Here are the main reasons people turned to GoFundMe this year
Donations on the crowdfunding platform this year reveal a range of urgent financial needs, GoFundMe data shows.
GoFundMe
For some with student loans, making payments means turning to GoFundMe
The number of people seeking help on the platform to pay student loans has exploded over the last year, the crowdfunding site says.
WWE Hall-of-Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham on life support
Doctors want to take the WWE Hall-of-Famer "Superstar" Billy Graham, who has been suffering medical issues for months, off life support, Graham's wife wrote on Facebook. She refused, calling him "a fighter."
GoFundMe blocked George Santos after alleged theft of money raised for dying service dog
The veteran who owned the dog says Santos pocketed $3,000 from a GoFundMe page that was set up to help pay for surgery.
Woman gets 3 years in bogus online fundraiser for homeless veteran
Prosecutors said the campaign at the time was the largest fraud perpetrated through the crowdfunding platform.
Damar Hamlin's fundraiser donations surge after cardiac arrest
Donations poured in within hours after Damar Hamlin suddenly suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle, with some donating thousands.
Funds raised for teen who must pay restitution for killing alleged rapist
A former math teacher of Pieper Lewis' at Des Moines Lincoln High School organized the fundraiser.
Man who conspired to launch viral GoFundMe scam sentenced to 27 months
The trio made up a story in late 2017 that sparked $400,000 in GoFundMe donations.
Mila Kunis vows to match $3M in donations for Ukrainian refugees
"I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian," said Kunis, who immigrated to the U.S. from the country in 1991.
Instacart donates $50K to help pay for funeral of slain worker
CEO says grocery delivery service "heartbroken" by fatal shooting at Fred Meyer store in Richland, Washington.
GoFundMe investigated for blocking donations to truckers
Attorneys general in Texas, Florida, Missouri and West Virginia are probing the company for shutting down a fundraiser.
Thousands of COVID crowdfunds didn't make much
Thousands of people turned to crowdfunding during the pandemic, but research shows most did not raise much money. CBS Moneywatch Reporter Irina Ivanova joined CBSN's Tanya Rivero with more on this.
Thousands tried crowdfunding during pandemic. It flopped.
Most successful crowdfunding drives were in U.S. counties with higher income — not the ones with the most need.
Elderly Asian woman who fought off attack to donate big donations
Xiao Zhen Xie, 75, turned the tables on the man who attacked her. When the news went viral, donations poured in. Now, she's donating them -- more than $900,00, to fight anti-Asian racism.
GoFundMe page raises over $2 million for sons of Atlanta shooting victim
"Frankly, I have no time to grieve," wrote Randy Park, whose mother was killed this week. "I will need to figure out the living situation for my brother and I for the next few months, possibly year."
Black doctor dies of COVID-19 after complaining of racist treatment
"This is how Black people get killed," Dr. Susan Moore said in a Facebook video, weeks before she died of coronavirus.
Tyler Perry donates $100,000 to Breonna Taylor's boyfriend
A Louisville police officer wounded in the March 13 shooting in which Breonna Taylor was killed is suing Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, for assault, battery and emotional distress. When Walker set up a GoFundMe page for his defense, entertainment giant Tyler Perry donated $100,000.
Taylor Swift donates $13,000 to two struggling mothers
With many Americans struggling to make ends meet during these unprecedented times, the star has sparked some joy in the lives of two mothers in need this holiday season.
$300,000 raised for salon owner accused of "setting up" Pelosi
Salon owner Erica Kious received support after saying she is thinking of relocating her business due to threats following the viral video.
Stars remember Broadway actor Nick Cordero: "What a light"
"I have honestly never known a kinder person. But Covid doesn't care about the purity of your soul, or the goodness in your heart," wrote actor Zach Braff.
GoFundMe for destroyed restaurant raises over $1 million
Jeff Pegues met a restaurant owner in Minneapolis who saw his life's work destroyed. But his story has taken an unbelievable turn thanks to the kindness of strangers.
Gollum actor will read all of "The Hobbit" in live online marathon
"While times are tough, I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures ever written, a 12 hour armchair marathon across Middle Earth," actor Andy Serkis wrote on his GoFundMe account.
1 in 3 new GoFundMe campaigns tied to coronavirus
"We have seen more activity than ever before," website's CEO Tim Cardogan said of coronavirus impact on fundraising.
Volunteer raises $30,000 to help Nashville recover after tornado
The storms had barely left the state when thousands began stepping forward to help.
Relying on crowdfunding for medical bills
Millions of Americans have crowdfunded their medical bills, with one in five Americans saying they’ve donated to a medical fundraiser online.
Mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia meets with Maryland senator in El Salvador
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he met Thursday with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who immigration officials admitted was deported by error to El Salvador.
FSU mass shooting kills 2, injures 6; suspect in custody
Law enforcement said the suspected shooter is the 20-year-old son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy and a student at FSU.
Here's what we know about the suspect in the deadly FSU mass shooting
CBS News obtained court records showing a years-long custody battle between the birth parents of the suspect in Thursday's mass shooting at Florida State University.
CDC scraps plan to help Texas schools curb measles over layoffs, employee says
Some employees working on the CDC's measles response were warned they could face layoffs.
NSC rebuilding with aides aligned with MAGA agenda, sources say
The White House is starting to rebuild the National Security Council with aides top officials believe are staunchly aligned with President Trump's agenda.
Despite recent mass shootings, Florida considers repealing gun age law
Florida legislature has been considering the removal of a gun control law passed after the 2018 massacre in Parkland in which 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Trump says Fed Chair Powell's "termination cannot come fast enough"
President Trump lashed out at Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates, saying he should "certainly lower them now."
Trump administration cutting nearly 90% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
President Trump is downsizing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges in CEO's killing
Luigi Mangione will be eligible for the death penalty if convicted as charged.
U.S.
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Here's what we know about the suspect in the deadly FSU mass shooting
CBS News obtained court records showing a years-long custody battle between the birth parents of the suspect in Thursday's mass shooting at Florida State University.
Federal judge temporarily limits DOGE access to Social Security data
A federal judge has imposed new restrictions on the Department of Government Efficiency's access to Social Security systems that hold personal data on millions of Americans.
NSC rebuilding with aides aligned with MAGA agenda, sources say
The White House is starting to rebuild the National Security Council with aides top officials believe are staunchly aligned with President Trump's agenda.
Trump administration cutting nearly 90% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
President Trump is downsizing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Despite recent mass shootings, Florida considers repealing gun age law
Florida legislature has been considering the removal of a gun control law passed after the 2018 massacre in Parkland in which 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
MoneyWatch
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Honda to shift Civic Hybrid production to U.S. from Japan
Rated as one of the top 10 most popular cars sold in the U.S. in 2024, the Civic model is currently sourced in both countries.
Can the IRS strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status? Here's what to know.
President Trump has suggested stripping Harvard of its tax-exempt status, a step that experts say would be unusual and face legal challenges.
Grocery prices continue to rise, but increases vary from city to city
A new study from SmartAsset reveals varied increases in grocery prices depending on where you live.
Shein, Temu will raise prices next week as a trade loophole closes
Shein and Temu, known for their low-cost items, say they'll raise prices starting April 25 after Trump ended an import loophole.
Google's digital ad network an illegal monopoly, judge rules
The ruling involving Google's online ad technology follows a similar case last year in which Google's search engine was declared a monopoly.
Politics
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Federal judge temporarily limits DOGE access to Social Security data
A federal judge has imposed new restrictions on the Department of Government Efficiency's access to Social Security systems that hold personal data on millions of Americans.
NSC rebuilding with aides aligned with MAGA agenda, sources say
The White House is starting to rebuild the National Security Council with aides top officials believe are staunchly aligned with President Trump's agenda.
Mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia meets with Maryland senator in El Salvador
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he met Thursday with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who immigration officials admitted was deported by error to El Salvador.
Trump administration cutting nearly 90% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
President Trump is downsizing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Despite recent mass shootings, Florida considers repealing gun age law
Florida legislature has been considering the removal of a gun control law passed after the 2018 massacre in Parkland in which 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Obesity doctor touts new weight loss drug
There may soon be a new medication option for losing weight. Eli Lilly's experimental pill appears to work as well as the injected drug Ozempic to lower the weight of diabetes patients. Dr. Jon LaPook has more.
CDC scraps plan to help Texas schools curb measles over layoffs, employee says
Some employees working on the CDC's measles response were warned they could face layoffs.
FDA making plans to end its routine food safety inspections, sources say
Food safety inspections would be left to state and local authorities under the plan being developed by the FDA.
GLP-1 pill shows success for diabetes, weight loss, Eli Lilly says
Eli Lilly and Co., the maker of Zepbound and Mounjaro, announced a successful Phase 3 trial for a once-daily GLP-1 pill for diabetes and weight loss.
Beyond Ivy League, RFK Jr.'s NIH slashed science funding across U.S.
A KFF Health News analysis underscores how the NIH funding terminations have spared no part of the country, politically or geographically.
World
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U.S. strikes on oil port held by Yemen's Houthi rebels kill dozens, they say
U.S. airstrikes targeting an oil port held by Yemen's Houthi rebels killed dozens and wounded more than 100 others, the group says.
Mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia meets with Maryland senator in El Salvador
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he met Thursday with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who immigration officials admitted was deported by error to El Salvador.
American shot dead after hijacking small plane in Belize
A U.S. veteran was fatally shot after he hijacked a small passenger plane in Belize.
U.K. touts test of new radio wave weapon to take down "swarms of drones"
The U.K. military has carried out a first successful test of a British-made "directed energy weapon" to down dozens of drones at once.
Wife identifies missing husband's shirt at cartel recruitment ranch
The discovery of bones, shoes and clothing at the Jalisco ranch has shone a spotlight on the ruthless tactics of cartels in a country where thousands are missing.
Entertainment
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Skye P. Marshall on career change and working with Kathy Bates on "Matlock"
Skye P. Marshall also worked in the pharmaceutical industry before she pursued acting. She spoke with "CBS Mornings" about the transition and starring in the legal drama, "Matlock."
Skye P. Marshall on "Matlock" finale
Skye P. Marshall joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to preview the explosive finale of "Matlock," share what it's like working with Kathy Bates, and react to Olympia's discovery of Matty's secret.
James Brolin on "Ransom Canyon"
Hollywood legend James Brolin stars as a tough Texas rancher in "Ransom Canyon," a modern Western about land, loyalty, and legacy. The series follows three families caught in a power struggle over their hometown's future.
Michelle Trachtenberg died of diabetes complications, officials say
Michelle Trachtenberg's death was initially undetermined but the medical examiner amended it after lab test results showed complications of diabetes mellitus.
Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler on "Sinners" being boldest collaboration yet
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan discussed their genre-blending new film, "Sinners," which follows twin brothers in the 1930s Deep South.
Technology
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Technology
Judge: Google is online advertising monopoly
A federal judge ruled Thursday that Google is a monopolist in markets for online advertising technology. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady has the details.
How AI is using facial recognition to help bring lost pets home
A national lost-and-found database run by the nonprofit Petco Love has helped reunite more than 100,000 families with missing animals.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Google's digital ad network an illegal monopoly, judge rules
The ruling involving Google's online ad technology follows a similar case last year in which Google's search engine was declared a monopoly.
How AI is reuniting people with pets
Love Lost is a national lost-and-found pet database run by the nonprofit Petco Love. CBS News consumer correspondent Ash-har Quraishi shows how it's using AI and new technology to help reunite pet owners with their furry friends.
Science
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Science
Breaking down the return of dire wolves
Colossal Biosciences says it successfully gene-edited gray wolves to carry traits of the extinct dire wolf. Founder and CEO Ben Lamm and Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro discuss the research and rising controversy.
Scientists find "strongest evidence yet" of life on distant planet
A British-U.S. team of researchers detected signs of two chemicals in the planet's atmosphere long considered to be "biosignatures" indicating extraterrestrial life.
Can climate change really create zombie fungi, like in "The Last of Us"?
As the HBO series "The Last of Us" returns, fans wonder: How much of the chilling storyline about a fungal zombie pandemic is rooted in reality?
NOAA could face 25% budget cut, slashing climate research, in draft proposal
An internal government document proposes significant changes for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hitting its research functions hardest.
Ancient jawbone found in sea linked to mysterious human ancestors
Relatively little is known about Denisovans, an extinct group of human cousins that interacted with Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Videos capture student reactions amid deadly FSU shooting
Videos on social media capture the terrifying moments when a gunman opened fire on the Florida State University campus. Police say the suspect is a 20-year-old FSU student.
Videos, witnesses depict FSU shooting scene
A suspect is in custody following a mass shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Authorities say two people are dead. CBS News Tallahassee affiliate WCTV journalist Jacob Murphey has the latest.
George Santos lacks "remorse" ahead of sentencing, DOJ says
The Department of Justice said in a filing Thursday that George Santos is approaching his April 25 sentencing with "belligerence" in recent social media posts.
Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges in CEO's killing
Luigi Mangione will be eligible for the death penalty if convicted as charged.
New details on suspect in FSU shooting
At least two people died in a shooting at Florida State University on Thursday. Authorities say the suspect is the 20-year-old son of a sheriff's deputy and is in police custody. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.
Space
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Space
Astronomer on new evidence pointing to life
Astronomers say they have discovered "the strongest evidence yet" of life on a distant planet, although, they stress that more research is needed. Chief astronomer and planetarium director of the Franklin Institute Derrick Pitts joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Scientists find "strongest evidence yet" of life on distant planet
A British-U.S. team of researchers detected signs of two chemicals in the planet's atmosphere long considered to be "biosignatures" indicating extraterrestrial life.
Gayle King on how space flight changed her
A day after her flight to space, Gayle King speaks with "CBS Evening News" co-anchor Maurice DuBois about how the trip has changed her.
Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen reflect on life-changing Blue Origin spaceflight
Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen talk to "CBS Mornings" about how the Blue Origin spaceflight changed them for the better.
Gayle King says she can "take on anything" after space journey
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, who before her spaceflight admitted that she's a nervous flyer, said she has a new confidence following her journey and revealed if she would do it again.
Latest Galleries
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"Hands Off!": Americans across country protest Trump, Musk
Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, in Washington, D.C. and other cities across the United States, in opposition to the policies of Donald Trump, in the largest protests since he returned to the presidency.
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed
A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Reporter's Notebook: The power of defiance
On Monday, runners will compete in the world's oldest continually run marathon — the Boston Marathon. On this day in 1972, women were officially allowed to compete for the first time. But it wasn't the first time a woman ran the race. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Explaining signs of life found on distant planet
Astronomers announced they had detected the most promising "hints" of potential life on a planet beyond our solar system. Cambridge University astrophysicist Nikku Madhusudhan, one of the scientists who led the research, joins to discuss.
Black mothers face higher risks in childbirth
The U.S. has the worst maternal mortality rate of developed countries. New numbers show Black women are three and a half times more likely to die than white women from childbirth and other pregnancy-related causes. Elise Preston reports.
Trump could soon deport more migrants, lawyers say
The Trump administration is engaged in several different immigration-related battles. In one, lawyers for five Venezuelan men being held in Texas warned a judge that the government appears poised to remove more migrants under the wartime Alien Enemies Act. Scott MacFarlane has details.
Can Trump fire Fed chair Jerome Powell?
President Trump is once again taking aim at his own pick for America's most powerful economic post -- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Despite nominating him in 2017, Trump now wants him out. But is that allowed? Jan Crawford explains.