How it works
From story to support in four steps
No applications. No platform fee. No waiting for approval. Here's the whole journey, start to finish.
1. Create your campaign
Answer a few questions: what you're raising for, your goal in USD or CAD, and your story. Add a photo, hit publish. There's no application, no waiting period, and no fee to start. You can save a draft and come back anytime.
2. Share it with your people
Your campaign gets a clean link made for sharing — by text, email, group chat, and social. Campaigns shared with at least five people raise up to three times more. Every donation can carry a public message of support, and you can post updates to keep momentum going.
3. Receive donations instantly
Donations appear on your campaign in real time and are held securely by our payment partners. Donors get receipts automatically. You'll see every donation, tip, and word of encouragement from your dashboard.
4. Withdraw to your bank
After a quick one-time identity verification (about 5 minutes, required by US and Canadian financial regulations), withdrawals land in your bank account within 2–5 business days. You don't need to hit your goal — withdraw what you've raised, whenever you need it.
How fast can I get funds?
Most organizers complete verification on day one and receive their first withdrawal within a week of launching.
What if something goes wrong?
The Northlight Guarantee protects donors against misuse, and our trust team reviews every report within 24 hours.
Do donors stay in the loop?
Donors are notified when you post updates — keeping supporters close is the single best predictor of hitting goal.
Can nonprofits use Northlight?
Yes. Registered US 501(c)(3) organizations and Canadian charities can fundraise and issue tax receipts through their existing processes.
Questions first? Visit the help center