Top 10 Best Crowdfunding Sites for Personal Fundraising in 2025

 Crowdfunding has revolutionized the way individuals raise money for personal causes—whether it's paying medical bills, launching a creative project, or supporting a family in crisis. But with so many platforms out there, finding the best crowdfunding sites for personal use can be overwhelming. This guide simplifies your decision by exploring the top platforms that offer the right mix of usability, transparency, and community support.

Why Choose Crowdfunding for Personal Needs?

Unlike traditional fundraising methods, personal crowdfunding allows you to share your story directly with potential donors across the globe. It’s quick to launch, easy to manage, and highly accessible. Whether you're facing an emergency or pursuing a dream, personal crowdfunding is a powerful tool to gain support without bureaucratic hurdles.

1. GoFundMe – The Household Name for Personal Causes

Best for: Medical expenses, emergencies, and memorials.

GoFundMe is arguably the most recognized name in personal crowdfunding. With no platform fees in the U.S., Canada, and a few other countries, it’s a go-to for individuals raising money for urgent needs. The platform is easy to use and comes with powerful sharing tools. Donors also trust it due to its “GoFundMe Guarantee,” which ensures fund security.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface

  • No platform fees

  • Excellent for urgent, high-empathy causes

Cons:

  • High competition; your campaign needs strong storytelling to stand out

  • Processing fees still apply

2. WhyDonate – Flexible & International

Best for: European users and recurring donations

WhyDonate is a rapidly growing platform focused on simplicity, accessibility, and international reach. It supports both one-time and recurring donations, making it perfect for ongoing personal needs like long-term care or educational support.

Pros:

  • Multi-currency support

  • Low fees

  • Seamless donation options (including QR codes and widgets)

  • High transparency

Cons:

  • Lesser-known compared to GoFundMe (but growing fast)

3. Fundly – Ideal for Community Supporters

Best for: Fundraising with multimedia storytelling

Fundly allows you to personalize your fundraising page with photos, videos, and blog-like updates. It’s especially useful for community-driven causes where consistent engagement is key.

Pros:

  • Easy social media integration

  • Rich visual customization

  • Mobile-friendly

Cons:

  • 4.9% platform fee plus transaction fees

  • Not ideal for high-dollar medical campaigns

4. GiveSendGo – Faith-Based Crowdfunding

Best for: Religious and mission-oriented personal causes

GiveSendGo is popular among individuals who want to raise funds within a faith-based community. It’s known for praying with donors and supporting free speech, making it a unique option for personal fundraising with a spiritual twist.

Pros:

  • No platform fee

  • Support for prayer requests

  • Christian community support

Cons:

  • Niche audience

  • Less visibility outside religious circles

5. Kickstarter – For Creative Personal Projects

Best for: Creative campaigns with tangible outcomes

While Kickstarter is known for entrepreneurial and creative projects, it’s an excellent option for individuals looking to launch personal art, film, or tech ideas. However, you must meet your goal to receive funds (all-or-nothing model).

Pros:

  • High visibility for unique projects

  • Dedicated creative backer community

Cons:

  • Not suitable for emergencies or medical causes

  • Complex approval process

6. Indiegogo – Flexible Funding Options

Best for: Personal tech, innovation, or advocacy projects

Indiegogo offers both flexible and fixed funding options, giving you the freedom to choose whether you want to keep funds even if you don’t meet your goal. This flexibility makes it a practical choice for personal side projects or activism.

Pros:

  • Flex funding model

  • Optional InDemand feature to continue raising after campaign ends

Cons:

  • 5% platform fee

  • Crowded market for tech-based campaigns

7. YouCaring (Now Part of GoFundMe)

Best for: Legacy users looking for medical and emergency fundraising

While YouCaring merged with GoFundMe in 2018, it was one of the pioneers in free personal crowdfunding for compassionate causes. Today, GoFundMe has absorbed many of its features.

Pros:

  • Continues under GoFundMe with better reach

  • Still favored for emotional appeal campaigns

Cons:

  • No longer operates as a separate platform

8. Plumfund – Perfect for Life Events

Best for: Weddings, baby showers, travel, and gifts

Plumfund is part of the Honeyfund family and caters to people planning significant life milestones. It’s one of the best crowdfunding sites for personal gifts, celebrations, and even honeymoons.

Pros:

  • No platform fees

  • Tailored to event-based fundraising

  • Integration with gift registries

Cons:

  • Limited appeal for serious or medical needs

  • Less donor reach compared to bigger platforms

9. Donorbox – Subscription-Based Personal Fundraising

Best for: Ongoing support for creatives, students, and caregivers

Donorbox allows users to collect recurring donations, making it perfect for long-term personal support—such as monthly rent, education costs, or medical treatments. It integrates easily with websites and is GDPR compliant.

Pros:

  • Recurring donation model

  • Transparent fees

  • Custom branding available

Cons:

  • Requires some technical knowledge for full customization

  • Transaction fees apply

10. Ko-fi – For Creators Seeking Direct Support

Best for: Artists, musicians, and content creators

Ko-fi is a “tip jar” style crowdfunding site for creators who want to accept donations without offering elaborate rewards. You can also offer membership tiers or sell digital goods directly.

Pros:

  • No fees on one-time donations

  • Simple and clean user experience

Cons:

  • Low visibility unless you already have a following

  • Limited in-depth fundraising tools

Tips for Choosing the Best Crowdfunding Platform for You

Before picking a platform, ask yourself:

  • What is my fundraising goal? (Emergency? Creative project? Ongoing support?)

  • Where are my donors located? (Some platforms support global payments better than others)

  • Do I need recurring donations or one-time support?

  • How tech-savvy am I? (Some platforms require more customization)

A platform like WhyDonate is ideal if you need an intuitive interface and support across various currencies, while Kickstarter or Ko-fi might work better if you’re creatively inclined.

Final Thoughts: The Best Site Is the One That Fits Your Story

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the best crowdfunding site for personal fundraising. The right platform depends on your specific goals, the type of cause, and the audience you’re trying to reach. Whether you need funds for emergency surgery, artistic pursuits, or a life-changing trip, the platforms listed above offer something for everyone.

Remember: success isn’t just about the site you choose—it’s about telling your story honestly, setting achievable goals, and engaging your community.

FAQs

1. What is the best free crowdfunding site for personal causes?
 GoFundMe is widely regarded as the best free platform for personal causes due to its no-platform-fee policy and global reputation. WhyDonate is another excellent alternative for international fundraising.

2. Can I raise money for myself using crowdfunding?
 Yes, many platforms such as WhyDonate, GoFundMe, and Fundly allow individuals to raise money for personal use, including medical costs, education, and emergencies.

3. Do I have to pay taxes on personal crowdfunding donations?
 In most countries, personal donations are considered gifts and may not be taxed, but it's best to consult a local tax advisor based on the amount raised and your jurisdiction.

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