Article by Kotie Geldenhuys
Photos courtesy of Freepik and Pexels
What began as a revolutionary way to support disaster relief and creative ventures has opened the door to a darker side of digital fundraising. As crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe, Fundly and GiveSendGo continue to grow in popularity, terrorist and extremist groups are increasingly exploiting these tools to finance their activities, sometimes with the help of donors who do not even realise where their money is going.
In a digital age defined by connection and innovation, crowdfunding has taken root across the globe as a new way of raising money. Picture these scenarios: An aspiring entrepreneur with a bold idea; a struggling family requiring urgent medical help; or a non-profit trying to make a difference. None of them has access to conventional capital or major donors, yet all turn to the same solution: an open call to the public, broadcast across the Internet.
By its very nature, crowdfunding is public. It begins with a single appeal, not just to friends and family, but to the vast, unknown world beyond. The recipient steps outside their social circle, seeking support from strangers who might resonate with their story or vision. Online platforms act as the gateway, linking hopeful fundraisers to willing contributors. In this connected ecosystem, social media becomes the megaphone, propelling their message everywhere (Visser, 2024).
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[This is only an extract of an article published in Servamus: September 2025. This article is available for purchase.]