GoFundMe Faces Scrutiny as Platform Balances Humanitarian Aid with Legal Compliance

A Massachusetts university club’s hurricane relief effort was blocked by GoFundMe due to international sanctions. This incident highlights the complex challenges crowdfunding platforms face when global politics and humanitarian needs collide. The situation emerged as communities sought to aid victims of Hurricane Melissa.

The Harvard Caribbean Club’s fundraiser was removed for violating policies related to sanctioned nations. This occurred just as a separate, highly successful campaign for a New Hampshire radio host’s family showcased the platform’s power for good. The contrast between the two events has sparked a wider conversation.

Policy Enforcement Halts Hurricane Relief Fundraising

The Harvard Caribbean Club launched a campaign to support victims of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm caused severe damage across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. The club partnered with the charity Food For The Poor to distribute aid effectively.

GoFundMe removed the fundraiser on October 28. The platform cited “strictly enforced policies from the payments industry.” These policies are linked to U.S. and U.N. sanctions on Cuba and Haiti.

Jasmine R. Andresol, vice president of the Harvard Caribbean Club, expressed deep disappointment. She stated the club disagreed with the policy of punishing people for governmental actions. The club was forced to restart its campaign, omitting any mention of the sanctioned countries.

Contrasting Campaign Shows Platform’s Potential for Good

While one campaign was blocked, another demonstrated profound community support. In Manchester, New Hampshire, a GoFundMe for radio host Laura Boyce raised over $201,000. The funds were collected from more than 2,400 donors in just three days.

The campaign was started by Laura’s sister after the sudden death of her husband, Jeffrey Boyce. He was 48 and lacked life insurance. The Greg & The Morning Buzz team, where Laura works, publicly thanked the community for its overwhelming generosity.

Host Greg Kretschmar called the response a testament to the love people have for Laura. The successful fundraiser provided the Boyce family with crucial financial stability during an unimaginably difficult time. It served as a powerful example of digital compassion.

The Unavoidable Tension Between Aid and Regulation

Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe operate within a strict legal framework. They must adhere to international sanctions and financial regulations. This compliance can sometimes prevent aid from reaching those in sanctioned nations, regardless of the humanitarian crisis.

The situation creates a difficult paradox for organizers. Their goal is to help people in desperate need, but policy can stand in the way. According to Reuters, such conflicts between aid and sanctions are becoming more common as global crises intensify.

For platforms, navigating this landscape requires balancing user intent with legal obligations. The result is a system where some causes can mobilize massive support, while others are systematically blocked. This reality forces a difficult conversation about the limits of digital philanthropy.

The dual narratives of GoFundMe in 2025 reveal a platform striving to facilitate generosity while bound by the inflexible rules of international finance. The ongoing challenge for GoFundMe will be navigating this complex space where human compassion meets geopolitical reality.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was the Harvard Caribbean Club’s fundraiser removed?

GoFundMe removed the fundraiser due to U.S. and U.N. sanctions on Cuba and Haiti. The platform’s payment processors strictly enforce these legal restrictions, preventing funds from being sent to the sanctioned countries.

How much money was raised for Laura Boyce’s family?

The campaign for Laura Boyce’s family raised over $201,000. This impressive sum was donated by more than 2,400 people in just three days following her husband’s passing.

Which countries were affected by the fundraising restrictions?

Cuba and Haiti were the countries affected by the sanctions that blocked the hurricane relief fundraiser. Jamaica was not subject to these same restrictions and could receive aid.

What was the Harvard club’s response to the removal?

The Harvard Caribbean Club restarted their fundraiser but omitted any mention of Cuba and Haiti. This allowed them to raise money for hurricane victims in Jamaica, which was not under the same sanctions.

How do sanctions impact humanitarian aid?

Sanctions are designed to pressure governments, but they often restrict the flow of essential aid to ordinary citizens. This creates significant barriers for grassroots humanitarian efforts during crises.