Kickstarter's Project Guidelines: What You Can and Can't Fund
Last updated August 13, 2024
Kickstarter is a platform designed to support creative projects and innovative ideas. To ensure a safe and ethical environment for creators and backers, Kickstarter has established clear guidelines outlining what types of projects are eligible for funding. This guide will provide information on what you can and can't fund on Kickstarter.
Categories Eligible for Funding
- Creative Projects: Kickstarter primarily focuses on funding creative projects, including but not limited to:
- Art
- Comics
- Crafts
- Dance
- Design
- Film
- Food
- Games
- Music
- Photography
- Publishing
- Technology
- Theater
- Social Good Projects: Kickstarter also supports social good projects that align with its mission of promoting creativity and positive change.
Categories Not Eligible for Funding
- Business Ventures: Kickstarter is not intended for funding traditional business ventures or for-profit companies seeking general investment.
- Charity and Non-Profit Projects: While Kickstarter supports social good causes, it's not a platform for fundraising for charities or non-profit organizations.
- Philanthropic Projects: Projects focused on purely philanthropic goals, such as disaster relief or medical research, are not typically funded on Kickstarter.
- Illegal or Harmful Projects: Projects involving illegal activities, harmful products, or activities that violate Kickstarter's terms of service will not be funded.
- Projects That Are Already Funded: Kickstarter is for projects seeking initial funding, not for ongoing projects or projects that have already been fully funded elsewhere.
- Personal Expenses: Projects aimed at covering personal expenses or debt are not eligible for funding on Kickstarter.
Key Considerations for Project Eligibility
- Project Must Be Tangible: The project should have a tangible outcome, whether it's a product, service, experience, or creative work.
- Project Must Be Realizable: The project should be feasible to complete based on the funding goal and the creator's capabilities.
- Project Must Adhere to Kickstarter's Terms of Service: Projects must comply with all of Kickstarter's terms of service, including copyright and intellectual property regulations.
- Project Must Be Transparent: Creators are expected to be transparent about their project, budget, and how pledged funds will be used.
- Project Must Be Open to All Backers: Projects should be accessible to all backers, regardless of their location or background.
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