What is the JustGiving controversy?

Asked by: Dr. Fletcher Hickle V  |  Last update: August 2, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (63 votes)

JustGiving is facing scrutiny for its fundraising practices, particularly involving "underhand" tactics to solicit voluntary tips (often around 15-17%) from donors, which critics argue are hard to remove. The platform is accused of prioritizing its own profit over charities, prompting investigations by the Fundraising Regulator.

Is JustGiving a legitimate charity?

JustGiving is the UK's most trusted platform for online giving. We help people raise money for the charities and people they care about the most. Back in 2000, JustGiving.com began with one simple goal – to enable charities to receive donations online from anywhere in the world.

How much money does JustGiving take from donations?

It's completely free to set up a crowdfunding page. We'll send everything you raise straight to your chosen bank account, minus some small standard processing costs taken from each donation (2.9% + 25p).

Does JustGiving work in the USA?

Through JustGiving you can donate from anywhere in the world in one of five currencies: British pounds, US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and euros.

Which is better, GoFundMe or JustGiving?

JustGiving focuses primarily on charity fundraising with strong regulatory protection, while GoFundMe is a broader platform for personal, medical, or charity causes, known for its user-friendliness and "GoFundMe Guarantee" for donor reassurance, with fees often covered by optional donor tips. Key differences lie in their primary focus (charity vs. personal), fee structures (JustGiving's direct fees vs. GoFundMe's donor-covered model), and regulatory backing (JustGiving as an API).

JustGiving Crowdfunding - How it works

41 related questions found

What is the 3 to 1 rule for fundraising?

The "3 to 1 fundraising rule" has two main meanings: either identifying three times the amount you need in potential funding to account for donors who don't commit, or for PTAs (Parent-Teacher Associations), balancing three non-fundraising programs for every one fundraiser to focus on mission over money. A third meaning involves cultivating donors with three touches between asks to build relationships.

Did Billie Eilish donate $11.5 million?

Yes, Billie Eilish raised and donated $11.5 million from her "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour for climate and food justice causes, but the funds came largely from extra "Changemaker" ticket sales rather than solely her own profits, with proceeds going through the nonprofit REVERB, sparking praise for her advocacy but also debate about the source of the money. She famously used this achievement to call out billionaires for not doing enough during an awards speech, urging them to share their wealth.
 

Who owns the JustGiving website?

JustGiving is a British multinational online social platform for charity giving. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Bankside, London, England. JustGiving has been owned by Blackbaud since its acquisition in October 2017.

How much of St. Jude's donations go to the cause?

Jude, for the past seven years, 82 cents of every dollar received has gone to support the treatment, research and future needs of St. Jude. The remaining 18 cents supports fundraising efforts, such as the St. Jude Walk, and administration costs.

Did Elon Musk donate 5.7 billion to charity?

Elon Musk has donated $5.7 billion in Tesla shares to charity. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has donated roughly $5.7 billion worth of the electric carmaker's shares to charity. The donation of 5,044,000 shares was revealed Monday in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Why do JustGiving take a tip?

This is completely optional, so if you do choose to make a tip, it's in safe hands! Tips (like yours) help towards our running costs, give you a seamless donation experience, and make JustGiving the easiest place to raise money for good causes all over the world!

What is the 80 20 rule for charities?

➢ 80/20 Fund-Raising Rule

For funds raised from the public for foreign charitable purposes, the applicant has to apply at least 80% of the net proceeds of the funds raised within Singapore. The 80/20 rule will be waived for private fund-raising appeals or for appeals in aid of providing immediate disaster relief.

Which celebrity gives the most to charity?

While it's hard to name a single definitive "most" due to varied reporting, Oprah Winfrey is consistently cited as a top contender, with reports of her donating over $400 million through her foundation, focusing on education and women/children's health, and Michael Jackson is also noted for significant contributions exceeding $500 million to various causes. Other major celebrity philanthropists include J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, Bill & Melinda Gates (though Bill Gates is more a tech figure), and athletes like LeBron James and Serena Williams for large-scale efforts.

Has Taylor Swift ever donated to GoFundMe?

Yes, Taylor Swift has donated to numerous GoFundMe campaigns, often quietly, for people with significant medical bills, rent struggles, college tuition, or tragedy, including a recent $100,000 donation to a toddler with brain cancer, money for the family of a Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting victim, and support for students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do you have to report GoFundMe money to the IRS?

In California, crowdfunds with gross receipts of more than $25,000 will receive an IRS Form 990 and/or Notice to Register, and will need to register with the California Office of the Attorney General as a charity. California charities that use unregistered fundraisers may be subject to penalties.

What are common nonprofit mistakes?

What are the most common mistakes nonprofits make? Some of the most common mistakes include unclear missions, weak board engagement, poor donor communication, lack of financial transparency, and neglecting compliance requirements. Many of these issues are fixable with the right tools and support.

How do I get my GoFundMe noticed?

Share your GoFundMe quickly and often

Start by sharing the link to your fundraising page with at least three of your closest friends and family members, and ask if they would consider donating to help you kickstart your fundraising efforts and watch it grow in real-time.