the experts in viral fundraising and online giving. Everyday thousands of people start a GoFundMe for themselves, their communities and for charities. Everyday thousands of those people meet their fundraising targets. Everyday some of those fundraising efforts will raise six or seven figures.

This doesn’t happen by accident – GoFundMe is set up for social and viral fundraising, and those who have managed to use it most effectively are experts in making the most of the product. The GoFundMe blog offers plenty of fundraising tips and fundraising ideas, while GoFundMe Pro offers enhanced data and fundraising tools especially for nonprofits, including access to a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

How we are protecting donors and organisers

The GoFundMe Guarantee

GoFundMe has the first and only donor protection guarantee in the industry. That means in the rare case that funds don’t get to where they are supposed to go, we will return cash to donors. The GoFundMe Guarantee means we are a welcome JustGiving alternative that offers reassurance to users. For beneficiaries, this means that if an organiser fails to deliver funds, we will donate the difference.

Our Trust and Safety team, who comprise a quarter of our global staff, is dedicated to keeping customers financially safe. GoFundMe uses advanced payment encryption technology, with donations stored securely until you request a withdrawal via electronic bank transfer directly into your bank account. All funds undergo some form of verification.

JustGiving: No protection

JustGiving does not offer a fraud protection guarantee for its crowdfunding. In their Terms of Service, the platform states that it “shall have no liability to donors whatsoever for any use or misuse of donations made to the JustGiving Crowdfunding page. The JustGiving Crowdfunding page may state that page owners will use donations only for specific purposes, but JustGiving cannot guarantee that they will use them for such purpose.”

Success Stories

If you need any further inspiration on picking your platform, here are just a few examples of success stories on GoFundMe.

Save Salford Lads and Girls Club

Salford Lads and Girls Club is an iconic youth club in Salford, near Manchester. It has been a vital community resource for decades and features heavily in the music scene from that part of the world, too. In 2024, they revealed they urgently needed funds to keep going. The Manchester Evening News sprang into action, starting a GoFundMe to raise the money needed. They managed to smash the target of £250,000 and the club was able to keep going.

Children With Voices and Community Food Hub appeal

Charity Children With Voices has helped people in Hackney for over a decade. In response to the pandemic in 2020, they became a vital food provider and launched a Community Food Hub feeding 600 people every week. They started a GoFundMe to secure a permanent home in Hackney – and raised more than £200,000 to continue their vital service.

Help Constance at Ballet School

Constance was 13 when she was offered a place at The Hammond School, a prestigious ballet school. But the fees cost thousands and single mum Laura was worried that she wouldn’t be able to afford it. She started a GoFundMe to help Florence get to the school back in 2021 – and managed to raise a massive £120,000 from kind donors. Laura regularly updated on Constance’s story, from starting at the school to passing her exams.

Pride of Britain fundraiser for superstar Florrie

Florrie Bark is a remarkable little girl. At just six years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. But rather than letting the devastating diagnosis and gruelling treatment get her down, Florrie decided to share her experiences of hospital, treatment and day-to-day life online to help other children who were going through a similar thing. Her videos have amassed thousands of followers and Florrie has kept them updated through her journey. She’s now awaiting a lung transplant due to complications from the treatment. Florrie also launched charity BeMoreFab to continue helping others. It’s this work which won her the Child of Courage award at the Pride of Britain. Florrie was presented with a surprise GoFundMe, donated to by big celebrities, to help BeMoreFab’s work.

Pick the right fundraising platform for your cause

Ultimately, the choice is down to you and only you can decide the best way to fundraise for your cause. But whether or not you’re fundraising for a cause personal to you, your chosen charity or for yourself, GoFundMe can be on-hand to help you. 

We have hundreds of thousands of people raise money for causes they’re passionate about, and we also have resources to help you get involved in fundraising if you don’t know where to start.

When it comes to GoFundMe vs. JustGiving, we believe that GoFundMe offers the best support and protection for our users. Looking to fundraise? For low transaction fees, 7 day support and, most importantly, the GoFundMe Guarantee, consider crowdfunding with GoFundMe.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis started their Stand With Ukraine fundraiser last year when the war broke out – and it has raised an enormous £30,000,000  ($37,000,000) so far. The couple started the GoFundMe as Mila was born in Ukraine and they wanted to help the humanitarian efforts for people on the ground there. There’s been an enormous outpouring of support, with top donations running into the multi-millions. You read more on their Stand With Ukraine fundraiser here.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is no stranger to helping out a crowdfunding cause. He and partner Blake Lively donated £10k to a fundraiser set up for Wrexham FC player who lost his baby during childbirth. He also gave money to a fundraiser set up by FC United of Wrexham Futsal for their kit, plus £10k to a fundraiser for little girl Aria’s DIPG battle.

Kaitlin Olson And Rob McElhenney

Hunger has hit people across the globe following the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.  Kaitlin Olson And Rob McElhenney set up their own GoFundMe benefitting Philabundance, which provides meals for needy families. The pair pledged to match every donation up to $25k.

Hugh Grant

Kind hearted plumber James Anderson has been on the front lines of the cost of living crisis, providing food, fixing boilers and offering support to people who need it most. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed by star Hugh Grant, who has donated to James’s organisation Depher three times now. James said Hugh would “always be my brother” after the generous donations. 

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis embarked on an epic fundraising journey for charity Best Beginnings in Covid-19 with his Hobbitathon fundraiser. He read The Hobbit in its entirety live, entertaining hundreds of thousands of listeners as they joined in to listen – raising more than £300k in the process. 

Taylor Swift

Covid-19 was a scary, unprecedented and often heartbreaking time for people across the globe. Vicki, a mum of five, lost her husband to coronavirus. He was described on the fundraiser as an ‘outstanding man’. 

Taylor and her mum Andrea stepped in to help, donating £39,000 ($50,000) to help her get back on her feet. 

Taylor also stepped in to help Vitoria Mario, who wanted to study at Warwick University but wasn’t eligible for student finance because she’s Portuguese. The Shake It Off singer gave Vitoria £23,000 towards her education. Vitoria, who lives in Tottenham, London, said her donation had “actually made my dream come true”. 

Michael Sheen

When Storm Dennis hit the UK in 2020, it left devastation for many. Homes and businesses were left in devastation. Michael Sheen saw this happening in Neath, Port Talbot, and the surrounding areas and wanted to step in to help. He started a GoFundMe to help people rebuild, and raised more than £87,000. 

Kate Winslet

People were struggling across the UK with energy price hikes last year – and for some, it was especially nerve wracking. Carolynne Hunter, from Scotland, faced a £20k energy bill due to constantly needing electricity to run life saving equipment for her daughter Freya, who has cerebral palsy. This paired with the energy hikes was becoming unmanageable for Carolynne and she started a GoFundMe.

Kate Winslet stepped in and donated the full £20k to Carolynne, who said: “When I heard about the money I just burst into tears — I thought it wasn’t even real. I’m still thinking, is this real?” 

1. Use an audience-first approach

In your communication, focus on how your charity page makes it easier for readers to support your organisation. Consider incorporating language such as:

• Start a fundraiser in under two minutes
• Donate safely and securely
• Take action in just a few clicks
• Connect with a community of fellow supporters
• Our charity page is a centralised location where you can support our organisation at any time, however you like
• Donate, fundraise, or share from one easy, centralised location

Adopting an audience-first approach ensures your messaging resonates with your supporters and compels them to visit your charity page to take action. 

2. End with a clear call-to-action (CTA)

Ending your email with a clear ask helps your supporters understand how they can help or what they can do next. Aim to keep the CTA clear and concise, with one primary ask per communication. Use clickable buttons or links at the end of your email to make the ask stand out. For example:

• Support [enter your charity name here] and donate £25 today
• Start a GoFundMe for [enter your charity name here]
• Check out [enter your charity name here] on GoFundMe

These are samples of different call-to-actions you can use. For more inspiration, look at other charity email examples and decide whether the CTA works for your email. Because every charity’s audience differs, it’s important to experiment with different CTAs to see which ones resonate best with your supporters.

3. Keep it simple

Opt for brevity. If your email is too long, readers may feel overwhelmed or unclear on the ask. If your email is too short and lacks context, readers may not be inspired to take action.

To help you strike the right balance, read through your draft and answer these three questions:

• Is every line in this email meaningful and interesting?
• Will readers feel compelled to take action?
• Will readers know exactly how to take action?

If you answered no to any of those questions, you may want to consider revising your email.

Email your supporters today

Before hitting send, make sure you’ve linked to your charity page throughout the body of your email so readers can easily take action. For reference, you can find your charity page link in your charity dashboard. Once you’ve sent the email to your supporters, use your dashboard to monitor engagement and access key reports.

View charity dashboard

The 4x4x48 challenge is a simple concept that was pioneered by ultramarathon runner David Goggins. Depending on your level of ability, you either walk or run 4 miles every four hours for 48 hours – which then totals 48 miles. It’s challenging not just because of the distance but the mental strength it takes to complete without getting a proper rest.

Yes, you’re not running for the entire 48 miles but you’re not sleeping either! It’s a brilliant challenge and it means you can take it at your own pace. It’s simple to follow so you can complete it on your own, but it’s also very conducive to a fundraising activity in a team to keep each other going and offer a bit of moral support. The challenge takes place at 8pm on Friday 4th March 2023 this year.

How to get through 4x4x48

The 4x4x48 challenge is a gruelling physical endurance test for anyone who decides to attempt it, but the best part is that it is virtual and non competitive. This means that you can complete the challenge at your own pace. 

David Goggins himself advises non runners to modify the challenge to suit their ability. In an Instagram post he encouraged  non runners to modify their challenge by doing something else like walking or jogging for 45-60 minutes of each four hour leg.

If you do decide to take on the full challenge, you will be covering a huge distance, so many people do some form of training before the actual event.

Here are some tips for how to get through the challenge on the day.

Create a virtual race playlist

Music is a great motivator, so selecting some of your favourite songs to listen to during your virtual race might be the difference between pushing you forward at a challenging point and losing momentum. Create a special motivational playlist for your 4x4x48 challenge to get inspired.

Make it fun

While a virtual challenge may not have the supportive crowds, sound systems and water stations that characterise a typical race, it doesn’t mean you should shirk on pomp and ceremony. Undertaking your 4x4x48 challenge in fancy dress, creating a theme or erecting a ‘finish-line’ ribbon can all add to the sense of occasion. Share photos with other participants or arrange a celebratory Zoom chat to toast your achievements. Awarding prizes for the best outfit or best time is another way to generate some healthy competition.

Stay hydrated

It’s vital you stay hydrated during your challenge. Ensure you factor in water breaks to keep your body operating at peak performance – and don’t forget to stretch after completing to help your body recover.

How to fundraise for 4x4x48

The challenge was originally created to encourage people to raise funds for charity. Goggins encouraged participants to pick a charity or a cause that was close to their hearts and start fundraising. There are many ways to successfully raise money. 

Find the right cause for you

If you’re not sure about which charity or cause you want to support, start with some general interests, such as helping animals, children, or communities in need. The number of causes out there is almost endless and organisations of all sizes may need your help. 

Let people know that you are fundraising

Once you have decided on your charity the best way to raise funds is to let as many people as possible know about it. What better way to do this then to post on your social media networks. Use Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp to reach out to your friends and family and ask for their support.

Launch a crowdfunder

Once people know that you are fundraising they are going to need somewhere to donate to. Launching a gofundme online is a great way to collect donations.  You can create a fundraiser in a matter of minutes after signing up. 

Here are some key tips to remember when crowdfunding online:

Remember to personalise your campaign

Once you have signed up you can personalise your fundraiser by adding a picture and a description about your fundraiser explaining who or what it is for. This gives you a good opportunity to make it fun. 

Set a goal

Setting a fundraiser goal is a good way of giving people something to aim for. If you haven’t decided yet, set a rough goal, you can always adjust it later.

How to get your money to your charity

You can select your chosen charity from a drop down menu when you set up your campaign. Once you have selected a charity all the money raised including 100 per cent of gift aid will automatically be sent to that charity as part of your charity collections . It is a good idea to say in your description why you have chosen to raise funds for your chosen charity and what it means to you, either as an individual or a company.

Start your 4x4x48 fundraiser today

So what are you waiting for? Why not start your 4x4x48 crowdfunder on GoFundMe today?

It couldn’t be easier to set up a fundraiser, share the link on your social media platforms and start racking up donations from supporters.

Unlike other fundraising platforms, there are no hidden fees on Gift Aid with GoFundMe.

Our experts are on hand to offer 24-hour help and advice and you can use our mobile app to check in on your fundraising progress on the move.

Collecting money online

Collecting money online means using a website, or an app, to gather donations or shared payments. It takes away the need to handle cash, and it keeps a clear record of payments. You can share a link, or a QR code, and people can give from anywhere, at any time. Online tools include public fundraising pages, group pots, and small collection links, which makes collecting money online easier for things like events, gifts, and causes.

Benefits of online money collection

There are four main benefits to online money collection; namely: speed, transparency, safety, and record keeping. It’s faster than in-person money collection because you’re able to reach so many people in one place. Keeping your funds secured on the platform is safer than cash in hand. GoFundMe makes the money collection transparent, with progress bars, updates, and public comments, and we also keep a report of donations that you can download at any stage.

Online fundraising makes it easier to reach people beyond your local area, and is an excellent choice for things like medical costs, school funds, community projects, and group gifts. For ideas on events, and virtual donations, look at GoFundMe’s fundraising ideas pages.

Ways to collect money online

Below are the main types of online collection, and when to use each one.

Online collection pots

An online collection pot is a shared link where each person adds money to the same pot. It works well for leaving gifts, staff collections, class presents, or small group events. Each donor can add any amount, and the organiser withdraws the total to buy the gift or pay the bill. A collection pot works best when the group knows each other, and you want a single, simple place to give.

Online donations

Online donations are public fundraising pages that anyone can support. They are best for wider appeals, local causes, or personal help with bills or medical costs. A public page lets you tell a story, add photos, and post updates, and is easy to share on social media, with email, and in messages. GoFundMe has many tips for writing a good story, and for sharing your page.

Online group donations

Group donation tools let many people chip in, while one person organises the final payment. Group donations suit things like team goodbyes, joint gifts, and pooled charity collections at work, and helps keep the contribution process clear, and lets the organiser manage the final purchase or payment.

Collecting money for a gift

If you plan on collecting money for a gift, make sure you set a clear target and give a deadline, as well as what the gift will be and who will receive it. Share the link in a group chat, by email, and on posters with a QR code. After you buy the gift, post an update and a photo so contributors can see how their money was used.

How does online fundraising work?

Online fundraising starts when an organiser makes a page on a fundraising site like GoFundMe, sets a goal, and writes a short story. Donors can pay with a card, or a digital wallet, and the platform records each gift. The site handles payment processing and fraud checks, and it moves funds to the organiser’s bank account on request. This means donors never need to give card details directly to the organiser, and money can come from people far away.

Setting up an online fundraiser with GoFundMe

Head over to the Start a GoFundMe section of the site, choose a clear title, set a realistic target, and write a short story that explains the need clearly. Add a strong photo, and use the first few lines to tell the audience what the most important facts are. Post updates as the fundraiser grows, and thank donors publicly to keep momentum. Share your link on social media, in email, and in private messages. For tips on promoting your page online, use GoFundMe’s step-by-step guide to promotion, and check the fundraising ideas pages for virtual events you can run.

GoFundMe doesn’t charge to create a page, but there is a small transaction fee per donation that covers payment processing, and the rest goes to the fundraiser. Check the pricing page to show donors the fee information on your site, and to plan how much you expect to receive after fees.

Use templates and tools on the site to make shareable images, and to create posts for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you plan a virtual event, add the link to your event page and make sure attendees can donate during the event. GoFundMe has a list of virtual fundraising ideas for the UK, and it gives examples you can copy.

Best ways to collect money online

Collecting money online is an easy way to raise funds for many needs, and it is now common for schools, workplaces, churches, community groups, and families to use it. Pick the right method for your cause, use clear text and a good photo, and share the link widely. Use online tools like a public fundraiser page, an online collection pot, or a group donation tool, and you will reach more donors, faster.

Public donation pages work best when you need many donors from different places, while online collection pots work best for small groups who know each other, and who want one easy link.

Group donation tools work best when one person will buy the gift or pay the bill, and virtual events are a good way to combine fundraising with a fun activity, and they can bring in extra donations if you offer small ticketed items or suggested donation levels.

Online money collection: FAQs

How do online fundraisers work?

You will be able to set up a fundraising page on the GoFundMe site where anyone who has the link can donate to your cause. Create a page, write a short honest story, set a goal, and share the link. Donors pay online, and the platform moves funds to your bank account when requested.

Can anyone set up an online fundraiser?

Yes, GoFundMe lets any adult set up a fundraiser. You must follow the site rules, give honest details, and provide ID if the site needs it to set up transfers.

Many people have been moved to provide aid for the flood victims in the UK. Crowdfunding is a great way to lessen the financial impact of the floods, as well as providing help for flood victims in the UK. There are also charities for flood victims and government aid on offer for flood victims, which this article details below.

Start a GoFundMe

Government assistance programs

On November 19 2019, the government announced that they would be providing grants to homes and businesses affected by the floods. People who faced severe water damage are able to claim up to £5,000 to help protect them from future flooding. The grants are available through local authorities and can be used to make homes and businesses more water resistant.

The government has also offered to reimburse flood victims in the UK. The Bellwin Scheme allows local authorities dealing with the flooding to apply to have 100 per cent of their eligible costs, above a threshold, reimbursed by the government.

From November 15 onwards the government also offered council tax and business rate relief for those affected by the UK floods.

Charities that help flood victims

A number of charities offer support to victims of flooding. The British Red Cross sprung into action this year when floods swept across the north of England. The charity donated £50,000 from its disaster fund to help those affected. The money was distributed by local organisations based on need. The charity is still offering support to victims who are trying to get back on their feet.

The National Flood Forum is a UK based charity which offers support to people who are victims of flooding. Not only do they offer their services to victims, they also support communities who might be at risk of flooding. The charity also works with local authorities and the government to bring in measures to help protect those affected by floods.

Fundraising for flood victims

If you want to help flood victims in the UK there are a number of things you can do.

1. Hold a fundraising event

Invite friends and family to come to a social event in aid of the flood victims. Ask your guests to donate to the cause in return for a ticket to your event. It is an opportunity to come together with your nearest and dearest and it’s for a good cause.

2. Take on a sponsored challenge

If you happen to be taking on a marathon or are thinking about jumping out of a plane to raise money for a cause close to your heart, why not raise funds for victims of the floods?

3. Start a crowdfunder

Crowdfunding is all about community coming together to support one another. It gives you the opportunity to help someone you may know who has been affected by the floods.

Having your home or business destroyed by a natural disaster can make you feel helpless, take back control by starting a crowdfunder to help you get back on your feet.

Crowdfunding enables you to tell your story and lets people know why you need their help. GoFundMe offers a quick and easy way to raise funds.

Reread is a social enterprise based in Doncaster which provides books to children for free. Unfortunately, the charity was heavily impacted by the floods and many of the books were destroyed. The owners were devastated and turned to GoFundMe for help. Fortunately for them, their story touched the hearts of many people across the country and they raised over £15,000 in donations.

Start helping victims today

If you would like to help victims of floods you can start a GoFundMe today.

Creating a campaign couldn’t be easier, with the click of a button you can share your story and why you want to help. Share your campaign on social media platforms and let your friends and family know how they can support flood victims too.

Our experts are on hand to offer 24-hour help and advice and you can use our mobile app to check in on your fundraising progress on the move.

Set up your GoFundMe