Facebook Inc. today introduced a new feature called personal fundraisers, which will allow users of the social network to raise money for personal financial emergencies ranging from medical expenses to funeral costs.

According to a blog post by Naomi Gleit, Facebook’s vice president of social good, the new feature allows users to raise money for themselves, a loved one or even a pet in times of critical financial need. The service will go through beta testing over the next few weeks for users in the U.S. who are 18 or older, and the fundraiser campaigns will start out with six available categories:

• Education: such as tuition, books or classroom supplies
• Medical: such as medical procedures, treatments or injuries
• Pet Medical: such as veterinary procedures, treatments or injuries
• Crisis Relief: such as public crises or natural disasters
• Personal Emergency: such as a house fire, theft or car accident
• Funeral and Loss: such as burial expenses or living costs after losing a loved one

The ability to ask for money on Facebook could be easily abused, which is why the company requires a 24-hour review period for each fundraiser before it goes live. Gleit said that in time, Facebook hopes to eventually automate more of the review process to make it easier for users to launch their fundraisers. She also noted that fundraisers on Facebook are inherently quick and easy since users can see exactly who is receiving the money.

“Personal fundraisers allow people to reach friends where they already are to quickly build momentum for their cause,” Gleit said. “Friends can donate in a few taps with secure payments, without leaving Facebook. Since you can see real profiles on Facebook, donors will see how they are connected to the person who created the fundraiser, the person benefiting and others who are supporting the fundraiser.”

Facebook’s personal fundraisers share a lot in common with the crowdfunding campaigns on sites like GoFundMe, with a few differences. First, Facebook’s new feature seems to be a bit pickier about what sort of campaigns are allowed on its platform, at least in its initial phase. Facebook also takes a slightly smaller cut of each campaign, taking 6.9 percent versus GoFundMe’s 7.9 percent cut. Both Facebook and GoFundMe take 30 cents in processing fees from each individual donation.

Photo: Facebook