Glossary
Revenue & Donations

Crowdfunding Donation

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

A crowdfunding donation is a financial gift made online by many individuals to support a specific nonprofit project or cause.
A crowdfunding donation is a financial gift made by individuals or groups to support a specific nonprofit project or cause, typically through an online platform. Unlike traditional fundraising, crowdfunding harnesses the collective power of many small donations from a wide audience, often leveraging social media and digital marketing to broaden reach. Campaigns are usually time-bound and focus on a clear goal, such as funding a new community program, purchasing equipment, or providing emergency relief. Crowdfunding donations can be one-time or recurring and are generally tax-deductible when given to a qualified nonprofit. This method has gained popularity due to its accessibility, transparency, and ability to quickly mobilize supporters. Nonprofits must manage and track these donations carefully to ensure compliance and donor stewardship.

Key Takeaways

  • Crowdfunding donations are typically made online for specific projects.
  • They rely on many small gifts from a broad audience.
  • Funds are often raised quickly through digital platforms.
  • Proper tracking is essential for transparency and compliance.

Why It Matters

It enables nonprofits to quickly fund projects by reaching broad audiences online.

Real World Example

A local animal shelter wants to build a new outdoor play area for rescued dogs but lacks the necessary funds. The shelter launches a crowdfunding campaign using a popular platform, sharing the project on social media and through email newsletters. Over four weeks, hundreds of supporters contribute small amounts, collectively meeting the $10,000 goal. The shelter uses Aplos to track each donation, send thank-you receipts, and ensure the funds are restricted for the specified project. The campaign’s success allows the shelter to build the play area, and the transparency builds donor trust for future initiatives.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos offers specialized tools to help nonprofits manage, track, and acknowledge crowdfunding donations efficiently. With Aplos, you can easily segment crowdfunding revenue, generate donor receipts, and monitor campaign performance—all within your accounting and donor management system.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crowdfunding donation?

A crowdfunding donation is a financial gift made by individuals or groups, usually online, to support a specific nonprofit project or cause.

Are crowdfunding donations tax-deductible?

Crowdfunding donations are generally tax-deductible if the recipient is a qualified nonprofit and donors receive proper receipts.

How can nonprofits track crowdfunding donations?

Nonprofits can use tools like Aplos to track and acknowledge crowdfunding donations, ensuring proper accounting and donor stewardship.

What platforms are commonly used for crowdfunding?

Popular crowdfunding platforms for nonprofits include GoFundMe, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Facebook Fundraisers.

How do crowdfunding campaigns benefit nonprofits?

Crowdfunding campaigns help nonprofits quickly raise funds, expand their donor base, and increase visibility for specific projects.

Related Terms

Letter of Intent
Workers’ Compensation
Recurring Donation
Grant Amendment
Payroll Liabilities
Minister’s Housing Allowance

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