GoFundMe fundraisers to pay for basic living expenses surged in 2025
Fundraising patterns reflect Americans' mounting affordability challenges, according to GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe crowdfunding spike for essentials
Crowdfunding website GoFundMe released its 2025 "Year In Help" report Tuesday. It showed a spike in people asking for donations to buy essentials like food. CBS News investigative correspondent Tom Hanson has more.
GoFundMe: Crowdsourcing charity
In the old days people might have turned to the government or to charities such as churches for help; today the first place many people seem to turn to is GoFundMe, a crowdsourcing website, where anyone can appeal to the public to contribute money for pretty much anything – medical bills, disaster relief, funeral expenses, acts of kindness. "Sunday Morning" Contributor David Pogue examines the good will, and occasional fraud, on crowdsourcing sites, and looks at the economics of online charity.
GoFundMe CEO rolling out new tool
GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan is announcing the launch of a new tool called GoFundMe Pro to help non-profits increase charitable donations. He joins CBS Mornings News to discuss the feature and celebrates the $40 billion the online fundraiser has helped raise globally.
Here are the main reasons people turned to GoFundMe this year
Donations on the crowdfunding platform this year reveal a range of urgent financial needs, GoFundMe data shows.
For some with student loans, making payments means turning to GoFundMe
The number of people seeking help on the platform to pay student loans has exploded over the last year, the crowdfunding site says.
WWE Hall-of-Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham on life support
Doctors want to take the WWE Hall-of-Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, who has been suffering medical issues for months, off life support, Graham's wife wrote on Facebook. She refused, calling him "a fighter."
GoFundMe blocked George Santos after alleged theft of money raised for dying service dog
The veteran who owned the dog says Santos pocketed $3,000 from a GoFundMe page that was set up to help pay for surgery.
Woman gets 3 years in bogus online fundraiser for homeless veteran
Prosecutors said the campaign at the time was the largest fraud perpetrated through the crowdfunding platform.
Damar Hamlin's fundraiser donations surge after cardiac arrest
Donations poured in within hours after Damar Hamlin suddenly suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle, with some donating thousands.
Funds raised for teen who must pay restitution for killing alleged rapist
A former math teacher of Pieper Lewis' at Des Moines Lincoln High School organized the fundraiser.
Man who conspired to launch viral GoFundMe scam sentenced to 27 months
The trio made up a story in late 2017 that sparked $400,000 in GoFundMe donations.
Mila Kunis vows to match $3M in donations for Ukrainian refugees
"I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian," said Kunis, who immigrated to the U.S. from the country in 1991.
Instacart donates $50K to help pay for funeral of slain worker
CEO says grocery delivery service "heartbroken" by fatal shooting at Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington.
GoFundMe investigated for blocking donations to truckers
Attorneys general in Texas, Florida, Missouri and West Virginia are probing the company for shutting down a fundraiser.
Thousands of COVID crowdfunds didn't make much
Thousands of people turned to crowdfunding during the pandemic, but research shows most did not raise much money. CBS Moneywatch Reporter Irina Ivanova joined CBSN's Tanya Rivero with more on this.
Thousands tried crowdfunding during pandemic. It flopped.
Most successful crowdfunding drives were in U.S. counties with higher income — not the ones with the most need.
GoFundMe page raises money after shooting
Hours after the school shooting massacre in Parkland, Florida, strangers started donating to a GoFundMe page to help the families of the victims. The next day, it was only a few thousand dollars from its goal.
Homeless man buys house
Homeless man who used his last $20 to fill up the gas tank of a stranded motorist in Philadelphia has bought a home with some of the nearly $400,000 raised for him online by the woman he saved.
Officer takes vendor's money
A video showing a University of California, Berkeley police officer ticketing a hot dog vendor, rifling through his wallet and confiscating his money has caused an outcry across social media. The incident happened on Saturday outside of a university football game. KPIX's Christin Ayers reports.
3/4: Evening News
President Trump claims he recently learned President Obama ordered what Mr. Trump describes as a Watergate-style wiretap on Trump Tower in New York; In South Los Angeles, a woman turned her community's "food desert" into an oasis. Michelle Miller reports.
Storm traps monks
Northern California's storm damage has left a dozen monks trapped in Big Sur. At the New Camaldoli Hermitage, the monks have had to cancel all reservations through March and even turned to a GoFundMe page, but their spirits remain intact. Carter Evans reports.
Extraordinary employee
A photo of a teen in a neck brace at work has gone viral with many people online praising the young man's work ethic. Alex McAdams from our Indianapolis affiliate WTTV has more on the dedicated employee.
Popsicle man donations
One Chicago ice cream man has received thousands of donations from strangers through a GoFundMe campaign. CBSN's Tony Dokoupil has more on his story.
The popular crowdfunding site GoFundMe has raised over $3 million for the Orlando massacre victims and their families
The popular crowdfunding site GoFundMe has raised over $3 million for the Orlando massacre victims and their families.
Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader "El Mencho" killed in federal operation
Mexico's Ministry of Defense security forces have killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, in a military operation.
Travel bans in effect, thousands of flights canceled as storm slams Northeast
A massive winter storm slamming the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with blizzard conditions on Monday has prompted travel bans and forced thousands of flights to be canceled.
Maps show snow forecast, blizzard warnings for major winter storm
Blizzard warnings are in effect for New York City, New Jersey, southern New England and coastal communities along the East Coast.
On South Africa's farms, there's pushback against claims of genocide
President Trump claims White farmers in South Africa are victims of a genocide. South Africans dispute his claim.
Defense attorneys build mapping tool to track Justice Dept. "weaponization"
A defense lawyers group has posted a tracking tool to enable users to check on the status of some of the controversial prosecutions attempted by DOJ in the first year of Trump's second term.
"El Mencho," the cartel leader killed in Mexico, had a violent history
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel prior to his death on Sunday.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
Armed man shot and killed inside Mar-a-Lago perimeter, Secret Service says
An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday morning after "unauthorized entry" into the secure perimeter at President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, the U.S. Secret Service said.
Greer says White House expects to "stand by" trade deals after SCOTUS ruling
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "stand by" the trade deal agreements it has signed with its partners despite the Supreme Court's tariff decision.
U.S.
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Travel bans in effect, thousands of flights canceled as storm slams Northeast
A massive winter storm slamming the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with blizzard conditions on Monday has prompted travel bans and forced thousands of flights to be canceled.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
Defense attorneys build mapping tool to track Justice Dept. "weaponization"
A defense lawyers group has posted a tracking tool to enable users to check on the status of some of the controversial prosecutions attempted by DOJ in the first year of Trump's second term.
NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
MoneyWatch
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Trump imposes 10% tariffs on all countries after SCOTUS struck down earlier tariffs
President Trump signed an order that will impose 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a different set of sweeping global tariffs.
Will Americans get refunds after Trump's tariffs were overturned by the Supreme Court?
While the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, experts said it could take years for businesses to get refunds.
Fried rice sold at Trader Joe's recalled over possible glass contamination
The recall involves 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products shipped to Trader Joe's locations nationwide and to retailers in Canada.
The latest GDP data isn't as bad as it looks. Here's what to know.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
Walmart and other big companies say tariffs are forcing them to hike prices
Large U.S. retailers say the Trump administration tariffs are forcing them to hike customer prices to offset higher costs.
Politics
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Defense attorneys build mapping tool to track Justice Dept. "weaponization"
A defense lawyers group has posted a tracking tool to enable users to check on the status of some of the controversial prosecutions attempted by DOJ in the first year of Trump's second term.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 22, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer join Margaret Brennan.
Greer says White House expects to "stand by" trade deals after SCOTUS ruling
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "stand by" the trade deal agreements it has signed with its partners despite the Supreme Court's tariff decision.
Huckabee's remarks on Israel and Middle East were taken out of context, embassy says
U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made his comments during an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that aired Friday.
HealthWatch
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As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with David Oshinsky, author of "Polio: An American Story," and with violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, about how parents opting out of vaccinations for their children could affect polio rates here.
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Cop's shortness of breath was the only sign of rare lung disorder
Travis Corbitt's struggles to breathe led to his retirement and reliance on an oxygen tank.
World
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After leader killed, what does future hold for powerful Jalisco cartel?
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head.
"El Mencho," the cartel leader killed in Mexico, had a violent history
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel prior to his death on Sunday.
Winter Olympics closing ceremony celebrates athletes and Italian art in Verona
The Milan Cortina Olympics ended Sunday with a closing ceremony inside the ancient Roman amphitheater, Verona Arena.
Foreign minister: Iran has the right to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has "every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment" as the U.S. pushes for a deal on its nuclear program.
Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader "El Mencho" killed in federal operation
Mexico's Ministry of Defense security forces killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," in a military operation.
Entertainment
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Rose Byrne on playing a woman at the end of her rope in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"
The Australian-born actress earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance as a mother stretched to the limits.
Extended interview: Rose Byrne
In this web exclusive, Rose Byrne, an Oscar nominee for best actress for her performance in Mary Bronstein's "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," talks with Tracy Smith about her response to the character of Linda, a woman at the end of her rope. She also talks about her early years in Hollywood, including her friendship with fellow Australian Heath Ledger, and her experience playing comedy with "Bridesmaids."
Rose Byrne on "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You"
Australian-born actress Rose Byrne earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in the drama "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," playing a mother stretched to the limits. She talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about playing a woman losing all sense of control. Byrne also discusses her early years in Hollywood and the help she received from fellow Aussie Heath Ledger; and how she branched off from working in dramas like the TV series "Damages," to comedies like "Bridesmaids."
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including Academy Award-winning actor Robert Duvall.
The legacy of the Studio Museum in Harlem
In 1968, a group of artists, activists, and community members founded the Studio Museum in Harlem. It was a space not just for displaying works celebrating the contributions of African-American artists, but also to foster up-and-coming artists through a residency program. Now, following a seven-year, $160 million renovation, the Studio Museum has reopened. Nancy Giles pays a visit.
Technology
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Technology
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
Mark Zuckerberg grilled in court
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the social media addiction trial examining whether children and teens were given access to an addictive and harmful product. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Science
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In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Crime
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After leader killed, what does future hold for powerful Jalisco cartel?
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," had a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head.
"El Mencho," the cartel leader killed in Mexico, had a violent history
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel prior to his death on Sunday.
Cellphone app, security video critical in helping solve teen's murder
In April 2024, college student Sade Robinson, 19, went on a first date and never came home. Her car was found set on fire 3 miles from her apartment. Using data from an app on her phone, law enforcement began to piece together where she went — and who she was with.
Ex-Army recruiter blamed wife for his demotion. Did he kill her for revenge?
Cati Blauvelt was discovered in an abandoned South Carolina farmhouse in 2016 — a broken knife blade inside her body. Almost immediately, her friends had one suspect in mind: John Blauvelt, her estranged husband, a once-respected Army recruiter.
Former "American Idol" contestant charged in wife's murder in Ohio
Caleb Flynn, 37, appeared in season 12 of "American Idol." He was arrested by Tipp City police last week and charged with murder, assault and tampering with evidence.
Space
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NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem, flight pushed to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Report criticizes NASA Boeing Starliner trip
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
Cosmologist on UFO files
President Trump has ordered the release of all government documents related to aliens, UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It comes after former President Barack Obama addressed the topic earlier this week and said aliens are real, a statement which he later modified. CBS News contributor Janna Levin has more details.
NASA targets March 6 for Artemis II moonshot
A successful fueling test prompts NASA to press ahead toward a March 6 moonshot.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Winter storm cancels thousands of flights
More than 10,000 flights have been canceled since Sunday due to the winter storm hitting the East Coast with heavy snow and powerful winds. Kris Van Cleave reports on when service is expected to restart.
U.S. men's hockey wins gold in overtime
The 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up Sunday in Italy. But before the closing ceremony, Team USA captured a thrilling victory, beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold for the first time since 1980. The U.S. finished with 33 medals total, the most since 2010, including 12 gold medals.
Milano Cortina Winter Olympics come to an end
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics came to a spectacular close Sunday night in a historic Roman amphitheater in Verona, Italy. Seth Doane in Cortina covered all 19 days of competition and reflects on its impact.
Team USA wins men's hockey gold in overtime
The U.S. men's hockey team beat Canada on Sunday to win its first Olympic gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Russia launches another attack on Ukraine
Russia fired scores of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine Sunday. Holly Williams is in Kyiv with more.