- 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
Unsuitable growing ground
Poor drainage or unsuitable soil can make planned beds unusable. Put a site assessment before construction and budget for raised beds or a smaller initial growing area.
- R2
Water access gaps
A nearby tap may not provide dependable access throughout the growing season. Confirm the watering arrangement early and include storage and hoses in the equipment budget.
- R3
Volunteer gaps
Planting days can draw more helpers than routine upkeep. Make a named watering rota part of the final milestone and keep the first planting area manageable for that team.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a community garden dream in Denver, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$6,000
- Soil and raised beds$2,400 · 40%
- Watering and shared tools$1,500 · 25%
- Seeds and young plants$1,200 · 20%
- Site setup and signage$900 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $6,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$900
- You receive
- $5,100
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a community garden dream with a goal of $6,000. 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 · 20%
Agree the growing site
Post the site agreement, a marked bed layout and dated ground photos, with private contact details hidden.
Milestone 2
$2,100 · 35%
Prepare soil and beds
Share photos of completed beds, soil delivery receipts and a checklist showing paths and water access are ready.
Milestone 3
$1,800 · 30%
Plant and equip plots
Post planting photos, seed and tool receipts and a plot map showing which crops and shared supplies are in place.
Milestone 4
$900 · 15%
Start shared maintenance
Share the watering rota, a first maintenance log and dated photos showing how the planted beds are being cared for.
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 one person really fund a community garden 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.
Can we start without a permanent garden site?
You can frame the dream around a temporary growing space, but state its limits clearly. Make written site access and a layout the first proof, then choose movable beds and crops suited to the available season.
What should Backers see before planting begins?
Show the agreed site, prepared beds and a workable water supply before buying the full plant order. Receipts and dated preparation photos help Backers distinguish completed groundwork from a proposed planting day.
Ready when you are
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