After Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused catastrophic damage in Sarasota last fall, local residents stepped up to help their neighbors in need—often using the online giving platform GoFundMe, which allows users to contribute directly to people and causes they care about. In 2024, 18 million donations were tallied, and users have raised $40 billion on the platform since its inception in 2010. Sarasota ranks among the top 10 cities for GoFundMe dollars raised.

6

Sarasota’s ranking on GoFundMe’s list of most generous cities since the organization was founded 15 years ago

$15 Million

Funding Floridians contributed toward recovery efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

1 Out of 22

Number of Sarasotans who made donations to help hurricane relief causes on GoFundMe

11,800

Florida fundraisers started on GoFundMe in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Nearly 200

Sarasota GoFundMes launched in response to the hurricanes. Fundraisers included relief for Sarasota’s 50-year-old Tropiflora Nursery, which sustained major damage during the storms, as well as helping families who were already facing crushing medical crises.

Source: GoFundMe