How to Develop a Crowdfunding App like GoFundMe? A Complete Guide [2025]

Wondering how to develop a crowdfunding app like GoFundMe? But don't know how to start, then this blog outlines everything you need to know to develop a crowdfunding app.  From understanding business models to must-have features and tech tools, you will read a full roadmap on how crowdfunding apps work, what features are non-negotiable, what technology stack to choose, and how much it will cost.

With the increasing startup and creative projects, crowdfunding has become the easiest and go-to solution to raise quick funds for business. It would not be wrong if I say, crowdfunding has solved half of the business problems due to a collaborative and supportive financial approach. Statistics also show that the success rate for crowdfunding campaigns is about 22.4%. North America, China, and Asia have the largest crowdfunding markets. In fact North America generates $17.2 billion through crowdfunding every year.

It's also seen that 47% of participants in crowdfunding are women supporting social causes and entrepreneurs. Overall, the global crowdfunding market is constantly growing and is expected to reach $38.71 billion by 2029.

Seeing the rise in crowdfunding’s popularity, it can be a clear business opportunity for you. If you are stuck with the question of how to develop a crowdfunding platform, then read this blog to clear your doubts related to how to build, what features to add, and what to expect cost-wise.

What are the Types of Crowdfunding Apps in the Market? 

There are seven main types of crowdfunding apps, and each one fulfills its purpose best according to audience and business needs.

#1. Donation-Based Crowdfunding Apps

As the name itself says,” donation”, these kinds of apps are developed for a social cause, an NGO, or a non-profit organization without expecting a return on investment. These apps are used to raise money for personal needs, medical expenses, education, or community help. Big entrepreneurs, businessmen, and financially capable people donate through this crowdfunding app for noble causes as charities, to help individuals facing tough times.

GoFundMe also follows this donation-based model by telling stories to people and providing emotional support.

#2. Rewards-Based Crowdfunding Apps

Here, backers give funds with the expectation of getting a return in the form of rewards such as a product, service, or exclusive offer. It’s great for creative projects, new inventions, or early product launches. You don't get equity in reward-based crowdfunding but you will be part of new launches and innovation and will get special rewards like early access, discounts, sponsorships, or anything.

Kickstarter and Indiegogo also use this rewards-based crowdfunding model.

#3. Equity-Based Crowdfunding Apps

In equity-based crowdfunding apps, people invest money in a business and get a specific % of shares and ownership of the company. This model is suitable for startups and growing businesses that need larger funding amounts and don't mind sharing profits or control. 

Famous platforms like SeedInvest and Crowdcube already implement this model. 

As it comes with sharing profits and risks, this is for serious investors only who wish to see long-term profit.

#4. Debt-Based Crowdfunding Apps

Here, businesses lend money from individuals and investors like you take a loan from a bank, where they expect a return. In simple words, it's a type of loan and not a donation. It's also called peer-to-peer lending. These kinds of apps are used by small businesses and people who don’t want to go take money from traditional banks.

LendingClub and Funding Circle are two famous examples that offer debt to entrepreneurs or businesses in need.

#5. Social Cause Crowdfunding Apps

These apps raise funds through emotional storytelling with real-world impact to help social, environmental, or humanitarian causes. Whether it’s disaster relief, clean water, education, or women's empowerment, these social cause crowdfunding apps help raise funds for meaningful change. They work like donation-based apps but are run by NGOs or private organizations.

Donors just donate if they wish to help; there are no rewards or returns for this.

#6. Hybrid Crowdfunding Apps

It is a combination of two crowdfunding models, like donation + rewards or equity + debt. These kinds of apps are flexible and fulfill different backers' needs. It can also suit different sizes of business. Catapooolt is one example of hybrid crowdfunding. These apps take donations from others and provide returns, rewards, or equity to investors according to their flexibility.

#7. Real Estate-Based Crowdfunding Apps

These are the apps that collect funds for real estate projects like apartment buildings, rentals, or commercial spaces. In return, investors get a share of the profits or rental income. It's the best option for people who want to invest some portion in property without needing huge capital.

Fundrise and RealtyMogul are popular real estate-based crowdfunding apps.

What are the Key Features To Develop A Crowdfunding App?

To develop a strong crowdfunding platform, include features like project creation, user profiles, and campaign pages, payment integration, reward management, social sharing, and notification alerts to make it more interactive. Other than this, it's important that your crowdfunding app is responsive and has strong security to protect all transactions and data.

Check out the table below to get a clear picture of the pictures and know why they're important for crowdfunding.

What Are the Advanced Features to Consider for Crowdfunding App Development?

If you want to make your crowdfunding app powerful, consider advanced features like flexible funding options, customization, gamification, an investment analysis tool, advanced analytics, third-party integrations, and more.

Below is the list of necessary advanced features in the table that will help you create a unique image in this crowded market and deliver more value.

How to Build an AI Crowdfunding App like GoFundMe? 

Creating an AI crowdfunding app like GoFundMe involves various key steps: research your market, plan features, and choose technologies. Next, design the user interface according to your audience and develop both frontend and backend using technology that meets your requirements. Testing and fixing the bugs will be the important and final step before you launch.

This roadmap will help you to develop a crowdfunding app in an organized way.

Step 1: Market Research and Planning

Research and planning are the base of creating a crowdfunding app. First, you need to know your target users who will benefit from this app. Research your niche, category, how to get funding for an app and study various types of crowdfunding models (donation, reward, equity, etc.). Based on your niche, analyze your competitors to find the missing gaps and their features. Next, set your goals and expectations that you are trying to achieve through this crowdfunder app.

Once you know the above things, you can assume the budget of the crowdfunding app and development timeline to assign within the team accordingly.

You can only effectively research when you have clarity of all necessary points. Don't miss below questions during research and planning. 

• Who is the target audience—individual fundraisers, non-profits, or startups?

• What are the key pain points users face with current crowdfunding platforms?

• What unique value will your AI crowdfunding app offer compared to GoFundMe or Kickstarter?

• Which geographic regions or user segments should the app focus on at launch?

Step 2: Define Features and Technology Stack

After detailed research, you will get a clear picture of what you need the app and how. Make a list of features first. If you wish to provide subscription-based services, then make a separate list of free users and premium users with the benefits of each. Select technologies based on your requirements and budget. If your budget allows, choose advanced technologies that include AI and are scalable.

React and Flutter can be great choices for the front-end, and Node.js and Django work best for the back-end.

There are many things to decide apart from the technology stack and features. Make sure you also consider below questions to cover other technical aspects of the crowdfunder app.

• What core features should be included (e.g., campaign creation, donations, AI recommendations)?

• How will AI be integrated—fraud detection, personalized campaign suggestions, or predictive funding trends?

• What tech stack (programming language, database, AI framework) is ideal for building a scalable platform?

• Should the app support multi-currency, multi-language, or region-specific compliance out of the box?

Step 3: UI/UX Design

The purpose of a crowdfunding app is to convince or motivate users to give funds. Hence, you must select UI/UX design based on the category and business niche. The design should reflect your business personality and give users an idea of what it is for. Place the donation and other important functions clearly and bigger to make it easily noticeable.

Ask your designer to create a clickable and functional prototype based on research and features to give development teams an idea about app execution.

If you don't want to conflict with your design with AI and other factors, discuss below questions with your designers. 

• How to design an intuitive and conversion-optimized UI for both campaign creators and donors?

• What design elements will ensure smooth navigation and accessibility?

• How can the interface balance AI-driven elements without overwhelming the user?

Step 4: Development (Frontend and Backend)

Now that you have a list of features, design, clickable prototypes, and all-important details, it's time to put things into action one by one. You can take help from a mobile app development agency to handle complex tasks or customization. Make sure the backend is strong and handles all the behind-the-scenes processes like storing data, managing users, and running AI features very well.

Your front-end must be easy to interact with and use buttons, pages, and forms. Integrate all needed third-party integrations such as payment systems, databases, and AI tools.

Every developer works in a different style. To guide the development team in the correct flow. You must ask the right questions at an early stage during development.

• Which development framework is most suitable for the app’s scalability and performance needs?

• How will real-time updates (e.g., live funding progress) be handled on both web and mobile?

• Should you build natively (Swift/Kotlin) or use a cross-platform approach (React Native/Flutter)?

• How will data flow securely between frontend and backend, especially in payment and profile data?

Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance

Before launching your crowdfunding app, make sure all key features are working well to give users a smooth and trustworthy experience. Test things like sign-up, creating campaigns, and making secure payments. Check if real-time funding updates, search options, and reward selections work properly.

Don’t forget to test chat features, notifications, and how the app looks on different devices. If your app uses AI or fraud detection, it should be accurate. In the end, the purpose of testing is to catch problems at an early stage before app launch.

Ask these questions to your testing team to be extra confident while launching the crowdfunding app.

• Have all core and AI features been tested for accuracy, responsiveness, and edge cases?

• Does the platform work seamlessly across different devices, browsers, and screen sizes?

• Are payment gateways and data encryption thoroughly tested?

• How will performance be monitored during peak traffic or campaign surges?

Step 6: Deployment

Once your testing and QA team gives you the green signal, submit the app to the Google Play Store and App Store. Make sure to follow all the guidelines and standards for app submissions. This step includes setting up the app on cloud servers (like AWS or Google Cloud), connecting the backend to the live database, and making sure the frontend works properly on web and mobile platforms.

Pro-tip: first launch the beta version to collect the user response, then launch the final version by refining it with feedback.

It requires smart planning to successfully deploy the app. Consider the questions below to create a strong setup and handle high traffic easily, and avoid crashes.

• Is the deployment pipeline automated for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD)?

• Have staging and production environments been set up with proper monitoring and rollback strategies?

• Are you prepared for initial traffic bursts and media exposure?

Step 7: Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

After your crowdfunding app goes live, unexpected issues can arise anytime, like payment failures, bugs, or a slow app during peak hours. Some features may confuse users, or AI suggestions might not work as expected.  The app needs to be checked and monitored on a regular basis. Check your security and third-party tools. Go through feedback and reviews on a daily basis to instantly fix the issue. 

Also, stay updated and make changes according to the latest mobile app development trends.

Post-launch support needs continuous attention and comes with new things every day. To future-proof your app, be clear with these questions.

• How will user feedback be gathered and implemented in future updates?

• Is a dedicated support and monitoring team in place for uptime, bug resolution, and AI performance tuning?

• How often will the AI models and the app’s security measures be updated?

What Technologies Are Used to Build an AI Crowdfunding App?

Crowdfunding App Development needs multiple mix of multiple technologies. You will need frontend tools like React, Flutter, or Swift for creating user-friendly interfaces and a strong back-end using Node.js or Django. For storing data databases, Firebase or PostgreSQL are the best choices.

As it is an AI crowdfunding app, use Python, TensorFlow, and OpenAI APIs to implement AI features. Check the table below for a complete breakdown of the technologies.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Crowdfunding Application?

The cost to develop a crowdfunding app will range between $50,000 to $150,000, or can even go more, depending upon factors like platform type, UI/UX preferences, tech stack, integration, location of developers, and much more.

Other than this, security feature implementation, testing, and post-launch support may add extra costs depending on the market fluctuations.

What are the Top 5 Crowdfunding Apps in the Market Right Now? 

Kickstarter, GoFundMe, Patreon, Indiegogo, and Artfinder are currently the top crowdfunding apps in the market. Kickstarter and Indiegogo are good for raising money for creative or tech ideas. GoFundMe is often used for personal or social causes. Patreon is used by creators to get constant support from fans, while Artfinder is made for independent artists.

All these apps work on mobile and web, have millions of users, and strong ratings. Hence, this makes them great options for different kinds of fundraising.

Why Choose ManekTech for Building a Crowdfunding App Like GoFundMe?

Manektech has been the leading mobile app development agency serving thousands of customers worldwide. We have expert development teams tailored to all technologies. With 14 years of experience, we have completed over 2500 plus app development projects from diverse industries, hence we have hands-on expertise and proficiency in making any kind of apps. Our team uses a tailored approach with detailed research, by prioritizing user expectations and business objectives first.

As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, our teams are experts in multiple tech stacks, including React Native, Flutter, Python, Node.js, AI/ML, secure payment integrations, and much more. If you want to develop a crowdfunding app at reliable rates, then reach out to us for a customized quote.

Conclusion

Hope you now must have got an idea of how to develop a crowdfunding platform. Crowdfunding apps are the best thing to invest in and explore more business opportunities. It's important to have the right features in the crowdfunding app tailored to your niche, plus UX designs and overall development also contribute equally. Crowdfunding is a constantly growing market, and it shows no signs of stopping.

If you have an idea, our team can assist you with a strategy to get started in the right way. You can be the next leading crowdfunding app like GoFundMe and Kickstarter. Connect with us today by filling up the contact form details or simply book a free consultation.

FAQs Related to AI-Based Crowdfunding App Development

Q 1. What is a crowdfunding app?

Ans: A crowdfunding app is a platform that helps businesses and entrepreneurs to raise money for personal, creative, or business projects. It connects those who need funds with backers who want to support their cause. This operates by sharing campaigns, collecting donations through the app or website. 

Q 2. How Do Crowdfunding Apps Work?

Ans: Here the user creates a fundraising campaign and shares it with others over social media and the internet. Supporters can browse causes, make contributions, and see campaign updates. Funders can easily make a payment and track their donation, and use it transparently through the app. 

Overall, it’s a simple way to collect small amounts from many people to reach a bigger funding goal.

Q 3. What is the typical timeframe for developing a crowdfunding app?

Ans: It will take over 3 to 6 months or even more to develop a crowdfunding app. The timeline depends on the app’s complexity, features, platform (iOS, Android, web), and the size of the development team. If you need a basic MVP with essential features, it can be done within a few weeks, but if you wish to develop custom features and advanced integrations, it is time-consuming.

Q 4. What Are the Key Challenges in Crowdfunding App Development?

Ans: Every crowdfunding app comes with unique challenges. Here are some: 

• Choosing the right crowdfunding model
• Secure payments and building trust among users.
• Managing compliance with financial regulations. 
• You also need to handle user verification, fraud prevention, and scalable infrastructure.

Q 5. What Are the Features for Backers in a Crowdfunding App?

Ans: Backers can browse campaigns, read stories, view goals, and make donations. They often get real-time updates on progress, can share campaigns with others, and sometimes receive rewards. 

Other features are saved campaigns, donation history, secure payment options, and the ability to comment or communicate with project creators.

Q. 6. What Are the Features for Project Creators in a Crowdfunding App?

Ans: Project creators can set up campaigns, add photos or videos, set funding goals, and choose deadlines. They can track donations, respond to supporters, and manage rewards if offered. Advanced features are analytics dashboards, social sharing tools, secure withdrawals, and options to update or extend campaigns.

Q 7. How can I get started with my crowdfunding app development project?

Ans: Start by defining your target audience and crowdfunding model, whether you want donations, rewards, or equity. List key features and decide on platforms (iOS, Android, or web). Next, choose a trusted mobile app development agency, set your budget and timeline, and start with an MVP to test your idea with your audience.

Q 8. How can a crowdfunding app ensure the security of transactions?

Ans: Use encrypted payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal, apply SSL certificates, and follow data protection laws like GDPR. Add user verification and fraud detection tools. Conduct regular security audits and secure user authentication (like 2FA) to protect backers’ money and sensitive information.

Q 9. What platforms should I consider when launching a crowdfunding app?

Ans: It depends on your target audience. Usually its better to consider cross-plateform app to target iOS and Android users both. Plus a web version is also important for accessibility. If your budget is limited, start with a web app or MVP for one platform, then expand based on user feedback and demand.

Q 10. What Are the Best Monetization Strategies to Follow for Your Crowdfunding App?

Ans: Here are the best monetization strategies to generate more profit from crowdfunding apps.

• Charge a percentage of funds raised.
• Fix listing fees
• Offer premium features for creators, and in-app advertising. 
• You can also offer subscription plans for campaign tools or analytics. 
• Choose a fair and transparent model suitable for both creators and backers to use the platform regularly.