GETTING STARTED ON GOFUNDME:

If you haven't set up a GoFundMe yet, read below for detailed instructions on how to get started. Make sure you set up transfers so you can qualify for our grants.

WHAT TO PREPARE BEFORE YOU START

  • Your email address and (if applicable) your beneficiary’s email address

  • A photo of your ID that meets these requirements:

    • Not expired, not a temporary ID

    • Full legal name that matches bank statement and name entered for transfer set up

    • Clearly visible color photo - make sure there are no glare spots

    • Front and back of ID (as separate images) or full passport photo page

    • Show all information - don't cover or edit out any information

    • All four corners of the document showing

  • A copy of your bank statement that includes the following:

    • Full legal name

    • Bank logo

    • Account number

    • Date, showing it is less than 30 days old

GETTING STARTED + TELL YOUR STORY

  • Set up the basics of your fundraiser including your name, location, and category. Get started here: www.gofundme.com/create/fundraiser/category

  • Choose your goal amount. This can be raised at any time, so we recommend starting low. Estimate a total of how much your immediate need is, and go from there.

  • Sign up for your GoFundMe account with your name, email address, and a password. Double check the spelling of your email, because our team will be sending you important messages.

  • Verify and secure your account using your phone number.

  • Create a fundraiser title that is specific to your cause, using names or a call to action. Ex: “Help The Smiths recover from Maui wildfires”

  • Write a fundraiser story that is open and descriptive, and includes a bit about who you are, what you're raising funds for and why, and how the money will be spent.

  • Publish your GoFundMe so that you can begin spreading the word. Once you click “Complete fundraiser,” your campaign link is live and able to receive donations.

    No matter how much time you have to write your story, what is most important is clarity. You should emphasize why you’re asking for help and the impact donations will have – in 1-3 paragraphs. The more specific you are with the title of your fundraiser, how you’ll use the funds, and your timeline, the more your community will be inspired to help.

    You can use the fundraiser description below as inspiration:

    "Title: Help [Name or Family Name] Do [the thing]

    Hi there, we are ______________ and we are fundraising to seek support in our efforts to [what is the #1 cause that the funds will go towards?].

    [Add more information here about yourself. What is going on in yours or your friend’s life at this very moment? How can others help?]

    To be able to [do this thing], we must raise $______.

    $______ for ______________ [food, clothing, essentials?]

    $______ for ______________ [help with rent, transportation?]

    $______ for ______________ [what will any additional funds go towards?]

    Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. If you're unable to donate, please share within your networks to expand our reach.

    Thank you for helping us support [reiterate the cause again]. We will post updates to this fund as we make progress."

SETTING UP TRANSFERS

  • Once in your fundraiser management dashboard, navigate to the “Transfers” tab to set up your bank transfers or send a beneficiary invitation.

  • For transferring to yourself, select "Get started" and you'll proceed to our payment partner's secure information portal to enter your personal and bank details.

  • Prepare your bank statement in case the GoFundMe payment processor needs more information to verify your bank. This must include your bank’s logo, your name, and the last 4 digits of the account number

  • Prepare a photo of the front and back of your ID in case the GoFundMe payment processor needs more information to verify your identity

STAY CONNECTED

  • Show your appreciation by sending personal thank you notes to each of your donors. Acknowledging others' support can go a long way.

  • Post updates regarding your fundraiser’s progress, reminders of important dates, and calls to action to continue sharing.

  • If applicable, use updates as an opportunity to share quality photos and videos.

WRAP UP

  • Post a final update to your fundraiser letting people know your fundraiser is complete. If possible, share updates about the newcomers and what you are able to do with the money raised.

  • Use the thank you feature in your fundraiser management dashboard to thank all of your donors.

  • Look at the Transfers tab of your fundraiser management dashboard to ensure all money has been withdrawn and you have all of the information you need (you can check back at any time in the future if you need to).