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There are now numerous crowdfunding platforms with different goals, functions, and target audiences. Finding the right platform for your own cause can quickly become overwhelming. We'll give you an overview of the most important providers in Germany – and reveal why GoodCrowd.org is a particularly exciting option.
Why GoodCrowd.org?
GoodCrowd.org is the social alternative to commercial crowdfunding platforms. As part of the non-profit gut.org gAG, we stand for active solidarity, social justice and impact – 100% social, 0% profit interest. All income goes directly into the operation and further development of the platform. Campaigns that promote violence or discrimination have no place on our platform. The values of the platform are clearly defined.
We offer private individuals, initiatives, activist groups and companies the opportunity to collect donations for individuals or social projects – and in doing so, make our society a bit more just and supportive. Campaigns on our platform shine a light on where social structures fail people – be it with medical expenses, financial insecurity or structural marginalisation.
With its headquarters in Berlin, GoodCrowd.org guarantees the highest data protection standards and offers personal, German-language support. And because not everyone is a marketing pro, we support all starters with in-depth crowdfunding know-how – for successful campaigns that really make a difference.
What makes GoodCrowd.org different?
Value-based social crowdfunding
We don't want every campaign on our platform. GoodCrowd.org has clear principles and places a high value on ensuring that content aligns with our values of solidarity and social justice.
We don't want every campaign on our platform. GoodCrowd.org has clear principles and places a high value on ensuring that content aligns with our values of solidarity and social justice.
Focus on impact – not profit
We only charge fees to cover the costs of payment processing and finance ourselves exclusively through voluntary contributions. And as part of the non-profit gut.org, we do this not for profit, but solely to cover our costs and further develop the platform for the social purpose.
We only charge fees to cover the costs of payment processing and finance ourselves exclusively through voluntary contributions. And as part of the non-profit gut.org, we do this not for profit, but solely to cover our costs and further develop the platform for the social purpose.
Broad Usage Possibilities
Whether personal causes, emergencies, medical costs, or sociopolitical initiatives and large social projects – GoodCrowd.org offers versatile applications.
No Limits
There are no fixed upper limits on the target amount or duration, giving you maximum flexibility.
Security and data protection
As a platform with an office in Berlin, we store and process your data in accordance with German law and strict data protection regulations.
As a platform with an office in Berlin, we store and process your data in accordance with German law and strict data protection regulations.
German-language support
We don't have translated content, but instead content tailored to the German-speaking market. In addition, our German-speaking support team is available to answer your questions and provide assistance by email and phone – and of course English is also an option ;).
We don't have translated content, but instead content tailored to the German-speaking market. In addition, our German-speaking support team is available to answer your questions and provide assistance by email and phone – and of course English is also an option ;).
Crowdfunding know-how for everyone
Not everyone is a marketing or fundraising expert or has a large social media following. With years of experience, we are at your side and help everyone to make their crowdfunding successful: with advice and support by email and with our crowdfunding blog.
Not everyone is a marketing or fundraising expert or has a large social media following. With years of experience, we are at your side and help everyone to make their crowdfunding successful: with advice and support by email and with our crowdfunding blog.
More than a Platform
GoodCrowd.org is more than a platform - we want to be there as a community and a place of active solidarity for people or causes that need support.
Transparent fees
No basic fees or hidden costs. Further information.
Transparent fees
No basic fees or hidden costs. Further information.
When GoodCrowd.org isn't right for you
If you want to start a profit-oriented crowdfunding campaign without a social or non-profit cause. Then other platforms are better suited for you.
If you don't have a residence in Germany or Austria, as this is necessary for starting a campaign on GoodCrowd.org. However, donations from supporters are possible internationally.
Below, we'll introduce you to other crowdfunding platforms with their advantages and disadvantages.
Other Crowdfunding Platforms in Germany
Besides GoodCrowd.org, there are many other crowdfunding platforms that appeal to different target groups and each have their advantages and disadvantages. We'll give you an overview.
betterplace.org
betterplace.org is the sister platform of GoodCrowd.org and the largest donation platform for non-profit organizations in Germany, also part of gut.org gAG.
Advantages ✅
Advantages ✅
- Non-profit focus: Focus on charitable projects
High reach: Already has a large community in Germany
Donation receipts: Supporters receive a tax-deductible donation receipt
Transparency: Donors can track how funds are used
Disadvantages ❌
- Only for non-profit organizations: Private or commercial projects are not supported
The platform is only usable for organizations based in Germany
GoFundMe
GoFundMe iis one of the world's largest platforms based in the USA, increasingly establishing itself in Germany.
Advantages ✅
- Broad usage possibilities: Personal causes, medical costs, emergencies, etc.
- No limits: No fixed upper limit on target amount or duration
- High recognition: Large reach with donors worldwide
Disadvantages ❌
- Not values-based: GoFundMe sees itself as neutral. Thus, campaigns with problematic content are repeatedly approved. For example, in 2018 there was a campaign to raise a billion dollars for Donald Trump's border wall
- Limited German support: Much information is translated from English. There is little content tailored to the German-speaking community and only limited German-speaking customer support
WhyDonate
WhyDonate is a flexible crowdfunding platform suitable for both personal and charitable projects.
Advantages ✅
Advantages ✅
- International reach: Well-suited for global projects
- Flexible payment options: Supports many different payment methods
Disadvantages ❌
- Limited localization: No strong focus on the German market
- Low recognition in Germany
- Limited German support: Much information is translated from English. There is little content tailored to the German-speaking community and only limited German-speaking customer support
PayPal Fundraiser
PayPal as a payment service provider offers a simple way to collect donations directly through the platform.
Advantages ✅
- Easy entry: Many users already know and use PayPal
- No fees for nonprofits: Charitable organizations benefit from free transactions
Disadvantages ❌
- Limited flexibility: Maximum campaign duration: 30 days and upper limit on donations: 20,000 EUR
- No focus on crowdfunding: More of a donation tool than a crowdfunding platform
StartNext
StartNext is the leading crowdfunding platform for creative and innovative projects in Germany.
Advantages ✅
Advantages ✅
- Ideal for artists and creatives: Perfect for film, music, literature, and design projects
- "All-or-nothing" model: Funds are only paid out if the funding goal is reached – good for project planners who need a fixed budget; bad for those who need quick support and could use less than the total amount
- Reward model: Supporters receive small rewards for their contributions
- Large community: Many users from the creative scene
Disadvantages ❌
- Not for social projects: Charitable or personal causes are less present here
- Complexity: The platform can seem complicated for newcomers
- The reward model isn't suitable for every cause
Spendenseite.de
- Simple handling: Quick and uncomplicated way to start fundraising campaigns
- No platform fees: Only transaction fees for payments
Disadvantages ❌
- Less reach: Smaller user base compared to larger platforms
- Limited functions: No advanced tools or analytics for campaigns
- No direct support for questions
Leetchi
Leetchi is a French crowdfunding platform that enables online fundraising for various occasions such as group gifts, private fundraising campaigns, or personal projects. In 2015, Leetchi was acquired by the French bank Crédit Mutuel Arkéa.
Advantages ✅
Advantages ✅
- Reward focus: Supporters can receive small rewards, similar to Startnext
- Broad applications: Birthdays, weddings, travel, or private projects
Disadvantages ❌
- Since 2021, German-language campaigns are no longer possible on Leetchi
- No social focus: More for private matters than charitable or social projects
- Low transparency: Donors often can't see exactly how funds are used
LaunchGood
- Specialized: Strong community and support network
- Broad applications: From social projects to personal causes
- International reach: Particularly popular in Muslim countries
Disadvantages ❌
- Limited target group: More suitable for specific projects
- Little focus on Germany and no German-language support
Conclusion
Whether you want to start a personal fundraising campaign, implement a creative project, or promote a charitable initiative – in Germany, there are many crowdfunding platforms that can help you.
If you're looking for a values-based, secure, and German crowdfunding platform, GoodCrowd.org is the way to go. Here you'll find not just a platform, but a community that's there for you – whether it's about a personal issue, a local initiative, or a large social campaign.
Do you have questions? The GoodCrowd.org team is available with German-speaking support as well as with 15 years of fundraising expertise and will help make your fundraising appeal successful.
