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Collecting donations anonymously: Cases in which it makes sense and how it works

Want to raise funds but keep your identity private? Find out when anonymous crowdfunding is possible on GoodCrowd.org and how to apply.

Redaktion GoodCrowd.org

Reading time: 7 min

Updated: 14.08.2025

When you start a crowdfunding campaign, you automatically enter the public eye – with your name and personal story. But this isn't always possible or desirable, especially for campaign starters who have concerns about their privacy or safety. In this article, we'll show you when it makes sense to collect donations anonymously, what requirements apply, and how you can successfully gain supporters without revealing your identity.

Why transparency is usually the best way forward

Even though collecting donations anonymously is important and justified in certain cases, the following principle applies: open communication and a clear identity create the greatest trust among potential supporters. That's why transparency is so crucial to the success of a crowdfunding campaign:

1. Build trust through openness

Donors generally prefer to support people who use their names. Those who share their real name and personal details appear more credible and create an emotional connection. This authenticity has been proven to lead to more people deciding to donate and also to donate higher amounts. Transparency convinces potential supporters that their help is actually going where it is needed.

2. Reach through personal networks

People who publicly share their names and stories find it easier to mobilise their personal networks. Family, friends and colleagues are often the first supporters of a campaign. This proximity lends the fundraising campaign additional credibility and ensures that the campaign is shared on social networks.

If many people already support the campaign, this acts as social proof that the story is true and worthy of support – which motivates more people to contribute as well.

When anonymous fundraising is possible

For some people, anonymous crowdfunding is not a matter of choice, but of protecting their safety. The following examples show when an anonymous campaign is justified and appropriate.

Protection against discrimination and violence

There are situations in which an anonymous donation campaign is not only understandable but necessary. LGBTQIA+ people who live in conservative or unsafe environments may need to protect themselves from discrimination or even violence. Political activists also often risk reprisals and violence if their identity becomes public. Similarly, victims of domestic violence or stalking often need special protection. For them, anonymous fundraising is an important tool for getting help without jeopardising their safety.

Professional or legal reasons

Some people want to collect donations anonymously because their professional situation does not allow them to appear in public. This includes, for example, employees in the public sector, the judiciary or sensitive industries who fear professional consequences when dealing with sensitive issues. Journalists and whistleblowers may also be forced to protect their identity, especially if they publish information about abuses that could put them at personal risk.

Medical privacy

Health issues can also be a valid reason for anonymous fundraising. People suffering from stigmatised diseases such as HIV or hepatitis may not want their diagnosis to become public. The same applies to mental illnesses, which are still subject to prejudice, or to chronic and rare diseases or disabilities that can lead to social exclusion or professional consequences for those affected. In such cases, anonymity can help protect privacy while still receiving much-needed financial support.

When we do not allow anonymity

Anonymity can be important – but it is not always justified. As a donation platform, we are also committed to donors' need for transparency and trust. That is why there must be clear reasons for anonymity. The following points explain the cases in which we cannot offer anonymity.

Unfounded requests for anonymity

Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous simply because of general discomfort, shyness or a desire not to appear in public jeopardises the success of the campaign. Donors expect a minimum level of transparency to ensure that their money actually goes to a genuine and legitimate cause. Without this openness, supporters cannot develop trust, which in turn significantly reduces the chances of a donation campaign being successful.

Dubious or unclear motives

There are also situations in which the desire for anonymity is not explained in a comprehensible manner. If the reasons for anonymity remain vague despite our enquiries, or if there is suspicion of fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to reject the application. The protection of donors and their interests is our top priority at GoodCrowd.org, which is why we only allow anonymous donation campaigns in clearly justified cases.

Requirements for anonymous campaigns

Clear rules and processes are necessary to enable anonymous crowdfunding. This is the only way we can ensure that both the campaign initiators and the donors are protected. The following requirements must be met:

Clear justification required

In order for us to approve anonymisation, we require a comprehensible and honest explanation that outlines the need for protection. Anyone who wishes to collect donations anonymously should describe the security situation to us as accurately as possible and communicate openly with our team. This is the only way we can assess whether anonymisation is justified and how we can best support the campaign.

Complete identity verification in the background

Even with anonymous campaigns, we as a platform need to know who we are dealing with. That is why we store the real names and addresses of the initiators securely and confidentially at GoodCrowd.org. Before anonymisation, we carry out verification as with any other campaign to check your identity. This data is also required by payment service providers and for processing your donations. This information is, of course, treated as confidential and stored securely in accordance with strict data protection guidelines. This transparency in the background allows us to contact you if necessary or respond to legal requirements without revealing the identity of the person concerned.

How to request an anonymous campaign

1. First, create the campaign as normal using your real name or the name on your ID documents.

2. Next, send us an email to [email protected]. Your message should include the following:

the reason for your request for anonymisation in a clear and comprehensible manner
the pseudonym that should appear on the campaign page instead of your real name

You can choose your own pseudonym, as long as it does not contain any misleading, offensive or legally protected names. For activist campaigns, the name of the initiative may also be used.

Review and approval

Once we have received your request, our team will carefully review your information. If we have any questions or need additional information, we will contact you. Once all points have been clarified and the request has been approved, we will implement the desired pseudonym on your campaign page. The entire process usually takes between two and three working days. You can then start collecting donations.

What changes with anonymous campaigns

An anonymous campaign differs from a regular crowdfunding campaign in a few ways. To let you know what changes and what to expect, here is an overview:

Display on the campaign page

If your campaign is anonymised, the pseudonym you have chosen will appear on the campaign page instead of your real name. In addition, your place of residence will not appear on the donation page. We will also clearly indicate to donors that the campaign is anonymous. This is what the notice will look like in the campaign:

Communication with donors

All personal messages, updates and automatic emails sent to donors via the platform will also contain your chosen pseudonym. This protects your identity while still allowing you to communicate directly with your supporters.

Important when using PayPal as a payment method

Please note that supporters who donate via PayPal will still be able to see the name of your PayPal account and your email address in their payment overview within Paypal. Unfortunately, we have no influence over this. If you would prefer to remain anonymous there as well, we recommend that you do not use PayPal in your campaign. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like us to remove the linked Paypal account.

Tips for successful anonymous campaigns

Building trust despite anonymity

Even if you want to collect donations anonymously, you can still be successful. The key is to tell your story as honestly and in as much detail as possible so that donors can get a clear picture of your cause. Regular updates and a professional presentation of your campaign will also help to build trust and convince people to support you. This blog article can help you write a good crowdfunding text.

Use alternative sources of trust

If you cannot use your real name, you should use other ways to establish credibility. Support and sharing by organisations, recommendations from trustworthy people or influencers, or coverage in reputable media can also help build trust with potential donors and make your campaign successful. Simply link to press reports in your crowdfunding text.

Alternatives to complete anonymity

Another way to remain anonymous is to run the campaign through a third party or organisation. If you cannot or do not want to appear publicly yourself, a trusted person can start the campaign for you. Alternatively, an association or non-profit organisation can act as the crowdfunding initiator. However, you always need to observe the legal framework, especially in the case of non-profit associations.

Frequently asked questions and answers about anonymous crowdfunding

1. Can I have my campaign anonymised at a later date?

Yes, this is possible in principle. It is best to set up your campaign as normal and then contact our team before you start actively collecting donations. This will allow us to implement anonymisation in good time.

2. Will donors find out my real name?

No, once your request for anonymity has been approved, your real name will not be displayed publicly.

3. How long does it take to review my anonymity request?

It usually takes two to three working days to review your request.

4. Can I choose my own pseudonym?

Yes, you can choose your own pseudonym as long as it does not contain any misleading, offensive or legally protected names.

5. How do I apply for anonymisation?

To have your campaign anonymised, simply send us an email at [email protected]. Please let us know the reason for your request and provide the pseudonym you would like to appear on your campaign page. Our team will review your request and contact you if further information is required.

6. How can I successfully collect donations anonymously?

Even if your identity remains hidden, you can build trust with a clear and authentic campaign description. Describe your cause in detail, keep your supporters up to date with regular updates, and use alternative trust signals such as recommendations from well-known individuals or organisations or media coverage. This allows you to demonstrate transparency without revealing your identity and increases your chances of a successful campaign.

7. In which cases should I consider starting my crowdfunding anonymously?

An anonymous campaign makes sense if your safety or privacy would be at risk if you appeared publicly. This applies, for example, to sensitive health issues, high-risk political or social commitments, or personal protection reasons such as stalking or domestic violence. If you are unsure whether anonymity is necessary in your case, you can contact our support team at any time in advance and work with us to find the best solution.