Finding legitimate ways to get financial help online can be difficult. There are thousands of websites promising free money, but many are misleading or designed to collect personal information.
The good news is that legitimate platforms do exist. Some connect people with donors, some offer grants, while others help creators, teachers, nonprofits and people facing financial difficulties raise money.
Here are 15 legitimate websites to explore in 2026.
1. GoFundMe
GoFundMe is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms.
People can create fundraising campaigns for legitimate needs such as:
- Emergency expenses
- Medical costs
- Education
- Family emergencies
- Disaster recovery
- Community projects
- Charitable causes
You create a campaign, explain your situation and share it with your network. Donations are not guaranteed, so promoting your fundraiser is important.
Best for: Personal fundraising and emergencies.
2. The Awesome Foundation
The Awesome Foundation provides grants through independent chapters.
The organization is known for awarding $1,000 grants to support interesting and creative projects. Grants are generally not loans, meaning recipients don’t repay them.
Projects can involve:
- Art
- Technology
- Science
- Community projects
- Education
- Creative ideas
Best for: Creative and community projects.
3. Modest Needs
Modest Needs provides assistance to qualifying individuals and families experiencing certain short-term financial difficulties.
Its programs are designed particularly for working households that may face an unexpected expense they cannot easily afford.
Best for: Eligible people facing temporary financial emergencies.
4. Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform for creative projects.
You can raise money for projects involving:
- Technology
- Games
- Film
- Music
- Art
- Books
- Design
- Food
Kickstarter is not a free-money website in the traditional sense. People back projects because they are interested in the idea and may receive rewards.
Best for: Entrepreneurs and creative projects.
5. Indiegogo
Indiegogo allows creators and innovators to raise funds from interested supporters.
Popular campaign categories include:
- Consumer products
- Technology
- Gadgets
- Design
- Creative projects
A strong presentation, realistic goal and useful product can help attract backers.
Best for: Product ideas and innovative projects.
6. Patreon
Patreon is designed for creators who want ongoing financial support from their audience.
Creators can offer exclusive content through memberships.
It can work for:
- YouTubers
- Bloggers
- Artists
- Writers
- Podcasters
- Musicians
- Developers
Best for: Building recurring creator income.
7. Ko-fi
Ko-fi allows creators to receive direct financial support from their audience.
You can use Ko-fi for:
- Tips
- Memberships
- Commissions
- Digital products
- Creator support
If you already have an audience, this can be a simple way to receive small contributions.
Best for: Artists, bloggers and online creators.
8. Buy Me a Coffee
Buy Me a Coffee is another platform for receiving direct support from followers.
Creators can create a profile and share it with their audience.
It is particularly useful for:
- Writers
- Developers
- Bloggers
- Designers
- YouTubers
- Independent creators
Best for: Small donations and creator support.
9. DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose helps eligible U.S. teachers request resources for classroom projects.
Donors can support projects involving:
- Books
- School supplies
- Technology
- STEM equipment
- Classroom materials
This isn’t a general personal cash program. It is focused on supporting classrooms and students.
Best for: Eligible U.S. teachers.
10. GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving connects donors with nonprofit projects around the world.
Projects can focus on:
- Education
- Poverty
- Disaster relief
- Community development
- Environment
- Health
- Humanitarian assistance
Individuals can also use certain fundraising tools to support projects hosted on the platform.
Best for: Charitable and nonprofit causes.
11. Chuffed
Chuffed is a crowdfunding platform focused on social causes.
Campaigns can involve:
- Community projects
- Education
- Animals
- Environment
- Social justice
- Health
- Disaster assistance
Best for: Social and community fundraising.
12. JustGiving
JustGiving is widely used for charitable fundraising.
You can create fundraising campaigns connected to supported charitable organizations.
Common fundraising purposes include:
- Charity events
- Medical causes
- Community support
- Disaster relief
- Nonprofit campaigns
Best for: Charity fundraising.
13. Seed&Spark
Seed&Spark focuses on film and television projects.
Filmmakers can use crowdfunding to raise money for productions and connect with audiences interested in their work.
Best for: Filmmakers and independent productions.
14. Givebutter
Givebutter provides fundraising tools for organizations, schools, nonprofits, teams and community groups.
It supports different fundraising activities such as:
- Donations
- Campaigns
- Events
- Team fundraising
Best for: Nonprofits and organized community fundraising.
15. Reddit r/Assistance
Reddit r/Assistance is a community where eligible Reddit users can request and offer assistance.
Requests can involve necessities such as:
- Food
- Essential purchases
- Short-term financial assistance
- Gift cards
- Other basic needs
However, the community has specific eligibility requirements and rules. Read them carefully before posting.
Best for: Community-based assistance.
Quick Comparison
| Website | Best For | Support Type |
|---|---|---|
| GoFundMe | Personal causes | Donations |
| Awesome Foundation | Creative ideas | Grants |
| Modest Needs | Financial emergencies | Assistance |
| Kickstarter | Creative projects | Crowdfunding |
| Indiegogo | Products | Crowdfunding |
| Patreon | Creators | Memberships |
| Ko-fi | Creators | Tips |
| Buy Me a Coffee | Creators | Support |
| DonorsChoose | Teachers | Classroom funding |
| GlobalGiving | Nonprofits | Donations |
| Chuffed | Social causes | Crowdfunding |
| JustGiving | Charities | Fundraising |
| Seed&Spark | Filmmakers | Crowdfunding |
| Givebutter | Organizations | Fundraising |
| Reddit r/Assistance | Community help | Direct assistance |
A Quick Safety Warning:
Never pay an “application fee” or give out your Social Security Number to a random website claiming to give you free money. Legitimate cash-back apps, government unclaimed property sites, and survey platforms will never ask you to pay money to get money.