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 school library dream with a goal of €8,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
€1,200 · 15%
Map reading needs
Post an anonymised reading-needs summary, the proposed book list and room measurements without pupil information.
Milestone 2
€3,600 · 45%
Acquire core collection
Share itemised book receipts, delivery photos and a title inventory showing how purchases match the agreed reading needs.
Milestone 3
€2,000 · 25%
Fit shelves and catalogue
Post installed shelving photos, furniture receipts and catalogue screenshots with pupil and staff details removed.
Milestone 4
€1,200 · 15%
Open the lending routine
Share the borrowing guide, an anonymised trial lending log and room photos taken without identifiable pupils present.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Collection misses readers
A large order may overlook reading levels or languages used by pupils. Approve a teacher-led selection first and reserve part of the book budget for gaps found during cataloguing.
- R2
Shelves do not fit
Unexpected room dimensions or access constraints can delay installation. Measure the room before ordering furniture and include fitting work in the shelving milestone budget.
- R3
Borrowing system stalls
Books may arrive before anyone is ready to manage loans. Assign library responsibilities early and make a tested lending routine, not just delivery boxes, the final milestone.
Questions and answers
How do we prove pupils can actually use the library?
Show an accessible room layout, a catalogued collection and a tested borrowing process. An anonymised trial log can demonstrate readiness without publishing pupil names, reading histories or identifiable classroom photos.
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.
Should the library buy new books or accept donated ones?
Explain the reading needs first, then show how purchases and suitable donations fill the list. Count only usable donated titles in the inventory, and keep sorting, protection and missing titles visible in the budget.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a school library dream in Athens, shown in EUR. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
€8,000
- Books and reading materials€4,400 · 55%
- Shelving and reading furniture€1,600 · 20%
- Cataloguing and book protection€1,200 · 15%
- Room preparation and signs€800 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €8,000
- 0% platform commission
- −€1,200
- You receive
- €6,800
Ready when you are
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