Example milestone plan
An example plan for a school library dream with a goal of $9,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$1,350 · 15%
Map reading needs
Post an anonymised reading-needs summary, the proposed book list and room measurements without pupil information.
Milestone 2
$4,050 · 45%
Acquire core collection
Share itemised book receipts, delivery photos and a title inventory showing how purchases match the agreed reading needs.
Milestone 3
$2,250 · 25%
Fit shelves and catalogue
Post installed shelving photos, furniture receipts and catalogue screenshots with pupil and staff details removed.
Milestone 4
$1,350 · 15%
Open the lending routine
Share the borrowing guide, an anonymised trial lending log and room photos taken without identifiable pupils present.
- 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
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.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a school library dream in New York, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$9,000
- Books and reading materials$4,950 · 55%
- Shelving and reading furniture$1,800 · 20%
- Cataloguing and book protection$1,350 · 15%
- Room preparation and signs$900 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $9,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$1,350
- You receive
- $7,650
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
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.
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.
How many milestones should a school library 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.
Ready when you are
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