Published 10 months ago • loading... • Updated 10 months ago
More People Crowdfunded for Essential Needs in 2025, According to GoFundMe's Year-End Report
Fundraisers for rent, utilities, groceries rose 20% in 2025 as rising living costs and SNAP benefit cuts drove more people to seek crowdfunding assistance, GoFundMe reported.
GoFundMe's Year in Help report, released Tuesday, revealed fundraisers for essentials jumped 20%, underscoring ongoing affordability concerns.
Cadogan said rising costs are driving demand, with more people launching campaigns for basic needs, as essentials fundraisers increased 20% in response to higher living costs.
Monthly bills showed fast growth as the second-fastest category, while Martin Lukk, University of Toronto postdoctoral researcher, said crowdfunding is a 'barometer of where things are at in terms of desperation'.
Food banks were the most common recipient on GoFundMe this year, reflecting increased demand for local communities facing housing, food and utilities shortfalls, and Tim Cadogan said crowdfunding fills gaps where public programs fall short.
Across major English‑speaking markets, essentials fundraisers have quadrupled last year, with Martin Lukk noting that data may understate the true need, reflecting rapid multi‑year growth.