- 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 coding bootcamp dream with a goal of $12,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$3,600 · 30%
Reserve and set up
Post the course booking receipt, the tuition instalment record and a checklist showing your development setup is ready.
Milestone 2
$3,600 · 30%
Complete core coding block
Share the next paid tuition invoice, a course progress record and a small working demo from the core coding block.
Milestone 3
$3,000 · 25%
Build the main project
Upload the project-stage tuition receipt, a repository link or recorded demo and a summary of your own contributions.
Milestone 4
$1,800 · 15%
Present the final portfolio
Post a final course payment record, a portfolio walkthrough and receipts for the remaining funded learning expenses.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a coding bootcamp dream in Seattle, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$12,000
- Bootcamp tuition fees$8,400 · 70%
- Computer and development equipment$1,800 · 15%
- Learning resources$600 · 5%
- Living costs during training$1,200 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $12,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$1,800
- You receive
- $10,200
Risks to plan for
- R1
Course pace is demanding
An intensive timetable can leave little time for paid work or missed lessons. Budget living essentials for the full course and use learning blocks that allow honest progress updates.
- R2
Hardware may be unsuitable
Your current computer may not meet the course requirements. Check specifications before enrolment and place any necessary equipment purchase in the setup milestone, with receipts.
- R3
Projects depend on others
A group project can change scope when teammates leave or tasks shift. Define your own deliverables for proof and keep a smaller individual demo available for the project milestone.
Questions and answers
Can I use a project demo as milestone proof?
A demo can show learning progress, but pair it with receipts for the course or equipment being funded. Explain your contribution to shared code and remove passwords, private data and restricted course content before posting.
Should my goal promise a developer job after graduation?
No. Keep the funded outcome focused on training, completed work and a portfolio you can show. Hiring is outside your control, so describe career aims as aspirations rather than conditions that Backers should expect you to meet.
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.
Ready when you are
Sign in or create an account to publish a dream or back the ones you believe in.
Sign in / Create account