I recently stumbled across the site Kickstarter.

It’s an interesting way to raise money for a creative endeavour you want to do, for instance, make a film. You set a time limit and a goal, and encourage people to donate to the cause. If you reach your goal, excellent, you can go on and make your film. If you don’t reach the target, though, no one pays anything, all donations are cancelled, and you’ll have to go back to the drawing board.

This seems like a great idea to me, as I recently donated money for a web show to return, and it never reached it’s target for a new series. Of course, you should never donate money you don’t have to spare, but I do wonder where my small donation has gone and what is going to happen to the funds they did raise.

With Kickstarter, there’s no questions to be asked. In fact, from the FAQ:

Every Kickstarter project must be fully funded before its time expires or no money changes hands.

Why?

1. It’s less risk for everyone. If you need $5,000, it’s tough having $2,000 and a bunch of people expecting you to complete a $5,000 project.
2. It allows people to test concepts (or conditionally sell stuff) without risk. If you don’t receive the support you want, you’re not compelled to follow through. This is huge!
3. It motivates. If people want to see a project come to life, they’re going to spread the word.

Quite a lot of the projects are films, few appeal to me, and there are also a few localised events that are raising money, and they aren’t that interesting to me either. However, if you dig deep enough there are hidden gems to be found.

It’s fun looking at the Almost Funded section, because there is great variety, they are popular items, and if you like one, you could be the person to tip it over the edge!

Even if you’re not interested in donating, it’s a fascinating way to encourage the creative stuff and help get funding. What better way to pitch your idea across the entire globe?