The right message when sharing a GoFundMe can make the difference between a flood of donations and crickets. People scroll past vague requests, but they stop for a specific story, a clear need, and a direct ask. Below you’ll find ready-to-use examples for social media posts, text messages, emails, and campaign updates you can adapt to your own situation.
What Every Sharing Message Needs
Before you copy any template, every message you write should hit four beats: who the fundraiser is for, what happened, how the money will be used, and a clear ask to donate or share. GoFundMe’s own data shows that campaigns with stories under 100 words tend to underperform, so even a short social post benefits from a few real details rather than a generic plea.
Being honest about how you feel is more effective than polished marketing language. Supporters respond to sincerity. If you’re raising money for someone else, mention your connection to them early so people understand why you’re the one asking.
Social Media Post Examples
Facebook gives you room for a longer caption, so use it. Lead with the person and the situation, then explain the goal.
For a medical fundraiser: “My friend Sarah was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer last month. She’s a single mom of two, and between treatment costs and time off work, the bills are piling up fast. We’re trying to raise $15,000 to cover her chemotherapy copays and three months of rent so she can focus on getting better. Even $20 helps, and sharing this post helps just as much. Link in comments.”
For an emergency fundraiser: “Last week a kitchen fire destroyed most of my cousin’s apartment. He and his family got out safely, but they lost nearly everything. We set up this GoFundMe to help them cover temporary housing and replace essentials like clothes, school supplies, and medications. Any amount makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please share this. [link]”
For a community cause: “Our youth baseball league lost its only equipment shed in the storm last weekend. We need $4,000 to replace bats, helmets, gloves, and uniforms before the spring season starts. These kids have worked so hard. If 80 people chip in $50, we’re there. Please share with anyone who loves this community. [link]”
Instagram captions can be long, but most people read only the first two lines before tapping “more.” Put the most compelling detail up front.
Caption example: “My best friend needs surgery she can’t afford. Jamie has been dealing with chronic pain for two years, and her insurance denied the procedure that could finally help. We’re raising $10,000 to cover the out-of-pocket cost. I’ve watched her push through every day, and she deserves this chance. Link in bio to donate or share. Every dollar and every repost matters. 💛”
Pair the caption with a photo of the person (with their permission) or a simple graphic showing the goal amount. Carousel posts work well too: use the first slide to grab attention with an image or bold text, then follow with a couple of slides explaining the story and how to help.
TikTok
Short videos where you talk directly to the camera perform well on TikTok. Keep it under 60 seconds and speak naturally.
Script outline: “Hey, I don’t usually do this, but someone I love really needs help right now. [Explain what happened in two or three sentences.] We set up a GoFundMe to raise [amount] for [specific use]. The link is in my bio. If you can donate, amazing. If not, sharing this video would mean the world. Thank you.”
Text Message Examples
Texts to close friends and family can be your most effective outreach because people actually read them. Keep the message short, personal, and specific.
To a close friend: “Hey [name], I don’t know if you heard, but [person] was in a car accident last week and is facing some serious medical bills. I set up a GoFundMe to help. No pressure at all, but if you’re able to donate or share the link, it would mean a lot. [link]”
To a wider contact: “Hi [name], I’m reaching out because I’m raising money for [person/cause]. [One sentence about what happened.] We’re trying to hit $[amount] to cover [specific expense]. Here’s the link if you’d like to help or pass it along: [link]. Thanks for reading this far. 🙏”
To someone who already donated: “Hey [name], just wanted to say thank you so much for your donation. It really means a lot to [person]. If you wouldn’t mind sharing the link with anyone else who might want to help, that would be huge. We’re about halfway to the goal.”
Email Examples
Email works well for reaching coworkers, extended family, or community groups. A strong subject line determines whether anyone opens it at all.
Subject lines that work:
- “Helping [Name] get back on her feet”
- “[First name], can you help us reach our goal?”
- “A little goes a long way for [Name]’s recovery”
- “We just need a handful more donations”
Email body example:
“Hi [name],
I’m writing because someone close to me needs help, and I’m hoping you might be willing to pitch in or spread the word.
[Two to three sentences explaining the situation: what happened, who it affects, and why it matters.]
We set up a GoFundMe to raise $[amount]. The money will go directly toward [specific expenses, e.g., “three months of mortgage payments while he recovers from surgery”]. We’ve raised $[current amount] so far, and every donation, no matter the size, gets us closer.
Here’s the link: [link]
If donating isn’t an option right now, sharing this with one or two people who might connect with the cause would help just as much. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”
Campaign Update Examples
Posting updates on your GoFundMe page itself keeps momentum going and gives people who already donated a reason to share the link again. Tailor the tone to where you are in the campaign.
Early milestone (25% of goal): “We’ve raised $2,500 in just three days! Thank you to everyone who donated and shared. We still have a ways to go, and every new share brings in people we haven’t reached yet. If you haven’t shared the link on your page, now is a great time.”
Halfway point: “We’re over 50% of the way there. I’m honestly overwhelmed by the generosity so far. [Add a personal detail or progress report, like “Sarah started her second round of chemo this week and says reading your messages has kept her going.”] Let’s keep the momentum up. Sharing the link is just as valuable as donating.”
Final push (75% and above): “We’re so close. Less than $1,500 to go! If everyone who already donated shared the link one more time, we could hit the goal this week. Thank you for getting us this far.”
Goal reached: “WE DID IT. Thank you to every single person who donated, shared, sent a kind message, or just kept [person] in your thoughts. The funds are already being used to [specific detail, e.g., “pay the deposit on a new apartment” or “cover next month’s treatment”]. This community showed up in a way I’ll never forget.”
Tips That Make Any Message Stronger
Be specific about how the money will be used. “Help with medical bills” is vague. “Cover the $8,000 deductible for her emergency surgery” gives people a concrete picture and makes the goal feel achievable. When you can, break the total into smaller pieces: “If 200 people donate $25, we’re there.”
Always include two asks: donate and share. Many people genuinely can’t give money right now, but they can forward a link to someone who can. Giving them that second option means they don’t just scroll past feeling guilty.
Use a photo or video whenever the platform allows it. A real image of the person or situation stops the scroll far more effectively than a GoFundMe thumbnail. And update your campaign regularly, even if it’s just a short note. Campaigns that post updates keep donors engaged and often see additional donations after the initial wave.
Finally, don’t apologize for asking. Phrases like “I hate to do this” or “sorry to bother you” undermine the urgency. You’re advocating for someone who needs help. A simple, confident ask respects both the person you’re raising money for and the people you’re asking.