Example milestone plan
An example plan for a community water access dream with a goal of $20,000. 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 · 15%
Assess source and site
Post the site assessment, proposed system layout and itemised installation quote, with household information removed.
Milestone 2
$7,000 · 35%
Prepare source infrastructure
Share dated source-work photos, contractor progress records and receipts for completed groundwork and source components.
Milestone 3
$7,000 · 35%
Install distribution equipment
Post tank and pipe installation photos, equipment invoices and an installer checklist covering the completed system.
Milestone 4
$3,000 · 15%
Verify operation and upkeep
Share dated water test reports, commissioning records and a maintenance schedule with private contact details hidden.
- 01
Build your dream
Write your story, add photos and set milestones as a private draft. When you are ready, publish with a monthly membership; every dream is reviewed before it goes live.
- 02
Reach Backers who want to help
Published dreams appear in the swipe feed, where Backers browse by category, save the ones they like and chat with you before they give.
- 03
Get paid as you deliver
Each backing is split across your milestones. Post proof when a step is done; Backers release their share and you receive it after the platform fee.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a community water access dream in Houston, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$20,000
- Source works and installation$9,000 · 45%
- Storage and distribution equipment$5,000 · 25%
- Assessment and water testing$4,000 · 20%
- Maintenance tools and training$2,000 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $20,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$3,000
- You receive
- $17,000
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.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Source proves unsuitable
An assessed source may not support the planned system throughout the year. Put source evaluation first and define a redesign checkpoint before committing the main installation budget.
- R2
Testing requires changes
Water test findings may show that the installed setup needs further work. Reserve funds for follow-up testing and adjustments rather than treating physical completion as proof of readiness.
- R3
Maintenance has no owner
Equipment can fall out of use when servicing responsibilities are unclear. Name a maintenance role, document training and include essential spares in the final milestone budget.
Questions and answers
Is a photo of flowing water enough proof?
Flow demonstrates operation, not water quality or long-term reliability. Include dated test reports, installation records and the maintenance plan so Backers can assess what the project has actually completed.
Can this fund repairs instead of a new water point?
Yes, describe the existing system and the specific fault being addressed. Use an assessment, documented repair work, replacement-part receipts and final testing as proof, rather than presenting repairs as a new installation.
Who can fund a community water access dream in Houston?
Anyone with a clear goal, honest milestones and the proof to show for them. Every dream is reviewed before it goes live to keep the feed safe for Backers.
Ready when you are
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