fanfunded

Fanfunded refers to the practice of raising money for a project directly from its potential audience or fans, rather than through traditional investors or publishers. This funding is typically raised through crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo, where backers pledge money in exchange for rewards or early access. In some models, fans also participate through ongoing patronage on platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi, providing a recurring source of support in return for exclusive content or recognition.

Projects commonly fanfunded include independent films, video games, music albums, comics, journalism, open-source software, and other creative works, as well as community-driven initiatives. The money collected is often used to cover production costs, manufacturing, distribution, or development time. Rewards may include physical perks, digital copies, credit in the final product, or special updates.

Fanfunding shifts some financial risk from creators to the audience, enabling niche or experimental works that might not attract traditional funding. However, it carries risks: there is no guarantee of project completion or delivery, delays are common, and not all campaigns meet their funding goals. Platform terms determine refunds and dispute handling; in most cases, funds are non-refundable unless the creator or platform offers a policy or a successful chargeback.

Beyond initial campaigns, ongoing fan funding can sustain long-term creator relationships, allowing projects to iterate with community feedback but can also create pressure to meet backer expectations. Revenue is typically split after platform fees, payment processing, and taxes.

See also: crowdfunding, patronage, Kickstarter, Patreon, Ko-fi, Indiegogo.