• Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, criticized GoFundMe for high transaction fees.
• Barger claimed that a $500 donation incurred a $95 fee, prompting her to seek changes from GoFundMe's CEO.
• A GoFundMe spokesperson attributes the confusion to inaccurate comments, stating fees would be less than $15 for a $500 donation.
• The ongoing wildfires have led to thousands of evacuations and significant loss of homes in the area.

Kathryn Barger, a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, publicly voiced her frustrations regarding GoFundMe's transaction fees during a press conference this past Saturday. Amidst the devastating wildfires that have left thousands homeless in the area, Barger outlined her personal experience when attempting to contribute $500 to a friend impacted by the disaster, revealing that the platform appeared to charge her an unsettling $95 fee to facilitate the donation. “I was shocked to find out that to give $500, they were going to charge me $95,” Barger stated, urging the crowdfunding platform to reconsider its fee structure to ensure that donations efficiently reach those in need ([The Daily Beast](https://www.thedailybeast.com/gofundme-ripped-by-la-official-over-fire-fundraiser-fees-families-are-suffering/)).

While expressing her understanding that GoFundMe, as a business, needs to cover operational costs, Barger emphasized that in crisis situations, such as the ongoing wildfires, “these families are suffering.” The tone of urgency resonated with the audience, as Los Angeles County has entered its fifth consecutive day battling the relentless fires wreaking havoc in the region ([Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/la-fires-gofundme-donation-fees-official-criticism-2025-1)).

However, a spokesperson for GoFundMe later clarified that Barger’s calculations were in fact an overestimate of the required fees. According to the company's typical charges, which include a 2.9% rate plus 30 cents per transaction, the actual fee on a $500 donation would amount to less than $15. The spokesperson reiterated that the platform is largely dependent on voluntary tips for sustaining its operational capabilities and ensuring safe fund delivery. They stressed, “The comments made at the press conference were inaccurate,” highlighting the platform’s commitment to trust and safety standards while facilitating critical fundraising efforts during disasters.

The rising tension around GoFundMe's fees comes at a moment when many residents are coping with the catastrophic aftermath of the wildfires, which have forced countless evacuations and incurred significant property damage. Since 2022, the local insurance market has faced obstacles, as major companies, including State Farm, have begun to significantly retract coverage ([Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/la-fires-gofundme-donation-fees-official-criticism-2025-1)).

The implications of this situation highlight both the essential role of crowdfunding in disaster response and the pressing need for transparency regarding service fees associated with these donations. As the community collectively navigates these trying circumstances, the dialogue surrounding how best to support victims continues to develop.