Raising money is one of the hardest parts of starting or growing a business. Traditional bank loans can be tough to secure. Venture capital isn’t always an option. But crowdfunding has changed the game. The best crowdfunding sites offer entrepreneurs, creatives, and nonprofits a chance to raise money directly from the public. These platforms connect you with backers who believe in your idea. They help you turn dreams into reality.
But what are the best crowdfunding sites for your needs? Some focus on creative projects. Others specialise in startups, nonprofits, or real estate investments. Choosing the right platform can make or break your campaign.
This guide covers the largest and best crowdfunding sites for different funding goals.
See also: 7 Alternatives to Venture Capital Funding You Need to Consider For Your Startup
What is Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a way to raise money by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, usually through an online platform. Instead of relying on banks or venture capitalists, individuals, startups, nonprofits, and creatives can turn to the public for funding.
Crowdfunding allows businesses and individuals to test ideas, gain financial support, and build a community of loyal supporters. Many entrepreneurs use it to validate their products before launching. Nonprofits use it to fund charitable causes. Investors use it to pool resources for real estate and business ventures.
There are four main types of crowdfunding:
- Reward-Based Crowdfunding – Backers contribute money in exchange for rewards, such as a product, a discount, or an exclusive experience. This model is common for tech gadgets, creative projects, and films.
- Equity Crowdfunding – Investors receive shares or ownership stakes in a company in return for their contributions. This model is used by startups looking to raise capital.
- Donation-Based Crowdfunding – Supporters give money without expecting anything in return. This model is popular for medical expenses, disaster relief, and social causes.
- Debt Crowdfunding (Peer-to-Peer Lending) – Backers lend money with the expectation of repayment, often with interest. This model is used for small business loans and real estate investments.
Each crowdfunding model serves different needs, so choosing the right type is essential. Whether you want to launch a product, start a business, or support a cause, the best crowdfunding sites can help you raise the funds you need.
See also: How to Choose the Best Crowdfunding Site for Your Next Fund
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crowdfunding Platform
Not all crowdfunding sites are the same. Here are key factors to consider before choosing one:
- Funding Model – Some platforms use an “All-or-Nothing” model, meaning you must reach your goal to get funds. Others allow you to keep what you raise.
- Fees – Most platforms charge a percentage of the funds raised. Compare rates before deciding.
- Target Audience – Some sites are better for tech startups. Others work best for charities, artists, or real estate projects.
- Marketing Support – Look for platforms that help promote your campaign. Some offer tools to reach backers faster.
- Payout Timing – Some sites release funds immediately. Others hold them until the campaign ends.
- Global Reach – If you need international backers, check whether the platform supports multiple currencies and locations.
See also: 50 Ways to Make Money Online Successfully in Nigeria
Top 15 Best Crowdfunding Sites in 2025
With so many crowdfunding platforms available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Each site has unique features, funding models, and target audiences. Some platforms are designed for startups, while others focus on creative projects, nonprofits, or real estate investments.
Below, we look at the best crowdfunding sites in 2025 across different categories. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, nonprofit, or investor, there’s a platform suited to your needs.
Best Crowdfunding Sites for Startups and Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, funding is one of the biggest challenges. Securing venture capital or bank loans isn’t always easy, but crowdfunding offers an alternative. It allows startups to raise money while building a community of early supporters. The best crowdfunding sites for startups provide visibility, credibility, and access to potential investors.
1. Kickstarter
Kickstarter is one of the largest crowdfunding sites, known for helping creators launch new products, tech gadgets, films, and artistic projects. Since its launch in 2009, Kickstarter has raised billions of dollars for entrepreneurs worldwide.
The platform operates on an all-or-nothing funding model. If you don’t reach your goal, you don’t get any of the money. While this may seem risky, it helps motivate backers to contribute more to ensure a campaign’s success.
Kickstarter has a highly engaged community of users who actively browse projects to fund. This built-in audience increases your chances of attracting supporters, but you must create a compelling campaign with strong visuals and a persuasive pitch.
How It Works:
- Entrepreneurs set a funding goal and deadline.
- Backers pledge money, but no funds are collected until the campaign reaches its goal.
- If the goal is met, Kickstarter releases the funds, minus fees.
- Creators use the funds to develop their product and deliver rewards to backers.
Why Choose Kickstarter?
- Best for startups with a unique and creative product.
- Large audience of potential backers actively looking for new projects.
- Provides credibility—successful campaigns gain media attention and investor interest.
However, due to its all-or-nothing model, you need a strong marketing plan to ensure your campaign reaches its goal.
2. Indiegogo
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that provides more flexibility than Kickstarter. Unlike Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing model, Indiegogo allows entrepreneurs to keep the funds they raise, even if they don’t meet their goal. This makes it one of the easiest crowdfunding sites for startups.
Indiegogo also offers a unique feature called InDemand, which allows successful campaigns to continue raising money even after the initial funding period ends. This is particularly useful for startups that need ongoing support as they bring their product to market.
The platform supports a wide range of campaigns, including tech gadgets, social impact projects, and creative ventures. While it doesn’t have the same level of built-in audience engagement as Kickstarter, its flexible funding options make it a great choice for founders who want to minimise risk.
How It Works:
- Choose between fixed funding (all-or-nothing) or flexible funding (keep what you raise).
- Launch a campaign with a funding goal and set a duration.
- Promote the campaign to attract backers.
- Withdraw funds as they come in if you’re using flexible funding.
Why Choose Indiegogo?
- Flexible funding model reduces the risk of walking away empty-handed.
- Ideal for businesses that need ongoing support, thanks to InDemand.
- Accepts international campaigns and multiple currencies.
Indiegogo is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want more control over their crowdfunding campaigns.
3. SeedInvest
SeedInvest is one of the best crowdfunding websites for startups looking for serious investment. Unlike Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which focus on product pre-sales and donations, SeedInvest offers equity crowdfunding, allowing backers to become investors in a company.
The platform is highly selective, accepting only about 1% of applicants. This exclusivity ensures that only high-quality startups make it onto the platform, making it attractive to investors looking for vetted opportunities.
SeedInvest connects businesses with accredited and non-accredited investors who are interested in early-stage startups. This allows companies to raise significant amounts of capital without giving up control to venture capitalists.
How It Works:
- Startups apply and undergo a rigorous vetting process.
- If accepted, they create a funding campaign to attract investors.
- Investors purchase shares in the company.
- Funds are released once the minimum investment target is reached.
Why Choose SeedInvest?
- Ideal for startups seeking venture capital-style investment from individual investors.
- Provides legal and compliance support for raising funds.
- Attracts serious investors, increasing funding opportunities.
SeedInvest is best suited for tech-driven startups and high-growth businesses looking for long-term investors rather than one-time backers.
4. Republic
Republic is another leading equity crowdfunding platform but with a more accessible model than SeedInvest. It allows everyday investors to invest in startups for as little as $10, making it a great option for companies looking to attract a broad range of supporters.
Republic offers more than just equity crowdfunding. It also provides revenue-sharing opportunities, where investors earn a percentage of the business’s future revenue. This makes it a versatile platform for businesses looking for funding options beyond traditional investment.
Republic has funded a variety of startups, including tech companies, blockchain ventures, and social impact businesses. The platform’s rigorous selection process ensures that only high-potential businesses make it onto the site, which helps attract investors.
How It Works:
- Startups apply to launch a campaign.
- If approved, they pitch their business to investors.
- Investors contribute funds in exchange for equity or revenue-sharing agreements.
- Businesses receive funding once the campaign closes.
Why Choose Republic?
- Low minimum investment makes it accessible to a larger investor base.
- Offers both equity crowdfunding and revenue-sharing options.
- Attracts investors interested in emerging industries like AI, blockchain, and fintech.
Republic is perfect for startups looking for alternative funding solutions without giving up full ownership.
5. Fundable
Fundable is a crowdfunding platform designed exclusively for businesses. Unlike Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which cater to creative projects, Fundable is dedicated to startups and small businesses looking for financial support.
What sets Fundable apart is its pricing model. Instead of taking a percentage of funds raised, Fundable charges a flat monthly fee of $179. This can be beneficial for companies raising large amounts of capital, as they don’t lose a percentage of their funds to platform fees.
Fundable offers two types of crowdfunding models:
- Rewards-Based Crowdfunding – Similar to Kickstarter, backers receive products or services in exchange for their contributions.
- Equity Crowdfunding – Businesses offer investors a stake in their company instead of physical rewards.
How It Works:
- Businesses create a campaign and set funding goals.
- They choose between rewards-based or equity crowdfunding.
- Campaigns run for a set period, during which businesses market their fundraising efforts.
- Once the campaign ends, funds are transferred to the business.
Why Choose Fundable?
- Best for startups and small businesses, rather than individual creators.
- Flat monthly pricing structure instead of percentage-based fees.
- Allows businesses to choose between rewards-based and equity crowdfunding.
If you’re a startup looking for a business-focused crowdfunding platform, Fundable is one of the best crowdfunding websites available.
Best Crowdfunding Sites for Nonprofits and Social Causes
For nonprofits and individuals raising money for charitable causes, the right crowdfunding platform can make a huge difference. These platforms help organisations, community projects, and individuals raise funds through donation-based crowdfunding. Unlike business-focused crowdfunding, backers on these platforms don’t expect financial returns or rewards.
The best crowdfunding sites for nonprofits offer features like low fees, easy campaign setup, and tools to connect with donors. Whether you’re funding medical expenses, disaster relief, or community projects, these platforms provide a way to reach supporters globally.
1. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is the largest crowdfunding site for personal and charitable fundraising. Unlike other platforms, GoFundMe doesn’t charge a platform fee for personal fundraising, making it an ideal choice for individuals and nonprofits looking to raise money without high costs.
GoFundMe has helped millions of people raise funds for medical expenses, funeral costs, education, and disaster relief. Its ease of use and trust-based model make it one of the easiest crowdfunding sites for first-time fundraisers.
How It Works:
- Create a fundraising campaign with a goal amount.
- Share the campaign with family, friends, and social networks.
- Receive donations directly as they come in. You don’t need to reach a funding target.
Why Choose GoFundMe?
- No platform fees for personal fundraising.
- Instant access to funds—donors’ contributions are available immediately.
- Built-in trust features, including donor protection and fraud prevention.
GoFundMe is best for individuals and small nonprofits looking for a straightforward donation-based fundraising solution.
See also: How To Organise A Successful Fundraising Event
2. Fundly
Fundly is another popular crowdfunding platform for nonprofits and personal causes. Unlike GoFundMe, Fundly charges a 4.9% platform fee, but it offers additional customisation features, including branding options for organisations.
Fundly is particularly useful for community-driven fundraising, where groups raise money together for shared causes. It also provides integrated social media tools to help campaigns reach a wider audience.
How It Works:
- Start a campaign by setting a fundraising goal.
- Share the campaign through social media and email.
- Receive donations and access funds at any time.
Why Choose Fundly?
- Allows fundraisers to brand and customise their campaign pages.
- Provides real-time donation tracking and analytics.
- Supports personal causes, community projects, and nonprofit organisations.
Fundly is a great choice for fundraisers who want more control over branding and donor engagement.
3. MightyCause
MightyCause is a crowdfunding platform designed specifically for nonprofits. Unlike GoFundMe or Fundly, which cater to individuals as well, MightyCause focuses entirely on organisations looking for long-term fundraising solutions.
The platform offers tools for peer-to-peer fundraising, donor management, and event-based campaigns. Nonprofits can also set up recurring donation options, making it a great choice for organisations looking for sustainable funding.
How It Works:
- Nonprofits create fundraising pages with donation tiers and goals.
- Supporters can donate, join teams, or create peer-to-peer fundraising pages.
- Funds are collected and distributed to the nonprofit.
Why Choose MightyCause?
- Designed for nonprofit organisations, with long-term fundraising tools.
- Includes donor management and CRM features.
- Offers peer-to-peer fundraising, allowing supporters to create their own campaigns for a cause.
MightyCause is best suited for registered nonprofits that need robust tools beyond simple donation collection.
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4. Chuffed
Chuffed is a global crowdfunding platform focused on social impact projects. It is popular among environmental groups, human rights organisations, and social enterprises looking to raise funds worldwide.
Unlike GoFundMe or Fundly, which cater to general causes, Chuffed specialises in high-impact campaigns with strong storytelling. It provides tools for campaign creators to engage donors through video, social media, and updates.
How It Works:
- Nonprofits and individuals create a campaign with a clear mission.
- Use video storytelling and social media tools to engage donors.
- Donations are processed and transferred to the campaign creator.
Why Choose Chuffed?
- Ideal for global social impact campaigns.
- Supports international donations and multiple currencies.
- Focuses on meaningful storytelling to connect with donors.
Chuffed is perfect for nonprofits and activists who want to raise money for causes with a worldwide audience.
5. Givebutter
Givebutter is a modern, all-in-one fundraising platform for nonprofits, schools, and individuals. It combines crowdfunding with event ticketing, donation tracking, and peer-to-peer fundraising, making it a comprehensive solution for organisations.
Unlike other platforms, Givebutter allows donors to pay processing fees instead of passing them onto fundraisers, making it a more cost-effective option.
How It Works:
- Create a fundraising campaign with donation tiers.
- Promote the campaign through social media, email, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
- Host events and sell tickets while collecting donations.
Why Choose Givebutter?
- Combines crowdfunding, event ticketing, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
- Allows donors to cover processing fees, reducing costs for fundraisers.
- Offers live streaming and real-time donation tracking.
Givebutter is ideal for nonprofits and community groups looking to host fundraising events while collecting donations.
Best Crowdfunding Sites for Real Estate and Investment
Crowdfunding has transformed real estate investing by allowing individuals to invest in properties without needing large capital upfront. Real estate crowdfunding platforms connect investors with developers, offering access to commercial and residential properties.
These best crowdfunding sites provide opportunities to invest in real estate with minimal effort, making them ideal for those looking to diversify their portfolio.
1. Fundrise
Fundrise is one of the largest crowdfunding sites for real estate investing. It allows individuals to invest in private real estate projects with as little as $10, making it an accessible option for beginner investors.
Unlike traditional real estate investments that require large capital, Fundrise pools funds from multiple investors to finance large-scale developments. The platform then distributes profits to investors through quarterly dividends and long-term appreciation.
How It Works:
- Investors choose a portfolio based on risk preference.
- Fundrise allocates funds to real estate projects.
- Investors earn quarterly dividends and long-term returns.
Why Choose Fundrise?
- Low minimum investment compared to traditional real estate.
- Passive income through dividends and property appreciation.
- User-friendly app for tracking investments.
Fundrise is best for long-term investors looking for hands-off real estate investing.
2. CrowdStreet
CrowdStreet is a real estate crowdfunding platform designed for accredited investors seeking commercial real estate deals. It connects investors with high-value projects, such as office buildings, hotels, and multi-family housing developments.
Unlike Fundrise, which offers pooled investments, CrowdStreet allows investors to pick individual properties, giving them more control over where their money goes.
How It Works:
- Investors browse real estate deals and choose properties.
- Funds are pooled to finance large commercial projects.
- Investors earn returns through rental income and property sales.
Why Choose CrowdStreet?
- Direct access to high-value commercial real estate.
- Investors can select individual properties rather than pooled portfolios.
- Strong historical performance with high ROI.
CrowdStreet is ideal for experienced investors looking to build a commercial real estate portfolio.
3. RealtyMogul
RealtyMogul provides access to pre-vetted real estate investment opportunities, reducing the risks associated with traditional property investing. It offers both equity and debt investments, giving investors multiple ways to earn returns.
The platform is suitable for both accredited and non-accredited investors, making it more inclusive than other real estate crowdfunding sites.
How It Works:
- Investors choose from equity or debt-based real estate deals.
- Funds are pooled to finance projects.
- Investors earn rental income or loan interest based on the investment type.
Why Choose RealtyMogul?
- Offers both equity and debt real estate investments.
- Pre-vetted deals to reduce investor risk.
- Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors.
RealtyMogul is perfect for investors looking for curated, lower-risk real estate deals.
4. PeerStreet
PeerStreet focuses on debt-based real estate crowdfunding, allowing investors to earn money by funding property-backed loans. Instead of buying properties, investors lend money to real estate developers and earn fixed interest returns.
This makes it a great option for investors who prefer short-term lending over long-term property ownership.
How It Works:
- Investors choose real estate-backed loans to fund.
- Borrowers (real estate developers) repay loans with interest.
- Investors earn fixed returns based on loan agreements.
Why Choose PeerStreet?
- Shorter investment periods compared to traditional real estate investing.
- Loans are backed by real estate, reducing risk.
- Investors earn passive income through fixed interest payments.
PeerStreet is ideal for investors who want lower-risk, debt-based real estate investments.
5. StartEngine
StartEngine is a leading equity crowdfunding platform that allows businesses from various industries to raise capital from individual investors. Unlike reward-based crowdfunding, StartEngine enables companies to sell shares directly to the public, making it a powerful tool for startups, small businesses, and high-growth ventures.
Since its launch, StartEngine has raised over $1 billion for startups, making it one of the largest crowdfunding sites for equity investments. The platform is open to both accredited and non-accredited investors, giving everyday people the opportunity to invest in promising companies.
How It Works:
- Businesses apply and go through a vetting process.
- If approved, they launch a campaign, offering equity to investors.
- Investors purchase shares in the company.
- Once the campaign is complete, businesses receive funds to grow their operations.
Why Choose StartEngine?
- One of the largest equity crowdfunding platforms, with a strong investor network.
- Open to both early-stage and established businesses.
- Provides extensive marketing and legal support for businesses raising funds.
StartEngine is ideal for businesses looking to raise significant capital without venture capitalists or bank loans. It’s one of the best crowdfunding websites for companies ready to scale.
Key Takeaways
- Crowdfunding is a game-changer – It provides an alternative to traditional financing methods like bank loans and venture capital, making funding accessible to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, artists, and investors.
- Choosing the right platform is crucial – Different crowdfunding platforms serve different needs, from equity crowdfunding for startups to donation-based fundraising for nonprofits.
- The funding model matters – Some platforms use an all-or-nothing model, while others allow flexible funding. Understanding these models helps maximise your success.
- Marketing is key to success – A well-crafted campaign with strong storytelling, visuals, and community engagement increases your chances of meeting your funding goal.
- Investors have more opportunities – Real estate crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise and CrowdStreet make it possible for individual investors to enter the property market without large capital.
- Equity crowdfunding is on the rise – Startups can now raise capital from individual investors through platforms like SeedInvest, Republic, and StartEngine, without relying on venture capital firms.
- Crowdfunding builds community – Backers are more than just financial contributors; they become early adopters, brand advocates, and long-term supporters of your idea.
Conclusion
Crowdfunding has transformed the way individuals, startups, and nonprofits raise money. It has opened doors for entrepreneurs who struggle with securing traditional funding, giving them direct access to investors and supporters. Whether you’re launching a tech startup, funding a medical cause, investing in real estate, or publishing a book, there’s a platform designed to help you succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the easiest crowdfunding site to use?
GoFundMe is the easiest crowdfunding site for personal and charitable fundraising since it requires no campaign approval and has no platform fees for personal fundraisers. Indiegogo is also an easy-to-use platform for flexible funding campaigns.
What is the largest crowdfunding site?
Kickstarter and GoFundMe are among the largest crowdfunding sites, having raised billions of dollars for projects worldwide.
Can I use multiple crowdfunding platforms at the same time?
Yes, but it’s generally not recommended. Running multiple campaigns can confuse backers and split funding efforts. Instead, focus on a single well-planned campaign for the best results.
Do I need to offer rewards to backers?
It depends on the platform. Kickstarter and Indiegogo require reward-based funding, while GoFundMe and Fundly focus on donations. Equity crowdfunding platforms like SeedInvest and Republic allow investors to receive shares in a company instead of rewards.
Can I crowdfund an idea that isn’t fully developed?
Yes, but you need to show clear progress. Most platforms require a well-thought-out plan, prototypes (for products), or a roadmap for execution.
