WHAT IS GOFUNDME?
GoFundMe is a leading platform in Nigeria and the world that allows people to create campaigns to raise money for various causes. When someone creates a GoFundMe, they set up a public fundraiser where people can donate money to support a cause. The person setting up the fundraiser creates a fundraiser page and shares the link with friends and family. Anyone who wants to donate money can click on the link and contribute money to the fundraiser. Donors can also choose to donate money to an individual or group associated with the fundraiser.
CREATING A GOFUNDME PAGE
To utilize a GoFundMe, you will need to create a campaign and set up a fundraiser page. You have to create a username and password for your account. Once you have created your campaign and set up your fundraiser page, provide information about your campaign, such as the name of your campaign, the amount of money you are asking for, and when you plan to start fundraising. You can also provide information about your fundraising goals, such as reaching a certain number of donations, and information about how people can donate, such as by PayPal or debit or credit card. Adding photos, videos, and stories can make your page more engaging for donors. Share the page with friends, family, and your social networks, and be sure to thank your donors for their support and keep them updated on your progress.
GOFUNDME ALTERNATIVES IN NIGERIA
1. GiveDirectly: Givedirectly is a nonprofit organization that provides direct cash transfers to people living in extreme poverty. It is a great alternative to GoFundMe because it allows donors to make a direct impact on the lives of those in need. Givedirectly provides a secure and transparent way to donate money, and the funds are sent directly to the recipient, allowing them to decide how to best use the money to improve their lives. Givedirectly also provides donors with detailed information about the impact of their donations, so they can see the difference they are making.
2. GlobalGiving: GlobalGiving is a crowdfunding platform that allows individuals and organizations to raise money for charitable causes. GlobalGiving also provides a variety of tools and resources to help users create successful campaigns and maximize their fundraising efforts. Additionally, GlobalGiving offers a range of rewards and incentives for donors, such as exclusive access to project updates and recognition for their contributions.
3. Kickstarter: Kickstarter allows you to raise funds for your creative ideas. You can raise funds for your music career, business, filmmaking, programming, and so on, as long as it’s creative. Kickstarter also supports reward-based fundraising, offering incentives to the supporters depending on the amount donated. Note that Kickstarter runs an all-or-nothing system. If you can not raise up to the set goal, the money is returned to the donators.
4. Patreon: Is a crowdfunding platform that allows internet content creators like YouTubers, bloggers, etc to raise funds from their users. Patreon enables internet creators to build a community of committed users who donate to fund their works.
5. MyCharity: MyCharity provides a secure, easy-to-use platform for creating and managing campaigns, collecting donations, and tracking progress. It also offers a variety of features to help fundraisers reach their goals, including customizable donation forms, social media integration, and automated thank-you emails. Additionally, MyCharity offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
6. Wakanow: Wakanow is an online travel agency that provides a range of services, including flight and hotel bookings, car rentals, and vacation packages. It is a great alternative to GoFundMe for those looking to raise money for travel-related expenses. Wakanow offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Additionally, Wakanow has a loyalty program that rewards customers with discounts and other benefits.
7. Paystack: Paystack is a payment processing platform that provides an alternative to GoFundMe. It allows users to accept payments from customers in over 150 countries, and it supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and mobile money. It also offers features such as recurring payments, invoicing, and fraud protection. Additionally, Paystack provides analytics and reporting tools to help users track their payments and manage their finances.
8. Flutterwave: Flutterwave is a payment processing platform that enables businesses to accept payments from customers all over the world. It is a great alternative to GoFundMe, as it allows users to easily and securely accept payments from customers in multiple currencies. Flutterwave also offers a range of features, such as fraud protection, automated invoicing, and real-time analytics. Additionally, it is a cost-effective solution, as it charges a flat fee per transaction, rather than a percentage of the total amount.
9. PiggyVest: Piggyvest is a digital savings and investment platform that helps users save and invest money. It offers a variety of savings and investment options, including fixed deposits, mutual funds, and stocks. It also provides users with tools to track their savings and investments, as well as access to financial advisors. Piggyvest is a great alternative to GoFundMe for those looking to save and invest money.
10. Kiva.org: Kiva is a nonprofit organization that provides microloans to entrepreneurs and small business owners in developing countries. Kiva connects lenders with borrowers around the world, allowing lenders to provide small loans to borrowers who may not have access to traditional banking services. Kiva loans are used to start or grow businesses, pay for education, access clean energy, and more. Unlike GoFundMe, Kiva does not charge any fees for its services.
Others include donate.ng, indiegogo, U-fundme, crowdcube, Naijafunds, porkmoney, fundable, mighty cause, ThriveAgric, etc
CONCLUSION
GoFundMe and the several alternatives I have listed above would allow you to create and manage campaigns to raise money for various causes including medical expenses, education costs, volunteer programs, memorials, community initiatives, starting a business, funding your creative ideas, and more. All you have to do is create an account stating your cause and goal, then share to get donations. It is a rapid and effortless means to raise funds.