GoFundMe released its 2025 Year in Help report, and Brooklyn ranked as the 5th most generous community in the United States, while New York placed 5th among states based on the percentage of repeat donors.
The platform highlighted a year of community generosity amid rising everyday needs and multiple natural disasters. The platform recorded an average of 2.5 donations every second globally, as people turned to crowdfunding to support neighbors, strengthen nonprofits and respond to crisis.
Here is a list of some of the Brooklyn-based fundraisers that stood out this year for their impact and community response:
- Red Hook Fire Relief: A major community campaign supporting artists, small businesses and residents after the September 17 waterfront fire raised more than $190,000.
- Joe Lynskey Recovery Fund: More than $190,000 was raised to support Lynskey after he survived being pushed onto subway tracks on New Year’s Eve.
- Support for the Wong Family: The Boerum Hill community rallied behind the family after the loss of their son Devon during a Fourth of July camping trip, raising over $55,000.
- Aland Etienne Family Support: More than $240,000 was raised for the children of Etienne, a beloved father and security officer who died protecting others during the Midtown mass shooting in July.
- Jacolby Satterwhite Recovery Fund: Over $200,000 was raised to support the acclaimed Brooklyn artist as he faces new health challenges.
Globally, the report shows that 2025 was a record-setting year for charitable activity on GoFundMe:
- More than 72 million fundraiser shares.
- The fastest-growing category was Charity, followed by Monthly Bills and Faith.
- Ireland ranked as the most generous country for the seventh year in a row.
- Over 95,000 people launched fundraisers to pursue new business ventures.
- More fundraisers were created for food banks than for any other community cause.
- Volunteer-related fundraisers tripled.
- The platform raised $330 million for natural disaster relief efforts.
- More than 95,000 donors supported young athletes.
- Fundraising for school supplies rose by more than 50%.
- Essential-expense support increased by 20%, with communities stepping in to help individuals and the nonprofits addressing food insecurity.
- More than 80,000 organizers activated for nonprofit causes, collectively logging over 6 million miles through walk, run, cycle and swim challenges.
This year also marked 15 years of crowdfunding on GoFundMe: since 2010, the platform has enabled more than $40 billion in community support and assisted over 165,000 nonprofits.
