The online fundraising world offers many options for people seeking financial support for causes, projects, and personal needs. GiveSendGo has emerged as a distinct option in this space, marketing itself as “The Leader in Online Fundraising” with a strong Christian foundation.
People often ask if this platform is legitimate before they commit to using it or donating through it. This question has become more important as GiveSendGo has gained attention for hosting controversial campaigns that other platforms have removed.
This post examines GiveSendGo in detail to help you decide if it’s the right platform for your fundraising needs or worthy of your donations.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About GiveSendGo
- GiveSendGo is a legitimate crowdfunding platform founded in 2015 as a Christian alternative to mainstream fundraising sites
- The platform charges 0% platform fees but has standard payment processing fees of 2.7% + $0.30 per donation for USD campaigns
- GiveSendGo has gained attention for hosting controversial campaigns that other platforms like GoFundMe have removed
- The site features a unique “Pray” button alongside monetary donations, reflecting its faith-based mission
- GiveSendGo offers flexible fundraising options with no penalties for missing goals and no campaign deadlines
- The platform has faced security concerns, including data breaches in February 2022 that exposed donor information
- GiveSendGo allows campaigns for legal defense funds and other controversial causes, citing free speech principles
- The platform processes payments through third-party processors with standard security measures
- GiveSendGo supports international campaigns but charges higher fees (3.5% + $0.30) for non-USD transactions
- User reviews are mixed, with positive feedback about customer service but criticism regarding content moderation policies
The Origin Story: How GiveSendGo Started and Its Mission
GiveSendGo began its journey in 2015 as a Christian-based crowdfunding platform. The founders created the site with a clear mission: to share the hope of Jesus through crowdfunding services. This faith-based approach sets GiveSendGo apart from other platforms in the market.
The platform remained relatively small until 2020. During the pandemic, GiveSendGo gained significant attention when it allowed campaigns that mainstream platforms had removed. This decision thrust the platform into the political spotlight and led to rapid growth.
According to their about page, the founders describe this turning point: “After much prayer, discussion, and counsel a decision was made. GiveSendGo was created for such a time as this. Not to take one side or another politically, but in the middle of a divided political culture, we were to be focused on the very reason we started GiveSendGo, to share the Hope of Jesus through crowdfunding to everyone who comes to our platform.”
The platform positions itself as standing for freedom in fundraising while maintaining its Christian values. This approach has attracted users looking for alternatives to more restrictive platforms, though it has also generated controversy.
GiveSendGo vs. Other Crowdfunding Platforms: A Detailed Comparison
When comparing GiveSendGo to other major crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, several key differences become apparent. These differences help explain why some users choose GiveSendGo over alternatives.
The most notable difference is the fee structure. GiveSendGo charges no platform fees, only passing on the payment processing fees (2.7% + $0.30 per donation). In contrast, GoFundMe takes a percentage of donations plus processing fees. This difference allows campaign organizers to keep more of the money they raise through GiveSendGo.
Another significant difference is content policy. GiveSendGo has gained recognition for allowing campaigns that other platforms have removed. For instance, GiveSendGo first rose to prominence after hosting fundraisers for Kyle Rittenhouse that GoFundMe had previously taken down. The platform’s willingness to host controversial campaigns has made it a go-to option for those who feel censored elsewhere.
GiveSendGo also stands out with its faith-based approach. It’s the only crowdfunding site with a “Pray” button, allowing supporters to offer prayers alongside financial contributions. This feature aligns with the platform’s Christian identity.
Unlike some competitors, GiveSendGo offers flexible fundraising options with no penalties for missing goals and no campaign deadlines. This flexibility makes it suitable for ongoing projects or causes without specific time constraints.
How GiveSendGo Works: The Mechanics Behind the Platform
Understanding how GiveSendGo operates helps potential users determine if the platform meets their needs. The process works straightforwardly for both campaign creators and donors.
To start a campaign, users create an account and set up their fundraising page. The platform allows customization of the campaign with personal stories, images, and funding goals. Campaign creators can share their fundraisers across multiple social platforms and mobile devices with just a few clicks.
For donors, the process is simple. They can contribute using credit cards, bank transfers, direct debits, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The platform processes donations and makes them available to campaign organizers within a specific timeframe.
Regarding payouts, GiveSendGo has a structured schedule. Campaign organizers can access their initial payout five days after their first successful donation. Subsequent donations process within three days. This timing helps ensure security while providing relatively quick access to funds.
GiveSendGo also offers monthly recurring donations for long-term campaigns, making it suitable for ongoing projects like mission trips or continuous support needs. This feature provides campaign organizers with more predictable funding streams.
Fee Structure: Understanding What GiveSendGo Charges
GiveSendGo’s fee structure stands as one of its most attractive features for campaign organizers. The platform operates on a 0% platform fee model, meaning they don’t take a percentage of donations for their service. This approach differs significantly from many competitors who charge 5-10% of raised funds.
Instead, GiveSendGo makes money through voluntary donations from users and only passes on the necessary third-party processing fees. For standard USD campaigns, these fees amount to 2.7% + $0.30 per donation. This structure allows campaign organizers to keep more of the money they raise.
For campaigns in currencies other than USD, the fees increase slightly. Non-USD campaigns incur a fee of 3.5% + $0.30 per donation. Additionally, donations made in non-USD currencies to USD campaigns face an extra 1% fee on top of the standard processing fee.
Some campaigns may also experience currency exchange fees determined by the payment processor, particularly for international fundraising efforts. These additional costs are standard across the industry but important to consider for global campaigns.
The platform explains its approach on its pricing page: “At GiveSendGo, we believe in generosity—and that includes not charging fees to use our platform. Instead, we’re funded by the generosity of campaign organizers and givers who choose to support us.”
Security Measures: Is Your Money Safe on GiveSendGo?
Security remains a critical concern for any online financial platform. GiveSendGo has experienced some notable security issues that potential users should know about.
In February 2022, GiveSendGo suffered multiple data breaches that exposed donor information. These incidents raised concerns about the platform’s security protocols and data protection measures. The breaches occurred on at least three occasions during that month, compromising user data and privacy.
Following these incidents, GiveSendGo stated they had “a dedicated team aggressively focused on identifying these malicious actors and pursuing actions against their cybercrime.” They’ve since worked to strengthen their security measures.
The platform now provides security guidelines for users, emphasizing the importance of authentic communication and protection of personal information. They advise users to ensure they’re interacting with official GiveSendGo channels (using “@givesendgo.com” and “@givesendgo.info” email domains) and to be cautious of suspicious messages.
For payment processing, GiveSendGo relies on third-party processors that implement standard security measures for financial transactions. These processors handle the actual money movement, providing an additional layer of security separate from the GiveSendGo platform itself.
While the platform has addressed past security issues, users should remain vigilant about protecting their personal and financial information when using any online fundraising service, including GiveSendGo.
Content Policies: What Types of Campaigns Does GiveSendGo Allow?
GiveSendGo’s content policies have generated significant attention and controversy. The platform takes a more permissive approach than many competitors, allowing campaigns that other sites have removed.
According to their help center, GiveSendGo prohibits campaigns that “promote or glorify violence, or raise funds for illegal activity.” However, they do permit legal defense funds and other controversial campaigns that might be rejected elsewhere. The platform explains this position as standing for freedom of speech while maintaining certain boundaries.
GiveSendGo states: “We don’t allow campaigns that promote or glorify violence, or raise funds for illegal activity. That’s clearly against our Terms of Use. But a legal defense fund for someone charged with a crime is different from funding criminal activity.”
This policy has led GiveSendGo to host fundraisers for controversial figures and causes that other platforms have banned. For example, the platform gained prominence after hosting campaigns for Kyle Rittenhouse and various right-wing causes that had been removed from other crowdfunding sites.
This permissive stance has made GiveSendGo popular among users who feel censored on other platforms but has also attracted criticism. Some view the platform as enabling harmful causes, while supporters see it as protecting free speech in the fundraising space.
Success Stories: Real Examples of Effective GiveSendGo Campaigns
Despite controversies, GiveSendGo has helped many users successfully raise funds for various legitimate causes. These success stories showcase the platform’s effectiveness for many types of campaigns.
One notable success involved a campaign to help seniors with home repairs. The organizer reported: “I rewrote my campaign and sent it out last night on Twitter. I received a generous $250 pretty quickly. That is the EXACT amount I need to pay Carpenters for Christ to finish my ceiling repair.”
Another successful campaign helped a family finish building their home. The organizer shared: “All funds have been wired over to Olive and she has the construction crew building out the home as we speak. More pictures to come as progress continues.”
The “Pray for Covenant” campaign demonstrated the platform’s ability to handle larger fundraising efforts. The organizers noted: “We’re immensely thankful to GiveSendGo for covering all processing fees, ensuring that every cent of your donation reaches those who need it most.”
Many successful campaigns on GiveSendGo focus on medical expenses, housing needs, mission trips, and community support projects. These campaigns showcase the platform’s ability to connect people in need with willing donors, particularly within faith-based communities.
GiveSendGo’s success stories highlight how the platform serves as an effective fundraising tool for many users, providing a way to gather financial support for legitimate personal and community needs.
User Experience: What Do People Say About Using GiveSendGo?
User experiences with GiveSendGo vary widely, with both positive feedback and significant criticism. The platform’s Trustpilot rating stands at 2.6 out of 5 stars, indicating mixed reviews overall.
Positive reviews often focus on the platform’s customer service and user-friendly interface. One satisfied user stated: “The GiveSendGo team are really great in what they do, in the way they assist you with your campaign. Their response to queries is very quick and always ready to assess, and provide solutions for a better campaign.”
Another positive review highlighted the platform’s accessibility: “We have used GiveSendGo for our annual fundraising venture and have found the platform to be very user-friendly. The customer support staff is always prompt about answering questions and solving problems.”
However, many negative reviews criticize the platform’s content moderation policies and willingness to host controversial campaigns. These reviews often express concern about the types of fundraisers permitted on the site and question whether they align with the platform’s stated Christian values.
The campaign creation process receives generally positive feedback for its simplicity. Users appreciate the straightforward setup that allows them to “personalize, share and start collecting money in just minutes.” The mobile-friendly design also earns praise for making campaign management convenient.
Payment Processing: How GiveSendGo Handles Donations and Withdrawals
Understanding how money moves through GiveSendGo helps potential users evaluate the platform’s reliability. The payment processing system works through established processes for both accepting donations and distributing funds.
GiveSendGo accepts various payment methods to maximize donation opportunities. Donors can contribute using credit cards, bank transfers, direct debits, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This variety of options makes it convenient for supporters to contribute to campaigns.
For campaign organizers, the payout system follows a specific timeline. The initial payout becomes available five days after the campaign’s first successful donation. This waiting period helps ensure security and verification of funds. After the initial payout, subsequent donations process within three days, providing relatively quick access to raised funds.
The platform uses third-party payment processors to handle the actual movement of money. These processors apply the standard transaction fees mentioned earlier (2.7% + $0.30 for USD transactions). For non-USD campaigns or cross-currency donations, additional fees apply.
GiveSendGo provides a secure system for linking bank accounts for payouts. Campaign organizers can connect traditional checking and savings accounts to receive their funds. The platform emphasizes security measures for this connection process to protect users’ financial information.
Overall, the payment processing system on GiveSendGo operates similarly to other crowdfunding platforms, with standard security measures and timelines for fund distribution.
International Use: Using GiveSendGo Outside the United States
GiveSendGo serves users internationally, though with some additional considerations for campaigns outside the United States. The platform supports global fundraising efforts but applies different fee structures for international use.
For campaigns created in currencies other than USD, GiveSendGo charges a higher processing fee of 3.5% + $0.30 per donation, compared to the 2.7% + $0.30 for USD campaigns. This increased fee reflects the additional costs associated with international payment processing.
When donors contribute to USD campaigns using non-USD currencies, they incur an additional 1% fee on top of the standard processing fee. Furthermore, currency exchange fees may apply as determined by the payment processor, potentially reducing the final amount received by campaign organizers.
Despite these additional costs, GiveSendGo offers valuable features for international users. The platform supports ongoing fundraising with no deadlines and allows monthly recurring donations, making it suitable for long-term international projects like mission trips or continuous support needs.
The platform mentions its global reach, stating it is “trusted around the world for its simple, reliable fundraising platform.” This international accessibility allows users from various countries to create and contribute to campaigns, though they should account for the higher fees when planning their fundraising goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About GiveSendGo
Is GiveSendGo a legitimate crowdfunding platform?
Yes, GiveSendGo is a legitimate crowdfunding platform that has been operating since 2015. It is a registered business that processes millions of dollars in donations.
Does GiveSendGo charge fees?
GiveSendGo charges no platform fees but passes on payment processing fees of 2.7% + $0.30 per donation for USD campaigns and 3.5% + $0.30 for non-USD campaigns.
How quickly can I access funds raised on GiveSendGo?
Initial funds become available 5 days after your first successful donation. Subsequent donations process within 3 days.
What payment methods does GiveSendGo accept?
GiveSendGo accepts credit cards, bank transfers, direct debits, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Has GiveSendGo experienced any security issues?
Yes, GiveSendGo experienced data breaches in February 2022 that exposed donor information. The company has since taken measures to improve security.
Why does GiveSendGo allow controversial campaigns?
GiveSendGo states they support free speech principles while prohibiting campaigns that promote violence or illegal activity. They allow legal defense funds and other campaigns that might be removed from other platforms.
Is GiveSendGo only for religious campaigns?
No, while GiveSendGo has a Christian foundation, it hosts campaigns for various purposes including medical expenses, personal needs, business ventures, and community projects.
Can I use GiveSendGo outside the United States?
Yes, GiveSendGo supports international campaigns, though with higher processing fees for non-USD transactions.
Does GiveSendGo have campaign deadlines or penalties?
No, GiveSendGo has no deadlines or penalties for missing goals, making it flexible for various fundraising needs.
How does GiveSendGo compare to GoFundMe?
GiveSendGo charges no platform fees, while GoFundMe takes a percentage. GiveSendGo also has more permissive content policies and a faith-based approach with features like the “Pray” button.
