GoFundMe fundraisers to pay for basic living expenses surged in 2025
Fundraising patterns reflect Americans' mounting affordability challenges, according to GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan.
Watch CBS News
Fundraising patterns reflect Americans' mounting affordability challenges, according to GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan.
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.
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 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.
Donations on the crowdfunding platform this year reveal a range of urgent financial needs, GoFundMe data shows.
The number of people seeking help on the platform to pay student loans has exploded over the last year, the crowdfunding site says.
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."
The veteran who owned the dog says Santos pocketed $3,000 from a GoFundMe page that was set up to help pay for surgery.
Prosecutors said the campaign at the time was the largest fraud perpetrated through the crowdfunding platform.
Donations poured in within hours after Damar Hamlin suddenly suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle, with some donating thousands.
A former math teacher of Pieper Lewis' at Des Moines Lincoln High School organized the fundraiser.
The trio made up a story in late 2017 that sparked $400,000 in GoFundMe donations.
"I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian," said Kunis, who immigrated to the U.S. from the country in 1991.
CEO says grocery delivery service "heartbroken" by fatal shooting at Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington.
Attorneys general in Texas, Florida, Missouri and West Virginia are probing the company for shutting down a fundraiser.
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.
Most successful crowdfunding drives were in U.S. counties with higher income — not the ones with the most need.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, which responded with retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in the region.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a massive U.S. and Israeli military operation on Saturday, according to multiple Israeli official sources confirmed to CBS News.
A map created by the CBS News data team shows the strike locations across Iran, including the capital and the site of a major nuclear facility.
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham said the operation would be "violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful."
U.S. allies and adversaries responded to the joint attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran with concern over the risks of a new war in the Middle East.
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
Renee Good's family said they spent agonizing "hours in limbo," unsure of the details surrounding her fatal shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis last month.
Former President Bill Clinton denied any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes in an opening statement before the House Oversight Committee in New York.
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
Hours before Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's interview, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed the AI company a "supply chain risk to national security," which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic.
For Buddy Wiggins of Honolulu, Hawaii, the end result of a yearslong sports gambling addiction has come to this: soliciting strangers on the beach.
Renee Good's family said they spent agonizing "hours in limbo," unsure of the details surrounding her fatal shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis last month.
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk on Friday, following days of increasingly heated public conflict with the AI company.
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
In his new memoir, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs writes about a life that stretched from the projects of New York City to the pinnacle of Wall Street.
"If somebody charges you something and it's unlawful, they should give you your money back," Dame CEO Alexandra Fine said.
"We're probably looking at weeks, not days, of joint efforts by the United States, Israel and our Arab partners, who have also been attacked this morning," Sen. Tom Cotton told CBS News on Saturday.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a massive U.S. and Israeli military operation Saturday, multiple Israeli official sources and a senior U.S. intelligence official told CBS News.
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham said the operation would be "violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful."
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview Friday, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security.
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
"We're probably looking at weeks, not days, of joint efforts by the United States, Israel and our Arab partners, who have also been attacked this morning," Sen. Tom Cotton told CBS News on Saturday.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a massive U.S. and Israeli military operation Saturday, multiple Israeli official sources and a senior U.S. intelligence official told CBS News.
A map created by the CBS News data team shows the strike locations across Iran, including the capital and the site of a major nuclear facility.
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
U.S. allies and adversaries responded to the joint attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran with concern over the risks of a new war in the Middle East.
Shia LaBeouf, who was charged with battery after police say he punched several people outside a New Orleans bar earlier this month, was arrested again on Saturday.
Oscar-nominated actress Renate Reinsve sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her journey to the mainstage and her nomination for her role in "Sentimental Value."
Misty Heggness, an economist and professor, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her new book "Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy."
Iron & Wine is the long-running and widely acclaimed project of American singer-songwriter Sam Beam. The five-time Grammy nominee's eighth full-length album "Hen's Teeth" is out now and features collaborations with the folk trio "I'm With Her" and backing vocals from his daughter Arden. Here's Iron & Wine performing "Singing Saw."
Iron & Wine is the long-running and widely acclaimed project of American singer-songwriter Sam Beam. The five-time Grammy nominee's eighth full-length album "Hen's Teeth" is out now and features collaborations with the folk trio "I'm With Her" and backing vocals from his daughter Arden. Here's Iron & Wine performing "Roses."
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
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.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security, which restricts military contractors from doing business with the AI giant. Amodei called the move "retaliatory and punitive," and he said Anthropic sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values."
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said in an exclusive interview with CBS News that the AI company sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values." He added: "Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world."
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
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.
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.
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.
Shia LaBeouf, who was charged with battery after police say he punched several people outside a New Orleans bar earlier this month, was arrested again on Saturday.
Former President Bill Clinton is being deposed by members of the House Oversight Committee over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Columbia University acting president Claire Shipman described the ICE detention of student Elmina "Ellie" Aghayeva, claiming agents gained entry to a residential building by stating they were police seeking a missing child. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Former President Bill Clinton is up next for a deposition before members of the House Oversight Committee regarding his alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva has been released after ICE took her from one of the institution's residential buildings. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, tells The Free Press that the U.S. should work toward a total "regime evolution" in Iran. "It really is go big or go home," Taleblu said.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers had mixed reactions to the U.S. and Israel's massive operation against Iran. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has more on the response from Capitol Hill.
Iranian-American activist and CBS News contributor Masih Alinejad said Iranians are experiencing a range of emotions, including hope and concern, after U.S. and Israel launched a major operation against Iran. She added Iranians are concerned the attack won't lead to regime change, which she says is a "huge risk for people inside Iran." She also reacted to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's statement on the military operation and reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after the strikes.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a joint attack Saturday by the U.S. and Israel, Israeli officials tell CBS News. Tony Dokoupil anchors a Special Report.
Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and The Free Press contributor Michael Oren said there "is not much choice" but to support regime change in Iran, while critics contend that any major military action against Tehran would require prior authorization from Congress. The Free Press is a Paramount publication.