GoFundMe makes changes to pages after nonprofits push back

Oct. 27, 2025

Changes were made late last week after an effort by donation platform GoFundMe to create pages for nonprofit donations drew backlash and caught many local organizations off guard.

Pages were set up by GoFundMe for more than 1 million nonprofits, including hundreds in Sioux Falls.

The pages often included organizations’ logos, which could have created the appearance of a relationship even though the nonprofit was unaware of the page. Donations to GoFundMe include transaction and processing fees and optional tips.

GoFundMe backpedaled on the decision late last week, saying in a LinkedIn post: “We understand clearly that our recent efforts with nonprofit pages have caused confusion, concern and distraction from the vital missions of the very nonprofits we aim to support. We are very sorry for this and take responsibility for missing the mark. Trust is foundational to our work with nonprofits, and we are fully committed to rebuilding it through better communication, collaboration and partnership.”

Nonprofit pages now are opt-in-only on GoFundMe, requiring the organization to complete a verification process for a searchable public page on the platform. Pages will be removed for those organizations that have not claimed and verified them, and search engine optimization will be turned off by default, though it can be enabled once a nonprofit opts in to its page.

“Nonprofits that opt in to their nonprofit pages will gain enhanced visibility, control and access to certain supporter data for fundraising and compliance purposes,” GoFundMe said.

Nonprofits can verify their pages and learn more here.

The platform continues to maintain basic nonprofit directory listings “so nonprofits are discoverable and organizers can create fundraisers to support nonprofits,” it said.

“We are committed to creating stronger feedback loops with nonprofit representatives to ensure future product releases are shaped in deeper partnership with nonprofits. Our goal remains to support the nonprofit sector — making giving easy for donors, empowering nonprofits with tools to thrive and doing so in a way that reflects our shared values of trust and transparency.”

The Helpline Center in Sioux Falls alerted its network of nonprofits to the concerns last week with information from a regional nonprofit association.

“We heard from a few agencies that they were not aware but didn’t have any confirmations of pages being developed using their agency information,” Helpline CEO Janet Kittams said. “It looks as though GoFundMe has now changed course, so that’s good news.”

Nonprofits still appear on the site through individual fundraisers, but there’s no longer a way to search for organizations’ pages at this point.

In 2024, more than 65,000 nonprofits received donations on GoFundMe.

“There are many ways to give to nonprofits. We think the best way to support local causes is giving directly to the nonprofit or through a trusted local resource such as the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation,” said Andy Patterson, CEO of the foundation. “We believe nonprofits should be able to own their messaging and how they ask for support.”

The foundation runs The Giving Depot, which offers a way for local nonprofits to opt in and be listed for donors who would like to browse organizations as they consider their support and give directly to local organizations.

The online bulletin board currently lists more than 75 local nonprofits and is updated often.

“Local organizations provide the content. You can find everything from social services to arts to recreation to youth programming on The Giving Depot. It is truly local giving for local good, and we encourage people to find something they are passionate about there,” Patterson said.

“The Giving Depot allows people to see the true variety of nonprofits in the Sioux Falls area. It’s inspiring to see the kind of work being done in this community and how you can support those causes,” he added.

“We believe in the power of local giving. We created The Giving Depot because generosity is for everyone – and we wanted an easy way for people to give directly to causes they’re passionate about. We also wanted it to be easy for nonprofits to ask for what they need. We have seen this community thrive – providing services, creating art, building parks – all because of the people who choose to give here, in Sioux Falls.”

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