- 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 university tuition dream with a goal of CN¥150,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
CN¥37,500 · 25%
Confirm first study period
Post an enrolment record, the first tuition payment receipt and a budget linking fees to the funded study period.
Milestone 2
CN¥37,500 · 25%
Fund the second period
Share the next tuition receipt, a current registration record and receipts for course materials bought for this period.
Milestone 3
CN¥37,500 · 25%
Cover the third period
Upload tuition and housing payment records for the third study period, with account and address details hidden.
Milestone 4
CN¥37,500 · 25%
Close the funded year
Post the final tuition receipt, a redacted study-status record and a summary of spending across the funded year.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a university tuition dream in Guangzhou, shown in CNY. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
CN¥150,000
- Tuition and academic feesCN¥97,500 · 65%
- Books and course materialsCN¥15,000 · 10%
- Campus travel costsCN¥7,500 · 5%
- Housing and living essentialsCN¥30,000 · 20%
What you receive
- Backers give
- CN¥150,000
- 0% platform commission
- −CN¥22,500
- You receive
- CN¥127,500
Risks to plan for
- R1
Fee deadlines precede teaching
Tuition can be due before a study period begins. Put actual payment dates in each milestone and explain how you will cover bills before Backers review your progress and send their direct support.
- R2
Course materials change
Reading lists and practical course requirements can change after registration. Price confirmed essentials first and reserve part of the materials budget for later course lists.
- R3
Housing spans term breaks
Rent and basic living bills may continue when classes pause. Show which weeks the goal covers and distribute those costs across the four study periods, including relevant breaks.
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 one academic year rather than my whole degree?
A defined academic year can make the goal easier to explain. List the study periods, tuition deadlines and living weeks included, and make clear that later years are outside this goal rather than implying the full degree is covered.
Do I need to share my grades with Backers?
You can demonstrate tuition spending with paid invoices and redacted registration records instead of publishing grades. Describe that proof choice in advance so Backers know what they will review for each study period.
Ready when you are
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