Understanding Hawaii's new fundraising consent law: How to keep your nonprofit active on GoFundMe

If your nonprofit is based in Hawaii or if you receive donations from supporters in Hawaii, there's an important new law you need to know about. There’s also a simple step you can take to keep your organization active on GoFundMe. We're here to help you understand what's changing, why it matters, and what to do before July 1, 2026.

What is the new Hawaii law?

Starting July 1, 2026, Hawaii's Act 205 (as amended by Act 108 and codified at HRS §467B-2.3H) adds new requirements for online charitable fundraising platforms like GoFundMe. The key update for nonprofits is this:

In plain terms: If your nonprofit is based in Hawaii, or if you receive support from Hawaii-based donors or organizers, GoFundMe needs an authorized representative from your organization to sign a consent form before we can allow fundraising for your nonprofit on our platform. GoFundMe maintains a nonprofit directory listing of all nonprofits that supporters can select from. We also encourage nonprofit organizations to claim a more personalized presence which we call ‘Nonprofit Pages.’ Regardless of which level a nonprofit chooses to participate in, consent must be given before July 1 to remain active. GoFundMe is committed to helping Hawaii nonprofits navigate this change smoothly.

What does this mean for your organization?

If you are a Hawaii-based organization and have a claimed Nonprofit Page on GoFundMe: 

We’ll reach out directly with a brief consent form. An authorized representative of your organization, such as an officer, director, or trustee, will need to sign this consent form to confirm your consent for GoFundMe to continue enabling donations to your nonprofit after July 1, 2026.

If you are a Hawaii-based organization and  your organization appears in GoFundMe’s nonprofit directory:

GoFundMe’s nonprofit directory is how supporters can find and support your organization. If you want your organization listed in GoFundMe’s nonprofit directory, you will need to submit a signed consent form.

If you are a Hawaii-based organization and GoFundMe Pro customer:

This requirement applies if you plan to fundraise on GoFundMe or let people fundraise on your behalf, and we'll help make the process as seamless as possible. Our team will be in touch with specific guidance. 

If you are not a Hawaii-based organization but want to continue receiving donations from Hawaii donors: 

If you are not based in Hawaii, your ability to continue fundraising on GoFundMe will largely remain uninterrupted. However, after July 1, 2026, you will not be able to receive donations from Hawaii-based donors or allow Hawaii-based supporters to fundraise on your behalf until you complete the consent form below. Once you complete the consent process, your ability to receive donations from Hawaii-based donors will be restored.

What you need to do

Here's the process:

1. Have an authorized representative of your organization complete and sign the form. This person must have the authority to act on behalf of your organization. 
2. Submit the form. Once received, we'll record your consent and your organization will remain present on GoFundMe.

Click here to access the consent form

What happens if my organization doesn't submit consent

We're committed to making this process as easy as possible. However, to comply with Hawaii law, any Hawaii-based nonprofit that does not provide written consent will no longer be able to receive donations through GoFundMe. This means supporters will no longer be able to find your organization, start fundraisers on your behalf, or donate to your nonprofit through the GoFundMe platform. To avoid any interruption, we recommend submitting your consent form as soon as possible.

The good news: even if your organization is removed from the platform, this is fully reversible. If your organization's presence is deactivated due to missing consent, you can submit the form at any time, and we'll restore your presence on the platform promptly.

We strongly encourage submitting consent before the deadline to avoid any interruption to your fundraising. Note that even if your organization has submitted the consent form, donations cannot be processed if your organization is not also enrolled with PPGF.

Frequently asked questions

Does this affect donors who want to support my organization?

Yes. If your organization does not provide consent and is removed from GoFundMe, supporters will no longer be able to create fundraisers for your nonprofit or donate to your organization through the platform.

Who counts as an authorized representative?

An authorized representative is typically an officer, director, or trustee of your nonprofit, or someone with the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the organization. This could be your executive director, board chair, president, or another person if they have been formally delegated this authority.

We've been using GoFundMe for years. Do we really need to sign something new?

Yes. Hawaii's new law requires written consent that specifically authorizes GoFundMe to continue using your organization's name. Prior acceptance of our Terms of Service – including for instance when you claimed your Nonprofit Page – may not satisfy the requirement under the new law. Separately, Hawaii-based organizations that are not enrolled with PPGF will no longer be able to receive grants from PPGF via GoFundMe, so if you’re not already enrolled, visit https://www.paypal.com/us/paypal-giving-fund/joinppgf to enroll with PPGF today.

What if our organization wants to withdraw consent in the future?

You can withdraw consent at any time by clicking "Contact us" to get in touch with our Support team. Once withdrawn, your organization will be removed from the platform. This means that your supporters will no longer be able to donate to your organization or fundraise on your behalf on the GoFundMe platform. You can restore your presence on the platform by submitting consent at any time.

What about the “good standing” requirement? 

Similar to California’s AB488, the new Hawaii law also prohibits platforms from enabling donations to nonprofits that are not in “good standing” under Hawaii law. To be in “good standing” under Hawaii law, a nonprofit may not be prohibited from soliciting or operating in Hawaii by the Hawaii Attorney General. 

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

Our team is here to help. Use the “Contact us” button to get in touch with our team.

We're here to help

GoFundMe has always believed in the power of community, and Hawaii's nonprofits do extraordinary work for the communities they serve. We're committed to making this transition as simple as possible so that your organization can continue connecting with donors and driving impact.

If you have any questions about the consent process or what this law means for your organization, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.