TechFacebook phases out direct fundraising in Europe

Facebook phases out direct fundraising in Europe

Meta will disable the fundraising feature.
Meta will disable the fundraising feature.
Images source: © Unsplash | Julian Christ

30 April 2024 16:33

Meta has declared that from July 2024, European users wishing to raise funds will need to resort to external websites. This adjustment also heralds the closure of direct fundraising capabilities on Instagram, according to Meta's press release.

End of Direct Fundraising on Facebook

The convenience of direct fundraising on Facebook is coming to an end. Meta's press office has confirmed that the company will cease offering fundraising tools within the European Economic Area (EEA).

"This year, we are evolving our approach to help more nonprofits reach more donors. Starting on July 1, 2024, charities in the European Economic Area (EEA)," the statement revealed.

This marks a return to the pre-2017 era. Nonetheless, Meta has reassured that providing links to external fundraising services will remain unchanged.

Meta has not shared the motivations behind this move. However, spidersweb.pl reports that in its inaugural year in the US, Facebook's direct fundraising initiatives amassed a staggering £240 million.

Redefining the "Donate" Button

Meta is now reevaluating the "Donate" button's functionality, contemplating enhancements that would enable organizations to redirect users to their fundraising efforts more efficiently.

Meta's Charges for Ad-Free Experience

In recent news, Meta has introduced charges for users preferring an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram. As noted, starting in November, users in the European Union, EEA, and Switzerland will face a fee of £9 for desktop access, while mobile users will be subject to a monthly charge of £10.