Over the last couple of years I have donated to 2 crowd-funding appeals. Both were folks that I (somewhat) knew and both were for dire, life-altering reasons.
Lately, these types of "give me $$" appeals seem to be multiplying like crazy. Folks are asking for money for any and everything. I saw one on Facebook recently that was asking strangers to pay her entire way through nursing school
I don't know why this bothers me. Maybe it's the unspoken assumption that if I've worked my way into a position in life where I might have a few bucks to spare, I'd be happy to part with that money to help someone else not have to work as hard as I did. Obviously, I don't have to pay any attention to the appeals if I don't want to. It just seems so......nervy, I guess. As in, it takes a lot of.
I saw a go fund me that tops ALL the ones ya'll posted about....a Hooters girls asking for money to help pay for swimsuits, makeup, etc., for a bikini competition. She already makes GREAT money.
Yeah, that pretty much told me go fund me is one ridiculous website. Can't believe they allow such nonsense like that.
It actually has been said multiple times that crowd funding is offensive.
No I cannot take a semester off. Where I live seats are so limited that is simply not an option.
I will take assistance if I can't fund otherwise.
It's as simple as scrolling past if you don't like it. I was raised to see that as a final option.
If you don't like it that's on you.
Mutual people suggested crowd funders get jobs, that's judgemental. You don't know somebodies story, or why they picked crowd funding as an option, or how many hours they work a week.
I'm not begging. I'm saying, "if you'd like to help with my education, here's a centralized location you can do it in. This is a donation that's tax deductible."
I've seen crowd funds for stupid stuff, I've seen them for important stuff. I've shared them. I've msgd the person to see if I could assist in a non monetary way (babysitting if child care is the fund, donating clothes if it's interview or job wear). It's a way for person to person support. Friend to friend, how can I help you achieve, succeed, get by. My life is built on paying it forward. Don't think I don't know the name of every donor I have. I owe them a debt, and when they are in need, my goal would be to help them. Pay back what I have been given.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
It actually has been said multiple times that crowd funding is offensive.
No I cannot take a semester off. Where I live seats are so limited that is simply not an option.
I will take assistance if I can't fund otherwise.
It's as simple as scrolling past if you don't like it. I was raised to see that as a final option.
If you don't like it that's on you.
Mutual people suggested crowd funders get jobs, that's judgemental. You don't know somebodies story, or why they picked crowd funding as an option, or how many hours they work a week.
I'm not begging. I'm saying, "if you'd like to help with my education, here's a centralized location you can do it in. This is a donation that's tax deductible.".
I'm sorry but exactly how does any donation to gofundme for living or education expenses meet the IRS definition of tax deductible? Are you a 501c charitable organization? Is your fund being filtered via a charitable organization to issue receipts for donations complete with tax ID#?
If people you know are willing to donate to fund your organization, that is their decision and not for me to judge. However claiming that a donation to fund your education or someone's living expenses is tax deductible borders on unethical and possibly illegal. Gofundme states moneys raised (less their take (that IMHO is a bit excessive)) may be reported to the IRS on your behalf as taxable income.
Be careful claiming donations to fund your personal education,
Additionally, only donations made to a legally registered non-profit or charity may be considered eligible for donors to claim as a tax deduction.
"Donations to a GoFundMe Personal campaign are considered to be personal gifts and are not taxed as income in the US.Additionally, only donations made to a GoFundMe Certified Charity campaign are considered eligible to claim as a tax deduction. Formore information please consult a tax professional in your area."
Claiming to FB friends that their donations are tax deductible is fraudulent unless you have established yourself as a certified charity.
Call me old-fashioned if you want, but I think a lot of people are looking for handouts these days. Whatever happened to the virtues of hard work and earning the things you want in life?!
Crowd funding is helpful for catastrophic unexpected stuff like losing everything in a house fire or paying for an unexpected funeral. Other than that, I think crowd funding taps into people looking to get something for nothing with no shame. It is pathetic.
Yep it's much easier to sit on your computer or smart phone begging for money than going out there and busting your butt working for it. Now natural disaster, act of God type thing that's a different kettle of fish. As my wise mom used to say "lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine"! Now if only I could hang those up in my ER waiting room!!
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I'm not begging. I'm saying, "if you'd like to help with my education, here's a centralized location you can do it in. This is a donation that's tax deductible."
Unless you are registered as a certified charity, then no, their donations to you are NOT tax deductible.
ETA: I see it has already been covered. Frankly, I'm appalled that you're telling people that their donations to you are tax deductible.
I personally could not "gofund" for my tuition, I do understand where the one commentor is at, I do a payment plan at school, and handed over most of my paycheck-I work part-time -to my college.I do not receive any loans,grants, or public assistance-my financial aid ran out. I am a single parent with children. I cut every expense and learned how to super coupon.I also swallowed my pride and asked family for help.Best of luck in obtaining the funds needed to finish school.
My granddaughter could not obtain the funds to pay for her tuition or living expenses for college. She looks for a job almost every day and changed plans concerning the school she is attending. Family paid for her to take only three classes this term at a community college. Nobody in the family has any money to pay for her to attend in winter session or for the spring term. She will not be going to school at all and understands why.
These are interesting thoughts… I have someone close to me who is in the arts (modern dancer). She does the 'go fund me' things to raise money for her shows which are small and she doesn't have the money to pay her dancers otherwise with the costs of renting a rehearsal space, the stage, lighting, et… it's very expensive. She has about 6 jobs teaching at various studios everything from Pilates to every kind of dance… It's super hard to make it in the Arts with all the cuts to the Arts… I don't have a problem with her doing that and will donate to it because her work is beautiful and meaningful as well as inspiring. A lot of her dance friends do the same with specific needs that they have when trying to produce a show. She lives very close to the edge of poverty yet she is a very happy, upbeat person. Her work is amazing… No one is forcing you to donate. Just keep scrolling… it's out there and if the spirit moves you, go for it. If not, do whatever makes you happy.
I agree with the idea that it is better to give money when asked to the homeless person and be conned than to not give and let someone go hungry. There was a guy on a park bench once when I was bike riding. He seemed very despondent, not begging just not there at all… very depressed. I wanted to buy him lunch. He didn't look like the type of person anyone would want to help. I didn't because it felt super awkward. Well, a few weeks later I read that he was found dead… just dead. I think he died of dehydration and starvation… it made me feel very sad because I ignored the spirit that was speaking to me that said to help him and I didn't so I felt responsibly for ignoring his need. We never know why people find themselves destitute and it IS our responsibility to help the poor…
Welfare is there for a reason. I think yours would be a very valid reason to accept government assistance temporarily.
I don't think a lot of posters here have gone through nursing school recently.
I tried to get welfare. I was told as a full-time student I didn't qualify. (I should add I'm in my 30's and independent so it's not like I'm some kid living with my parents) Government loans don't cover the full cost of tuition, books, lab fees, uniforms, etc. Private loans require a co-signer when you're not working full-time, and I don't really have anyone to co-sign. I ended up racking up my credit cards.
Taking a semester off is a huge risk. There's no guarantee they'll take you back.
Very interesting thread - my views are very similar to some PPs, so I don't want to bore anyone with undue repetition.
Just wanted to say - I know of one recent instance in which a successful "GoFundMe" recipient has been hit with a very unexpected bill from the IRS as well as an investigation for tax fraud. Big Brother is indeed watching.
mtngrl, ASN, RN
312 Posts
I saw a go fund me that tops ALL the ones ya'll posted about....a Hooters girls asking for money to help pay for swimsuits, makeup, etc., for a bikini competition. She already makes GREAT money.
Yeah, that pretty much told me go fund me is one ridiculous website. Can't believe they allow such nonsense like that.