Facebook is ratcheting up the competition with JustGiving and GoFundMe with its own donations-based crowdfunding vertical. According to information posted on the Facebook press page, the social media platform is adding two new categories: Community and Sports.
Now users in the US can raise money on Facebook for any of the following categories:
- Education: such as tuition, books or classroom supplies
- Medical: such as medical procedures, treatments or injuries
- Pet Medical: such as veterinary procedures, treatments or injuries
- Crisis Relief: such as public crises or natural disasters
- Personal Emergency: such as a house fire, theft or car accident
- Funeral and Loss: such as burial expenses or living costs after losing a loved one
- Sports: such as equipment, competitions or team fees
- Community: such as neighborhood services, community improvements or environmental improvements
Facebook explains they began testing personal fundraisers back in March. Since then, they have “been inspired by the response to create them and the support felt by those they benefit.”
All fundraisers are said to be reviewed within 24 hours. Personal fundraisers are available on all devices, and have a 6.9% + $0.30 fee. Facebook said its goal is to create a platform for good that’s sustainable over the long-term, and not to make a profit from their charitable giving tools.