- 01
You are the proof
Put your face in the first photo, explain your background in two sentences and show something you have already made. Backers back people first and plans second.
- 02
Keep the scope small
The first milestone should fit one person's time and skills. Outsource only what you cannot do, and give those costs their own milestone so Backers see them.
- 03
Protect your time
Post proof when a step is done, answer chat once or twice a day and keep your story current. A steady rhythm builds more trust than bursts of activity.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Source proves unsuitable
An assessed source may not support the planned system throughout the year. Put source evaluation first and define a redesign checkpoint before committing the main installation budget.
- R2
Testing requires changes
Water test findings may show that the installed setup needs further work. Reserve funds for follow-up testing and adjustments rather than treating physical completion as proof of readiness.
- R3
Maintenance has no owner
Equipment can fall out of use when servicing responsibilities are unclear. Name a maintenance role, document training and include essential spares in the final milestone budget.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a community water access dream in Lyon, shown in EUR. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
€18,000
- Source works and installation€8,100 · 45%
- Storage and distribution equipment€4,500 · 25%
- Assessment and water testing€3,600 · 20%
- Maintenance tools and training€1,800 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €18,000
- 0% platform commission
- −€2,700
- You receive
- €15,300
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a community water access dream with a goal of €18,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
€2,700 · 15%
Assess source and site
Post the site assessment, proposed system layout and itemised installation quote, with household information removed.
Milestone 2
€6,300 · 35%
Prepare source infrastructure
Share dated source-work photos, contractor progress records and receipts for completed groundwork and source components.
Milestone 3
€6,300 · 35%
Install distribution equipment
Post tank and pipe installation photos, equipment invoices and an installer checklist covering the completed system.
Milestone 4
€2,700 · 15%
Verify operation and upkeep
Share dated water test reports, commissioning records and a maintenance schedule with private contact details hidden.
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
Can this fund repairs instead of a new water point?
Yes, describe the existing system and the specific fault being addressed. Use an assessment, documented repair work, replacement-part receipts and final testing as proof, rather than presenting repairs as a new installation.
Can one person really fund a community water access dream?
Yes. Backers do not require a company. They need to understand your goal and see proof as you go, and a small first milestone is the best way to show you deliver.
Is a photo of flowing water enough proof?
Flow demonstrates operation, not water quality or long-term reliability. Include dated test reports, installation records and the maintenance plan so Backers can assess what the project has actually completed.
Ready when you are
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