In its latest “Year in Help” report released on Tuesday, GoFundMe revealed a 20% jump in fundraisers aimed at covering essential expenses such as rent, utilities and groceries in 2025, after the category had already quadrupled the year before.
Overview of the Year in Help Report
The for‑profit crowdfunding platform’s annual review underscores ongoing affordability concerns. The “Monthly bills” category was the second fastest‑growing segment, trailing only individual support for nonprofits. Across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, the number of “essentials” fundraisers has risen steadily over the past three years.
Economic Context in the United States
Cadogan noted that the report comes at the close of a year marked by weakened wage growth for lower‑income workers, sluggish hiring, a rise in the unemployment rate and low consumer confidence. He said: “Someone may be behind on rent or needs a little bit of extra help to get through the next month,” Cadogan said. “That’s a function of what’s going on in these economies. And what is interesting is that people do step up and support folks in those situations.”
Food Banks and the SNAP Cut‑off
Among campaigns aimed at broader community needs, food banks were the most common recipient on GoFundMe this year. The platform experienced a nearly sixfold spike in food‑related fundraisers between the end of October and the first weeks of November, according to Cadogan, as many Americans’ monthly SNAP benefits were suddenly cut off during the government shutdown.
Expert Perspective on Crowdfunding as a Desperation Barometer
University of Toronto postdoctoral researcher Martin Lukk, who studies economic inequality and co‑authored a book about the “unfulfilled promise of digital crowdfunding,” said the findings act somewhat as a “barometer of where things are at in terms of desperation.” He added: “When there’s no other net to catch people, I think GoFundMe is where they often end up,” Lukk said.
Limitations of the Data
Lukk cautioned that GoFundMe data does not show the full extent of desperation because not everyone in need participates and many users do not reach their goals. Organizers must have internet access and technological know‑how, and a successful campaign often requires savvy storytelling and strong social networks.
Cadogan on Government Support and Personal Reflections
Cadogan said his team always hopes that countries have strong government programs around health, housing or seniors’ wellbeing, for example. But GoFundMe recognizes that no country’s systems address everything, he added. At the end of a year that began with the Los Angeles wildfires that struck Cadogan’s community of Altadena, he said he is “blown away” by the power of help. While asking for help can be a “difficult step,” he said it is a “courageous act” worth taking. “Taking that action opens the door to what can be incredible goodness,” Cadogan said.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 saw a 20% increase in fundraisers for rent, utilities and groceries, following a quadrupling last year.
- Food‑bank related campaigns spiked nearly sixfold after the SNAP benefit cut‑off during the government shutdown.
- Experts view GoFundMe data as a barometer of desperation but note it underestimates the full scope of need.
The report paints a picture of a population increasingly reliant on peer‑to‑peer fundraising to bridge gaps in living costs, while also highlighting the limits of digital platforms in addressing systemic economic challenges.
