Crowdfunding

We know you have great organizing ideas, and we want to help you make them happen. While some things just come together beautifully on sweat and a prayer, others need just a little bit of cash to get off the ground. 350.org has partnered with two great organizations to help you raise some seed funds.

GOOD Maker Challenges

GOOD Maker offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to tap the creativity of the crowd through Challenges. Please note that all Challenges are subject to contest rules & regulations as posted on the Challenge page. GOOD Maker is currently a US-only platform.
 

Partnership with ioby

ioby enables citizen-led environmental projects through the use of an online platform. On ioby, anyone with a good idea to help the environment in his or her neighborhood can post a project idea, raise donations, connect with local volunteers, and share ideas with a likeminded community. ioby is currently a US-only platform.
 

Crowdfunding the Climate Movement

 
Crowdfunding is a great way to make projects come to life without a lot of start-up capital. The basic idea is simple: you solicit lots of small donations from people all around the world who think your project deserves a chance. Together, small amounts of money can make a big impact. For US activists, we recommend ioby as a crowdfunding platform (see above). For activists not based in the US, we recommend indiegogo.com.
 

Get it done

1. Define a discrete project idea that needs funding.

The more specific your idea is the easier it will be to understand, and the the more likely people will be to support it (financially and otherwise). Think about the scale of your project (citywide or state level?), and whether that scale is appropriate. Think about what you want to accomplish with your project idea. What is your theory of change? Do you definitely need money to make it happen? Make sure to read any relevant contest or fundraising platform rules before you put a lot of effort into your project.
 

2. Define a rough budget.

You should have a fundraising goal that is both realistic and appropriate to the size of your project. Again, think about the scale of your project. Do you need to scale back what you're trying to do in order to make your fundraising goal realistic? What exactly will you do with funds (e.g. staff costs, supplies, travel)?
 

3. Decide on a timeline that makes sense for everyone in your 350 group.

Think about external timelines (like Challenge deadlines), as well as your own personal and professional schedules. Who can do what when? What are reasonable start & end dates? Is your project ongoing, and if so do you have a plan to sustain it?
 

4. Submit your idea.

To submit an idea on ioby, click here. Use the planning work you've done to make your idea as clear and compelling as possible. If you can, include graphics or video with your idea to make it stand out.
 

5. Recruit supporters!

Both GOOD Maker and ioby are crowdfunding platforms. That means it's up to you to rally your friends and attract supporters. Post links to your idea on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels—not just once, but regularly. Email your networks, and ask supporters to do the same. Tell them why they should vote for or donate to your project, and keep reminding them.