Crowdfunding: A Lifeline Amid Doubts for U.S. Donors

Fri Jan 09 2026 14:41:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid growing medical costs and a weak economy, crowdfunding is increasingly seen as a crucial means of support for those in need, despite concerns over site fees and fund usage.

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that while more Americans are turning to crowdfunding for financial support, many harbor skepticism about the necessity and responsible use of the funds. The poll indicates that medical expenses are the most common reasons for crowdfunding donations, with many participants questioning the fee structures of popular platforms like GoFundMe. Overall, American donors exhibit generosity but are cautious, particularly in light of recent economic strains.

NEW YORK — Quintin Sharpe, a 27-year-old wealth manager, feels it’s his duty to assist those in need in his small-town community in southeast Wisconsin. His philanthropic efforts include organizing food drives and aiding his parents' nonprofit music school. However, a poignant incident last year led him to explore crowdfunding as an alternate means of charity when a friend's family faced financial strain due to a motor vehicle accident.

Sharpe donated more than $100 to a GoFundMe campaign, citing its ease of use and direct funding capabilities. This sentiment is echoed by about 20% of U.S. adults who participated in a recent poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, revealing that medical expenses remain a significant motivator for crowdfunding contributions.

Crowdfunding has surged as a practical option for gathering support for various costs, ranging from medical treatment to Little League fees. However, the same poll indicates that skepticism surrounds the transparency and efficacy of these platforms, with many Americans doubting that campaigns use funds responsibly or that the sites charge fair service fees.

Sharpe acknowledges this uncertainty, expressing that it would be ‘naive’ to assume all campaigns are legitimate, insisting that the accountability lies with the recipients of the funds. Participation rates in crowdfunding are still lagging behind traditional charitable contributions, with about 6 in 10 donors giving $50 or less to projects they support.

The urgency for financial support for medical needs drives many to seek contributions online. Nearly 40% of survey respondents noted that their most recent donation supported health-related causes, reflecting the ongoing financial burden of healthcare in the U.S.

Despite the convenience of crowdfunding, nearly half of surveyed adults voiced concerns over platform fees and the ethical implications of costs associated with fundraising sites. Critics argue that charges should be minimal, given the urgency of many campaigns.

While some participants like Maria Barrett are willing to donate under the right circumstances, they remain cautious, emphasizing the troubling reality that individuals often have to resort to crowdfunding for unforeseen medical expenses or tragedies.

Jeremy Snyder, a bioethicist focused on medical crowdfunding, warns that the economic landscape, especially post-expiration of certain healthcare subsidies, may push more individuals into seeking crowdfunding as a means to cover exorbitant medical bills.

As crowdfunding continues to gain traction, it jointly illustrates the necessity for accountability within the system while highlighting the vulnerabilities that compel people to seek financial assistance through such means.