As it develops, the Internet is becoming a tool for an increasing number of tasks. Let’s put it this way: if earlier it was possible to work or have fun in the network, then today using the same social resources you can organize some kind of movement, develop an idea or create a real public “boom”, no matter what it is expressed.
One of the best examples of how the Internet can become a powerful platform for social organization of people is crowdfunding. This is a relatively new movement that originated in the West just a few years ago. At first it was, of course, just an idea that gradually grew into an entire industry, the volume of which, according to the results of 2014, is estimated at 5.1 billion dollars around the world. This money finances a huge number of interesting projects, startups, charity events and more.
Crowdfunding in Russia, of course, accounts for a relatively small fraction of these funds. However, even in our country, platforms are being created that can collect money on a centralized basis and direct them to various needs. Read about this movement, what are its advantages and how to participate - read in this article.
What it is?
Let's start by defining the term crowdfunding. This, as you probably already understood, is a word derived from the English language, formed by the merger of the other two - crowd (translated - "crowd") and funding ("investment"). Thus, in itself, this word means "a massive fundraising from a large number of people."
The phenomenon by which we mean crowdfunding is not what people have come up with in recent years. Mankind has long known that by bringing efforts (means) together, it is possible to realize some more global, large-scale goal. In fact, this has been used for centuries.
And the thing is that more recently crowdfunding platforms appeared on the network, which greatly facilitated this task. Now, in order to announce the collection of money, just post a message on a social network. And interested people will "catch up." So, in principle, there is a fundraising at modern sites. Anyone and anyone can donate. There are several models for which crowdfunding sites work.
For example, it can be a fundraising as a charity contribution (for example, to treat a child); as an investment with a subsequent reward (when the person giving the money receives a product sample or souvenir from the company in return). The third model by which the money is collected is investing - when people donate money, getting a share in the startup in return.
Why is this needed?
The answer to the question of why a crowdfunding project is needed is very simple. The fundraising model has as its primary goal, first of all, to accumulate a certain amount. The purpose of such a collection can be anything - to undergo a course of treatment, collect a new gadget, hold an event, release a music album and so on. It all depends on who is collecting the money and what this person is doing (a group of people).
In the future, funds are allocated in a way that was originally determined: for example, money from depositors goes to a single account of a crowdfunding company (there are several of them in Russia), after which they are sent with a single payment to purchase equipment, rent a studio, and so on. In some cases, money may also be given to the initiators of their collection in order to carry out their initial task. True, in this case, of course, these finances are carefully monitored.
How and who can use it?
People who could apply for fundraising, as a rule, are not selected in any way. Owners of crowdfunding resources (including Russian sites) accept all applications from anyone who would like to try to raise money and realize their goal. Then they are filtered and carefully selected in order to determine the most worthy project. Of course, each platform has its own set of criteria by which they separate potentially interesting applications from unpromising ones. Next, the fundraising process begins. Most often, the initiators of the gathering are required to disclose as much as possible information about themselves and their idea, to provide some evidence and facts - all that will convince everyone to make their investment.
Work model
So, to make it a little clearer how everything is arranged, we will show how the model of a crowdfunding project works visually. As you may have guessed, it all starts with an idea. It is she who must come to the developer, who immediately lights up with it, thinks about its implementation and submits an application to the platform for fundraising.
He does this in accordance with the conditions (rules) of filing. Most often, you need to carefully describe what the essence and novelty of your idea is, to whom it may be useful, how you are going to implement it, and, of course, where and how much money you will spend in order to realize your idea. You publish all these data on the project, after which everyone can familiarize themselves with them and make their contribution.
Next is your campaign. The site gives you a certain period during which you must collect a certain amount of money. Let's say in 30 days your project should gain 100 thousand dollars. In the event that you gain 109 thousand, the organizers give you this amount to realize your goals. If, for example, your project gains only 73 thousand dollars (does not reach the amount previously determined), it is considered not completed. The money allocated by people is returned to them.
Good examples in the world
In order to understand how Russian crowdfunding should work in the future, we can take a look at the best examples in the world - the most successful venues, leading their activities, in particular in the USA. Of course, this is KickStarter. The platform for its entire existence has raised billions of dollars to sell certain products. This is a huge number of startups, some of which have already reached unprecedented heights.
What is most remarkable about this site is the prospects for each individual participant. Imagine: any inventor, having created a good enough campaign, is able to bring his idea into real life and present his product. Firstly, it encourages people to develop, come up with something new and amazing; secondly, projects like KickStarter allow you to create things that will ultimately change people's lives for the better. These include: innovative gadgets, programs, content, and more - all that will benefit other people.
Projects in Russia
We have several crowdfunding venues. Of the most famous, these are: “On a thread by the world”, “Tugeza”, Planeta.ru, Indiegogo, Kroogi and others. All of them work with projects in different areas, some relatively recently (about a year or two). Nevertheless, these sites even managed to show certain results (volumes of funds raised). For example, BoomStarter - 5 million rubles, Planeta.ru - 10 million and so on. In the coming years, experts predict that market growth should be expected 7–9 times a year. Thus, a real “boom” awaits us in the field of the phenomenon of crowdfunding. Apparently, Russian sites are already preparing for this.
How to get the right amount?
This question worries everyone who collects funds in this way. There are two main factors - a description of the idea and its PR. In order to have a really strong, worthwhile project, it is necessary to carefully consider its purpose, form of implementation and technical features of the presentation. As for PR, it depends on how many people transfer their funds to you. Therefore, attracting local (and not only) media to advertising your campaign would not hurt you.
Prospects
The opportunities that crowdfunding opens up (this is actually the path to life for your project) for each of us are simply endless. The main thing is to realize this and work on your idea, not despairing, if nothing happens right away. Work - and you will succeed! The experience of a large number of other people proves this.