Kathmandu, 12 Nov: After the Gen-Z uprising, dozens of individuals and organizations have been collecting funds through social media and crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe in the name of the deceased and injured. Nearly two months have passed since these online fundraising campaigns began, but many victims and their families have yet to receive any aid. Some are struggling even to afford medicines for treatment.
Most of these campaigns are being run by Nepalis living abroad, non-resident Nepali associations, student organizations, and clubs. However, there is no verified record of how much money has been raised, by whom, or how much has been distributed. A Kantipur search on the internet found more than 100 fundraising campaigns related to the movement.
Out of 107 campaign organizers, 57 set a goal of raising NPR 102.8 million (approx. USD 773,000), of which only NPR 25.8 million (USD 194,000) has been collected so far. The remaining 50 accounts show no funds raised. These campaigns are mostly operated from countries like Australia, the United States, Belgium, and Canada.
Among them, 17 organizers aimed to raise 441,700 Australian dollars (NPR 38.7 million) but managed to collect only 187,690 AUD (NPR 17.2 million). Similarly, 16 organizers targeted 318,101 USD (NPR 45.1 million) and raised 51,785 USD (NPR 7.3 million). Eleven campaigns sought 41,700 British pounds (NPR 7.7 million) but gathered only NPR 657,800, while eight users who targeted 34,800 euros (NPR 5.6 million) collected NPR 271,847. Five Canadian campaigns aiming for 55,000 CAD (NPR 5.5 million) have so far raised CAD 3,486 (NPR 348,654).
Several accounts were opened in the names of specific victims, though many families remain unaware that funds were being collected under their names. Some, however, confirmed receiving help, expressing gratitude for the support.
Victims Still Await Support
A campaign on GoFundMe was launched in the name of Santanu Dhakal, injured in Itahari, by users Rabin Rai and Paruhang Rai, targeting 1,800 pounds (NPR 335,181). So far, 1,506 pounds (NPR 280,435) has been raised—but Santanu’s family says they have not received the money. His brother Ellis said they decided not to raise funds themselves, fearing misuse. “We never authorized anyone to raise money for us,” he told Kantipur, adding they have not received any GoFundMe support.
When Kantipur reached out to organizer Rabin Rai via GoFundMe, he did not respond. He posted an update stating that the distribution would be managed by November, along with photos and videos of the aid.
Similarly, a campaign in the name of Gaurav Joshi, who died during the movement, set a goal of USD 1,000, but only USD 100 has been raised. His family said they haven’t received the amount. Gaurav’s uncle, Jagdish Prasad Bhatt, alleged that some fundraisers, including Hiroshi Khanal, who initially contacted them, are now out of reach. Bhatt has even submitted complaints to the Home and Finance Ministries, but no action has been taken so far.
In Australia, Hiroshi Khanal’s Nepal Rising campaign collected 171,957 AUD, aiming for 200,000 AUD to assist the families of deceased and injured youths. Khanal stated the funds would be transparently distributed through Nepali community representatives in Australia and independent relief mechanisms in Nepal.
The United Nepalese Association set a goal of USD 100,000 and has collected USD 31,028 from 172 donors to support families of the deceased. Meanwhile, the Yarsa Van Football Club in Canada targeted 50,000 CAD, raising 1,153 CAD, and organizer Dinesh Pant has gathered USD 5,315 of his USD 40,000 target.
Campaign leaders Khanal, Abhas Bamjan, and Manzil Lamichhane said the delay in distribution is due to GoFundMe’s pending verification process. “Families have the right to know when and how they’ll receive their funds, but we must also comply with legal and technical checks,” they wrote in an email.
Questions of Transparency and Misuse
While some injured individuals, like Abhishek Shrestha, confirmed receiving funds raised on their behalf, others such as Yubaraj Upadhyaya, Rakesh Mahato, and Uday Prakash Sah said they received no financial aid. Many victims continue to rely solely on free hospital treatment while struggling with daily expenses.
From the Australia-based “Meme” group, campaigner Bikram Dhami revealed they had raised 53,573 AUD (NPR 4.7 million) and distributed NPR 1.37 million directly to the injured. “We avoided government channels at donors’ requests and personally distributed the aid,” Dhami said, adding they plan to provide the remaining funds to families of the deceased in coordination with the Martyrs’ Struggle Committee.
He listed several recipients who received between NPR 20,000 to 100,000, including victims from Kaski, Morang, Jumla, Dailekh, Kailali, Doti, and Kathmandu.
However, attempts by Kantipur to contact organizers such as Isana Maratha, Tenzing Singh Gurung, Sai Avenue Ltd., Prakash Sharma Poudel, and others went unanswered. Many GoFundMe posts are either private or protected, making it difficult to determine the exact amounts raised.
Experts have raised concerns about transparency and misuse in such fundraising drives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, similar chaos occurred when aid distribution lacked coordination—some received multiple relief packages while others got none. Following criticism, the Nepal government introduced a “one-door policy” requiring official approval for fundraising and distribution to ensure fair and organized aid delivery.
Crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, however, have built-in safety systems. Both fundraisers and donors must undergo identity verification. GoFundMe’s “Giving Guarantee” feature allows donors to request refunds if they suspect misuse, valid for up to one year from the donation date.
Summary:
While crowdfunding has helped raise millions in the aftermath of the Gen-Z movement, many victims remain without aid, and questions of accountability and transparency persist. The gap between funds raised online and support reaching actual victims highlights the urgent need for clear oversight and verified distribution mechanisms.
