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 university tuition dream with a goal of $22,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$5,500 · 25%
Confirm first study period
Post an enrolment record, the first tuition payment receipt and a budget linking fees to the funded study period.
Milestone 2
$5,500 · 25%
Fund the second period
Share the next tuition receipt, a current registration record and receipts for course materials bought for this period.
Milestone 3
$5,500 · 25%
Cover the third period
Upload tuition and housing payment records for the third study period, with account and address details hidden.
Milestone 4
$5,500 · 25%
Close the funded year
Post the final tuition receipt, a redacted study-status record and a summary of spending across the funded year.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Fee deadlines precede teaching
Tuition can be due before a study period begins. Put actual payment dates in each milestone and explain how you will cover bills before Backers review your progress and send their direct support.
- R2
Course materials change
Reading lists and practical course requirements can change after registration. Price confirmed essentials first and reserve part of the materials budget for later course lists.
- R3
Housing spans term breaks
Rent and basic living bills may continue when classes pause. Show which weeks the goal covers and distribute those costs across the four study periods, including relevant breaks.
Questions and answers
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 fund one academic year rather than my whole degree?
A defined academic year can make the goal easier to explain. List the study periods, tuition deadlines and living weeks included, and make clear that later years are outside this goal rather than implying the full degree is covered.
Do I need to share my grades with Backers?
You can demonstrate tuition spending with paid invoices and redacted registration records instead of publishing grades. Describe that proof choice in advance so Backers know what they will review for each study period.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a university tuition dream wherever you live, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$22,000
- Tuition and academic fees$14,300 · 65%
- Books and course materials$2,200 · 10%
- Campus travel costs$1,100 · 5%
- Housing and living essentials$4,400 · 20%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $22,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$3,300
- You receive
- $18,700
Ready when you are
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