Donors to California wildfire victims may see optional tip suggestions on GoFundMe

Donors to California wildfire victims using GoFundMe may encounter an automatic tip suggestion. While GoFundMe charges a standard fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation, the tip is optional and can be adjusted to zero. L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed surprise when a $500 donation prompted a $95 tip suggestion. GoFundMe clarified that their fees do not reach that amount and emphasized that tips are voluntary. GoFundMe introduced the tip option in 2017 to maintain its services after eliminating platform fees for personal fundraising campaigns. The platform is operated by a for-profit company, but it supports a nonprofit organization for distributing funds.