Creating a GoFundMe from start to finish

Step 2: Set your fundraising goal 

Your goal amount should reflect how much you’re looking to raise. When setting your goal, keep in mind there will be a transaction fee per donation, so you may want to set your goal slightly higher than what you need. You can learn more about setting your goal in this article. 

We’ll also suggest a goal to you. Our goal suggestion is based on fundraisers with similar locations, categories, etc. that found success on GoFundMe in the past 12 months. If you’re struggling to decide on the size of your need, then using our suggested goal is a great way to put your fundraiser on par with other causes on our platform.

Here are some important things to know about your fundraising goal: 

• You have the option to edit your goal settings at any time
• You do not need to reach your goal to receive your funds
• Your fundraiser won't automatically end when you reach your goal

Step 3:  Create your GoFundMe account

To create your account, you'll enter your name, email address, and a password. Double check the spelling of your email, and it's good practice to make note of your password somewhere safe.

Make sure you use an email address you have access to, because our team will be sending you important messages.

The name you enter will be displayed publicly on the fundraiser page. If you don't want to use your full name, whether for safety or personal reasons, you can enter your chosen name here. Be sure to enter your legal name when it comes time to set up transfers.

Step 4:  Add a cover photo or video

Fundraisers using a personal photo or video that showcases the person, animal, or cause for the funds are generally more successful than those that do not. Whether you choose a photo or video, please keep the following in mind:

• You must have the rights to post and share the photo or video
• It's best if the photo is clear and bright
  • The recommended photo size is 720 x 405 pixels
  • The photo must be in JPEG, PNG, or BMP format
  • Learn more about photos here
• The video must be hosted on YouTube
  • Be sure it is set to Public 
  • Learn more about video here
  • If you're using the GoFundMe app, you can record a video directly through GoFundMe. Learn more here.

Step 5: Tell your story & pick your title

A great story will be open, descriptive, and include a bit about who you are, what you're raising funds for, and how the money will be spent. If you're raising money for someone else (the beneficiary), it's a good idea to share how you know them.

If you’re having trouble deciding what to say, don’t worry–just start typing, and we can help with grammar, tone, word choice, and structure. Type out at least 50 words, and then you can click “Enhance” to get some helpful suggestions. 

Read more about fundraiser stories here.

Next, you’ll pick your fundraiser title. This is your chance to stand out, and we’ll suggest a few titles we think will really connect with donors. Strong titles will be specific to your cause, use names, and a call to action.  Pick whichever suggested title resonates with you most, or try writing your own. If you write your own, it has to be 60 characters or less, so make sure it fits!

When you've finished writing your story, click “Review.” You can preview what your public page will look like and edit any information you’ve already entered. We suggest taking some time to read over your title and story again to make sure you’ve included everything you wanted to share.

Step 6: Complete your fundraiser 

Once you click “Complete fundraiser,” your campaign is live and able to receive donations!

Please continue reading for important information about how to start getting donations. 

Get started today! 

Step 7: Your fundraiser is ready. Let's start getting donations

While your fundraiser can start receiving donations right away, no one will know your fundraiser is active until you start to share it. Sharing your fundraiser with as many communities as you can is the best way for it to be successful. Here are a few ways to share, but if you would prefer not to connect these right now, you can click “next”:

• Social media: You can use this page to connect your GoFundMe to a variety of social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, and WhatsApp. You can also copy your fundraiser link here so you have it ready to send to people.
• In person: You can use your custom link to share your fundraiser over text message, on posters and print outs, when speaking to your community, and as part of presentations. There are countless ways to get the word out using your link!
• Sharing strategies: It's important to share often and in many places. We've put together our best tips to help you share your fundraiser with the most potential supporters. 

Sharing is the key part to getting donations on GoFundMe. If you aren’t sharing your fundraiser with your friends, family, and community, then it’s not likely to get donations. Using your personal network can help get you closer to your goal, and you can read more about the different options for sharing in the “Fundraiser Guides” section of our Help Center.

Step 8: Invite team members

Adding team members to your fundraiser can make it more successful. Team fundraisers have been shown to raise up to 3x more funds, and team members:

• Can help spread the word
• Can post updates and thank donors
• Cannot transfer funds or edit the story

Enter your team members’ email addresses and click “Send invite” to ask them to join your team. Learn more about team fundraisers in this Help Center article.

Your fundraiser is now live, and you’re ready to raise funds.