How to Crowdfund Your Project (even if you don't yet have a big audience or any experience)
A 1-hour workshop for artists, activists and community projects who need to raise £10k–£100k — from someone who's successfully done it five times.
You've got a project that matters. A film, a community space, a social enterprise, something that could actually change things.
But you don't have a marketing budget. You don't have a huge following. And you've never run a crowdfunding campaign before.
I've raised over £500,000 through crowdfunding — for documentaries, community solar panels, even a campaign where we literally destroyed £1.2 million of debt. My film Power Station has played in over 120 cinemas - and is still getting bookings - funded entirely by our audience.
In this online workshop, I'll show you the five things that actually matter — and the stuff everyone wastes time on that doesn't for just £30 (+ VAT in UK)
The workshop is at 7pm on Thurs 26th Feb for one hour - and if you can't make it, don't worry it'll be recorded.
Can't make the live session? I'll send you a questionairre when you register - fill it out and I'll answer your questions on the call. You'll get the full recording within 24 hours.
What if my project is too niche / too small / too weird?" I've created campaigns for community solar panels, films, music productions, buying a building and even running in an election. If it matters to someone, it can be crowdfunded.
"I don't have an audience yet." That's exactly why this workshop exists. I'll show you how to start building one now — before you launch — so your campaign has people ready to back it on day one. Crowdfunding works best when the audience comes first.
not after.
"What if I'm not tech-savvy?" You need to be able to send an email and post on social media. That's it. If you can do that. The platforms do the rest.
"Will this work for charities / CICs / music and art projects? Even personal projects?" Yes. The principles are the same whether you're a registered charity or an individual with an idea.
Crowdfunding: A Blueprint is a system - it is repeatable you can learn it & it can help you grow your business or projects just like we do!
Discover the systems we use every day to profitably build an audience and exactly how we run successful crowdfunders to that audience.
Perfect If You're:
✓ Sick of rejection letters from funding bodies
✓ Ready to fund your project in 3-6 months (not 3 years)
✓ Want to keep 100% creative control
✗ Looking for overnight miracles (this takes work)
Proof it actually works
Below screenshots are from crowdfunding campaigns
we have run over a 13 month period.
Disclaimer: Building a successful crowdfunding campaign takes real work and commitment. Our results came from consistent effort over many months and may not be typical. Success depends on your project quality, audience engagement, and dedication to implementing these strategies. We share what worked for us, but your results will depend on your own efforts and circumstances.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Dan Edelstyn
FILMMAKER, WRITER & ENTREPRENEUR
Dan Edelstyn is a documentary filmmaker who has raised over £500,000 through crowdfunding. Power Station (premiered at Sheffield Doc/Fest, Special Mention at Jihlava Opus Bonum) is currently screening in 70+ UK cinemas. His earlier films include How to Re-Establish a Vodka Empire (London Film Festival premiere, cinema release UK/US, now on Netflix/Disney+) and Bank Job (BFI-funded, Grierson and BIFA nominated, premiered at Hot Docs).
Dan has successfully run rewards, donation, equity and bond crowdfunding campaigns - including raising £113k to install community solar panels that now power 16 homes. He's given masterclasses on crowdfunding at Sheffield Doc/Fest and is collaborating with Crowdfunder.co.uk on educational programmes for filmmakers.
After years in the traditional funding system, Dan developed this crowdfunding blueprint to help filmmakers bypass gatekeepers. He runs Optimistic Productions with partner Hilary Powell and is currently developing new documentary and horror film projects, all funded without commissioners.
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