GoFundMe Introduces Key Update for Nonprofit Pages
GoFundMe has recently made headlines with significant updates affecting nonprofit organizations. The platform introduced automatic donation pages for over one million nonprofits, prompting concerns among these organizations.
Automatic Creation of Nonprofit Donation Pages
GoFundMe generated donation pages for nonprofits using publicly available information, such as logos and branding. Many organizations were not informed about this development and expressed worries about the implications of these unclaimed pages.
Concerns Among Nonprofits
- Unauthorized use of logos
- Outdated organizational information
- Potential reputational harm
- Lack of data sharing with donors
- Effects on search engine optimization (SEO)
- Default fees added to donations
Response to Criticism
In light of the feedback, GoFundMe announced a reversal of certain policies. The platform will remove logos from unclaimed donation pages. Furthermore, it will disable tipping until these pages are officially claimed by the organizations.
Nonprofit Actions Required
Nonprofits need to take proactive measures regarding their presence on GoFundMe. Here are some suggested steps:
- Search for Your Organization: Look up your nonprofit’s page on GoFundMe.
- Claim or Remove the Page: Decide whether to claim your page for branding control or request its removal.
- Review Branding: If claiming the page, ensure that logos and descriptions are up to date.
- Monitor SEO Settings: Adjust visibility preferences after claiming.
- Communicate Internally: Inform your team about the updates and how the organization plans to respond.
- Review Donation Processes: Assess your procedures for handling online donations and incorporating them into your donor database.
Support Available for Nonprofits
Organizations can seek assistance from nonprofit advisors, such as those from CLA, who are actively monitoring the situation. These experts can help nonprofits navigate the implications of the new GoFundMe policies and determine the best course of action.
This content provides a general overview and does not serve as legal or professional advice. Nonprofits should consult with their advisors for personalized guidance regarding these developments.
