Use Kickstarter to start your next fundraising project

A few weeks ago, I happened upon Kickstarter.com, when my friend, Ellen Evret Hopman, sent a message that she was wanting to raise money to visit Ireland for inspiration for her next book. Ellen Evret Hopman is an award winning author who has written both fiction and non-fiction books on the topics of Druidry, Celtic Lore and Spirituality, and Herbalism. So naturally I was interested in helping to support her next book project!

Kickstarter is an online site for collecting supporters or pledges to fund any creative project or endeavor. Unlike other fundraising sites, Kickstarter is an “all or nothing” pledging system. For example, if you set a goal of $4000 to fund your project fully, then ask others to support your idea and go to Kickstarter to pledge, only when your total goal of $4000 is reached by pledges will they charge the credit cards of those who pledge. If you don’t reach your goal by 90 days, all pledges are cancelled.

Some of the other great features of Kickstarter are the ability to designate “rewards” for certain levels of pledges, should your project be funded. In Ellen’s case, if you pledge over $3, she will send a postcard to you from Ireland while on her journey. Pledge $50, and if the project is funded, she will send you an autographed copy of the book she’s completing! These are great incentives for inspiring giving, as they keep those who pledge “in the process” and further inspired!

I’m also astounded by the very thorough social media integration they have put in place. You can share a Kickstarter project on Facebook, via Email, via Twitter, and even place a widget on your website to attract more supporters (like what I’ve done in this post for Ellen!).

So, if you have a great idea for your next creative project, but need some funding to get you going, check out Kickstarter and give it a try. In 90 days, you could be well on your way!