Your GoFundMe fundraiser was most likely deleted because it violated GoFundMe's Terms of Service or there was a proven misuse of funds. These are the primary reasons why any campaign is removed from the platform.
GoFundMe is committed to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment for both organizers and donors. When a campaign is found to be in breach of their guidelines, or if funds are not used as intended, GoFundMe takes action to protect its community.
Key Reasons for Fundraiser Deletion
Understanding the specific reasons can help prevent future issues or clarify why your campaign was removed.
1. Violation of GoFundMe's Terms of Service
GoFundMe has comprehensive terms that outline what is permitted and prohibited on their platform. Violations can range from the content of the fundraiser to the nature of the cause itself.
Common Terms of Service violations include:
- Prohibited Content and Activities: Fundraising for causes that are illegal, dangerous, harmful, or promote hate speech, violence, discrimination, harassment, or terrorism.
- Misleading or Inaccurate Information: Providing false details in the campaign description, updates, beneficiary information, or about the purpose of the funds. Transparency and honesty are critical for trust.
- Fraudulent Activity: Any attempt to deceive donors or the platform, such as creating fake campaigns, misrepresenting the need, or engaging in any form of financial fraud.
- Campaigns for Personal Gain (without specific need): While many GoFundMe campaigns are personal, those primarily designed for general personal enrichment without a clear, specific, or charitable purpose might be flagged.
- Intellectual Property Infringement: Using copyrighted material, trademarks, or other intellectual property without proper authorization.
- Illegal Activities: Campaigns that facilitate, promote, or are associated with activities that violate any local, national, or international laws.
2. Proven Misuse of Funds
This refers to instances where the donations collected are not used for the specific purpose stated in the fundraiser's description. Donors contribute with the expectation that their money will go directly to the cause they supported.
Examples of proven misuse of funds include:
- Diversion of Donations: Using funds for personal expenses unrelated to the campaign's stated goal (e.g., using medical expense donations for a vacation).
- Lack of Accountability: Failing to provide updates or evidence of how funds are being used when requested, especially after significant sums have been raised or concerns have been raised by donors.
- Misappropriation of Contributions: Intentionally using donated money for a different purpose than what was advertised, often leading to donor complaints and investigations.
What to Do if Your Campaign Was Deleted
If your GoFundMe fundraiser was removed, here are steps you can take:
- Review GoFundMe's Terms of Service: Familiarize yourself with the detailed guidelines to understand what might have been violated. You can find their official terms and policies on their website.
- Contact GoFundMe Support: The most direct way to understand the specific reason for your campaign's removal is to reach out to the GoFundMe Help Center. They can provide details related to your specific case and explain if any actions can be taken.
- Address the Issues: If the deletion was due to a rectifiable issue (e.g., missing information, minor policy breach), GoFundMe support might guide you on how to resolve it, although re-listing a deleted campaign is not always possible.
Summary of Deletion Reasons
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Terms of Service Violation | Your fundraiser's content, purpose, or activity breached GoFundMe's rules and guidelines. |
| Proven Misuse of Funds | Donations collected were confirmed to have been used for purposes other than those stated in the campaign. |
