How does ggives work

Overview

Ggives is a digital fundraising platform founded in 2019 by social entrepreneurs aiming to democratize charitable giving and personal fundraising. Officially launched in January 2020, the platform emerged during a period of increased digital engagement in philanthropy, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike traditional crowdfunding sites that focus primarily on business ventures or creative projects, Ggives specifically targets personal causes, community initiatives, and nonprofit partnerships. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and has grown to serve users across all 50 U.S. states, with particular strength in community-based fundraising for medical expenses, education costs, memorial funds, and local projects. By 2023, the platform had established partnerships with over 500 verified nonprofit organizations, creating a hybrid model that supports both individual fundraisers and established charitable institutions.

How It Works

Ggives operates through a streamlined three-step process: campaign creation, sharing, and fund distribution. Users first create a campaign page by selecting a category (personal cause, charity, or community project), setting a fundraising goal, and adding multimedia content like photos and videos to tell their story. The platform provides customizable templates and tools for campaign optimization. Once live, users share their campaign through social media, email, and direct messaging using Ggives' integrated sharing features. Donors contribute through secure payment processing that accepts credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. For personal fundraisers, Ggives charges no platform fees—only standard payment processing fees of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Funds are typically available for withdrawal within 2-5 business days via direct bank transfer or PayPal. For charity campaigns, funds may go directly to the partnered nonprofit organization, with fee structures varying based on partnership agreements.

Why It Matters

Ggives addresses critical gaps in the digital fundraising landscape by making personal and community fundraising more accessible and transparent. Its fee-free model for personal causes significantly increases the net funds received by recipients compared to platforms with higher fee structures—particularly important for medical and emergency fundraisers where every dollar counts. The platform's emphasis on verified charity partnerships helps donors trust that their contributions reach legitimate organizations, combating fraud concerns prevalent in online giving. During crises like natural disasters or community emergencies, Ggives has demonstrated impact by rapidly deploying fundraising tools, such as during the 2021 Texas winter storms where it facilitated over $2 million in relief funds within two weeks. By lowering barriers to fundraising, Ggives empowers individuals and small groups to address local needs that might otherwise go unfunded.