Get All Access for $5/mo

Crowdfunding for Life Events, Medical Emergencies Is Now Free on Indiegogo The San Francisco-based crowdfunding platform says that it will not collect commission when individuals are raising money for medical emergencies, memorials and other life events.

By Catherine Clifford

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Isn't it refreshing when a company does something that shows it has humanity? That there are people with hearts that beat and feel in boardrooms, and that profit doesn't come before life, limbs and happiness?

Crowdfunding platform Indiegogo says it has no interest in making money on your personal tragedies. The San Francisco-based company announced today that it is launching Indiegogo Life, a site that will allow individuals to raise money for medical crises, memorials, emergencies and other life events without paying a fee to Indiegogo. Individuals will still have to pay payment processing fees, but will not have to pay a commission to Indiegogo.

Related: Indiegogo Pilots New Program Allowing Crowdfunding Campaigns to Stay Open Indefinitely

Typically, Indiegogo charges successful crowdfunding campaigns a 4 percent commission fee. Campaigns that do not meet their stated goal reach their stated goal have to pay a 9 percent commission fee on the amount they did raise.

On rival crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, where campaigns have to reach their goal to collect any money, the commission fee is 5 percent. However, Kickstarter -- which is larger than Indiegogo by dollars raised -- does not allow campaigns intended to raise money for charity or personal causes.

Crowdfunding campaigns that are eligible for using the Indiegogo platform without paying a commission include those that are raising funds for medical needs, emergencies, celebrations, memorials, pets and animals, faith and religious initiatives, sports, volunteer efforts, education and school programs.

Related: Everything You Need for a Winning Crowdfunding Campaign (Infographic)

Here's a look at the sorts of campaigns Indiegogo intends to benefit from this Indiegogo Life, free-fee initiative.

John Jennings: Musician's Relief Love Campaign


Lets Give Karen -The bus monitor- H Klein A Vacation!



HELP THE HALEYS HAVE A BABY!

Fund 4 Officer P Vincent & Cpl N Cirillo

Related: 7 Secrets From the Man Who Turned a Kickstarter Flop Into the Most Successful Campaign Ever

Catherine Clifford

Senior Entrepreneurship Writer at CNBC

Catherine Clifford is senior entrepreneurship writer at CNBC. She was formerly a senior writer at Entrepreneur.com, the small business reporter at CNNMoney and an assistant in the New York bureau for CNN. Clifford attended Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. You can follow her on Twitter at @CatClifford.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'We Pulled Off An SEO Heist': Entrepreneur Stole 3.6 Million Pageviews From Competitors — And Your Business Could Be Next.

This has huge implications for businesses that rely on Google's organic traffic for revenue.

Innovation

The Key to Real Innovation Is Cross-Pollination — Here Are 10 Ways to Implement It in Your Business

Transform your business with this unique approach to sparking innovation.

Business News

Wells Fargo Reportedly Fired More Than a Dozen Employees for Faking Keyboard Activity

The bank told Bloomberg that it "does not tolerate unethical behavior."

Starting a Business

Spend Less Time Worrying About Your Company's Runway — And More Time Rethinking Your Strategy. Here's How.

Perceived short runways leave founders in angst. It does not have to be this way; the best way to extend the runway is the right strategy.

Business Solutions

Why Every Solopreneur Needs to Embrace AI-Powered Teams

With the right approach, solopreneurs can harness AI to drive efficiency, productivity and business growth.