When you have a new creative project, particularly large-scale ones, be they film, theatre or something else entirely it can be difficult to raise the funds you need. Fortunately a number of sites have sprung up to help you, though of course for a fee, usually a cut of the total funds raised. I present a list that is by no means exhaustive.
Crowd-Funding as way to get your project off the ground
These crowd-funding platforms are certainly useful, however be aware that you’ve still got to put the effort in to drive traffic to your project’s page. There are a large number of success stories, just browsing the sites let’s you see how well it has worked for others, and it can work for you too. I’ve personally been involved in a few projects where different platforms have been used with success.
A List of Fund Raising Websites in no Particular Order
“IndieGoGo helps you raise more money, from more people, faster.
Have something you are passionate about? On IndieGoGo you can create a funding campaign to raise money quickly and securely. Our trusted platform has helped to raise millions of dollars for over 60,000 campaigns, across 211 countries.
Anyone can start raising money right now on IndieGoGo! You can create a funding pitch, offer unique perks or tax deductions to your contributors in lieu of offering profit (you always keep 100% ownership), and get the word out! Each campaign has the opportunity to be featured on our homepage, placed in the press, or exposed via social media.”
“Ulule enables you to discover original projects and products. On Ulule, you only pay if the project owner or seller reaches their financial objective. A new way to help, share or participate in bringing great ideas to life.”
“We help people (like you!) fund creative projects.
Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.
Each and every Kickstarter project is the independent creation of someone like you! Have an idea that you think might work on Kickstarter? Tell us about it!”
“Invested.in is an interactive platform enabling users to leverage their social capital to raise financial capital. In simpler words, it is a platform built to help anyone raise money for anything, utilizing their existing social network presence*. Invested.in is heavily connected to every aspect of your online social life, utilizing Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc… to help you reach your fundraising goals. Our grassroots approach to P2P lending allows our users to return goods, services, or anything in between for their investments. We are truly putting the future of the community into the hands of the community, and out of the hands of the traditional banking and credit card sector.”
“PledgeMusic is a music company offering you a new way to take control of your career. We’re not interested in being a rights owner – Pledge does not want ANY rights to your music, live income, merch etc. We just help you fund whatever type or format of record you want to release next.”
“Crowdfunding – a new way to raise investment
Crowdcube gives the UK’s best entrepreneurs and business pioneers a newfangled way to raise business finance by tapping into a ‘crowd’ of like minded trendsetters willing to invest smaller amounts of cash in exchange for rewards and a stake in their business.”
“Sponsume offers a brand new way of exploring innovative ideas and helping turn them into reality.
We are a funding platform where creative people sell perks and rewards to fans in order to fund their project.
Fans make their favourite project happen by buying its rewards – and creators always retain 100% ownership of their project!”
“Spot.Us is a nonprofit platform to pioneer “community powered reporting.”
Through Spot.Us the public can support journalists and newsrooms to do reporting on important and perhaps overlooked topics. Contributions are tax deductible and we partner with news organizations to distribute content under appropriate licenses.
Community members can also take a survey from our foundation sponsors, when available, to support the story of their choice at no cost.”
“RocketHub is a launchpad and community for independent artists and entrepreneurs.
We offer an innovative way to raise money (Crowdfunding) and tangible opportunities to take creative products and endeavors to next level (LaunchPad Opportunities). RocketHub is a destination for emerging artists and entrepreneurs, and those who wish to discover and support innovative work.”
“Pozible provides project creators with a platform to present their ideas to a worldwide audience. If anyone likes the idea, they can support it by pledging money to the creator’s project. In return for support, the project creators will offer rewards depending on the level of funding; essentially differentiating itself from the normal funding process.”
“peerbackers allows you to harness the power of your crowd – be they friends, family, customers, co-workers, or even total strangers – to get your idea off the ground. This new way of fundraising democratizes the funding process allowing all persons, even those with very little to give, to show their support and be a part of something big (and get a tangible reward in the process!) Another benefit is businesses at all stages of development can get access to the funding they need. Through this platform great business ideas that do not yet have the marketplace traction to attract traditional investment can get the capital they need to launch or to reach their crucial next stage of development.”
“To unite Artists and Fans in an independent movement that aims to level the playing field in the global music industry.”
“To unite Artists and Fans in an independent movement that aims to level the playing field in the global music industry.”
Hi Jeffrey! That’s a great collection of sites you mention.
I’d just like to add our own crowdfunding site – Go Get Funding (http://gogetfunding.com). With our site you can raise money for any event, project or cause.
We launched in late 2011 and have helped individuals and businesses raise several thousands of dollars so far. We continue to grow thanks in part to our innovative social features.
All the best!?
Sam