A GoFundMe tip is a voluntary contribution that supporters add when they donate to a fundraising campaign. These tips are separate from the main funding goal and help cover platform fees and transaction costs.
When donors choose to leave a tip, the campaign organizer receives the extra amount directly, which can make a significant difference in covering payment processing charges and administrative expenses.
| Aspect | Description | Impact on Campaign | Visibility to Supporters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | An optional amount added on top of a donation | Increases net funds received | Shown as a separate line during checkout |
| Custom Amount | Donors can enter any value they want | Encourages higher contributions | Prompted before payment confirmation |
| Suggested Tip Levels | Predefined options like low, medium, high | Simplifies decision making | Appears as quick-select buttons |
| Fee Coverage | Tips help offset payment processing fees | Improves overall campaign efficiency | Explained on the campaign progress page |
| Visibility | Tips are publicly visible on the campaign page | Builds community engagement | Displayed in donor receipts and updates |
Encouraging Supporters to Add a Tip
Why Supporters Tip
People tip because they want to acknowledge outstanding support or ensure that campaign fees do not reduce the funds reaching the intended recipient. Transparent communication about fees encourages more donors to add a tip.
How to Prompt Tips
Campaign organizers can highlight the importance of tips in updates, stories, and the main campaign description. Clear guidance on how tips are used makes supporters feel confident about contributing beyond the minimum donation amount.
Best Practices for Managing Tips
Set Clear Expectations
Explain what tips cover, such as transaction fees and administrative costs, so donors understand the direct impact of their contribution. Honest messaging builds trust and increases tip rates over time.
Monitor Tip Trends
Review how tips vary across different campaigns, audiences, and donation amounts. Use this data to refine messaging, suggest appropriate tip ranges, and improve overall campaign performance.
Optimizing Campaigns Around Tips
- Explain clearly how tips help cover fees and increase net proceeds
- Suggest common tip amounts in updates and on the donation page
- Respond to donor questions about tips with concise, accurate information
- Regularly review tip data to refine messaging and campaign strategy
- Show appreciation for tips by highlighting community support in updates
FAQ
Reader questions
Can a donor choose not to add a tip?
Yes, tipping is always optional, and donors can complete their transaction without adding any extra amount.
Are tips shown publicly on the campaign page?
Yes, tips are typically displayed publicly to increase transparency and encourage more supporters to contribute beyond the base donation.
Do tips affect how the main donation is used?
No, tips are generally allocated to cover platform and processing fees, leaving the main donation directed toward the stated fundraising goal.
Can I request a specific tip amount from donors?
You can suggest ranges or explain typical fee amounts, but the final tip value is always decided by each individual donor.