- 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
Weather disrupts the site
Rain or heat can change how an outdoor site can be used. Plan shelter and weather checkpoints early, and reserve production funds for practical site adjustments before the event build.
- R2
Programme gaps appear
An artist cancellation can leave a gap in the running order. Confirm availability at the booking milestone, identify replacement options and budget flexible set lengths and changeover time.
- R3
Site services are undersized
Queues, power demand or waste volumes can exceed an early estimate. Match facilities to the planned audience, review supplier capacity and include service checks before opening the event site.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a music festival dream with a goal of $35,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
$7,000 · 20%
Confirm site and programme
Post the site layout, programme outline and booking confirmations, with private supplier and artist details hidden.
Milestone 2
$10,500 · 30%
Secure artists and production
Share confirmed performance slots, equipment specifications and redacted booking records for the main production teams.
Milestone 3
$10,500 · 30%
Build and deliver festival
Post dated stage-build photographs, soundcheck records and performance clips demonstrating the festival took place.
Milestone 4
$7,000 · 20%
Clear site and document event
Share site-clearance photographs, equipment return records and an event report comparing delivery with the programme.
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 music festival dream in Chicago, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$35,000
- Artists and programming$10,500 · 30%
- Stage and technical production$12,250 · 35%
- Site and audience facilities$7,000 · 20%
- Operations and documentation$5,250 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $35,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$5,250
- You receive
- $29,750
Questions and answers
Can I fund a festival before announcing the full lineup?
You can describe the event format and a realistic programme outline without naming unconfirmed artists. Make booking evidence part of an early milestone and explain what can change before Backers assess the production stage.
How should I show completion beyond photos of the stage?
Include evidence of the audience facilities, running order, equipment returns and cleared site as well as performance footage. This lets Backers assess delivery and closeout rather than treating the headline set as the whole project.
What makes a music festival 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
Sign in or create an account to publish a dream or back the ones you believe in.
Sign in / Create account