From LCMS National

...

We want to make you aware of a recent development affecting many nonprofit organizations, including congregations, schools, and other ministries. GoFundMe has begun automatically creating donation pages for nonprofits using publicly available IRS data—without the organization’s direct consent.

If your congregation, university, or organization appears on GoFundMe, please note:

• No action is required unless you wish to manage the page directly.
• Claiming a page allows your organization to link a bank account, control the content, view donor information, and ensure proper handling of gifts—but it also brings responsibilities for oversight, donor acknowledgment, and recordkeeping.
• Not claiming the page avoids these responsibilities, but it’s wise to check the site occasionally to make sure your organization’s name and information are used appropriately.
• GoFundMe’s terms allow nonprofits to request removal of an automatically created page if they do not wish to be listed.

You can search to see whether your organization has a GoFundMe page by visiting:
https://www.gofundme.com/s?nonprofits=1

While these pages may provide another way for supporters to give, the automatic setup can cause confusion or reputational risk if left unmanaged. We encourage you to check whether your organization has a GoFundMe page and take action as appropriate.

For more information, see GoFundMe’s nonprofit terms:
https://www.gofundme.com/c/gofundme-pro-terms

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Pam Palmer
Director, Tax and Compliance
Accounting and Finance

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod