In just one weekend, more than 31,000 people supported the fundraiser for Bence Szabó. Most donations were small, but together they added up to something hard to explain with numbers alone. A total of €729,482 was raised over the course of a single weekend. These figures made it the largest crowdfunding campaign of its kind in this part of Europe. But this story goes far beyond numbers.
Key takeaways
- €729,482 was raised in one weekend for Bence Szabó.
- 31,092 people supported the fundraiser.
- 78% of donations were below €20.
- The campaign quickly spread beyond one country.
- +916% increase in new users after the campaign.
- +761% increase in new fundraisers following the campaign.
- Large outcomes can come from many small actions.
How Bence Szabó’s fundraiser started
Bence Szabó, a former cybercrime investigator, lost his job and source of income following legal proceedings concerning alleged abuse of office.
His brother set up an online fundraiser with a modest goal of €12,500. Within a few hours, it was clear the story was taking a very different turn!
Donations started coming in immediately. Then the pace picked up – and didn’t slow down.
- after 3 hours: over €250,000 raised
- after 12 hours: over €500,000
- over the weekend: €729,482
In total, 31,092 people contributed.
What stands out is how this amount was built. As many as 78% of donations were under €20.
This wasn’t about a handful of large contributions. It was about a moment when thousands of people chose to do something small – at roughly the same time.
How crowdfunding can express solidarity: the Bence Szabó case
Crowdfunding is no longer just about raising money.
Donating often means something more – it’s a way to show support and solidarity, but also to express disagreement or take a stance.
As Tomasz Chołast, co-founder of 4fund.com, puts it:
“We are seeing a very clear trend: crowdfunding is increasingly becoming not just a financial tool, but also a barometer of social emotions. People donate not only to support an individual and their situation, but also the values that resonate with them – courage, integrity, solidarity, or opposition to injustice. Each micro-donation is more than just a transfer; it’s a signal of support for the idea and attitude behind a story. From a psychological and social perspective, this is significant, as it shows that crowdfunding platforms are becoming spaces for rapid civic mobilisation and community building across borders.”
Online fundraisers also give people a sense of being part of something important. Something is happening in real time. Sometimes, even a small donation is enough to feel connected – part of a group that has the power to make a difference.
Want to understand this better? Read more about crowdfunding in Hungary.
The biggest crowdfunding campaign in Hungary
This wave of support quickly went beyond financial contributions.
The sense of solidarity and emotion was clearly visible in the comments left by donors:
“I’m 19. I’m sending this from my scholarship.”
“The whole country stands with you.”
“You stand with the people, we stand with you.”
People shared the fundraiser, downloaded materials (including posters and QR codes), and posted them on social media. Each action increased its reach and brought in more supporters.
At first, the story resonated mainly in Hungary. But it didn’t stay there for long. Donors from other countries began to join in, and international media picked up the story. Support quickly crossed borders – spreading faster than anyone could have expected.
Stories like this are not unique. Explore more fundraising stories from Hungary.
Crowdfunding in Hungary: what happened after the Bence Szabó fundraiser
The fundraiser ended, but its impact didn’t.
In the days that followed, a clear shift could be seen on 4fund.com. The numbers changed rapidly and not just slightly:
- The number of new users from Hungary increased by 916%
- The number of new fundraisers rose by 761%
This wasn’t just a spike in activity. It was a visible behaviour change!
For many people, this campaign made something click. What had previously felt distant or uncertain suddenly seemed possible. Asking for support online no longer felt like something reserved for others – it became a real option.
More people began to think: “I can do this too.”
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What the Bence Szabó fundraiser shows about crowdfunding
This fundraiser shows just how powerful people can be when they act together – and that a donation is often about more than money. It’s a way to show support, take a position, and be part of something that matters.
It also highlights how crucial timing can be. The ability to launch a fundraiser quickly and share it immediately makes a real difference – because support can arrive exactly when it’s needed, not a day later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about the Bence Szabó fundraiser and how crowdfunding works in practice. If you're wondering how campaigns like this grow so quickly, you’ll find the answers below.
How much was raised on the fundraiser for Bence Szabó?
Over the weekend, €729,482 was raised.
How many people donated to the Bence Szabó fundraiser?
More than 31,000 people supported the campaign.
Why did people support the fundraiser for Bence Szabó?
Because the story was clear, the response was immediate, and many people felt they wanted to be part of it.
Do small donations really make a difference in crowdfunding?
Yes – in this case, most donations were under €20, yet together they created a significant impact.
Can anyone start a fundraiser like this?
Yes. Anyone can set up a fundraiser quickly and start collecting support within minutes.
