Can you fundraise for personal use?

Yes, you can absolutely fundraise for personal use. Platforms like WhyDonate and GoFundMe support personal fundraising for needs such as medical expenses, education, housing, travel, or emergencies. As long as your campaign is honest and transparent, personal fundraising is both legal and widely accepted. Clearly explaining your story and how the funds will help increases your chances of success.

What is a personal fundraiser?

A personal fundraiser is a type of crowdfunding campaign created to raise money for individual needs or life events. Unlike nonprofit or business fundraisers, personal fundraisers are used for causes such as medical bills, tuition, funeral costs, emergencies, or personal goals. Platforms like WhyDonate allow users to easily create and share personal fundraising pages online, where friends, family, and the public can donate to support their cause.

How can I raise money individually?

You can raise money individually by starting a personal fundraising campaign on a crowdfunding platform like WhyDonate. Here's how: 1. Choose a platform that supports personal causes. 2. Create a campaign page with a clear title, compelling story, and goal amount. 3. Add photos or videos to build emotional connection. 4. Share your campaign through social media, messaging apps, and email. 5. Engage with donors by providing updates and expressing gratitude. Be honest, transparent, and specific about how the money will be used to increase trust and support from potential donors.

Is fundraising for yourself illegal?

No, fundraising for yourself is not illegal as long as it is done honestly and transparently. Many people legally raise money for personal needs like medical bills, education, housing, or emergencies through platforms like WhyDonate or GoFundMe. However, using false information, misleading donors, or misusing the funds can lead to legal consequences. Always follow platform guidelines and local laws to ensure your personal fundraiser is compliant.

Is personal fundraising taxable?

Personal fundraising is usually not taxable if the donations are considered gifts and not exchanged for goods or services. However, funds used for business or income-generating purposes may be taxed. Always consult a tax professional to be sure.

How can I raise money for myself anonymously?

Use a crowdfunding platform like WhyDonate that allows you to hide your name or campaign details. Avoid sharing personal information publicly and share your campaign privately with trusted contacts.

What is a passive fundraiser?

A passive fundraiser is a fundraising method that generates donations with minimal ongoing effort or direct solicitation. Unlike active campaigns that require constant promotion, passive fundraisers often involve setting up a system that continuously earns funds over time.

Are there any free fundraising sites?

Yes, platforms like WhyDonate, GoFundMe, and Facebook Fundraisers let you start campaigns for free. Most charge only small transaction fees per donation, with no setup or monthly costs.

Personal Fundraising: Crowdfunding Platform for Individuals and Causes

Through personal fundraising, individuals can ask for help for anything – Healthcare, education, or charity.

Trusted by

1M+ people

Raised

€ 500M+

Personal Campaigns

300K+

Start Fundraiser

0% Platform fee. Only standard processing fees apply
(1.9% + €0.25 per donation)

Start a personal fundraising campaign online with WhyDonate

Why People Trust WhyDonate

Europe’s best crowdfunding platform with a 0% platform fee

100% Secure Payments

All transactions are processed with bank-level security and encryption on an escrow account.

Fast Withdrawals

Access funds quickly – processed within 3 business days.

0% Platform Fee

We take 0% of your funds. You only pay small transaction fees – no surprises.

Dedicated Support

Our team is available 7 days a week to help you with your campaign.

How Can WhyDonate Support

WhyDonate makes online fundraising easy and accessible for
individuals and causes worldwide.

Personal Expenses

For necessary daily needs

Lifestyle
Utility
Daily cost
Emergencies

Causes

Support causes that can save lives

Nonprofits
Local community
Charities
Other fundraisers

Disaster Help

Get help during unforeseen disasters

Groceries
Build houses
Clean water
Fire hazards

Healthcare Support

Both emergency and long-term medical support

Daily medicines
Nursing care
Surgeries
Hospice care

Child Care

Support your and foster children for a better future

School fees
School supplies
Tuition
Child healthcare

Elderly Care

Support your parents or grandparents

Nursing care
Community help
Elderly support
Special equipment

Personal Fundraising Through WhyDonate

Life is unpredictable and full of challenges – medical bills, education costs, family emergencies, or personal dreams – everything has a cost. Personal fundraising through WhyDonate makes asking for help simple. Start your campaign in minutes and receive donations without leaving your comfort space. Share your story with donors worldwide directly through your WhyDonate campaign page. Track all your fundraising data from your WhyDonate dashboard, accept payments in any currency, and get funds instantly or weekly. WhyDonate handles security, payment processing, and instant support so that you can focus on what matters most.

Success Stories

Real people who’ve received the help they needed

Help Jerry fight MS

Jerry Huizinga, a 32‑year‑old from the Netherlands with multiple sclerosis (MS) started a fundraiser to pay for his treatment. The fundraiser successfully reached its €60,000 goal with support from family, friends, and donors, and Jerry is asking people to donate, share his story, and support his only real chance to halt the progression of his MS and regain mobility.

Read Full Story

Support Varvara and Viktor After Losing Both Parents

This fundraiser supports 12-year-old Varvara and 8-year-old Viktor, who lost both parents. They successfully raised their target amount and covered funeral and repatriation costs, therapy, travel, legal and school-related fees, and temporary living expenses with the fund.

Read Full Story

A car for Salvador and sisters

This campaign is to help Salvador, a 7‑year‑old boy in Portugal with a rare, life‑threatening condition (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), whose severe allergic reactions and disabilities make public transport unsafe. His mother successfully raised money to buy a specific used Peugeot 3008 so she could safely take him to frequent hospital appointments, therapies, and emergencies.

Read Full Story

Simple Steps for Successful Fundraising

Follow these best practices to maximize your fundraising efforts

Start a fundraiser

Sign up on WhyDonate and create your fundraiser in minutes

Share your fundraiser

Share your fundraiser with your friends and network through Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp and other social media channels to reach donors.

Receive donations

Receive funds directly into your account – Choose weekly, monthly or instant payouts.

Thank your donors

Send personalized automated thank-you emails or heartfelt messages to donors through your dashboard.

Reviews That Inspire Us

Real stories from people who received help through WhyDonate

Rating 4.7/5 based on 96 Reviews

View All

Luca Moretti

Facing huge hospital bills was overwhelming, but WhyDonate made it easy to share our story and receive the help we desperately needed through medical fundraising.

Isabelle Lefevre

WhyDonate isn’t just a fundraising platform — it’s a beacon of hope when you feel most vulnerable. We couldn’t have managed without it.

Mikael Sørensen

The support we received through WhyDonate was nothing short of a miracle. It eased the financial burden during my heart surgery recovery.

Oliver Dubois

WhyDonate gave us hope when my mother’s treatment costs seemed impossible. The platform is simple, fast, and truly life-changing

Emma Johansson

When my brother needed urgent surgery, WhyDonate was a lifeline. We raised funds quickly and felt incredibly supported throughout the process.

Ready to Start Your Campaign?

Start your fundraising journey in minutes with our simple 4-step process

Start now

Free to start. Set up in minutes. Withdraw directly to your bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal fundraising questions answered simply here

You can raise funds for any cause, either for yourself, a family member, or a friend. Causes can be anything, including healthcare, education, or even travel. It should be for a real need, not for entertainment purposes.

Setting a fundraising goal for your personal campaign will show urgency, even though it is not mandatory.

Tell the real story behind your campaign to relate to your potential donors. Adding pictures and videos will additionally help you get more donors due to credibility.

Share the “why” behind your fundraising campaign to relate to your donors.
Personalize your page with a profile picture and videos.
Set a realistic fundraising goal.
Use social media and other communication channels to promote your fundraising page.
Include a clear call to action that prompts visitors to make a donation.
Always thank your donors.

Yes, you can receive recurring donations for your personal fundraiser.

Yes, you can create multiple personal fundraisers from your single WhyDonate dashboard.

You can send your donors personalized thank you messages from your campaign page. You can also share updates and show your donors how their contributions have impacted you.

No, starting a personal fundraising campaign is completely free on WhyDonate.