Kickstarter
The focus here is usually a creative venture and you’ll find everything from new products to comic books. However, all projects have to be approved by the Kickstarter team in order to be launched. If the project succeeds in reaching its goal by the deadline, the backers’ credit cards are charged. If the project falls short, no one’s charged. Kickstarter has an all or nothing policy. There is a 5% fee for the funds raised; Kickstarter.com.
Indiegogo
This site was founded in order to revolutionize the flow of funding of ideas that matter to everyone, not just a select few. With 24 categories ranging from technology to religion and almost everything in between, they pride themselves on funding ideas of any type. There’s no pre-screening and no need for approval. There’s a 9% fee on all funds raised, and once you reach your goal, you get 5% back. It’s a win-win for all involved; Indiegogo.com.
RocketHub
Not everyone knows how to raise funds. In this site’s “Success School,” you can learn the tips and tricks to best set up your campaign and reach your goal. They also have a partnership with A&E, which sometimes provides funding or exposure through Project Startup. Plus, you keep any funds you raise…even if you don’t reach your goal. There’s a 4% fee on funds raised if you reach your goal; if you don’t, the commission goes up to 8%; RocketHub.com.
GoFUndMe
GoFundMe is mostly used for personal fundraisers rather than projects. This includes tuition, cost of treatments, funerals, memorials and even youth sports. Unlike any of the other crowdfunding sites, GoFundMe doesn’t force users to set deadlines or commit to specific goals. You simple get whatever backers are willing to give to your cause. In the U.S. & Canada, there’s a total fee of 7.9% of raised funds plus $.30 per donation; GoFundMe.com.
