21 Sites Where You Can Get Strangers to Give You Money

We all understand the struggle of needing money fast. Asking friends and family can put a strain on relationships, and the answer isn’t always there. Unexpected expenses, important projects, even life-saving medical treatments – sometimes, traditional funding sources fall short.

But what if you could tap into a vast network of generous strangers? Believe it or not, there are websites specifically designed to connect those in need with individuals willing to help. While not exactly “free money,” these platforms offer unique ways to source funds for a variety of purposes.

Understanding Crowdfunding: The Key to Online Donations

At the heart of this lies crowdfunding – the practice of raising money from a large group of people online. These platforms provide a space to present your project or cause, detailing your financial goals and how the funds will be used. Potential donors then decide whether to contribute.

While success isn’t guaranteed, a compelling and genuine project can attract significant support. Here are 21 top-rated websites where you might find strangers ready to lend a helping hand:

21 Websites to Source Funds from Generous Strangers

This comprehensive list covers a wide range of crowdfunding platforms, each suited to different goals – from launching a startup to covering life’s unexpected expenses. Remember, documentation and transparency are crucial when using these sites.

General Crowdfunding Platforms

• GoFundMe: Known for its flexibility and zero platform fees, GoFundMe caters to everything from entrepreneurial ventures to personal causes.
• Patreon: Recurring donations are Patreon’s specialty, making it ideal for ongoing projects or funding your creative passions.
• Crowdrise: A go-to for charitable causes; organize events and campaigns with ease.
• Fundable: Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking seed money, Fundable has a proven track record of successful business launches.
• Ulule: If your project falls in the creative realm (filmmaking, art, writing, etc.), Ulule could be the ideal platform.
• Kickstarter: A giant in the crowdfunding world, Kickstarter supports everything from innovative products to social good initiatives.
• Fundly: Designed for individuals in urgent need and nonprofits, Fundly generally has smaller donation caps but offers quick access to funds.
• Indiegogo: Similar to Kickstarter but with a broader focus, Indiegogo welcomes filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and those raising funds for personal reasons.

Niche Crowdfunding Platforms

• Fund My Travel: Adventurous at heart? This platform helps travelers raise funds for exciting trips, whether it’s a volunteer project abroad or your dream vacation.
• Fundrazr: Catering to startups, personal needs, and charities, Fundrazr boasts a large donor base.
• Random Acts of Amazon: This unique site allows you to create a wishlist of essentials from Amazon – benevolent strangers might purchase items for you.
• Plumfund: Designed for life’s celebrations (birthdays, graduations, etc.) and personal needs, Plumfund is commission-free.
• WeFunder: Geared towards businesses, charities, and compelling personal causes, WeFunder attracts both regular donors and potential investors.
• Begging Money: This direct-appeal website has helped those in financial distress for decades. Present your situation and allow individuals to decide if they’d like to assist.

Focused Fundraising

• JustGiving: Primarily for faith-based groups, individuals within a community can appeal for donations here.
• GoGetFunding: Target personal needs that resonate with potential donors (education, essential necessities, etc.).
• Facebook Community Help: Facebook doesn’t facilitate direct fundraising but allows you to appeal to your network within the Community Help section.