Fundly is an online crowdfunding platform launched in 2010, designed to help individuals, nonprofits, and groups raise money for almost any cause. Unlike some platforms with strict rules, Fundly is flexible, letting you keep the money you raise even if you don’t hit your goal. This “keep-it-all” model is perfect for students who might be new to fundraising. Fundly’s user-friendly interface lets you create a campaign in minutes, add photos, videos, and stories to grab attention. It also integrates with social media like Facebook and Instagram, making it easy to share your campaign with friends and family. With a tech stack including MySQL and Ruby on Rails, Fundly ensures a smooth experience. Its recent acquisition by NonProfitEasy in 2025 has boosted its tools for charities, making it a versatile choice for school projects or personal goals.

How Fundly Works for Students

Starting a campaign on Fundly is as simple as signing up for a school club. You create a free account, set up your fundraiser with a goal and deadline, and share it with your network. Fundly’s step-by-step guide prompts you to add a catchy title, a heartfelt story, and media like pictures or videos to make your campaign pop. Students can use Fundly to fund class trips, sports team uniforms, or even personal dreams like art supplies. The platform’s mobile-friendly design means you can manage your campaign from your phone. Fundly charges a 4.9% platform fee per donation and a 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee, but there are no setup costs. You can withdraw funds as soon as donations come in, which is great for urgent needs like emergency school supplies.

Unique Features of Fundly

Fundly shines with features that make fundraising fun and effective for students. Its social sharing tools let you post your campaign on platforms like X or TikTok with one click, reaching more supporters. Fundly’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools help you track donors and send thank-you notes, building stronger connections. The platform also offers peer-to-peer fundraising, where your friends can create their own pages to support your cause, like a team effort for a school event. Unlike all-or-nothing platforms like Kickstarter, Fundly’s flexible model means you keep every dollar raised. Integration with apps like Zapier and Quickbooks makes managing donations a breeze. Plus, Fundly’s fraud protection ensures your campaign stays safe, giving you and your donors peace of mind while you focus on your goal.

Tips for a Successful Fundly Campaign

Running a Fundly campaign is exciting, but a little planning goes a long way. First, write a clear, emotional story about why your cause matters—maybe it’s new books for your school library. Use bright photos and a short video to grab attention; campaigns with videos raise 105% more funds. Share your Fundly link on social media daily and ask friends to spread the word. Update your campaign regularly with progress reports to keep donors excited. For example, if you’re halfway to your goal, post a fun thank-you video. Engage with donors by replying to comments and messages quickly. Set a realistic goal—Fundly campaigns often raise around $7,000 on average, so aim for what you need. Lastly, promote your campaign offline too, like at school events, to reach more supporters and make your fundraiser a hit.

Fundly vs. Other Crowdfunding Platforms

How does Fundly stack up against giants like GoFundMe or Kickstarter? Fundly’s keep-it-all model is a big win for students, unlike Kickstarter’s all-or-nothing approach, where you get nothing if you miss your goal. GoFundMe is great for personal causes but charges a similar 2.9% + $0.30 per donation, with optional donor tips to keep organizer fees low. Fundly’s 4.9% platform fee is higher than GoFundMe’s, but its peer-to-peer tools and nonprofit features give it an edge for group projects. Indiegogo offers flexible funding too, but its 5% fee and focus on tech products make it less ideal for student campaigns. Fundly’s strength lies in its simplicity and integrations, making it easier for beginners to manage campaigns without feeling overwhelmed. For school students, Fundly’s balance of flexibility and tools is hard to beat.

Real-Life Fundly Success Stories

Fundly has powered countless success stories, especially for students. In 2024, a high school in California used Fundly to raise $10,000 for new science lab equipment. Students shared their campaign on Instagram, posted updates about their progress, and even hosted a school bake sale to boost donations. Another student, Mia from Texas, raised $5,000 through Fundly for her art project by sharing a video of her paintings and thanking donors with personalized sketches. These stories show how Fundly’s tools help young fundraisers connect with supporters. The platform’s focus on community engagement, like its CRM for donor follow-ups, makes it easier to build trust and keep the momentum going. Whether it’s a small goal or a big dream, Fundly helps students turn ideas into reality with creativity and teamwork.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Fundly is awesome, but no platform is perfect. One challenge is standing out in a crowded crowdfunding world—millions of campaigns compete for attention. To tackle this, make your Fundly page unique with a compelling story and eye-catching visuals. Another hurdle is donor fatigue; friends might hesitate to donate if they’re asked too often. Space out your requests and focus on why your cause matters. Fundly’s fees (4.9% + payment processing) can also eat into your funds, so factor them into your goal. If donations are slow, try offline events like a school talent show to draw attention to your Fundly campaign. Lastly, some students worry about online safety. Fundly’s fraud protection and secure payment systems help, but always double-check your campaign settings to keep your info private.

Why Students Should Choose Fundly

Fundly is a game-changer for students because it’s built for beginners. Its free setup and easy interface mean you don’t need to be a tech wizard to start. The platform’s flexibility lets you raise money for anything—school supplies, charity drives, or personal goals—without the stress of hitting a strict target. Fundly’s social media tools make it simple to reach friends, family, and even strangers who believe in your cause. With over $3.8 million in revenue in 2025, Fundly is a trusted name backed by a strong tech foundation. For students, it’s like having a digital megaphone to share your story with the world. Plus, Fundly’s peer-to-peer options let your classmates join the fun, turning your fundraiser into a team effort that builds school spirit.

The Future of Fundly in Crowdfunding

Fundly is growing fast, and its future looks bright. With its 2025 acquisition by NonProfitEasy, Fundly is adding more tools for nonprofits and schools, like advanced analytics to track campaign performance. The platform is also exploring blockchain technology to make transactions more transparent, which could attract more donors. As crowdfunding is expected to double by 2030, Fundly’s focus on social impact projects, like sustainability or community drives, will keep it relevant. For students, this means more chances to fund eco-friendly projects or school initiatives. Fundly’s commitment to innovation, like integrations with apps like Zapier, ensures it stays user-friendly. By staying true to its mission of empowering everyone to fund their dreams, Fundly is set to remain a top choice for young fundraisers in the years ahead.

conclusion

Fundly is a crowdfunding platform that enables individuals, nonprofits, and organizations to raise funds for various causes through customizable online campaigns. It offers user-friendly tools for creating fundraising pages, sharing via social media, and accepting donations with a keep what you raise” model, meaning funds are accessible even if goals aren’t met. Key features include mobile