Crowdfunding has become a popular way for individuals, startups, and nonprofits to raise money for projects, causes, or businesses. With the rise of platforms that make it easier to connect with potential supporters, the crowdfunding landscape has significantly evolved over the past few years. Whether you’re looking to fund a creative project, a personal cause, or a new business venture, there are numerous platforms available to help you achieve your fundraising goals.
In this article, we will review the top 10 best crowdfunding platforms for 2025, highlighting their features, pricing, and unique offerings to help you choose the platform that best suits your needs.
1. Kickstarter
Overview:
Kickstarter is one of the most well-known and established crowdfunding platforms. It specializes in creative projects, including technology, art, music, design, and more. If you have an innovative idea or product that needs funding, Kickstarter is a great platform to connect with a large and engaged community.
Key Features:
- All-or-Nothing Funding Model: Funds are only collected if you reach your fundraising goal.
- Wide Audience: Kickstarter has a large and diverse community of backers.
- Project Categories: Offers funding options for art, design, technology, and more.
- Rewards-Based System: Backers receive rewards in exchange for their pledges.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 5% of funds raised.
- Payment Processing Fee: 3% + $0.20 per pledge.
Pros:
- Large, active user base.
- Excellent for creative and product-driven projects.
- Access to tools for project management and promotion.
Cons:
- All-or-nothing funding can be risky if you don’t hit your goal.
- Limited flexibility in fundraising structure.
2. Indiegogo
Overview:
Indiegogo is a versatile crowdfunding platform that caters to a variety of campaigns, from creative projects to entrepreneurial ventures. It allows flexible funding, which means you can keep the money raised even if you don’t reach your goal.
Key Features:
- Flexible & Fixed Funding Options: Choose between all-or-nothing or keep-what-you-raise funding models.
- Global Reach: Indiegogo supports backers from around the world.
- Perks & Rewards: Offer perks and rewards to backers.
- InDemand: Continue raising funds even after your initial campaign ends.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 5% of funds raised for fixed funding campaigns.
- Payment Processing Fee: 3% + $0.30 per pledge.
Pros:
- Flexible funding options.
- Great for technology and innovation-based projects.
- InDemand feature allows ongoing fundraising.
Cons:
- Higher fees than some other platforms.
- The campaign structure can be less intuitive for first-time fundraisers.
3. GoFundMe
Overview:
GoFundMe is the go-to platform for personal and charitable fundraising. It’s widely used for medical expenses, personal causes, disaster relief, and nonprofit fundraising. Unlike many other crowdfunding platforms, GoFundMe allows you to keep the money raised, regardless of whether you meet your fundraising goal.
Key Features:
- No Deadline: Keep fundraising as long as you need to.
- Personal & Charitable Campaigns: Focused on personal and social causes.
- Donation-Based: No rewards or equity in exchange for donations.
- Integration with Social Media: Share easily on social media for greater visibility.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 0% for personal campaigns, 2.9% + $0.30 per donation for processing fees.
Pros:
- No platform fees for personal campaigns.
- Ideal for charitable causes and personal fundraising.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- Limited to donation-based fundraising.
- Not suitable for product-based campaigns or businesses.
4. SeedInvest
Overview:
SeedInvest is an equity-based crowdfunding platform that allows businesses to raise capital by offering equity to investors. Ideal for startups looking for venture capital, SeedInvest connects entrepreneurs with accredited investors to fund high-growth businesses.
Key Features:
- Equity Crowdfunding: Raise money by offering equity shares to investors.
- Investor Network: Access a network of accredited investors.
- Due Diligence Support: SeedInvest performs a thorough vetting process of startups.
- Global Reach: Open to U.S. and international investors.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: Varies based on the campaign; typically, a 7-10% fee.
- Equity: Companies typically give up 7-10% of equity in exchange for funding.
Pros:
- Excellent for equity crowdfunding and startup funding.
- Connections to high-net-worth accredited investors.
- Professional vetting process for startups.
Cons:
- Exclusively for businesses with strong growth potential.
- Complex process for setting up a campaign.
5. Patreon
Overview:
Patreon is a membership-based crowdfunding platform that allows creators to build a sustainable income stream by offering exclusive content and experiences to their fans. It’s ideal for artists, musicians, YouTubers, podcasters, and other content creators who want to monetize their work.
Key Features:
- Recurring Donations: Supporters make monthly contributions in exchange for exclusive content.
- Creator-Focused: A platform designed to help content creators build a steady income.
- Customizable Tiers: Offer different membership tiers with various benefits.
- Fan Engagement: Direct communication with your patrons.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 5-12% of earnings depending on the plan (Lite, Pro, or Premium).
- Payment Processing Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Pros:
- Ideal for creators with an engaged fanbase.
- Flexible tiers for offering different levels of support.
- Recurring revenue model.
Cons:
- Best suited for content creators rather than product or business-based campaigns.
- Patreon takes a percentage of your earnings.
6. Fundly
Overview:
Fundly is an easy-to-use platform designed for personal, nonprofit, and event fundraising. It’s popular for causes such as medical expenses, memorials, and community projects. Fundly allows both personal and nonprofit fundraising efforts to thrive with simple and effective tools.
Key Features:
- Donation-Based: Fundraising without offering rewards.
- No Platform Fees: Fundly only charges a processing fee.
- Customizable Campaign Pages: Personalize your campaign with images, videos, and descriptions.
- Social Media Integration: Easy sharing across various platforms for visibility.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 0% (Fundly charges only payment processing fees).
- Payment Processing Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per donation.
Pros:
- No platform fee.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Great for personal and nonprofit fundraising.
Cons:
- Limited to donation-based campaigns.
- Lacks more advanced features for businesses or product-based campaigns.
7. CrowdRise (by GoFundMe)
Overview:
CrowdRise, now part of GoFundMe, is focused on charitable fundraising, helping individuals and organizations raise money for causes. It offers excellent tools for nonprofits, individuals, and event organizers looking to fundraise for social good.
Key Features:
- Focus on Charities & Causes: Ideal for nonprofits, event fundraising, and charitable causes.
- Customizable Fundraising Pages: Create a personalized fundraising page with ease.
- Event Fundraising: Raise money for events, marathons, or specific projects.
- Integration with GoFundMe: Direct integration with the GoFundMe platform for easier access.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 5% for charitable campaigns.
- Payment Processing Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per donation.
Pros:
- Great for nonprofit fundraising.
- Seamless integration with GoFundMe.
- Customizable fundraising pages.
Cons:
- Platform fees for charity campaigns.
- Not suitable for businesses or product-driven campaigns.
8. WeFunder
Overview:
WeFunder is an equity crowdfunding platform similar to SeedInvest, but it is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors. It’s great for early-stage startups looking to raise funds from the crowd in exchange for equity.
Key Features:
- Equity Crowdfunding: Allows companies to raise capital by selling equity to investors.
- Democratizing Investment: Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
- Support for Startups: Focused on helping early-stage businesses raise funds.
- Regulation Crowdfunding: Compliant with SEC rules for equity-based crowdfunding.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 7.5% of funds raised.
- Additional Fees: Legal and compliance fees can vary.
Pros:
- Allows non-accredited investors to participate.
- Great for early-stage startups.
- Focused on compliance and investor protection.
Cons:
- High fees compared to other crowdfunding platforms.
- Complex process for setting up a campaign.
9. Republic
Overview:
Republic is an equity crowdfunding platform that allows both accredited and non-accredited investors to invest in early-stage startups, real estate projects, and more. It provides an opportunity for businesses to raise capital in exchange for equity or other securities.
Key Features:
- Equity & Real Estate Crowdfunding: Raise capital by offering equity or revenue-sharing deals.
- Investor Pool: Access a large pool of both accredited and non-accredited investors.
- Campaign Management Tools: Easy-to-use tools for managing your fundraising efforts.
- Global Reach: Available to investors worldwide.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: Typically 6-7% of funds raised.
- Additional Fees: Depending on the nature of the investment.
Pros:
- Opens up fundraising to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
- Transparent fee structure.
- Supports a wide range of industries, including startups and real estate.
Cons:
- High fees for startups.
- Legal and compliance costs can be significant.
10. NextSeed
Overview:
NextSeed is a crowdfunding platform that focuses on helping small businesses and startups raise funds through debt and equity-based investments. It connects businesses with investors looking for alternative investment opportunities.
Key Features:
- Debt & Equity Crowdfunding: Offers both debt and equity-based funding options.
- Regulation A+: Compliant with SEC regulations for equity crowdfunding.
- Investor Network: Access to a large network of accredited investors.
- Campaign Tools: Campaign management tools and resources for success.
Pricing:
- Platform Fee: 5-7% of funds raised, depending on the type of campaign.
- Investor Fees: Fees may be charged for debt-based investments.
Pros:
- Ideal for small businesses seeking debt or equity-based funding.
- Regulatory compliance ensures investor protection.
- Strong focus on small business needs.
Cons:
- High fees
for certain campaigns.
- Focused on debt and equity crowdfunding, which may not suit all types of campaigns.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crowdfunding platform depends largely on your goals, the nature of your project, and your target audience. Whether you’re raising funds for a creative project, a startup, or a personal cause, the platforms we’ve covered in this article offer various models to suit different needs. From donation-based campaigns on GoFundMe to equity investments on SeedInvest, there’s a platform for every type of fundraiser.
By considering the unique features, fees, and target audiences of each platform, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and successfully fund your next project. Happy fundraising!