Raise More Online: USA’s Best Fundraising Platforms and Tips

Whether you’re a nonprofit, a student group, or an individual facing unexpected expenses, online fundraising has become a game-changing tool for raising money in the digital age. With just a few clicks, you can rally friends, family, and even strangers to support your cause. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best online fundraising platform—and how can you maximize your campaign’s success? we’ll highlight the best online fundraising platforms in the USA, plus proven tips to help you raise more, faster.

Why Online Fundraising?

Online fundraising offers unique advantages over traditional methods:

• Wider reach through social media and email

• Fast setup with little to no upfront costs

• Real-time engagement with supporters

• Easy donation tracking and reporting tools

Whether you're raising money for a personal emergency, a school event, or a nonprofit mission, online platforms offer powerful tools to connect with donors.

Top Online Fundraising Platforms in the USA

1. GoFundMe

Best for: Personal causes and emergencies
Website: gofundme.com
GoFundMe is the most widely used platform for personal and charitable fundraising. It’s free to use (aside from standard payment processing fees), and easy to share on social media.

Why it works:

• Trusted brand

• Simple interface

• Great for storytelling

2. Givebutter

Best for: Nonprofits, schools, and team fundraisers
Website: givebutter.com
Givebutter combines donation pages, ticketed events, and peer-to-peer fundraising—all with zero platform fees. Donors can cover transaction costs, so your organization keeps more.

Why it works:

• Excellent design and customization

• Supports Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal

• Free CRM and email tools included

3. Classy

Best for: Nonprofits with large-scale campaigns
Website: classy.org
Classy is a powerful fundraising suite used by established organizations like the Salvation Army and Team Rubicon. It’s built for scalable campaigns, recurring giving, and major donor programs.

Why it works:

• Robust analytics and integrations

• Great for long-term fundraising strategy

• Professional branding options

4. Indiegogo

Best for: Creative projects, tech innovations
Website: indiegogo.com
If you're an entrepreneur or creative launching a product or service, Indiegogo is a solid choice. It offers both fixed (goal-based) and flexible (keep what you raise) funding models.

Why it works:

• Large international audience

• Flexible campaign types

• Marketplace for post-campaign sales

5. Facebook Fundraisers

Best for: Birthday fundraisers and nonprofit drives
Website: facebook.com/fundraisers
Facebook makes it easy to fundraise for yourself or a nonprofit directly from your profile. For verified charities, Facebook covers all fees, so 100% of donations go to the cause.

Why it works:

• Built-in audience

• Social sharing built in

• No fees for nonprofits

Tips to Maximize Your Online Fundraising Campaign

No matter the platform, successful fundraising requires more than just posting a link. Here’s how to make your campaign stand out:

✅ 1. Craft a Compelling Story

Donors give to people and causes they connect with. Use emotional storytelling, photos, and video to show why your cause matters.

✅ 2. Set a Clear Goal

Be specific about how much you need and how the money will be used. Transparency builds trust and motivates giving.

✅ 3. Promote, Promote, Promote

Share your campaign on every channel: email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even text. Ask friends to share, too.

✅ 4. Post Regular Updates

Keep supporters in the loop with milestones, thank-yous, and progress reports. Engagement increases donations and builds long-term support.

✅ 5. Say Thank You—Often

A simple thank-you message goes a long way. Consider tagging donors on social media or sending personalized notes.

Final Thoughts

Online fundraising in the USA is easier and more effective than ever. With the right platform and a well-executed strategy, you can reach your fundraising goals—whether you're helping someone in crisis, funding a passion project, or growing your nonprofit’s impact.