GoFundMe team visit Community Foundation for Merseyside office in Liverpool City Centre.

Community Foundation for Merseyside were delighted to welcome Tim Cadogan, CEO and other senior members of the GoFundMe team to their Liverpool office on Hanover Street on Monday 24th February.  The GoFundMe team’s visit from the United States marked the occasion of acknowledging Liverpool being named the UK’s most generous city. According to GoFundMe data, Liverpool topped the UK’s generosity rankings in 2024, based on donations per capita.

Liverpool were named the top city, with London, Norwich, Manchester, and Belfast completing the top five.

Our City’s remarkable generosity was evident in response to the tragic events in Southport last July. Through GoFundMe alone, an astonishing £1.3 million was raised to support those affected by both the Southport stabbings and the riots that followed. This was just a fraction of the outpouring of support, with hundreds of thousands of pounds more donated across other platforms, both from within the UK and internationally.

Building Trust in Digital Fundraising

When communities are in crisis then getting support to the people who need it quickly is essential. Within 24 hours, Community Foundation for Merseyside brought together experts in emergency response and fundraising to provide a trusted source to donate, manage and distribute financial aid. Community Foundation for Merseyside managed the distribution of funds from three fundraisers, distributing over £835,000 in the six months following the attacks, providing financial support to families directly affected and empowering community groups to address local challenges.

During their meeting with GoFundMe, one of their key partners in the response to the Southport attacks, they explored:

  • The importance of trust when fundraising online
  • The power of networks and non-monetary support
  • The future of fundraising, including AI integration
  • How the local expertise of Community Foundations can play a key role in emergency responses

As seen in past tragedies, such as Grenfell, and the Manchester Arena bombing, it is essential that public donations are managed with care, ensuring they reach those who need them most. The Community Foundation for Merseyside was honoured to play a part in supporting the victims, their families, and the wider community.

Looking Ahead: The Southport Response Report

In July, Community Foundation for Merseyside will publish a report detailing (a) Their response to the Southport tragedy, (b) Who they worked in partnership with and (c) Grants awarded so far. To receive a copy when it’s released, head to their website and sign up to their newsletter.

Community Foundation for Merseyside Website: The Community Foundation for Merseyside