Crowdsourcing platforms
Crowdfunder
Why It’s Useful for Media Organisations: Crowdfunder is particularly beneficial for media outlets focused on public-interest journalism, local news, and investigative reporting. The platform’s community emphasis and potential access to match funding can help media organisations amplify their fundraising efforts.
Key Features:
Flexible and All-or-Nothing Funding – Choose between keeping all funds raised or only receiving funds if the goal is met.
Match Funding Opportunities – Some projects may receive additional funds from partnered grant organisations.
Community-Driven Approach – Designed to support projects with strong local or niche audience engagement.
Rewards-Based Crowdfunding – Offer perks such as exclusive content, event access, or merchandise to backers.
Considerations:
Primarily serves UK-based projects, limiting accessibility for global media organisations.
Platform and transaction fees apply, typically around 5% plus payment processing fees.
Success depends on strong community engagement and promotional efforts.
Ideal For: Local news organisations, independent journalists, and community-driven media projects seeking crowdfunding support, particularly in the UK.
Facebook Fundraisers
Why It’s Useful for Media Organisations: Facebook Fundraisers are particularly effective for media organisations with a strong social media presence. The built-in audience and easy sharing features make it a powerful tool for engaging supporters and raising funds for independent journalism, investigative reporting, and media sustainability.
Key Features:
Seamless Integration – Donations happen directly on Facebook, reducing friction for supporters.
Social Sharing – Supporters can easily share fundraisers with their networks to increase visibility.
Recurring Donations – Supporters can choose to make one-time or monthly contributions.
No Fees for Non-profits – Registered non-profits receive 100% of donations (standard payment processing fees apply for personal fundraisers).
Considerations:
Personal fundraisers (for individuals) incur standard transaction fees.
Primarily suited for organizations with an active Facebook following.
Limited customisation compared to platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter.
Ideal For: Non-profit media organisations, independent journalists, and investigative projects looking to leverage social media for fundraising campaigns.
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a widely recognised crowdfunding platform that helps creators fund projects through an all-or-nothing funding model. Media organisations, documentary filmmakers, and investigative journalists can use Kickstarter to raise money for specific projects, such as special reports, new publications, or multimedia storytelling initiatives. Campaigns must set a funding goal and deadline, and funds are only collected if the goal is met.
Why It’s Useful for Media Organisations: Kickstarter is ideal for media projects with a clear scope and funding goal. The all-or-nothing model encourages backers to contribute by creating urgency, while the platform’s built-in audience can help projects gain visibility.
Key Features:
All-or-Nothing Model – Campaigns must reach their goal to receive funding, reducing risk for backers.
Built-In Community – Access Kickstarter’s large user base, increasing potential backer engagement.
Reward-Based Funding – Offer exclusive content, early access, or branded merchandise as incentives.
Multimedia Campaign Pages – Use videos, images, and updates to showcase your project’s impact.
Considerations:
Kickstarter charges a 5% platform fee, plus payment processing fees (around 3%–5%).
Only one-time project funding—does not support ongoing contributions like Patreon or Ko-fi.
Ideal For: Journalists, documentary filmmakers, and media organisations looking to fund investigative projects, special reports, or new media ventures through a time-limited campaign.
Ko-fi
Ko-fi is a creator-friendly crowdfunding platform that allows individuals and organisations to receive financial support through one-time donations, memberships, or sales of digital and physical products. Unlike many other crowdfunding sites, Ko-fi does not take a cut of donations, making it an attractive option for independent journalists and media creators seeking direct audience support.
Why It’s Useful for Media Organisations: Ko-fi provides a straightforward way for journalists, writers, and independent media organisations to receive contributions without the pressure of hitting a campaign target. Supporters can make one-time or recurring payments, making it ideal for sustaining independent reporting efforts.
Key Features:
No Platform Fees – Ko-fi does not take a percentage of donations (only payment processor fees apply).
One-Time and Recurring Support – Accept both one-off contributions and monthly memberships.
Shop Functionality – Sell exclusive content, merchandise, or services directly to supporters.
Customizable Pages – Personalize your page to reflect your brand and mission.
Considerations:
While donations are fee-free, Ko-fi takes a small percentage from sales and memberships unless you upgrade to Ko-fi Gold.
Lacks the community-driven visibility of platforms like Kickstarter, meaning promotion is crucial.
Ideal For: Freelance journalists, independent media creators, and investigative reporters looking for a low-cost, flexible way to fund their work directly through audience contributions.
Indiegogo
Indiegogo is a global crowdfunding platform that supports a diverse range of projects, including media and journalism initiatives. Unlike some competitors, Indiegogo offers both fixed and flexible funding models, allowing media organisations to choose whether they only receive funds if they meet their goal or keep all contributions regardless of the target.
Why It’s Useful for Media Organisations: Indiegogo is particularly beneficial for independent media and journalism projects that need adaptable fundraising options. The platform enables campaigners to build direct relationships with their supporters through regular updates, perks, and engagement features.
Key Features:
Flexible or Fixed Funding – Choose between receiving all funds raised or only collecting donations if the goal is met.
Global Reach – Open to creators worldwide, supporting multiple currencies.
Engagement Tools – Use perks, updates, and analytics to connect with backers.
InDemand Option – Continue raising funds even after the initial campaign ends.
Considerations:
Indiegogo charges platform and payment processing fees (usually around 8% in total).
Success depends on strong promotion, as projects are largely self-driven.
Ideal For: Media startups, investigative journalism projects, and independent news outlets looking for a crowdfunding platform with flexible funding options.
Patreon
Patreon is a subscription-based crowdfunding platform that enables creators, including journalists and media organisations, to receive ongoing financial support from their audience. Supporters, or "patrons," subscribe to different membership tiers in exchange for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, or other perks. This model fosters long-term relationships and provides a steady revenue stream for independent media projects.
Why It’s Useful for Media Organisations: Patreon is particularly effective for media outlets and journalists who produce regular content and want to build a dedicated community of supporters. The platform's tiered membership structure allows for predictable funding, making it easier to plan long-term projects.
Key Features:
Recurring Revenue Model – Secure ongoing financial support through monthly or per-creation payments.
Membership Tiers – Offer exclusive content, Q&A sessions, early access, or other rewards based on contribution levels.
Community Engagement Tools – Communicate directly with patrons through posts, messages, and special events.
Custom Branding – Personalise your page to reflect your media brand and mission.
Considerations:
Patreon charges platform fees (5%–12% of earnings, depending on the plan) plus payment processing fees.
Success relies on consistent content creation and active audience engagement.
Ideal For: Independent journalists, investigative reporters, podcasters, and small media outlets looking for sustained audience funding and community-driven support.
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