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 fertility treatment dream with a goal of $18,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$2,700 · 15%
Confirm the clinic plan
Post a redacted clinic estimate, consultation receipt and cost outline defining the treatment period covered by the goal.
Milestone 2
$7,200 · 40%
Fund the main procedure
Share clinic payment receipts and a redacted invoice for the main procedure stage, without publishing reproductive records.
Milestone 3
$5,400 · 30%
Cover medicines and monitoring
Upload receipts for prescribed medicines, monitoring visits and related clinic charges, with identifying details removed.
Milestone 4
$2,700 · 15%
Close the funded cycle
Post a redacted expense reconciliation and receipts for final appointments or travel within the funded treatment period.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Medicine costs may vary
Prescribed medicines and monitoring needs may differ from the first estimate. Separate these costs from procedure fees and update the relevant milestone with redacted provider figures.
- R2
Cycles may be interrupted
A planned cycle may be delayed or stopped, leaving some costs already incurred. Define proof around paid services and explain how unused planned expenses would change the remaining stages.
- R3
Outcomes remain uncertain
Treatment does not guarantee pregnancy or a birth. Frame milestones around documented appointments and procedures, and avoid making a personal medical outcome the trigger for support.
Questions and answers
Should a pregnancy announcement be the final milestone?
Use completion of the funded treatment period and documented expenses instead. Pregnancy is not a guaranteed result, and you should not need to disclose an outcome for Backers to review clinic receipts and other spending proof.
Can my goal cover more than one treatment cycle?
Define exactly which cycles or treatment period the budget includes, using clinic estimates rather than an open-ended promise. Give each stage clear expense boundaries and explain that additional treatment would need a revised plan.
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.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a fertility treatment dream in Boston, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$18,000
- Clinic and procedure fees$9,900 · 55%
- Prescribed treatment medicines$4,500 · 25%
- Monitoring and laboratory costs$1,800 · 10%
- Clinic travel and support$1,800 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $18,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$2,700
- You receive
- $15,300
Ready when you are
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