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.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each proven milestone proves you deliver and encourages Backers to fund the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
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.
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
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.
Questions and answers
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.
How many milestones should a local festival dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
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.
Ready when you are
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