Online fundraising has changed the way nonprofits raise money. Websites, third-party platforms, and social media make it easy for supporters to donate. But this convenience comes with new responsibilities. Nonprofits need to pay attention to where their organization appears online.

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In March of 2026, Alaska’s Attorney General filed lawsuits against Go Fund Me, Pay Pal Inc, Charity Navigator, Just Giving, PledgeTo, and Network for Good. News media outlets report fundraising platforms are accused of creating more than 1 Million charity pages nationwide.

One simple step is to regularly check third-party fundraising platforms. Look for pages created in your organization’s name. Make sure they reflect your mission and your message. This helps prevent confusion and ensures donors know they are giving to the right place.

Lisa Stevenson, MBA, CPA, is the founder and managing partner of NPO Accountants.

If you find a page that wasn’t approved, act quickly. Contact the platform and ask them to remove or update it. You can also reach out to your state’s charitable oversight office for guidance. Quick action can protect your donors and your nonprofit’s reputation.

Online fundraising rules vary by state. Whenever you ask for donations, your organization must follow the laws in each state where supporters live. These rules cover everything from registration to reporting. Not following them can result in serious fines or penalties. It’s wise to work with someone who understands nonprofit law to make sure your fundraising is compliant. For more information about nonprofit registration rules by state, see the National Association of State Charities Officials reference sheet.

Beyond compliance, online fundraising brings strategic risks and opportunities. As more nonprofits use online tools, it becomes easier for others to set up pages in your organization’s name. At the same time, careful monitoring gives you insight into where your supporters are active. You can use this information to improve engagement and build stronger relationships.

Proactive oversight also helps protect your organization’s brand and donor trust. Regularly reviewing fundraising pages, acting quickly when issues arise, and staying informed about fundraising laws makes your nonprofit stronger. Paying attention now prevents bigger problems later.

Author: Lisa Stevenson, MBA, CPA, is the founder and managing partner of NPO Accountants, a firm that works exclusively with nonprofits. She is also co-author of an upcoming book to help nonprofit board members easily understand their fiscal duties.

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