Facebook has two kinds of fundraiser. A nonprofit fundraiser raises donations for a charity, and Facebook covers the processing fees. A personal fundraiser raises funds for a cause like medical bills or recovering from a disaster, and goes to your own bank account after processing fees. Either way, you need to be in a country where Facebook offers fundraising, and personal fundraisers need you to be 18 or over.
Which one you pick isn't a matter of taste. Facebook's rules say a personal fundraiser can't be used to collect for a nonprofit, so choosing the wrong type is the quickest way to have it rejected at review.
Here's how both work, the steps Facebook gives, and the rules people miss. Everything below comes from Facebook's Help Center and fundraising terms, read in October 2026.
Nonprofit or personal: which fundraiser do you need?
| Nonprofit fundraiser | Personal fundraiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives the donations | A nonprofit, through PayPal Giving Fund | You, or the person you're raising for, via a bank account |
| Fees | Facebook covers all processing fees | Payment processing fees are deducted |
| Typical causes | A charity you support, often on your birthday | Medical bills, a house fire, funeral costs, vet bills |
| Age rule | Not stated in the nonprofit steps | 18 or over |
| Country rule | Nonprofits based in Australia, Canada, the UK or the US | You must live where personal fundraising is offered |
Where Facebook fundraising works
Since 31 October 2023, Facebook has partnered only with PayPal Giving Fund for nonprofits in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Facebook says only nonprofits based in those four countries may be eligible, and whether you can create or donate to a fundraiser depends on where you live. If you can't see the option, Facebook's explanation is simple: the tools aren't available in your area.
Donations to nonprofits are irrevocable gifts to PayPal Giving Fund, so they can only be refunded in certain circumstances set out in its refund policy, or when the law requires it.
How to create a nonprofit fundraiser on Facebook
Facebook's own walkthrough uses the birthday fundraiser, which is the version most people start with. On a computer:
- Log in to Facebook.
- In the fundraiser promotion in your Feed, pick one of the suggested nonprofits or search for one.
- Select the nonprofit you want to support.
- Under Let's start with the basics, enter the nonprofit's name, how much you want to raise, the currency and the end date.
- Click Next.
- Under Tell your story, add a title and a short explanation of why you're fundraising.
- Click Next, choose a cover photo and click Create.
Once it's live, you can invite friends to donate, share it in your Feed or donate to it yourself.
How a personal fundraiser works
Facebook describes setting one up in three stages:
- Create your fundraiser. Describe your cause and add pictures and details so donors understand why you're raising funds.
- Share it. Tell your friends what it's for and share it beyond your own circle.
- Collect the funds. Donations go to your bank account once they're paid out.
Every personal fundraiser goes through a review before it goes live, and it's linked to your Facebook profile so donors can see how they're connected to you. That's worth thinking about if your profile is locked. My guide on making your Facebook profile public explains what other people can see.
The personal fundraiser rules people break
- You must be at least 18 and live in a country where Facebook offers personal fundraising.
- It's for personal, family or household purposes only.
- You can't use it for a nonprofit or charity, or for political purposes.
- You can't offer perks or rewards in return for donations.
- You can't suggest donations are tax deductible.
- You can't accept payment for running the fundraiser.
When the donations arrive
For personal fundraisers, Facebook says its payment processor, Stripe, pays out 6 days after a donation is received, and your bank may take another 1 to 5 business days to deposit it. Payouts only go to bank accounts in eligible countries. In some countries, extra taxes are deducted when the funds are paid out. Have your bank details ready before you launch, so the first payout isn't held up waiting for you.
If nothing has arrived 6 days after the first donation, or you're stuck setting up your bank account or ID, Facebook asks you to contact it through the fundraising help pages.
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Who can run a fundraiser
Facebook limits fundraisers to individual profiles, Pages for verified public figures, Pages for verified brands and Pages for verified nonprofits. A regular business Page that isn't verified won't see the option.
My verdict
Use a nonprofit fundraiser whenever you're raising for a charity: Facebook covers the fees and the process takes a couple of minutes. Use a personal fundraiser only for a real personal need, follow the rules above to the letter, and tell your story clearly with photos, because that's what Facebook's own guidance says helps people connect with it. Keep your profile settings in mind too, using how profile lock works as a check.
Frequently asked questions
Who can create a fundraiser on Facebook?
Individual profiles, verified public figure Pages, verified brand Pages and verified nonprofit Pages. For personal fundraisers you must also be 18 or over and live in a country where the feature is offered.
Does Facebook take a fee from fundraisers?
Facebook says it covers all fees for donations to charitable organisations. For personal fundraisers, payment processing fees are deducted.
Can I create a Facebook fundraiser for a charity outside the US or UK?
Facebook says only nonprofits based in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States may be eligible.
How long does it take to get funds from a Facebook fundraiser?
For personal fundraisers, Stripe pays out 6 days after a donation is received, and your bank can take another 1 to 5 business days.
Can I get a refund on a donation to a Facebook nonprofit fundraiser?
Donations to nonprofits are irrevocable gifts to PayPal Giving Fund, so they can only be refunded in certain circumstances under its refund policy or where the law requires it.
Can I use a personal fundraiser for a nonprofit?
No. Facebook's Personal Fundraiser Terms say you can't use personal fundraising for nonprofit or charitable organisations, or for political purposes.
