Follett and GoFundMe Launch New Integration for Colleges to Support Students

The partnership allows students to raise funds for education-related costs directly through their institution.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:33pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a college campus scene, with blurred silhouettes of students and warm, golden pools of light, conveying a sense of community and support for higher education.A new partnership between Follett and GoFundMe aims to make it easier for students to fund their essential college costs through community support.Westchester Today

Follett Higher Education, a leading campus retailer, and GoFundMe, the global online fundraising platform, have announced a new partnership that enables students to raise funds for education-related expenses directly through their college or university. Participating institutions can offer students an easy way to invite friends and family to contribute toward costs such as course materials and other essentials, complementing existing campus affordability programs and student support resources.

Why it matters

The collaboration aims to address the financial barriers many college students face, which can negatively impact their academic progress. By enabling support from personal networks through GoFundMe's trusted platform, colleges can provide students with an additional avenue to reduce financial stress and stay focused on their education.

The details

The partnership allows students to raise funds for education-related costs like course materials and other essentials directly through their institution. This complements traditional funding sources such as financial aid, scholarships, and grants, helping students address expenses that may fall outside standard aid packages. The integration also aligns with campus Access programs designed to reduce the cost of course materials and improve student preparedness.

  • The partnership was announced on April 9, 2026.

The players

Follett Higher Education

A leading educational service provider and omnichannel retailer serving more than 1,000 colleges and universities across North America. Follett partners with institutions to deliver course materials, learning tools, and retail experiences that support student success.

GoFundMe

The global leader in online fundraising, helping people raise money for a variety of causes, including education-related expenses.

Arnie Katz

Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoFundMe.

Ryan Petersen

President of Follett Higher Education.

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What they’re saying

“GoFundMe exists to help people help each other, and education is one of the most powerful areas where community support can make a lasting difference. In 2025 alone, we saw more than 630,000 donors support individuals with tuition and education costs. Through our partnership with Follett, colleges and universities are helping expand this support, making it easier for friends and family to contribute to the essentials students need to thrive in their academic journeys.”

— Arnie Katz, Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoFundMe

“We see affordability as a continuum. From accepting financial aid in our stores to funding campus scholarship programs, Follett is committed to reducing barriers to higher education. Our collaboration with GoFundMe builds on that commitment by offering students a flexible way to fund the materials and essentials they need.”

— Ryan Petersen, President of Follett Higher Education

What’s next

The new partnership between Follett and GoFundMe is expected to be rolled out to participating colleges and universities in the coming months, providing students with an additional resource to fund their education-related expenses.

The takeaway

This partnership between Follett and GoFundMe represents a innovative approach to addressing the financial challenges many college students face, by leveraging the power of community support and crowdfunding to help cover the essential costs of higher education. It reflects a growing trend of institutions seeking creative solutions to improve student affordability and success.