Top 10 Free Fundraising Sites for Individuals: Raise Money Without Paying Fees

Raising money for personal causes—like medical expenses, tuition fees, or unexpected emergencies—has never been more accessible. Thanks to online crowdfunding platforms, individuals can reach out to friends, family, and even kind-hearted strangers for support. But with so many platforms out there, how do you know which ones are truly free and trustworthy?

This blog dives deep into free fundraising sites for individuals, helping you pick the perfect platform to launch your campaign without worrying about high fees or technical hurdles.

Why Use a Free Fundraising Site?

Before we explore the top sites, let’s understand the value of using a free fundraising site:

• No hidden costs: 100% of what you raise goes toward your cause (minus payment processor fees, which are standard).
• Ease of use: Most platforms offer intuitive campaign builders and social media sharing options.
• Secure transactions: Donations are encrypted and sent directly to your account.
• Global reach: Online campaigns can go viral, pulling in support from around the world.

If you’re looking to raise money for yourself or someone else, these platforms are designed to make the process seamless and successful.

1. WhyDonate – Best for European Fundraisers

WhyDonate is one of the top-rated free fundraising platforms for individuals, especially in Europe. It allows you to start a personal fundraiser in just minutes—for medical needs, education, travel, or emergencies.

Key features:

• No platform fee for individuals
• Integrated social media sharing
• Supports recurring donations
• Accepts all major European payment methods
• Multilingual interface for international donors

Best for: Personal causes in Europe and globally

2. GoFundMe – Most Popular in North America

GoFundMe is a household name and one of the most widely used platforms for personal fundraising. While GoFundMe doesn’t charge platform fees, it does deduct standard payment processing fees (around 2.9%).

Key features:

• Highly trusted and established
• 24/7 customer support
• Fundraisers for medical, memorial, educational, and legal causes
• Offers the “GoFundMe Guarantee” for donor protection

Best for: Personal stories with viral potential

3. Fundly – Ideal for Social Media Savvy Users

Fundly is a great option if you plan to promote your campaign heavily on social media. Its mobile-optimized design and customizable pages make it easy to personalize your fundraiser.

Key features:

• Free to create campaigns
• Custom branding tools
• Blog-style updates for backers
• Seamless social media sharing

Best for: Creative fundraisers who want to engage supporters regularly

4. Facebook Fundraisers – Leverage Your Existing Network

If you have a strong Facebook presence, launching a personal fundraiser through the platform can be extremely effective. While it’s often used for nonprofit causes, Facebook also allows fundraising for individuals.

Key features:

• Zero platform fees
• Integrated with your social circle
• Donations processed via Facebook Pay
• Easy for birthdays, emergencies, and medical costs

Best for: Quick fundraisers among friends and family

5. FreeFunder – 100% Free with Social Sharing Bonuses

As the name suggests, FreeFunder is truly free to use. It earns revenue through optional tips from donors and pays extra attention to your social shares by boosting your visibility when you meet sharing goals.

Key features:

• No platform fees
• Offers matching grants based on shares
• Fundraiser coaching support
• Rapid payment processing

Best for: Fundraisers that rely on community sharing

6. Ketto (India) – For Individuals in South Asia

Ketto is one of the leading fundraising platforms in India, and it’s optimized for causes like medical emergencies, education, and disaster relief.

Key features:

• No upfront platform fees
• Excellent support in regional languages
• Partnership with hospitals for real-time medical fundraisers
• Donation receipts available for tax exemptions

Best for: Indian citizens looking to raise funds for urgent needs

7. FundRazr – Advanced Tools for Serious Campaigners

FundRazr offers both basic and pro tools for individual fundraising. Their "Free Forever" plan includes everything you need to launch a simple campaign without paying any setup or subscription fees.

Key features:

• Free plan for individuals
• Advanced tools like video storytelling and CRM for bigger campaigns
• Accepts international donations
• Donation widgets for external websites

Best for: Users who want more control and tracking tools

8. GiveSendGo – Faith-Based Free Fundraising Site

If your fundraiser has a religious or faith-based component, GiveSendGo might be your platform. It promotes Christian causes and offers 100% free fundraising options.

Key features:

• No platform fees
• Optional prayer support from donors
• Christian-centered user base
• Donation disbursement via Stripe

Best for: Religious and mission-related fundraising efforts

9. Plumfund – Perfect for Celebrations and Life Events

Plumfund specializes in personal causes such as weddings, baby showers, and birthday gifts. It’s completely free and comes with cute templates for various life events.

Key features:

• No platform fees for offline payments
• Themed campaigns for events
• Zero startup costs
• Privacy controls for private gift registries

Best for: Milestone celebrations and gifting

10. YouCaring (Now part of GoFundMe) – Still Inspiring

Although YouCaring merged with GoFundMe in 2018, many still search for its free structure and compassionate mission. The platform’s legacy lives on through GoFundMe’s zero-fee model for personal fundraisers.

Key features (via GoFundMe):

• Easy to use
• Emotional storytelling tools
• Medical and family-related fundraisers

Best for: Those looking for a proven, user-friendly option

Tips for Running a Successful Personal Fundraiser

No matter which platform you choose, your campaign’s success depends on how well you engage your audience. Here are a few quick tips:

1. Tell a compelling story

People donate to people—not just causes. Share your journey with honesty and emotional clarity.

2. Use visuals

Photos and videos boost trust and help your fundraiser stand out on crowded social feeds.

3. Set a clear goal

Be transparent about your target and what the funds will be used for. Break it down if possible.

4. Update regularly

Let your donors know how things are going. Updates encourage repeat sharing and support.

5. Say thank you

Appreciation goes a long way. A simple thank-you note can turn one-time donors into long-term supporters.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right free fundraising site for individuals can make a big difference in the amount you raise and the experience you have. Whether you're seeking help for a medical emergency, tuition fees, a personal project, or life event, there's a platform tailored to your needs.

Platforms like WhyDonate, GoFundMe, and FreeFunder offer intuitive tools, zero platform fees, and great user experiences. The key is to start your campaign with a clear story, share it far and wide, and keep your supporters in the loop.

FAQs

1. Are all fundraising platforms truly free? Not always. Many claim to be free but deduct payment processing fees or rely on optional tips. Always check the fine print before starting your fundraiser.

2. How do I withdraw the money raised? Most platforms allow withdrawals to your bank account or PayPal. Some have minimum withdrawal amounts or processing times (typically 2–5 business days).

3. Can I run multiple fundraisers at once? Yes, but it's usually better to focus on one strong campaign at a time to avoid confusing donors or splitting attention.