- 01
Gifts, not investments
A backing is a voluntary gift towards a goal. Nothing is sold, no ownership changes hands and no return is promised. Backers support a person; you keep control.
- 02
Why milestones still matter
Without contracts, Backers rely on transparency. You post proof for each milestone so they can review your progress and choose to support your dream directly with confidence.
- 03
What you owe Backers
Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. Because Backers can pay milestone by milestone, they only send further support as you prove progress.
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.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a art exhibition 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
$1,500 · 25%
Confirm the exhibition plan
Post the venue confirmation, measured display plan and work list, with private booking and contact details hidden.
Milestone 2
$2,100 · 35%
Fabricate the exhibition works
Share dated studio photographs, fabrication receipts and a completed-work checklist matching the exhibition plan.
Milestone 3
$1,500 · 25%
Install and test displays
Post installation photographs, lighting tests and a condition checklist showing the works safely placed in the venue.
Milestone 4
$900 · 15%
Document and close show
Share exhibition photographs, a public programme record and a deinstallation checklist showing the completed show.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a art exhibition dream in Boston, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$6,000
- Artwork fabrication$2,400 · 40%
- Venue and installation$1,800 · 30%
- Transport and handling$900 · 15%
- Documentation and print$900 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $6,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$900
- You receive
- $5,100
Risks to plan for
- R1
Venue layout changes
Unavailable walls or unexpected room dimensions can disrupt the hang. Measure the space before fabrication and include adaptable display hardware and a revised layout check in the installation stage.
- R2
Works suffer in transit
Fragile surfaces or large frames can be damaged during transport. Budget fitted packing and careful handling, then document condition before collection and again at the installation milestone.
- R3
Fabrication runs late
Specialist materials or outsourced finishes can delay completed pieces. Test a sample early, agree delivery checkpoints and keep a simpler display option within the fabrication budget.
Questions and answers
Do I have to pay Backers back?
No. Backers send gifts directly to your own payment account. cohero never holds funds or reverses payments; any dispute or refund request is handled between you and the Backer through your payment provider.
Can I fund an exhibition without selling the artworks?
Yes. A backing is a gift, not an artwork purchase or an ownership share. Explain that the goal covers making and presenting the exhibition, and use installed views and documentation to demonstrate the completed project.
What proof works if visitors cannot be photographed?
Photograph the installed works before opening, share the exhibition programme and record the empty gallery after setup. These can document the show without identifying visitors or making attendance the only measure of completion.
Ready when you are
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