Crowdfunding on sustainable development goals: a systematic literature review

Purpose The adoption and expansion of crowdfunding present several significant implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The study employed a systematic search technique to find articles that matched the research goals. Each article underwent careful examination based on the methods outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols. Findings The findings reveal that crowdfunding contributes to 11 out of the 17 SDG programs. Research limitations/implications Crowdfunding should focus on regional effectiveness, blockchain integration for transparency, enhancing financial literacy for marginalized groups and the societal impact of crowdfunding, particularly on poverty alleviation, food security, education, economic growth and community development. Practical implications Policymakers can use this research to create supportive regulations that enhance crowdfunding’s regional effectiveness and facilitate blockchain adoption for greater transparency. Platform developers can integrate features that improve accessibility for marginalized groups and micro, small and medium enterprises, fostering inclusivity and innovation. Educators and financial institutions can design targeted financial literacy programs to empower individuals and communities, ensuring broader participation and maximizing crowdfunding’s potential to advance SDGs. Theoretical implications can integrate ethics, technology and stakeholder cooperation, challenging profit-driven models and promoting equitable resource distribution, transparency and systemic resilience for sustainable economic development. Originality/value This research is original in its comprehensive categorization of crowdfunding models and their alignment with the SDGs, addressing critical gaps identified in prior studies. While existing research has highlighted challenges such as inadequate communication of SDG alignment, lack of standardized impact metrics and inconsistent transparency, this review advances the field by synthesizing these findings into actionable insights.