Item: GoFundMe Terms of Service
Rating: 42
Author: Terms.Law Editorial Team

⚠ Key Concerns

GoFundMe donations are not purchases or investments. There's no guarantee funds will be used as described, and the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee has significant limitations. Donors should treat contributions as charitable gifts with no expectation of return.

Score Breakdown by Category

How GoFundMe's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

💰 Payment & Fee Transparency (30%) 45/100

Why this score: GoFundMe removed platform fees in 2017 but still charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for payment processing. Optional "tips" to GoFundMe are heavily promoted during checkout, creating confusion about total costs. Fee structure documented in their Pricing Page.

Industry comparison: Ko-fi: 55/100 (0% on donations) | Kickstarter: 48/100 (5% + processing) | Patreon: 45/100 (5-12% tiers) | Category avg: 47/100

⚖ Dispute Resolution (20%) 38/100

Why this score: The GoFundMe Giving Guarantee sounds comprehensive but has significant limitations. It covers "misuse of funds" but proving misuse is difficult. Refunds are at GoFundMe's discretion. Mandatory arbitration applies with class action waiver.

Industry comparison: Ko-fi: 45/100 (simpler model) | Patreon: 40/100 (charge disputes) | Kickstarter: 35/100 (no mediation) | Category avg: 40/100

🔒 Donor & Organizer Rights (20%) 42/100

Why this score: Donors have no legal right to see how funds are used. Organizers can change campaign purposes mid-stream. GoFundMe disclaims liability for fund misuse. The "donation" model means consumer protection laws often don't apply.

Industry comparison: Ko-fi: 55/100 (tip model, clear expectations) | Kickstarter: 50/100 (backer rights defined) | Patreon: 52/100 (ongoing relationship) | Category avg: 50/100

👁 Account & Termination Rights (15%) 40/100

Why this score: GoFundMe can remove campaigns or freeze funds at their discretion. Many organizers report campaigns removed without clear explanation. Identity verification can delay access to funds for weeks.

Industry comparison: Ko-fi: 52/100 (more lenient) | Kickstarter: 45/100 (clearer policies) | Patreon: 42/100 (strict content rules) | Category avg: 45/100

📦 Fund Use Accountability (15%) 35/100

Why this score: GoFundMe does not require organizers to prove how funds are used. Updates are optional. The platform explicitly states it cannot guarantee funds reach the intended beneficiary or are used as described.

Industry comparison: Kickstarter: 38/100 (good faith effort required) | Patreon: 48/100 (ongoing delivery) | Ko-fi: 50/100 (tip model) | Category avg: 43/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in GoFundMe's terms create the most risk for donors and organizers.

No Guarantee Funds Reach Intended Use

High Risk

GoFundMe explicitly disclaims any guarantee that donated funds will be used as described. Organizers can change campaign purposes and there's no enforcement mechanism for fund use.

"We cannot guarantee that donations will be used in accordance with any fundraising purpose... or that the fundraiser is not combating fraud." GoFundMe Terms of Service

Fee Confusion with Tips

High Risk

While GoFundMe claims "0% platform fee," donors are prompted to add a "tip" (defaulting to 15%) during checkout. This creates confusion about where money actually goes.

"GoFundMe is free for organizers... Donors can leave an optional tip to help keep GoFundMe running." GoFundMe Pricing

Identity Verification Delays

High Risk

Organizers must verify their identity before withdrawing funds. This process can take days or weeks, leaving raised funds inaccessible during emergencies.

"We may require you to verify your identity... Funds may be held pending successful completion of this verification." GoFundMe Withdrawal Terms

Campaign Removal at Discretion

High Risk

GoFundMe can remove campaigns for violating their terms, which are broadly written. Many organizers report campaigns removed without clear explanation or appeal.

"We reserve the right to refuse, suspend, or remove any fundraiser or user... for any reason at our sole discretion." GoFundMe Terms of Service

Limited Giving Guarantee Scope

Medium Risk

The GoFundMe Giving Guarantee sounds protective but only covers proven misuse. The burden of proof is on donors, and refunds are at GoFundMe's discretion.

"If funds aren't delivered or aren't used for the stated purpose, donors can request a refund... We'll review and make a determination." GoFundMe Guarantee Policy

Beneficiary May Not Receive Funds

Medium Risk

Third-party campaigns (where someone raises funds for another person) have no guarantee the beneficiary receives the money. The organizer controls fund distribution.

"We do not guarantee that fundraisers will provide funds to any person other than the user who organized the fundraiser." GoFundMe Terms of Service

Analysis

"GoFundMe operates in a legal gray zone that benefits the platform. Donations aren't purchases, so consumer protection laws often don't apply. The 'Giving Guarantee' provides comfort but limited actual protection - proving fund misuse is difficult when there's no requirement to document spending.

The tip system is particularly problematic. A donor thinking they're giving $100 to a medical campaign may actually be sending $15 to GoFundMe if they don't notice the pre-selected tip. Combined with transaction fees, a significant portion never reaches the cause.

My recommendation: Donors should only give to campaigns where they personally know and trust the organizer. Organizers should expect verification delays and plan accordingly. And everyone should read the fine print - 'donation' platforms have far fewer protections than traditional retail transactions."

GoFundMe Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ GoFundMe Issues?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

No Guarantee Funds Reach Intended Use

Fee Confusion with Tips

Identity Verification Delays

Campaign Removal at Discretion

Limited Giving Guarantee Scope

Beneficiary May Not Receive Funds

Analysis

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GoFundMe Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ GoFundMe Issues?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

No Guarantee Funds Reach Intended Use

Fee Confusion with Tips

Identity Verification Delays

Campaign Removal at Discretion

Limited Giving Guarantee Scope

Beneficiary May Not Receive Funds

Analysis

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Schedule a Consultation