Compare the best crowdfunding platforms in Germany for online fundraising and discover what alternatives exist to GoFundMe & Co.
Redaktion
GoodCrowd.org
Reading time: 5 min
Updated: 29.09.2025
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.
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.
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.
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 ;).
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.
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.
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. Start your own campaign on GoodCrowd.org
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 ✅
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 ✅
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 ✅
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
Spendenseite.de is a smaller Dutch platform for fundraising campaigns.
Advantages ✅
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 ✅
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
LaunchGood is a worldwide platform focusing on projects from the Muslim community.
Advantages ✅
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 expertiseand will help make your fundraising appeal successful.
Now it's your turn: Collect donations with your campaign!
GoodCrowd.org – the social crowdfunding platform for everyone who wants to collect private donations easily and securely. As an initiative of a non-profit organization from Berlin, we develop the necessary tools to help you find support quickly.
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