How GoFundMe became America’s backup plan
GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan discusses the platform's evolution from a simple fundraising tool into a critical component of the American social safety net. The interview explores the ethical challenges of managing a for-profit business that frequently addresses systemic issues like healthcare gaps and political crises.
Why it matters
It highlights how private platforms are increasingly filling the void left by public social services, raising questions about corporate responsibility and the privatization of welfare.
Today on Decoder , I’m talking with Tim Cadogan, the CEO of GoFundMe. You know GoFundMe — it’s a major fundraising platform where you can donate to help people with everything from medical expenses to little league uniforms to starting a new business. Tim took over as CEO in March 2020 — a fascinating and chaotic moment in the United States, and the moment, you’ll hear me argue, I think GoFundMe became a load-bearing part of American culture. Verge subscribers, don’t forget you get exclusive access to ad-free Decoder wherever you get your podcasts. Head here . Not a subscriber? You can sign up here . It wasn’t just the pandemic that changed the nature of fundraising platforms like GoFundMe.
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