In 2025, GoFundMe reported a significant rise in fundraisers aimed at covering basic living expenses such as housing, food, and utilities. According to the platform's annual "Year in Help" report, these campaigns increased by 20% compared to the previous year, reflecting growing concerns about affordability in the United States.

The surge in fundraising for essentials comes amid a backdrop of economic challenges, including weakened wage growth, sluggish hiring, and rising unemployment rates. GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan noted that many people are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, leading them to seek assistance through crowdfunding. "Someone may be behind on rent or needs a little bit of extra help to get through the next month," Cadogan said.

Food banks emerged as the most common recipient of community-focused fundraisers on the platform, with a nearly sixfold increase in food-related campaigns during a period when many Americans faced cuts to their SNAP benefits due to a government shutdown. In addition, volunteering-related fundraisers tripled, and classroom-supply drives rose by more than 50% as teachers sought help for basic materials, according to AOL News.

While GoFundMe has become a vital resource for many, some experts caution that the platform's data does not capture the full extent of financial desperation, as not everyone in need participates, and many campaigns do not reach their goals. University of Toronto researcher Martin Lukk described GoFundMe to The Associated Press as a "barometer of where things are at in terms of desperation," highlighting the reliance on crowdfunding when other safety nets fail.

Bret Saunders