A recent development has brought attention to GoFundMe’s automatic creation of donation pages for over one million nonprofits. Many organizations were previously unaware that these pages existed, raising multiple concerns. This article outlines essential steps for nonprofits to navigate this situation effectively.
Background on Automatic Page Creation
GoFundMe established donation pages for nonprofits using publicly available information, including logos and branding, without seeking consent from the organizations involved. This move has elicited significant feedback and concern from the nonprofit sector.
Concerns from Nonprofits
Many nonprofits voiced their worries regarding these unclaimed pages. Key concerns include:
- Unauthorized use of organizational logos
- Outdated or incorrect information
- Potential damage to reputation
- Inability to track donor information
- Search engine optimization issues
- Default donation fees imposed by GoFundMe
Response from GoFundMe
In reaction to the feedback from nonprofits, GoFundMe announced several changes. The platform will:
- Remove logos from unclaimed pages
- Disable tipping features until a page is claimed
- Give nonprofits control over branding and SEO settings
Despite these improvements, nonprofits are still required to take action to deactivate pages they did not create initially.
Recommended Actions for Nonprofits
Nonprofits are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Review GoFundMe Presence: Search for your organization’s page on GoFundMe.
- Claim or Remove Page: Determine if you want to claim the page for branding control or request removal.
- Review Branding: If you claim the page, check for branding elements like logos and social media links.
- Monitor SEO Settings: Adjust visibility preferences after claiming the page.
- Communicate Internally: Update staff and board members about GoFundMe’s recent changes.
- Review Donation Administration Processes: Evaluate how your organization handles web-based donations to identify incoming funds from unauthorized pages.
Support from Nonprofit Advisors
CLA’s nonprofit advisors are actively observing the situation and reaching out to clients. They can assist organizations in reviewing their current status and determining appropriate next steps.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal or professional advice. Organizations should consult their advisors regarding specific circumstances related to this situation.
