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 local festival dream with a goal of $14,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$3,500 · 25%
Confirm site and bookings
Post venue confirmation, redacted booking records and a site plan showing the proposed performance and audience areas.
Milestone 2
$3,500 · 25%
Prepare technical production
Share sound and staging booking records, technical plans and supplier checklists with private contact details removed.
Milestone 3
$4,200 · 30%
Build festival facilities
Post setup photos, facility delivery records and a completed site checklist covering signage and audience service areas.
Milestone 4
$2,800 · 20%
Deliver and close event
Share event photos with appropriate permissions, supplier completion records and a cleanup checklist for the festival site.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Weather disrupts setup
Rain or wind can change what the site can support. Include a weather decision point before build day and budget for practical shelter or a reduced programme where appropriate.
- R2
Performers withdraw
A cancellation can leave gaps after publicity is printed. Confirm booking terms early and keep a reserve programme option within the performer budget rather than promising a fixed lineup.
- R3
Facilities arrive late
Late toilets, barriers or access equipment can hold up opening. Make delivery confirmations part of production proof and leave setup time before the audience arrival window.
Questions and answers
Can Backers fund a free-entry festival?
State that entry is free and show how the goal covers production, programme delivery and site facilities. Keep any other expected support clearly separate so Backers understand which parts their gifts are intended to fund.
What if the festival must be postponed?
Explain the revised date, supplier status and which milestones remain unfinished. Backers review proof for each milestone before deciding whether to send direct support for the next stage or ask for more info, so postponement alone is not completion proof.
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 local festival dream wherever you live, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$14,000
- Sound staging and production$4,200 · 30%
- Performers and programme delivery$4,200 · 30%
- Site facilities and access$3,500 · 25%
- Event coordination and cleanup$2,100 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $14,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$2,100
- You receive
- $11,900
Ready when you are
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