What Nonprofits Need to Know About GoFundMe’s Unauthorized Nonprofit Pages

In mid-October 2025, GoFundMe sent shockwaves through the nonprofit sector by automatically creating more than 1.4 million donation pages for registered U.S. nonprofits, without their direct consent or knowledge. These “auto-generated” pages were designed to help donors discover and support nonprofits more easily, but they raised significant concerns about transparency, donor trust, and organizational control. 

Why GoFundMe Created These Pages 

GoFundMe created these pages using public data from IRS records and PayPal Giving Fund, claiming their intention was to make nonprofit discovery easier. However, many organizations found themselves with unexpected online fundraising pages they did not create or authorize. Adding to the complexity, GoFundMe also included an optional “tip” on each donation form, suggesting that donors contribute an additional 14% to 16.5% to support the platform on top of existing transaction fees. 

The Potential Impact on Nonprofits 

In an era of increasing online scams, unexpected donation pages can trigger significant donor skepticism and put donor trust at risk, particularly when additional overhead fees such as an optional “tip” are added to their intended generosity. Furthermore, when supporters encounter unfamiliar fundraising channels, they may: 

• Hesitate to donate
• Abandon their giving intention 
• Question the legitimacy of the organization

Immediate Steps for Nonprofits 

These steps will help protect your nonprofit’s brand and maintain donor trust: 

1. Check for Existing Pages

• Visit GoFundMe’s Nonprofit Search. 
• Search for your organization’s name or EIN. 
• Note any unauthorized pages and their URLs.  

2. Verify and Claim Pages

• If an unclaimed page exists, you’ll need to claim and verify it — a process that typically takes one to two business days.
• Once verified, donations will be processed monthly. 

3. Pursue Legal Recourse if Needed

If you believe your organization’s name or donations have been misused: 

• Document all evidence (screenshots, communication records). 
• Contact GoFundMe directly at legal@gofundme.com and support@gofundme.com. 
• If the misuse continues after contacting GoFundMe, consider filing a complaint with your state’s attorney general. 

GoFundMe’s Response 

After significant backlash, GoFundMe announced several corrective actions: 

• Nonprofit pages will now be “opt-in only.” 
• Unverified pages will be removed or de-indexed from the search. 
• Nonprofit logos will be removed from unclaimed pages. 
• Tip suggestions will be made optional and clearer.  

As we approach the year-end giving season, this moment presents an opportunity for nonprofits to reassess their digital fundraising strategies. By confirming organizational visibility on relevant platforms such as GoFundMe, ensuring donation integrity, and maintaining crystal-clear donor transparency, your nonprofit can create seamless giving experiences that truly reflect your mission.