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.
- 01
Before you back
Read the story and the milestones. Check that the amounts add up and that each step has something concrete to prove. If anything is unclear, ask in chat first.
- 02
While the dream runs
You can support a dream milestone by milestone. When proof is posted, you are notified and can review it, ask questions, and decide whether to send the next payment. You can back anonymously.
- 03
If something goes wrong
Because you pay directly and can give milestone by milestone, you remain in control and never have to fund unproven steps. You can report a dream or block a user at any time.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a animal rescue dream with a goal of $12,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$2,400 · 20%
Prepare intake spaces
Post photos of cleaned housing, an intake capacity checklist and supply receipts, keeping exact foster addresses private.
Milestone 2
$3,600 · 30%
Complete initial care
Share itemised care invoices with personal details hidden, plus anonymous intake IDs and dated care summaries.
Milestone 3
$3,600 · 30%
Support foster placements
Post foster supply receipts, anonymised placement logs and housing photos that do not reveal private locations.
Milestone 4
$2,400 · 20%
Document onward handovers
Share anonymised handover records, remaining supply counts and a summary of animals still needing ongoing care.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Intake exceeds capacity
More animals may need help than the available spaces can support. Set an intake limit in the first milestone and reserve daily care funds before accepting further arrivals.
- R2
Unexpected care needs
New arrivals may need more care than their initial assessment suggests. Include a care contingency and show updated, anonymised invoices before expanding the rescue scope.
- R3
Longer foster stays
Onward placements may take longer than expected, increasing food and housing needs. Budget for an extended foster period and report remaining capacity at each care milestone.
Questions and answers
How can I show proof without exposing foster homes?
Use redacted invoices, anonymous animal records and close-up housing photos without location clues. Explain what each record verifies so Backers can assess the care milestone without seeing private household details.
Can I see how my money was used?
Yes. Each milestone shows the Dreamer's proof and confirmed support. You stay in control by choosing to send direct payments only for milestones you have personally reviewed.
Can I raise support for animals already in foster care?
Describe the animals already supported using anonymous intake IDs and explain the care period being funded. Build milestones around documented supplies, care invoices and foster support rather than implying a new intake.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a animal rescue dream in Chicago, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$12,000
- Veterinary care provision$4,200 · 35%
- Food and daily supplies$3,600 · 30%
- Housing and safe transport$2,400 · 20%
- Intake and placement materials$1,800 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $12,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$1,800
- You receive
- $10,200
Ready when you are
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