- 01
You are the proof
Put your face in the first photo, explain your background in two sentences and show something you have already made. Backers back people first and plans second.
- 02
Keep the scope small
The first milestone should fit one person's time and skills. Outsource only what you cannot do, and give those costs their own milestone so Backers see them.
- 03
Protect your time
Post proof when a step is done, answer chat once or twice a day and keep your story current. A steady rhythm builds more trust than bursts of activity.
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.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a music festival dream in Chicago, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
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
- 0% platform commission
- −$5,250
- You receive
- $29,750
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a music festival dream with a goal of $35,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
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 review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
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
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.
Can one person really fund a music festival dream?
Yes. Backers do not require a company. They need to understand your goal and see proof as you go, and a small first milestone is the best way to show you deliver.
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.
Ready when you are
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