GiveForward is one of the major personal crowdfunding websites out there that you can use to raise money for emergencies, memorials, medical expenses, and even pets.
You might remember that I wrote about them in my Amazon ebook, Crowdfunding Personal Expenses, which has been getting some very good reviews thus far.
As much I’m watching GiveForward’s growth, I have to be honest that they still aren’t as big as GoFundMe. I want to break down some of the major differences between these two sites and which is best for you.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe was founded in 2010 and has helped users raise over $2 billion in funding. GoFundMe has a straightforward and simple user interface that you can use to set up an online fundraising page. You can then share that page on your various social media outlets and accept donations.
The website advertises no deadlines or goal requirements and 5 minute email support. I think the major selling point for GoFundMe is that it’s easy to use and relatively well-known. On the flip side, there have been several negative reviews online about the website.
We’ve compiled a review of GoFundMe highlighting some of the positive and negative points.
If you’d like to use GoFundMe, there is a 5% platform fee plus a payment processing fee of about 3%.
GiveForward
GiveForward was founded in 2008 with the mission to give you the tools you need to raise money online from your friends and family. Believe it or not, they’ve helped users raise $191,201,000.
You can help someone who is running a GiveForward campaign by sending them words of encouragement, giving them a meal, purchasing an item on a campaigner’s wish list, or by sending financial support.
I like these alternative giving options. The “Give a Meal” tool lets you pick days to deliver or order meals. You can also purchase useful items for the campaign creator through Amazon or Target with no extra fees.
There have been many successful crowdfunding campaigns that have chosen to use GiveForward, including.
Similar to GoFundMe, GiveForward charges a 5% platform fee and a 2.9% + $.30 payment processing fee.
Which is best for you?
Honestly, it comes down to your needs. What are you raising the money for and which types of contributions would you like to receive? GoFundMe’s emphasis seems to be more on financial contributions, but Giveforward’s has other categories, like being able to donate someone a meal.
At this stage, both platforms are financially secure, have a simple user interface, and many successful campaigns. You can’t really go wrong. I will say one thing though…
You absolutely 100% must share your campaign with your friends and family for either of these websites to work. You’re highly unlikely to receive donations from strangers.
If you’ve used either of the websites, let me know by leaving a review via comment down below!
