Crises don’t typically announce their presence in advance or send over a calendar invite. In fact, when they do arise, many organizations find themselves less than prepared when a crisis comes knocking at their door.
For more than a decade, GoFundMe has been a trusted resource for help during emergencies and natural disasters, providing a direct and secure way for people to get help— quickly.
Over the past year, more than $280 million has been raised to support Canadians nationwide, benefiting both individual fundraisers and organizations. Specifically, from 2019 to 2024, over $26 million in support has been delivered to Canadian natural disaster relief efforts. When it comes to supporting local causes, GoFundMe continues to be the hub for communities to come together.
How we make it happen
Our Trust and Safety team work to verify related fundraisers, ensuring that donations go directly to those in need. Once verified, these campaigns are featured on our main crisis hub, making it easy for donors to support urgent causes when help is needed most.
Whether you’re crowdfunding for natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies or an unforeseen community crisis, we’ve found that the key is to act quickly. A crisis is a powerful opportunity to drive support and connect donors to meaningful causes when they are motivated to support
Successful crisis fundraising often comes down to preparation and making the process easy for donors. Looking back on recent crises in Canada and globally, like wildfire season, we’ve seen how applying the following strategies helps get people the help they need when it counts.
Here’s how your nonprofit can maximize its impact when time is critical:
Preparation is key
Firstly, the best crisis strategy is an existing crisis strategy. Establishing ready-made donor contact lists, internal response plans, and pre-drafted messaging can save precious time and ensure you act fast when disaster strikes.
Long-term support vs. immediate relief
While the initial fundraising push is crucial, many crises have long-lasting effects. Consider what a phased approach will look like for your organization, so donors are able to contribute both to immediate relief and ongoing recovery efforts.
This approach keeps the momentum going well beyond the first wave of giving and helps donors stay connected to the cause.
Leveraging community & networks
When a crisis hits, timing is everything. Fast acting digital tools and resources like GoFundMe can help you quickly mobilize your community and reach a wider audience faster than traditional fundraising methods. The more people see your message, the more likely you are to inspire support.
Getting started
Crisis fundraising is never easy, but with the right approach, nonprofits can make a significant impact when their communities need it most. By preparing in advance, communicating with transparency, and leveraging digital tools, your organization can raise the funds needed to respond effectively—both now and in the future.
GoFundMe is here to help nonprofits navigate crisis fundraising and connect with supporters at scale, who want to make a difference. Ready to get started? Set up your campaign today. Feel free to reach out to canada@gofundme.com for support.
Aisha Vernon supports diverse causes and campaign organizers across Canada through her work at GoFundMe. With a passion for community and a deep belief in the power of social fundraising, she helps connect people with the support they need, when they need it most.
