crowdfund

American  

[kraud-fuhnd] / ˈkraʊdˌfʌnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to raise money (for a project, small business, or the like) from a large number of people, typically through a website.

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Explanation

To crowdfund is to raise money for a specific project by getting small donations from a lot of people. The internet makes it fairly easy to crowdfund. People crowdfund when they have creative ideas but not enough money to start a business, develop an invention, or complete a large art project. Sometimes, accidents and illnesses cause health problems that aren't covered by insurance, and people often crowdfund to help friends and family pay their medical bills. Crowdfund, first used around 2010, comes from crowd, "large group of people," and fund, "pay for or finance."

Example Sentences

I’m still working out whether I’ll crowdfund for my own family, but in the meantime, I donated $20 to the Van der Beeks’ GoFundMe.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2026

Samoa, whose part-time players have had to crowdfund to take their place in the tournament, are ranked 15th in the world and have players taking unpaid leave to play at the World Cup.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

It is unlikely that Denmark could successfully crowdfund the money to purchase California, let alone convince the U.S. to sell.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

In short, it means that schools can crowdfund money from alumni, fans and generous donors to pay athletes directly.

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2024

Another made a last-minute plea to crowdfund her medical bills.

From New York Times • Nov. 14, 2022