Crowdfunding has become a vital tool for startups, nonprofits, researchers, and individuals, enabling them to raise substantial funds annually.
Once you’ve established your fundraising goal, finding the ideal crowdfunding platform to support your project is crucial. The right platform can significantly impact the success and ease of your fundraising efforts.
Choosing the right crowdfunding site can be daunting, so we've curated a list of top platforms with impressive success rates. Whether you're looking to fund a nonprofit initiative, a startup, or a personal project, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Top Crowdfunding Platforms for Your Next Project
Best Overall Platform: GivingBlox
GivingBlox is designed to empower individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to tell their stories and engage supporters through customizable, conversion-optimized fundraising campaigns. The platform offers the flexibility and tools needed to connect people to causes they care about. GivingBlox is great for inspiring generous giving through exciting online fundraising games and activities.
Why Choose GivingBlox?
- Free to use for individuals, nonprofits, and businesses
- Customizable, mobile-optimized campaigns
- Gamified Giving, increasing engagement by enabling goal driven giving campaigns that are fun and exciting for donors.
- Real-time engagement through campaign based interactive features
- Powerful reporting and analytics
- Seamless payment processing with options like PayPal and Stripe
- Secure transactions with Level 1 PCI compliance and SSL security
Fees and Pricing
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For individuals and businesses:
- 0% platform fee (when connecting with Stripe)
- 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation
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For charities:
- 00% platform fee (when connecting with Stripe)
- 2.2% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation
Most Established Platform: GoFundMe
GoFundMe is a leading name in online fundraising, connecting over 150 million people and organizations worldwide. Available in 19 countries, GoFundMe has facilitated more than $30 billion in donations since 2010. The platform offers a user-friendly experience, with no fees to start a fundraiser, 24/7 customer support, and the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.
Why Choose GoFundMe?
- Quick and easy setup process
- Community of 150 million supporters
- Comprehensive tools for updating supporters, thanking donors, and transferring funds
- Mobile app for on-the-go fundraising
- No time limits on fundraisers
- “Keep what you raise” model allows for early access to funds
- Around-the-clock support
Fees and Pricing
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For individuals and businesses:
- 0% platform fee
- 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation
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For charities:
- 0% platform fee
- 2.2% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation
Best Platform for Individuals: Fundly
Fundly offers a simple and scalable solution for individual fundraisers. Available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K., Fundly provides the tools needed for successful campaigns.
Why Choose Fundly?
- No startup fees
- “Keep what you raise” model
- Mobile app for campaign management
- Easy withdrawal process
- Donor incentives and heat maps
- Integration with Facebook
Fees and Pricing
- 0% platform fee
- 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee per transaction
Best Platform for Startups and Small Businesses: Indiegogo
Indiegogo supports entrepreneurs by funding innovative ideas and products. The platform allows startups to choose between fixed and flexible funding goals, tailoring the experience to their needs.
Why Choose Indiegogo?
- Expert support and exclusive partnerships
- Pre- and post-campaign tools
- Integrated analytics
- Options for donor perks
- Fulfillment and manufacturing support
- Mobile app for easy fundraising
Fees and Pricing
- 5% platform fee
- 3% + $0.30 transaction fee
Best Platform for Creators: Kickstarter
Kickstarter aims to bring creative projects to life. Since 2009, it has attracted over 23 million backers worldwide. The platform uses a rewards-based model to engage supporters by offering unique incentives.
Why Choose Kickstarter?
- Dedicated to creative projects
- All-or-nothing funding model
- Flexible campaign durations (1 to 60 days)
- Comprehensive resources for creators
Fees and Pricing
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If the project meets its goal:
- 5% platform fee
- 3% + $0.20 payment processing fee per pledge
- No fees if the project doesn’t reach its goal
Best Platform for Raising Funds from Investors: StartEngine
StartEngine connects early-stage startups with accredited investors. Advised by Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, the platform offers comprehensive support throughout the fundraising process.
Why Choose StartEngine?
- Raise up to $5 million annually
- Quick launch (4-6 weeks)
- Assistance with SEC filings, campaign setup, marketing, and fund disbursement
Fees and Pricing
- For investors: Up to 3.5% securities fee
- For startups: Custom funding terms with possible CPA collaboration
Additional Crowdfunding Platforms to Consider
For Individuals: FundRazr
FundRazr is versatile, offering advanced technology for both organizational and individual fundraising. It supports seamless social sharing and modern payment tools like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay.
Fees and Pricing
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Choose from three pricing models, including:
- 0% platform fee + 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fees per transaction
- No setup fees, monthly subscription fees, or contracts
For Startups and Small Businesses: Fundable
Fundable helps companies raise capital from investors, customers, and friends. It has facilitated over $700 million in funding commitments, supporting entrepreneurs through reward or equity-based campaigns.
Fees and Pricing
- $179 per month
For Creators: Patreon
Patreon allows artists to receive ongoing support from their fans through monthly memberships. In return, supporters gain exclusive access to content and the creative process, fostering stronger connections.
Fees and Pricing
- Free to start, with a small fee on earned revenue
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Two plans available:
- Pro: 8% of monthly income
- Premium: 12% of monthly income
- Standard payment processing rates apply
For Growing Businesses: WeFunder
WeFunder is ideal for startups looking to connect with emotionally-invested investors. It has raised $703 million, helping founders gain supporters who can boost brand awareness and customer referrals.
Fees and Pricing
- No upfront fees
- $395,000 flat fee if the raise is successful (7.9% on a $5 million raise)
Summary
Whether you're funding a personal project, launching a new product, or providing disaster relief, understanding the features of each crowdfunding platform will help you succeed. Define your goals, budget, and needs, then select the best platform to support your fundraising efforts. Sign Up for Engaging Crowdfunding Opportunities