- 01
Start with one clear goal
Name the single outcome your dream should reach and the date. Backers swipe through many dreams, so your first line must say what will exist when you are done.
- 02
Turn the goal into proof points
Every milestone needs something you can show: a receipt, a photo, a certificate or a link. Put the cheapest, fastest one first, because early proof brings the next Backer.
- 03
Publish and keep people updated
Publish your dream with a monthly membership. Share it with your own circle first, answer questions in chat and post proof as soon as each step is done.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a local festival dream with a goal of $14,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
$3,500 · 25%
Confirm site and bookings
Post venue confirmation, redacted booking records and a site plan showing the proposed performance and audience areas.
Milestone 2
$3,500 · 25%
Prepare technical production
Share sound and staging booking records, technical plans and supplier checklists with private contact details removed.
Milestone 3
$4,200 · 30%
Build festival facilities
Post setup photos, facility delivery records and a completed site checklist covering signage and audience service areas.
Milestone 4
$2,800 · 20%
Deliver and close event
Share event photos with appropriate permissions, supplier completion records and a cleanup checklist for the festival site.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a local festival dream in Seattle, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$14,000
- Sound staging and production$4,200 · 30%
- Performers and programme delivery$4,200 · 30%
- Site facilities and access$3,500 · 25%
- Event coordination and cleanup$2,100 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $14,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$2,100
- You receive
- $11,900
Risks to plan for
- R1
Weather disrupts setup
Rain or wind can change what the site can support. Include a weather decision point before build day and budget for practical shelter or a reduced programme where appropriate.
- R2
Performers withdraw
A cancellation can leave gaps after publicity is printed. Confirm booking terms early and keep a reserve programme option within the performer budget rather than promising a fixed lineup.
- R3
Facilities arrive late
Late toilets, barriers or access equipment can hold up opening. Make delivery confirmations part of production proof and leave setup time before the audience arrival window.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: $100 gives the Dreamer $85. The fee is kept if money is returned.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
What if the festival must be postponed?
Explain the revised date, supplier status and which milestones remain unfinished. Money for each milestone is held until proof; Backers then release their share or ask for more info, so postponement alone is not completion proof.
How long does it take to fund a local festival dream?
It depends on the goal and how active you are. Dreams with a small first milestone, real photos and fast replies usually get their first Backers within days. Plan for weeks and keep posting progress.
Can Backers fund a free-entry festival?
State that entry is free and show how the goal covers production, programme delivery and site facilities. Keep any other expected support clearly separate so Backers understand which parts their gifts are intended to fund.
Ready when you are
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