GenZ Protests Fundraising
16th September 2025, Kathmandu
In the wake of the recent GenZ protests that saw widespread violence, loss of life, and property damage, a new concern has emerged: widespread fundraising fraud.
GenZ Protests Fundraising
On platforms like GoFundMe, hundreds of campaigns have been launched by individuals both in Nepal and abroad, leveraging the tragedy to collect donations.
However, a major organization involved in the protests, Hami Nepal, has issued a stark warning, clarifying that they are not soliciting funds and cautioning the public to be vigilant against scams.
The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations against government corruption and mismanagement, spiraled into a national tragedy after clashes with security forces and the infiltration of violent elements.
The official death toll has tragically reached 72, with hundreds more injured and under medical care. This has spurred a wave of global sympathy, with Nepalis and foreigners alike taking to online platforms to raise funds for victims and their families. As of Sunday evening, over 100 separate campaigns had been set up on GoFundMe alone.
The amount of money being collected is staggering. A fund initiated by Abhash Bamjan and Manjil Lamichhane has already amassed AUD 338,131 (NPR 31.7 million), with a target of raising over AUD 460,000.
Their GoFundMe page states, “The number of casualties in the GenZ movement is rapidly increasing, so public hospitals and emergency services are in high demand.
Let’s urgently raise funds for any kind of relief—medical aid, supplies, and support. Every contribution can make a difference.” Similarly, another campaign by Hiroshi Khanal in Australia has collected over AUD 165,665 (NPR 15.5 million), pledging to use 50% of the funds for the families of those killed.
In the United States and the United Kingdom, other campaigns are also raising millions of rupees for various causes related to the movement.
However, amidst this outpouring of support, Hami Nepal, the organization chaired by Sudhan Gurung, which has been at the forefront of mobilizing volunteers for relief and rescue efforts, has sounded an alarm.
In a public statement, the organization clarified that it has not launched any fundraising campaigns for the protests. “If anyone asks for donations on our behalf, it is outright fraud.
Do not give them money. Do not give us either. Do not provide cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency,” the organization posted on its social media platforms.
A volunteer from Hami Nepal stated that some individuals have already been found collecting money under the organization’s name, with donors even showing receipts of funds sent to different accounts.
This has prompted the urgent warning. The volunteer also called on the government to establish regulations to ensure transparency and accountability in fundraising, especially for a cause that has garnered such widespread international attention.
The lack of a clear regulatory framework raises questions about how funds will be disbursed and whether they will reach the intended beneficiaries.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Nepal is not a supported country on GoFundMe. This means that organizers abroad must personally receive the funds and then transfer them to Nepal, a process that lacks official oversight and leaves donors vulnerable to fraud.
While this method was used successfully during the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, the current crisis involves a highly sensitive political movement, making transparency even more critical. The absence of a central, verified channel for donations can lead to misuse of funds, tarnishing the reputation of genuine efforts and potentially harming Nepal’s image abroad.
The millions of rupees being collected are a testament to the international solidarity with Nepal’s youth, who are seen as fighting for a better future.
The incident serves as a crucial reminder for donors to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of campaigns before contributing, especially when they are not linked to a recognized, transparent organization.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the protests, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most is as important as the act of giving itself.
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