The GoFundMe logo and workers at a food bank.

By Chris Spiker From Daily Voice

More Americans turned to GoFundMe for help with basic needs in 2025 as economic conditions worsened for many families.

GoFundMe released its 2025 Year in Help review on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The popular fundraising website reported a 20% jump in causes tied to essential costs like food, rent, everyday bills, and other necessities.

CEO Tim Cadogan said communities responded by directly helping people in need, along with donating to organizations fighting food insecurity.

"What we continue to see is that when needs grow, individuals and nonprofits respond with even more generosity," he said.

Campaigns to support food banks grew faster than any other community-cause category. Volunteering-related fundraisers tripled, and classroom-supply drives rose more than 50% as teachers asked for help covering basic materials.

More than 155,000 people started fundraisers for nonprofits, and nearly half were first-time organizers. 

"Whether people turn to the vast, engaged community on our platform to celebrate life’s greatest achievements or to support loved ones, neighbors, or causes close to their hearts, our goal is to make that easier — and to foster a trusted home for sustained help and connection," said Cadogan.

The surge in "essential-expense fundraising" came as many Americans felt more financial pain throughout 2025. According to the latest federal data, electricity prices rose 5.1% year-over-year in September, while inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs have driven up costs for food, clothing, and other common household items.

GoFundMe said people made an average of 2.5 donations every second over the year. The platform saw nearly 80 million total donations, including 47 million to individual fundraisers and 32 million to nonprofits.

Ireland was the country with the most GoFundMe donations for the seventh straight year, followed by the US and the United Kingdom. About $330 million was raised for natural-disaster relief, especially January's wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.

Since launching in 2010, GoFundMe has generated more than $40 billion in donations and supported more than 166,000 nonprofits.