This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/style/gofundme-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
GoFundMe Confronts Coronavirus Demand GoFundMe Confronts Coronavirus Demand
(3 days later)
When the governor of Connecticut ordered all restaurants in the state to close on March 16, Colt Taylor quickly applied for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration and called an emergency meeting to tell the 31 employees at his two restaurants that he could no longer pay them.When the governor of Connecticut ordered all restaurants in the state to close on March 16, Colt Taylor quickly applied for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration and called an emergency meeting to tell the 31 employees at his two restaurants that he could no longer pay them.
Before all that, Mr. Taylor had gone online and set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his unemployed staff.Before all that, Mr. Taylor had gone online and set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his unemployed staff.
GoFundMe, which allows anyone 13 or older to raise money for almost any cause, has become a go-to for emergency fund-raising, especially in the wake of disaster. As the new coronavirus has created unforeseen expenses for most Americans and shut down the U.S. economy, the platform is facing the greatest demand it has seen since its founding in 2010.GoFundMe, which allows anyone 13 or older to raise money for almost any cause, has become a go-to for emergency fund-raising, especially in the wake of disaster. As the new coronavirus has created unforeseen expenses for most Americans and shut down the U.S. economy, the platform is facing the greatest demand it has seen since its founding in 2010.
Between March 20 and March 24, the number of coronavirus-related campaigns on GoFundMe shot up by 60 percent, from 22,000 to 35,000. The stories told on those fund-raising pages convey the breadth of destruction that the new coronavirus has wreaked — grieving families facing costs for funerals that few will be able to attend, food pantries stretched thin, and unemployed artists, bartenders, substitute teachers and manicurists simply trying to survive.Between March 20 and March 24, the number of coronavirus-related campaigns on GoFundMe shot up by 60 percent, from 22,000 to 35,000. The stories told on those fund-raising pages convey the breadth of destruction that the new coronavirus has wreaked — grieving families facing costs for funerals that few will be able to attend, food pantries stretched thin, and unemployed artists, bartenders, substitute teachers and manicurists simply trying to survive.
GoFundMe can only do so much for its fund-raisers; campaigns require promotion on the organizers’ part. In the case of Mr. Taylor, eight days after he started his campaign, he had raised just $295 of the $20,000 goal he set to support his workers at Los Charros Cantina and the Essex in Essex, Conn.GoFundMe can only do so much for its fund-raisers; campaigns require promotion on the organizers’ part. In the case of Mr. Taylor, eight days after he started his campaign, he had raised just $295 of the $20,000 goal he set to support his workers at Los Charros Cantina and the Essex in Essex, Conn.
“It is a hard road with GoFundMe,” said Mr. Taylor, 36. “It is up to the organizer to market it and get it out there. The struggle I have is that I’m so understaffed and going through all of my own difficulties, I don’t really have time to do that.”“It is a hard road with GoFundMe,” said Mr. Taylor, 36. “It is up to the organizer to market it and get it out there. The struggle I have is that I’m so understaffed and going through all of my own difficulties, I don’t really have time to do that.”
Millions of Americans are now under similar strain, and applications for unemployment benefits have surged across the country. While those in need await government aid, including the stimulus checks that will begin to cover their expenses, they are turning to the internet for help. The question is: Can it help them?Millions of Americans are now under similar strain, and applications for unemployment benefits have surged across the country. While those in need await government aid, including the stimulus checks that will begin to cover their expenses, they are turning to the internet for help. The question is: Can it help them?
The new coronavirus presents an extreme case of the country turning to GoFundMe as a financial safety net. The platform lets users set up a campaign through just a few clicks — a sharp contrast with the bureaucracy involved in applying for most grants and loans.The new coronavirus presents an extreme case of the country turning to GoFundMe as a financial safety net. The platform lets users set up a campaign through just a few clicks — a sharp contrast with the bureaucracy involved in applying for most grants and loans.
GoFundMe, a for-profit company that makes money by charging a processing fee for each donation, and through “tips” to the company, is scrambling to help channel both the demand for money and the people looking for help. As of Tuesday, the company said, donors had contributed $60 million to coronavirus-related campaigns.GoFundMe, a for-profit company that makes money by charging a processing fee for each donation, and through “tips” to the company, is scrambling to help channel both the demand for money and the people looking for help. As of Tuesday, the company said, donors had contributed $60 million to coronavirus-related campaigns.
On Tuesday, the company announced a partnership with Yelp that would allow struggling restaurants to post their GoFundMe campaigns on their Yelp sites. The two companies are also offering to match the first $500 that small businesses raise. Additionally, GoFundMe is running its own megafund for small businesses and another for individuals and nonprofits.On Tuesday, the company announced a partnership with Yelp that would allow struggling restaurants to post their GoFundMe campaigns on their Yelp sites. The two companies are also offering to match the first $500 that small businesses raise. Additionally, GoFundMe is running its own megafund for small businesses and another for individuals and nonprofits.
In the wake of disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, most of the appeals on GoFundMe have come from families or individuals looking for help.In the wake of disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, most of the appeals on GoFundMe have come from families or individuals looking for help.
This time around, the vast majority of people who have come forward are business owners who had to shut down their establishments because of the density-control measures in place across the country.This time around, the vast majority of people who have come forward are business owners who had to shut down their establishments because of the density-control measures in place across the country.
“What we’re seeing is an interesting broadening of what GoFundMe is normally used for,” said Nora Kenworthy, an associate professor at the University of Washington Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies.“What we’re seeing is an interesting broadening of what GoFundMe is normally used for,” said Nora Kenworthy, an associate professor at the University of Washington Bothell School of Nursing and Health Studies.
As of Tuesday, there were over 14,000 verified campaigns from small businesses. Among those that had been posted for at least five days, about a third had raised half of the amount they set as their goal, according to an analysis by The New York Times.As of Tuesday, there were over 14,000 verified campaigns from small businesses. Among those that had been posted for at least five days, about a third had raised half of the amount they set as their goal, according to an analysis by The New York Times.
In times of relative calm, 27 percent of all GoFundMe campaigns end up hitting their goal, according to research released earlier this year from a team at the University of Rochester.In times of relative calm, 27 percent of all GoFundMe campaigns end up hitting their goal, according to research released earlier this year from a team at the University of Rochester.
But the current crisis is likely to pose even more difficulties than usual because of the sheer amount of need, and the fact that most people who may be donors are also living through an economic crisis.But the current crisis is likely to pose even more difficulties than usual because of the sheer amount of need, and the fact that most people who may be donors are also living through an economic crisis.
“Previous natural disasters happened somewhere, and people somewhere else gave to them,” said Tim Cadogan, who took over as the chief executive of GoFundMe earlier in March. “This is a natural disaster that is affecting everyone.”“Previous natural disasters happened somewhere, and people somewhere else gave to them,” said Tim Cadogan, who took over as the chief executive of GoFundMe earlier in March. “This is a natural disaster that is affecting everyone.”
The sheer number of campaigns that have already popped up means it is very easy to get lost in the logjam of other people seeking help.The sheer number of campaigns that have already popped up means it is very easy to get lost in the logjam of other people seeking help.
Organizers looking for visibility have begun to aggregate GoFundMes into Google documents and Twitter lists based on subcategory and geography. One Google Doc contains a list of more than 540 GoFundMe pages for Chicago businesses. Other documents focus on artists, and contractors in the technology sector.Organizers looking for visibility have begun to aggregate GoFundMes into Google documents and Twitter lists based on subcategory and geography. One Google Doc contains a list of more than 540 GoFundMe pages for Chicago businesses. Other documents focus on artists, and contractors in the technology sector.
As GoFundMe pages proliferate, however, some campaigns have an advantage.As GoFundMe pages proliferate, however, some campaigns have an advantage.
One GoFundMe page created on Tuesday by Flexport, a logistics start-up, has already raised more than $3.3 million to distribute supplies to medical professionals. Its success can be traced at least in part to public support from celebrities including Edward Norton, Pharrell Williams and Kim Kardashian West, who have shared the GoFundMe link with their tens of millions of followers.One GoFundMe page created on Tuesday by Flexport, a logistics start-up, has already raised more than $3.3 million to distribute supplies to medical professionals. Its success can be traced at least in part to public support from celebrities including Edward Norton, Pharrell Williams and Kim Kardashian West, who have shared the GoFundMe link with their tens of millions of followers.
Yashar Ali, a journalist, has previously started several large GoFundMe campaigns, raising more than $2.1 million last year to rebuild a group of historically black churches. On March 19 he started a campaign to help hourly workers affected by the pandemic. He teamed up with two nonprofits, Robin Hood in New York City and Tipping Point in San Francisco, to help allocate the funds.Yashar Ali, a journalist, has previously started several large GoFundMe campaigns, raising more than $2.1 million last year to rebuild a group of historically black churches. On March 19 he started a campaign to help hourly workers affected by the pandemic. He teamed up with two nonprofits, Robin Hood in New York City and Tipping Point in San Francisco, to help allocate the funds.
Public figures including Elizabeth Banks, Busy Phillips, Whitney Cummings, Ellen DeGeneres and Jenna Fischer promoted the GoFundMe link. The superstar investor Chris Sacca and his wife agreed to do a $100,000 match in donations. So far, the campaign has raised $430,613 of its $1 million goal.Public figures including Elizabeth Banks, Busy Phillips, Whitney Cummings, Ellen DeGeneres and Jenna Fischer promoted the GoFundMe link. The superstar investor Chris Sacca and his wife agreed to do a $100,000 match in donations. So far, the campaign has raised $430,613 of its $1 million goal.
But Mr. Ali said that even that success was less than he had expected. “If this were any other time, I would have had maybe $4 million right now,” he said.But Mr. Ali said that even that success was less than he had expected. “If this were any other time, I would have had maybe $4 million right now,” he said.
He said that now, the need is dispersed so broadly that it’s hard for any single campaign to take off. “This isn’t like, we need to rebuild houses in Houston after the hurricane, or some people lost their livelihood in a devastating fire,” Mr. Ali said. “This is, ‘Joe down the street needs 100 bucks to buy groceries today.’”He said that now, the need is dispersed so broadly that it’s hard for any single campaign to take off. “This isn’t like, we need to rebuild houses in Houston after the hurricane, or some people lost their livelihood in a devastating fire,” Mr. Ali said. “This is, ‘Joe down the street needs 100 bucks to buy groceries today.’”
A lot of the differentiation is in the marketing: emotional appeals, headlines and external promotion.A lot of the differentiation is in the marketing: emotional appeals, headlines and external promotion.
“Virality is important,” said Matt Klein, the director of strategy at Sparks & Honey, a trends and insights consultancy. “Fund-raisers are simultaneously tasked with becoming emotional storytellers, self-promoters and social media marketing gurus to ensure their campaign gains traction.”“Virality is important,” said Matt Klein, the director of strategy at Sparks & Honey, a trends and insights consultancy. “Fund-raisers are simultaneously tasked with becoming emotional storytellers, self-promoters and social media marketing gurus to ensure their campaign gains traction.”
Monia Trezza, 45, who owns three Italian restaurants and wine bars in Brooklyn with her husband, both of whom are from Italy, has been hit doubly hard by the virus. “All of our suppliers, businesses, family, friends, they are affected by this,” she said. “First in Italy and now in New York.”Monia Trezza, 45, who owns three Italian restaurants and wine bars in Brooklyn with her husband, both of whom are from Italy, has been hit doubly hard by the virus. “All of our suppliers, businesses, family, friends, they are affected by this,” she said. “First in Italy and now in New York.”
After being forced to close their restaurants last week, she started a GoFundMe campaign on March 22 to help support her businesses and the staff they employ, all of whom, she said, are Italian citizens and do not qualify for unemployment benefits.After being forced to close their restaurants last week, she started a GoFundMe campaign on March 22 to help support her businesses and the staff they employ, all of whom, she said, are Italian citizens and do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Gaining traction has been hard. Ms. Trezza said she can hardly sleep at night, and when she wakes up her mind is racing. She and her husband have emailed their GoFundMe link to all of their contacts and posted it to the restaurants’ social media accounts.Gaining traction has been hard. Ms. Trezza said she can hardly sleep at night, and when she wakes up her mind is racing. She and her husband have emailed their GoFundMe link to all of their contacts and posted it to the restaurants’ social media accounts.
But “we are not influencers,” she said. “If an influencer starts a GoFundMe, they have a lot of followers so they automatically get sharing. If you’re a little business like us, it’s not like that.”But “we are not influencers,” she said. “If an influencer starts a GoFundMe, they have a lot of followers so they automatically get sharing. If you’re a little business like us, it’s not like that.”
Four days in, Ms. Trezza had raised $2,700 of her $25,000 goal.Four days in, Ms. Trezza had raised $2,700 of her $25,000 goal.
The inequality of outcomes in GoFundMe has long been a feature of the site, with the most web-savvy, socially connected organizers taking home the biggest hauls.The inequality of outcomes in GoFundMe has long been a feature of the site, with the most web-savvy, socially connected organizers taking home the biggest hauls.
Two researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute wrote a paper, currently under review, that suggests that campaigns in wealthier areas of the United States, with better pre-existing social nets, tend to be more successful than those in poorer areas, where the need is greater to begin with.Two researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute wrote a paper, currently under review, that suggests that campaigns in wealthier areas of the United States, with better pre-existing social nets, tend to be more successful than those in poorer areas, where the need is greater to begin with.
“Campaigns are least likely to reach their goals when they most need it,” said Sumin Lee, the lead author of the paper. “It could be a good opportunity, but we have to be mindful that the success in crowdfunding at a time like this is likely to be unevenly distributed.”“Campaigns are least likely to reach their goals when they most need it,” said Sumin Lee, the lead author of the paper. “It could be a good opportunity, but we have to be mindful that the success in crowdfunding at a time like this is likely to be unevenly distributed.”
For GoFundMe, though, the most immediate challenge, along with helping people sort through campaigns, is ensuring that donations are going to people in need, rather than to those trying to take advantage of a bad situation.For GoFundMe, though, the most immediate challenge, along with helping people sort through campaigns, is ensuring that donations are going to people in need, rather than to those trying to take advantage of a bad situation.
The company estimates that less than 0.1 percent of all campaigns are fraudulent, but the company says it does not have the resources to check up on whether the restaurant owners raising money actually pass it along to their employees.The company estimates that less than 0.1 percent of all campaigns are fraudulent, but the company says it does not have the resources to check up on whether the restaurant owners raising money actually pass it along to their employees.
“In terms of what they do with the funds, there are some limits to our ability to validate that,” Mr. Cadogan said. “There is an element of trust in this — we can’t validate everything.”“In terms of what they do with the funds, there are some limits to our ability to validate that,” Mr. Cadogan said. “There is an element of trust in this — we can’t validate everything.”
Kelly Angard, 55, an artist in Denver who started a GoFundMe to ship surgical masks to hospitals in need, said she takes careful steps to make sure she is transparent with donors about where their money is going. She sends FedEx tracking numbers for the mask shipments to the hospitals, and publicly posts her mask purchase orders in the update section of her GoFundMe page.Kelly Angard, 55, an artist in Denver who started a GoFundMe to ship surgical masks to hospitals in need, said she takes careful steps to make sure she is transparent with donors about where their money is going. She sends FedEx tracking numbers for the mask shipments to the hospitals, and publicly posts her mask purchase orders in the update section of her GoFundMe page.
“Every dime will be accounted for, and that is key,” Ms. Angard said.“Every dime will be accounted for, and that is key,” Ms. Angard said.
What the site could be more prepared to help with is the promotion of faltering campaigns. In Connecticut, even if Mr. Taylor eventually meets his goal, he will only have managed to cover his employees’ wages for a week. Keeping his two restaurants alive, so they can hire back the bartenders and cooks in the future, will require a lot more money.What the site could be more prepared to help with is the promotion of faltering campaigns. In Connecticut, even if Mr. Taylor eventually meets his goal, he will only have managed to cover his employees’ wages for a week. Keeping his two restaurants alive, so they can hire back the bartenders and cooks in the future, will require a lot more money.
“The amount of money I need is not something a GoFundMe can handle,” he said. His real anger is reserved for government officials.“The amount of money I need is not something a GoFundMe can handle,” he said. His real anger is reserved for government officials.
“The government has not been helping us, so we are left with the devices we have at hand,” he said.“The government has not been helping us, so we are left with the devices we have at hand,” he said.
Aaron Krolik contributed reporting.Aaron Krolik contributed reporting.