Crowdfunding is an alternative way of reaching funding goals with help from people who are all around you. Through online platforms, more and more people are realising that they can bypass traditional funding routes and go directly to their communities. A Crowdfunding endeavour is quite simple to set up, there are a number of online platforms that make it a very straightforward process but it take a lot of planning, genuine engagement and promotion on leading up to, during and even after the process. The ease of setting up a campaign can lull people into thinking that it is an easy way to access money and that isn't generally the case. 

You’ll need to explain your project in a concise and engaging way, storytelling is a great tool to explain and justify what you do. You’ll need to select a platform to run your campaign and then work incredibly hard at promoting it, enlist others to help you to do this. Start with people closest to you and get them on board by inviting them to use their contacts and social media platforms to spread the word.

Think about getting people ready to pledge the second the campaign is live, early pledges can make a huge difference at encouraging people to get involved. 

Key points

• Crowdfunding can be used to bypass traditional funding routes
• You can ‘Crowdfund’ for very small or much bigger projects
• You will need people to help promote your idea, this can be achieved more readily if you have an engaging story to tell; why do you want to deliver your project?
• Do your homework, this isn't an easy way to secure investment, its just a different way to do so. 

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Links for more information
How Crowdfunding works
A website to get you started.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/how-crowdfunding-works

Crowdfunding to Win - online course 
This course was written by Tim Wright, who has delivered crowd funding training for HTSI previously, and provides you an overview of the process and some guidance on how to achieve success.  
https://www.udemy.com/course/crowdfunding-to-win/

Crowdfunding Guide by Funable
A guide produced for entrepreneurs but with some helpful advice and things to think about. 
https://www.fundable.com/learn/resources/guides/crowdfunding