Charity Fundraiser Withdrawals

GoFundMe offers two different types of fundraisers for organizations. One is a standard GoFundMe fundraiser, and the other is a certified charity fundraiser. To learn more about the differences between the two fundraiser types and how to set each type up, please read more here.

This article covers the following topics:

• How charity fundraiser withdrawals work
• How to withdraw from a charity fundraiser
• Withdrawal timelines
• Fees
• PayPal Giving Fund contact information

How charity fundraiser withdrawals work

GoFundMe has partnered with PayPal Giving Fund to deliver donations for charity fundraisers. Donations raised on these fundraisers are sent directly to the organization and cannot be personally withdrawn by the individual who organized the fundraiser. This fundraiser type enables individuals to raise money to benefit a qualifying Australian, Canadian, UK, or US charity of their choice. 

Please note: As the organizer of the fundraiser, there is nothing needed on your end to withdraw the funds. Once you’ve created your charity fundraiser, the money will automatically be sent to the PayPal Giving Fund account of the charity that you connected, or mailed to their address on file with PayPal Giving Fund via check. 

How to withdraw from a charity fundraiser

If you clicked  “Charity or nonprofit” on the first fundraiser creation page and filled out the organization’s name and EIN (US), Charity Number (UK), CRA number (CAD), or ABN number (AUS), then you set up a charity fundraiser.

For the charity to receive these funds via PayPal, a financial administrator belonging to the charity should enroll with PayPal Giving Fund using these steps:

1. Create a PayPal account or make sure that your existing PayPal account is upgraded to a business account through this link.
2. Confirm your charity's status by visiting PayPal here. After you submit, PayPal will review your documents and reply by email within five business days. Once your charity’s status is confirmed, it will be automatically enrolled.
3. If you are located in the UK or California, you will need to complete enrollment by using the link in your confirmation email from PayPal Giving Fund.

Withdrawal Timelines

For charities enrolled with PayPal Giving Fund, the money will be disbursed to their PayPal account at the end of each month. Money donated through the 15th of the month is sent to the charity’s PayPal account that same month. Any donations received after the 15th will be paid out the following month. 

After the funds are in the charity’s PayPal account, they’ll be able to use the funds in PayPal, transfer the money to a bank account, or have a check mailed to them.

If the charity has not yet enrolled by the time the funds are ready to be sent, PayPal Giving Fund will make reasonable attempts to contact the charity and invite them to enroll. If the charity does not enroll with PayPal Giving Fund, PayPal Giving Fund will attempt to deliver the funds by other appropriate means, including via check. This can sometimes occur within 30 days, but can take up to 90 days, depending on the charity's status.

Fees 

PayPal Giving Fund does not charge donors or charities for its services, so there are no additional fees for donations made to charity fundraisers.

PayPal Giving Fund Contact Information 

You can contact PayPal Giving Fund by clicking here. Specifying your request is for "PayPal Giving Fund" or "charity," they can direct you to the service team that can assist you.