- 01
Lead with the outcome
Your headline should name the result, not the struggle. Say what you will finish and when. A strong headline fits on one line and makes a stranger curious enough to open the story.
- 02
Tell it in three short parts
Who you are, what you are making and why now. A few plain sentences each. Never promise what you cannot prove later; Backers give to a person, so let your own voice come through.
- 03
Show, then ask
Add real photos of you and your work. Link each milestone to the proof you will post. End with a clear ask: what the first milestone needs and what Backers will see when it is done.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Source proves unsuitable
An assessed source may not support the planned system throughout the year. Put source evaluation first and define a redesign checkpoint before committing the main installation budget.
- R2
Testing requires changes
Water test findings may show that the installed setup needs further work. Reserve funds for follow-up testing and adjustments rather than treating physical completion as proof of readiness.
- R3
Maintenance has no owner
Equipment can fall out of use when servicing responsibilities are unclear. Name a maintenance role, document training and include essential spares in the final milestone budget.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a community water access dream with a goal of $20,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
$3,000 · 15%
Assess source and site
Post the site assessment, proposed system layout and itemised installation quote, with household information removed.
Milestone 2
$7,000 · 35%
Prepare source infrastructure
Share dated source-work photos, contractor progress records and receipts for completed groundwork and source components.
Milestone 3
$7,000 · 35%
Install distribution equipment
Post tank and pipe installation photos, equipment invoices and an installer checklist covering the completed system.
Milestone 4
$3,000 · 15%
Verify operation and upkeep
Share dated water test reports, commissioning records and a maintenance schedule with private contact details hidden.
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.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a community water access dream in Atlanta, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$20,000
- Source works and installation$9,000 · 45%
- Storage and distribution equipment$5,000 · 25%
- Assessment and water testing$4,000 · 20%
- Maintenance tools and training$2,000 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $20,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$3,000
- You receive
- $17,000
Questions and answers
Is a photo of flowing water enough proof?
Flow demonstrates operation, not water quality or long-term reliability. Include dated test reports, installation records and the maintenance plan so Backers can assess what the project has actually completed.
Can this fund repairs instead of a new water point?
Yes, describe the existing system and the specific fault being addressed. Use an assessment, documented repair work, replacement-part receipts and final testing as proof, rather than presenting repairs as a new installation.
What makes a community water access pitch convincing?
Specific numbers, real photos and a first milestone small enough to reach soon. Backers trust Dreamers who show where every amount goes and who have already started on their own.
Ready when you are
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