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.
Iran warns protesters of maximum punishment as death toll mounts
As Iran's exiled crown prince predicts his imminent return, the Islamic Republic shirks Trump's warnings and threatens protesters with maximum punishment.
Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS targets in Syria, officials say
The strikes were part of a retaliatory operation for the ISIS terrorist ambush in Palmyra, Syria, in December that killed two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter.
Trump says Venezuela "starting process" of releasing political prisoners
President Trump previously said he had called off "second wave of attacks" on a cooperative Venezuela.
Suspect arrested in murders of Ohio dentist and his wife, police say
Michael McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, according to court records obtained by CBS News. Tepe and her husband, Spencer, were shot and killed in Columbus on Dec. 30.
3 congressional lawmakers say they were denied access to ICE facility in Minneapolis
Three Democratic lawmakers said they were denied access to the ICE facility at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Trump's threats inspiring Iran protesters but might not deter crackdown
The leader of an independent Iranian news publication says President Trump's warnings are alarming officials and encouraging demonstrators.
Protests continue in Minneapolis amid fallout over deadly ICE shooting
Minneapolis is reeling after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman on the city's south side Wednesday morning.
Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
U.S.
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A young mom was near death from lead poisoning. Who was trying to kill her?
Hannah Pettey, 22, a married mother of two from Alabama, suffered debilitating pain and lost more than 45 pounds as her health rapidly declined. Doctors suspected either her mother or her husband were trying to poison her.
Cold case murder victim was a bridesmaid in killer's wedding
The investigation into the 1995 murder of Texas teacher Mary Catherine Edwards went cold for years. Advances in forensic science and tireless work by investigators would reveal the startling connection between the victim and her killer.
Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
Washington National Opera says it's leaving the Kennedy Center
The Washington National Opera is moving performances away from the Kennedy Center.
Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
MoneyWatch
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Trump urges credit card companies to slash interest rates to 10% for one year
President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates late Friday, an idea that has drawn strong support from lawmakers in both parties but pushback from card issuers.
Looking for a job? Here are the best U.S. cities to find openings.
Midsize cities like Pittsburgh and Columbia, South Carolina, offer some of the best employment prospects, analysis finds.
Trump posted some U.S. jobs data the before its official release
The White House said it will review its protocols for releasing economic data after President Trump's "inadvertent public disclosure."
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
Politics
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Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
3 congressional lawmakers say they were denied access to ICE facility in Minneapolis
Three Democratic lawmakers said they were denied access to the ICE facility at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Saturday.
Congress debating possible consequences for ICE after Renee Good's death
Lawmakers are demanding a range of actions, from a full investigation and policy changes to the defunding of ICE operations and the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Greenland's leaders reject Trump push: "We don't want to be Americans"
Greenland's leaders said the island's future must be decided by its people.
Over $120M in USDA award payments to MN suspended, Sec. Rollins says
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Friday that she is suspending payments on all active and future awards from the USDA to Minnesota amid the long-running fraud scandal in which the White House has alleged a misuse of federal funds.
HealthWatch
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Doctors thought he had cancer. An offhand suggestion led to a rare diagnosis.
Andy Provencher spent a year searching for the cause of his exhausting symptoms before a physician's assistant suggested a rare illness.
Some Americans say they'll go without health insurance as ACA rates spike
After the ACA tax credit lapsed in December, enrollees are opting for less robust health plans or dropping coverage altogether.
Book excerpt: "Enough" by Dr. Ania Jastreboff and Oprah Winfrey
The media superstar, who has struggled with weight for much of her life, and a Yale School of Medicine doctor team up for a book that examines the biology of obesity, offering a new way forward.
RFK Jr. says it may be "better" if fewer children receive the flu vaccine
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed there is "no scientific evidence" the flu vaccine prevents hospitalizations or death in children, despite previous CDC guidance.
RFK Jr. announces new dietary guidelines. Here's what to know.
The new dietary guidelines recommend limits on added sugars and mention gut health. Here's what to know.
World
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Machado can't give Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, organization says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has indicated she'd like to give or share the prize with President Trump.
U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS targets in Syria, officials say
The strikes were part of a retaliatory operation for the ISIS terrorist ambush in Palmyra, Syria, in December that killed two American soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter.
Kurdish fighters evacuate Aleppo after days of violent clashes with Syrian forces
Kurdish fighters were evacuated from a contested neighborhood in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, officials said, a move that could bring an end to several days of violent clashes with government forces.
Stolen cars being smuggled to Mexico, where they're almost impossible to recover
Authorities warn organized theft rings are going after high-end SUVs, pickups and performance cars in the U.S. and smuggling them into Mexico.
Trump's threats inspiring Iran protesters but might not deter crackdown
The leader of an independent Iranian news publication says President Trump's warnings are alarming officials and encouraging demonstrators.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Bob Weir, founding Grateful Dead member, dies
Bob Weir, a co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died. Weir was a cornerstone of the band, as a singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies at 78
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Actor Timothy Busfield faces child sex abuse charge in New Mexico
Timothy Busfield is known for appearances in "The West Wing," "Field of Dreams" and "Thirtysomething."
Golden Globes predictions
"CBS Saturday Morning" predicts winners for the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards, which airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm ET.
Chris Perfetti on making roles memorable
Chris Perfetti's breakout role was as history teacher Jacob Hill in the hit comedy "Abbott Elementary," but the actor, who's co-starring with Jason Bateman in HBO's new limited series "DTF St. Louis," tells "CBS Saturday Morning" that his versatility comes from his stage experience.
Technology
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Technology
How to outsmart cybercriminals and protect your data
In his new book "Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime," former FBI Counterintelligence Operative Eric O'Neill describes the art of outsmarting cybercriminals and protecting your data and wallet. O'Neill spoke with CBS News' Major Garrett about steps people can take to stay safe online.
Meta signs 3 deals for nuclear energy to power AI data centers
Facebook parent Meta has reached nuclear power deals with three companies as it continues to look for electricity sources for its artificial intelligence data centers.
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.
U.K. could ban X if platform can't "get a grip" on AI sexualized images
Britain's leader says all options on the table if Musk's X platform doesn't stop Grok AI tool being used to generate non-consensual sexualized images.
Privacy impact of Gmail tools driven by AI
Millions of Americans who use Gmail are getting a new package of tools, driven by artificial intelligence. Google says it's trying to make Gmail more like a personal assistant as it brings more of its Gemini AI to your inbox with three updates. The changes come with some privacy concerns. Jo Ling Kent explains.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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A young mom was near death from lead poisoning. Who was trying to kill her?
Hannah Pettey, 22, a married mother of two from Alabama, suffered debilitating pain and lost more than 45 pounds as her health rapidly declined. Doctors suspected either her mother or her husband were trying to poison her.
Cold case murder victim was a bridesmaid in killer's wedding
The investigation into the 1995 murder of Texas teacher Mary Catherine Edwards went cold for years. Advances in forensic science and tireless work by investigators would reveal the startling connection between the victim and her killer.
Arrest made in Ohio dentist murder mystery
Michael McKee, 39, is accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife, Monique, and her husband, Spencer Tepe. The couple was found dead in their Columbus, Ohio, home last month. Ali Bauman reports.
Chicago man arrested in murders of Ohio dentist and his wife, police say
Michael McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, according to court records obtained by CBS News. Tepe and her husband, Spencer, were shot and killed in Columbus on Dec. 30.
Mangione's lawyers fight to block death penalty
Luigi Mangione was back in court on Friday, where his lawyers worked to block the Justice Department from seeking the death penalty in his federal trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded not guilty in April 2025.
Space
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NASA hopes to return Crew 11 to Earth next week over medical issue
NASA officials reported Thursday that an unidentified member of Crew 11 was dealing with "a medical situation" that would require the crew to return to Earth sooner than anticipated.
NASA cutting ISS mission short
Four crew members aboard the International Space Station will be brought home more than a month early in the coming days as NASA cuts its mission short due to health concerns. NASA says the ailing astronaut is stable and while it is not an emergency, weeks more in space are not in the best interest of their health.
ISS crew returning early due to medical issue
The crew at the International Space Station will return home early because of what NASA is calling a medical concern with a crew member. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
NASA postpones spacewalk for medical concerns
NASA on Thursday postponed a scheduled spacewalk on the International Space Station due to a "medical concern." CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
NASA will bring space station crew home early after medical issue
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station was scrapped because of what NASA called a "medical concern" with an unidentified crew member.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Bob Weir, founding Grateful Dead member, dies
Bob Weir, a co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died. Weir was a cornerstone of the band, as a singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Dr. Color's work to maintain Painted Ladies beauty
Aside from the Golden Gate Bridge, there's probably no more famous landmark in the Bay Area than the Painted Ladies. Itay Hod shows how one man has been fighting to keep the beloved homes picture-perfect.
Wildfire wounds remains in L.A. area, a year later
This week marks one year since wildfires erupted across the Los Angeles region. At least 31 people were killed, and thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed. Most have not been rebuilt. Andres Gutierrez reports.
Greenland rejects Trump's threats of acquisition
President Trump said, "We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not," earlier this week. But Greenland, a territory of Denmark and a NATO ally, is rejecting the threats. Willie James Inman has more details.
U.S. strikes ISIS targets in Syria: officials
The U.S. military struck multiple locations in Syria to target ISIS on Saturday, according to the Central Command. It came as Syria announced a ceasefire with Kurdish fighters after three days of clashes in the north. This is the second time the U.S. has struck ISIS in response to the deadly attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra last month.