Facebook Enters Crowdfunding Market with Personal Fundraising Feature

Facebook today announced “Personal Fundraisers,” which allows users to raise money for themselves, a friend, or someone or something not on Facebook—think less Kickstarter and more GoFundMe, a crowdfunding platform for personal issues and social causes.

“When people mobilize around the causes they care about, it builds a safe and supportive community,” says Naomi Gleit, vice president of social good for Facebook. “Today we are expanding those tools to include personal fundraisers, as well as more options for people to continue to fundraise for nonprofits.”

Personal fundraisers will launch in the US for people aged 18 years or older, and in beta over the next few weeks. The social network will begin with six categories for critical financial needs: Education, Medical, Pet Medical, Crisis Relief, Personal Emergency, and Funeral and Loss.

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Personal fundraisers will have a 6.9% + $.30 fee, that will go to payment processing fees, fundraiser vetting, security and fraud protection.

Friends can donate without leaving Facebook, Gleit says, and verified Pages can now add donate buttons to their live broadcasts.

“We’re constantly inspired by all the good done by people on Facebook and are committed to building tools that help build a supportive and safe global community,” Gleit added.

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