Security and trust are the foundations of any social donation platform. When it comes to collecting or giving online donations for important and personal causes, you want to be sure that the money will go where it is needed. As a value-based, secure donation platform, GoodCrowd.org places particular emphasis on transparency and the protection of all users. In this article, you will learn how GoodCrowd.org ensures a secure environment and what you should look out for when donating.
Security Concept at a Glance
GoodCrowd.org is a non-commercial platform that is 100% committed to social causes and 0% profit. This value base is reflected in our security concept: technical measures (e.g. secure data transmission and verified payment processing) protect your data and payments. At the same time, our compliance team relies on manual checks when certain indicators are present and on the support of the community to prevent abuse.
Problematic content is consistently excluded as soon as it becomes known – for example, campaigns that are illegal, discriminatory or glorify violence. We also exclude commercial donation campaigns for companies and party financing. This ensures that the fundraising campaigns launched on GoodCrowd.org comply with our principles and provide a positive environment. At every stage of a fundraising campaign, coordinated security mechanisms are in place on GoodCrowd.org to ensure trust and protection.
Before You Start: Verification and Account Security
Before a campaign goes live on GoodCrowd.org, a number of security precautions must be taken. Every campaign starter undergoes an identity check: you must be at least 18 years old, provide your real name and live in the Germany or Austria. Verification is carried out by our payment service providers Stripe and PayPal – there you enter your details, upload proof of identity and provide your bank details. This step ensures that only verified individuals can start crowdfunding campaigns.
During the Campaign: Monitoring & Payment Buffer
Even after your campaign has started, GoodCrowd.org continues to ensure security. GoodCrowd.org uses automated systems to detect suspicious activity or content at an early stage. At the same time, our team monitors campaigns and intervenes if necessary. This combination of algorithms and human judgement helps to quickly detect attempts at fraud.
Donations are not paid out immediately, but with a short delay (e.g. 24 hours for PayPal, up to approx. 7–10 days for bank payments). This buffer helps to detect fraud or payment problems before funds are transferred.
Verification Process in Case of Uncertainty
If, despite all precautions, suspicions arise, our multi-stage verification process kicks in. As a rule, our team first contacts the person responsible to clarify the situation. Many misunderstandings can be cleared up by providing statements or submitting evidence (e.g. photos or invoices).
If a campaign fails to provide evidence or violates the rules, we may temporarily pause it or, in serious cases, close it. We will inform donors transparently about the reasons for this and, if necessary, cooperate with the authorities.
Community-based Security: Being Vigilant Together
The GoodCrowd community itself is a great support for platform security.
If you are unsure about a campaign, you can ask the initiators directly – reputable campaign starters are happy to provide information about their own fundraising appeal. You will find the ‘Write a message’ button under the name of the campaign initiator. Each campaign page also offers a ‘Report campaign’ function, which you can use to report suspicious appeals directly to our team. If you see any indications of a violation while browsing, please do not hesitate to use this option.
Our experience shows that problematic campaigns have been stopped in time on several occasions. This ensures that our platform remains trustworthy.
Tips for Donors: How to Donate Safely
You too can actively contribute to a safe environment. We have put together a few tips on how you can donate safely and recognise trustworthy campaigns:
- Inform yourself: Read the campaign description carefully. A reputable fundraising appeal explains transparently and in an easily understandable way what the donations are needed for and is structured in a plausible manner. If something seems illogical to you, it is better to be cautious with your donation.
- Ask questions: Contact the campaign initiator via the message function if anything is unclear. Reputable initiators will respond openly and gladly.
- Use secure payment methods: Only donate via the payment methods provided on GoodCrowd.org (e.g. PayPal, credit card or bank transfer). Do not give money outside the platform.
- Report irregularities: If you suspect that something is wrong, report the campaign to our team via ‘Report campaign’. Your report can help prevent fraud. It is important that you provide as much detail and evidence as possible so that our team can respond quickly.
Tips for Campaign Starters: Build Trust
As a campaign initiator, there is a lot you can do to gain the trust of the community:
- Be transparent: Clearly state your cause and explain as precisely as possible what the donations will be used for and how the costs are broken down. Here are some tips on how to write a good text for your crowdfunding campaign.
- Stay in dialogue: Provide updates on progress and respond to questions from your supporters in a timely manner. Find out how to write emotional and effective updates for your fundraising campaign.
- Act responsibly: Keep your promises and comply with legal requirements. Use the funds only for the stated purpose and document your expenses (keep receipts). You are obliged to do so, and it also creates a high level of trust.
Security and Values Go Hand in Hand
Our clear principles ensure that GoodCrowd.org remains a safe place for social projects. We only allow campaigns with a direct social purpose and consistently exclude questionable content (e.g. party advertising or purely commercial projects). GoodCrowd.org is not focused on profit, but on impact and community – this creates space for responsible action and genuine help.
Our vision is a platform where people can meet, support and trust each other safely – because solidarity can only flourish where fairness and transparency form the framework.
Conclusion: Together for Trust and Security
Security on GoodCrowd.org is an ongoing community project. Technical precautions, dedicated teams and your vigilance have made GoodCrowd.org a safe and reputable donation platform. Every report and every transparent campaign strengthens this trust.
Whether you are looking for help or want to help others, you can start or support a campaign on GoodCrowd.org with confidence. Together, we can make GoodCrowd.org a safe place for solidarity. Thank you for being part of the community and helping to keep our platform trustworthy!
