New York has been ranked the most generous US state for volunteer fundraising, while Seattle leads among major cities, according to a new analysis of campaigns on GoFundMe.
The study, conducted by NetCredit, examined all time volunteer fundraising campaigns where funds were raised for others rather than the organiser. Results were based on median amounts raised per campaign and the number of campaigns relative to population size, with data accurate as of October 2025.
To compile the findings, researchers analysed the three largest cities in each state, expanding to the five largest where city populations exceeded 100,000. Volunteer campaigns were identified within 10km of city centres. For city rankings, only locations with populations above 250,000 were included.
New York ranked first among states, with a median of $2,384 raised per volunteer campaign. It also placed second nationally for the total number of volunteer fundraisers, with 1,287 campaigns, behind California’s 1,445. GoFundMe data shows that a New Yorker donates every 30 seconds, and one in three fundraisers launched in the state support someone else.
Several high profile animal related campaigns contributed to New York’s figures. A beagle named Lucie, who survived a house explosion that killed her owner, received nearly $5,000 to support her recovery, alongside an offer of free lifelong care from a local grooming studio. Donor and groomer Morgan Bratcher said, “She went through such a traumatic event. Dogs experience trauma just like people do. Helping her feel safe and cared for is so important.”
Another campaign followed the death of a celebrity squirrel named Peanut, raising more than $300,000 for the owner’s animal sanctuary. Mark Longo said, “It’s truly heartwarming to see such incredible community support. It really shows the power of coming together for a cause.”
Seattle ranked as the most generous US city, with a median of $2,540 raised across 227 volunteer campaigns. One of the largest examples saw $28,188 raised in 2024 to support striking security workers at the Seattle Art Museum, funding hardship relief and legal costs through community events including a Halloween art show and a concert.
Other high ranking cities by median amount raised include San Francisco at $2,528, New York City at $2,448, Boston at $2,435, and Baltimore at $2,258. In Baltimore, fans raised a six figure sum for juvenile diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D after NFL player Mark Andrews faced online criticism. Organiser Nicholas Howard said, “I hope this spreads awareness [of] a misunderstood disease. I knew this charity was near and dear to [Mark Andrews’] heart, and after seeing the distasteful comments people were leaving, I wanted to cheer him up and let him know we’ve got his back.”
Miami ranked highest for campaign density, with 115.6 volunteer fundraisers per 100,000 people, almost double Boston’s 63.8. Campaigns in Miami included more than $200,000 raised for motorbike accident victim Chris Harris and nearly $50,000 for a UPS carrier undergoing treatment for stage four lung cancer. Campaign organiser Cindy McCall said, “Ray Autar is always seen with a smile on his face.”
The states raising the most through volunteer fundraisers (median per campaign)
- New York: $2,384
- Montana: $2,345
- Vermont: $2,220
- Massachusetts: $2,215
- Maryland: $2,180
- California: $2,160
- Washington: $2,145
- Minnesota: $2,100
- Maine: $2,085
- Connecticut: $2,076
The US cities raising the most through volunteer fundraisers (top 20, median per campaign)
- Seattle, Washington: $2,540
- San Francisco, California: $2,528
- New York, New York: $2,448
- Boston, Massachusetts: $2,435
- Baltimore, Maryland: $2,258
- Winston Salem, North Carolina: $2,195
- San Diego, California: $2,166
- Madison, Wisconsin: $2,143
- Dallas, Texas: $2,123
- Chandler, Arizona: $2,115
- Aurora, Colorado: $2,105
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: $2,095
- Chicago, Illinois: $2,085
- Portland, Oregon: $2,080
- Omaha, Nebraska: $2,070
- Saint Paul, Minnesota: $2,070
- Denver, Colorado: $2,051
- Los Angeles, California: $2,050
- Reno, Nevada: $2,048
- Atlanta, Georgia: $2,048
The US cities setting up the most volunteer fundraisers (per 100,000 population, top 20)
- Miami, Florida: 115.6
- Boston, Massachusetts: 63.8
- Orlando, Florida: 51.4
- Newark, New Jersey: 49.5
- Atlanta, Georgia: 48.9
- Gilbert, Arizona: 48.3
- Tampa, Florida: 38.9
- San Francisco, California: 36.6
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: 35.8
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 35.0
- Seattle, Washington: 30.1
- Portland, Oregon: 29.3
- New Orleans, Louisiana: 27.2
- Madison, Wisconsin: 24.3
- Greensboro, North Carolina: 24.1
- Las Vegas, Nevada: 23.9
- Raleigh, North Carolina: 23.6
- Durham, North Carolina: 23.0
- Cincinnati, Ohio: 22.5
- San Diego, California: 22.0
The analysis also found that many campaigns do not reach their targets. Health related fundraisers often underperform, pandemic era campaigns averaged just $65, and higher income areas generally raise more. Campaigns with strong storytelling, clear visuals, and active promotion across social media and community events tend to perform better.
NetCredit, a subsidiary of Enova International, conducted the study and provides consumer loans and lines of credit in partnership with Republic Bank & Trust Company.
