The Evolution of Philanthropy Through Online Sharing

Jan 9

This blog was written by Classy From GoFundMe’s Senior Advisor for Nonprofit Fundraising and Development, Michelle Boggs. Michelle draws on over 15 years of experience and a robust set of credentials to offer expert insights and leadership in the nonprofit sector, particularly in fundraising and development.

The world of philanthropy is undergoing a transformation fueled by digital-first behaviors that prioritize full transparency, direct impact, and seamless experiences. These shifts, once driven primarily by younger generations, have spread across all age groups, fundamentally reshaping how we engage with causes.

Social media advocacy, flexible donation platforms, and accessible tools have become the hallmarks of modern giving. At the forefront of this evolution, GoFundMe empowers nonprofits and donors alike to navigate this digitally connected landscape, fostering a future where online giving is effortless and widespread.

Digital Advocacy: Unlocking the Power of Sharing

Once a hallmark of younger generations, sharing causes online is now a common thread uniting supporters across different age groups. Data from GoFundMe’s The Social State of Giving report underscores this shift:

Half of Gen Z share causes or fundraisers at least once a week.
Millennials and Gen X have also joined the movement, sharing campaigns monthly.

Sharing isn’t just symbolic. It’s impactful. Every time a GoFundMe organizer shares their fundraiser online, it raises an additional $100, on average. Plus, 41% of Gen Z report that social media content has motivated them to research or donate to a cause, with similar trends among Gen Y (25%) and Gen X (20%).

The impact of digital advocacy is particularly evident in moments like Giving Tuesday, where collective action takes center stage. In 2024, 16.6 million Americans spoke out about causes, marking a 17% increase compared to Giving Tuesday 2023.

This surge underscores the growing power of online sharing to inspire widespread participation and amplify impact.

Tools for Campaign Amplification

GoFundMe and Classy from GoFundMe make sharing simple, enabling supporters to amplify causes through personal expression. Whether it’s customizable Profiles, livestreams from gamers and influencers, or intuitive first-of-its-kind social sharing tools with Meta, these features meet supporters in the online spaces where they already are.

The Personal Touch: Profiles That Celebrate and Amplify Altruism

Curating Your Giving Persona

One of GoFundMe’s latest innovations, customizable supporter Profiles, adds a personal dimension to philanthropy. Profiles allow users to highlight the causes they champion, creating a tangible connection between individual identity and altruism.

This feature resonates deeply with younger generations who increasingly seek to align their personal values with public actions.

Inspiring Collective Impact

GoFundMe Profiles do more than share stories—they spark action. By highlighting a supporter’s track record of contributions, these Profiles inspire others to get involved, creating a ripple effect that amplifies impact. This approach establishes a transparent, trackable record of collective giving, fostering trust and encouraging greater participation.

Prominent influencers like Good News Movement, The Dogist, Flavor Flav, Little Miss Flint, and Patriotic Kenny have embraced GoFundMe Profiles, using their platforms to rally followers around the causes they care about most. These impact creators leverage their reach to drive donations and amplify awareness, turning personal passion into widespread action.

What sets these impact creators apart is the trust they’ve earned. Their authenticity resonates deeply, particularly with Gen Z, over half of whom trust these influencers to donate on their behalf. This reflects a growing shift in philanthropy, where individuals championing causes on social media build confidence in the organizations they support, amplifying awareness and driving meaningful change at scale.

Across Generations: Shaping the Future of Giving

Modern donors are redefining philanthropy, and GoFundMe is at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging digital tools and fostering shared passions, the giving platform bridges generational gaps, creating a more inclusive and accessible culture.

The future of philanthropy lies in merging personal passion with impactful giving—and platforms like GoFundMe and Classy make this vision a reality.

Ready to be part of the future of giving? Discover how GoFundMe and Classy’s tools can empower your nonprofit or amplify your personal connection to the causes that matter most. Together, we can unite generations and activate a ripple effect of change around the world.

Michelle Boggs

fundraisingdigital strategycommunity

Becky Endicott