Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

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.

Side Hustle

These Brothers Had 'No Income' When They Started a 'Low-Risk, High-Reward' Side Hustle to Chase a Big Dream — Now They've Surpassed $50 Million in Revenue

Sam Lewkowict, co-founder and CEO of men's grooming brand Black Wolf Nation, knows what it takes to harness the power of side gig for success.

Leadership

How to Break Free From the Cycle of Overthinking and Master Your Mind

Discover the true cost of negative thought loops — and practical strategies for nipping rumination in the bud.

Science & Technology

3 Major Mistakes Companies Are Making With AI That Is Limiting Their ROI

With so many competing narratives around the future of AI, it's no wonder companies are misaligned on the best approach for integrating it into their organizations.

Starting a Business

How to Find the Right Programmers: A Brief Guideline for Startup Founders

For startup founders under a plethora of challenges like timing, investors and changing market demand, it is extremely hard to hire programmers who can deliver.

Leadership

How a $10,000 Investment in AI Transformed My Career and Business Strategy

A bold $10,000 investment in AI and machine learning education fundamentally transformed my career and business strategy. Here's how adaption in the ever-evolving realm of AI — with the right investment in education, personal growth and business innovation — can transform your business.

Business News

A University Awarded a Student $10,000 for His AI Tool — Then Suspended Him for Using It, According to a New Lawsuit

Emory University awarded the AI study aid the $10,000 grand prize in an entrepreneurial pitch competition last year.