GoFundMe Launches Digital Gift Cards for Charitable Giving

GoFundMe is taking a new approach to holiday generosity. The crowdfunding giant has rolled out digital gift cards that allow people to support charitable causes through their loved ones. Starting at just $5, these cards enable recipients to donate to any of the 1.4 million nonprofits available on GoFundMe, from local food banks to global disaster relief organizations.

The new feature, introduced on Tuesday, makes it possible for anyone to give the “gift of giving.” The cards come in several themed designs, including Birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan, and are also categorized by causes such as animal welfare, cancer research, and environmental protection.

Gift Cards with a Purpose

Unlike traditional retail gift cards, GoFundMe’s version runs on its Giving Fund, a fee-free donor-advised fund (DAF) launched earlier this year. DAFs typically allow people to contribute money to a charitable account, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then donate to nonprofits over time. However, these accounts have usually been accessible only to wealthy donors due to high contribution minimums and management fees.

GoFundMe’s Giving Fund changes that by making donor-advised giving simple and affordable. When someone receives a GoFundMe gift card, the balance is deposited into their personal Giving Fund. Recipients can donate right away or let the funds grow tax-free before donating later, and the buyer gets the tax deduction.

This model introduces a flexible and inclusive way to give back. “We wanted to make charitable giving more accessible and meaningful,” the company said in its announcement. “Gift cards are a way to inspire more people to support causes they care about, especially during the holidays.”

Encouraging a Culture of Giving

GoFundMe’s latest move aligns with its broader mission to make generosity easy for everyone. The company says its new gifting option not only simplifies donations but also helps people connect through shared causes. Instead of buying a traditional present, a donor can help their loved one contribute to something that matters to them, like funding medical aid for cancer patients, supporting youth programs, or protecting endangered wildlife.

It also offers a practical teaching moment. Parents or grandparents, for instance, can use the cards to show children the value of giving back and discuss the impact of charity work. During a season often focused on consumerism, the initiative brings attention back to community and empathy.

With the holiday season fast approaching, GoFundMe’s digital gift cards could become a thoughtful alternative to typical presents, one that channels generosity into action while supporting millions of nonprofits around the world.

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