Scanning through the (literally) hundreds of flood-related GoFundMe campaigns is an exercise that inspires and deeply saddens at the same time. A search for “Vermont” on GoFundMe returns more than 500 matches, and the vast majority are flood-related.

That in itself is an indication of the scope of our disaster. The results of all those campaigns are evidence Vermonters’ generosity — and proof that generosity itself is not enough. Because while GoFundMe is a marvelous platform and every dollar raised will help someone in need, the returns are inconsistent and the need far outstrips the response. The meat and bone of recovery must be an organized public effort.

This has been shown by a study of GoFundMe campaigns launched during the early months of the Covid-19 epidemic. It found that “crowdfunding was most effective in areas with both high levels of education and high incomes.” In short, GoFundMe tends to “exacerbate inequalities and further benefit already privileged groups.”

I looked at several dozen of the flood-related campaigns. There were definite signs of social inequity; as of last night, a campaign intended to help the residents of the Berlin Mobile Home Park (profiled in a brilliant Seven Days cover story by Colin Flanders) had raised only $2,310 toward a goal of $145,000, which would be $5,000 for each household. Kind of explains why one resident told Flanders “”Nobody gives a fuck about a trailer park.”

There were also indications that it helps a lot to have deep connections in one’s community, especially if that community is well-resourced. Onion River Outdoors (fka Onion River Sports) has been a stalwart of Montpelier’s downtown for decades. It’s raised more than $71,000 toward a $100,000 goal. The Three Penny Taproom is close to meeting its $25,000 goal. Buch Spieler Records has raised more than $51,000, the Savoy Theater has reached 80% of its target, and Splash Naturals has surpassed its goal of $15,000.

Even in Montpelier there are limits; generally speaking, less established businesses are lagging. Rabble-Rouser, a lively gathering place that’s only been around for a few years, is less than one-fourth of the way toward its goal. Pho Capital, another relatively recent addition, has raised only $4,500 of its $100,000 goal. Hugo’s Bar and Grill has barely reached $6,000 towards an $80,000 goal. Chill Vermont has raised less than $1,000. The Yellow Mustard sandwich shop has a goal of $10,000 and has only netted $1,310 to date.

Overall, the message is clear: Even in a giving community with a bustling, compact downtown like Montpelier, the need far outstrips the capacity of GoFundMe donors.

The sample size of businesses outside Montpelier isn’t large enough to draw real conclusions, which would seem to support the conclusion of the study cited above: GoFundMe is most effective in communities with higher incomes and education levels. One example I’m familiar with: ShackletonThomas in Bridgewater has exceeded its $125,000 goal by more than 20%. I once interviewed furniture maker Charles Shackleton, who is an incredible artisan (and a descendant of ill-fated Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton). The business Charles operates with his wife, ceramic artist Miranda Thomas, has a broad and affluent clientele who appreciate his work and want it to continue.

Then you get to the personal fundraisers, where the chasm between need and supply is even more stark. A few individuals or families have been very successful; many have raised decent sums but are far short of their targets; others, like the campaign for the mobile home park, have seen meager returns.

It’s tough, reading these webpages. Every single one tells a story of shattering loss. Even the subjects of successful campaigns, who will have the resources to rebuild, have had their lives turned upside down in ways that you just don’t get over.

Then there’s the others, the people reaching out for a helping hand and getting little or nothing in return.

Beyond that are the people who don’t have the savvy or wherewithal to even start a GoFundMe. 500-plus campaigns is overwhelming to sift through, but it’s a mere fraction of those who have lost their homes, possessions, or livelihoods in the flood. Online fundraising is a highly useful tool, but its effectiveness is scattershot at best. The government is the only entity with the resources needed to limit the suffering. I hope those resources will be deployed quickly, efficiently, and fairly.