- 01
Gifts, not investments
A backing is a voluntary gift towards a goal. Nothing is sold, no ownership changes hands and no return is promised. Backers support a person; you keep control.
- 02
Why milestones still matter
Without contracts, Backers rely on transparency. Money is held per milestone and released only when you prove progress, so they can give with confidence.
- 03
What you owe Backers
Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. If you cannot finish, unreleased money goes back to Backers.
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.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a local festival dream with a goal of €12,000. 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 · 25%
Confirm site and bookings
Post venue confirmation, redacted booking records and a site plan showing the proposed performance and audience areas.
Milestone 2
€3,000 · 25%
Prepare technical production
Share sound and staging booking records, technical plans and supplier checklists with private contact details removed.
Milestone 3
€3,600 · 30%
Build festival facilities
Post setup photos, facility delivery records and a completed site checklist covering signage and audience service areas.
Milestone 4
€2,400 · 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 Vienna, shown in EUR. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
€12,000
- Sound staging and production€3,600 · 30%
- Performers and programme delivery€3,600 · 30%
- Site facilities and access€3,000 · 25%
- Event coordination and cleanup€1,800 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €12,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −€1,800
- You receive
- €10,200
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.
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.
Do I have to pay Backers back?
No. Money released for completed milestones is yours. Money still held for unfinished milestones can go back to Backers under the Backing Policy, minus the platform fee.
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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