Crowdfunding is a powerful way for social entrepreneurs to raise funds, gain support, and grow awareness around their initiatives.

Whether you're just starting out or seeking additional capital, these crowdfunding platforms can help you connect with like-minded individuals and investors who share your vision for change.

Republic

Overview: Republic is a leading investment platform that allows entrepreneurs to raise funds from both accredited and non-accredited investors. Known for its stringent vetting process, Republic connects businesses that emphasize social impact with investors who are passionate about positive change.

Best For: Social enterprises looking for a mix of equity crowdfunding and community engagement.

Key Features:

• Investment opportunities for as little as $10, making it accessible for all.
• Provides businesses with guidance and access to a vast network of potential investors.
• A rigorous selection process ensures only high-potential ventures get listed.

Why Choose Republic: It’s ideal for social entrepreneurs who need not only funding but also credibility, thanks to Republic’s reputation for attracting dedicated, mission-driven investors.

Interview: In episode 201 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, we spoke with Kendrick Nguyen, co-founder of Republic, on building the financial infrastructure to create equal access to assets for everyone.

Steward

Overview: Steward is a crowdfunding platform designed specifically for sustainable farms and agricultural ventures. Steward connects investors with small- to mid-sized regenerative farming projects, allowing them to fund growth and expansion.

Best For: Agricultural and environmental social enterprises, particularly farms focused on sustainable practices.

Key Features:

• Offers flexible loan structures for social enterprises focused on regenerative agriculture.
• Supports projects that contribute to sustainable food systems and ecological health.
• Provides both funding and mentorship to farm operators.

Why Choose Steward: Steward is perfect for social entrepreneurs in agriculture looking to scale sustainably while preserving natural resources.

Interview: In episode 29 of the Investing in Impact podcast, we spoke with Dan Miller, Founder and CEO of Steward on creating an innovative online lending platform that helps fund the growth of regenerative agriculture for the next generation of regenerative farmers.

Kickstarter

Overview: Kickstarter is a well-known crowdfunding platform supporting a wide range of creative and socially responsible projects. Through Kickstarter, social entrepreneurs can present their ideas and gain funding in an all-or-nothing model (projects are only funded if they reach their financial goal).

Best For: Creative social entrepreneurs looking to validate their idea before launching.

Key Features:

• A massive, engaged community with over 20 million backers.
• A range of project categories, from tech to art to social impact.
• Emphasis on storytelling, allowing entrepreneurs to connect emotionally with backers.

Why Choose Kickstarter: It’s an excellent option for creative projects that rely on community backing and a compelling narrative.

Indiegogo

Overview: Indiegogo offers both fixed and flexible funding models, providing flexibility for social entrepreneurs. Known for its inclusive approach, the platform allows anyone to start a campaign and raise funds for social impact projects.

Best For: Entrepreneurs seeking flexible funding and global reach.

Key Features:

• Flexible funding option allows you to keep whatever funds you raise.
• Access to a global audience with a strong community focus.
• Robust promotional tools, including a marketplace for successful projects.

Why Choose Indiegogo: Its flexible funding model makes it perfect for projects that could benefit from partial funding.

GoFundMe

Overview: GoFundMe is one of the largest crowdfunding platforms, particularly popular for personal, social, and charitable causes. Social entrepreneurs looking to launch community-based projects or address immediate needs find it beneficial due to its donation-based model.

Best For: Projects focused on personal or community needs, especially smaller-scale social causes.

Key Features:

• Donation-based, so all funds raised are kept even if the goal isn’t met.
• Strong social sharing tools make it easy to reach a wider audience.
• No platform fee for personal causes, making it cost-effective.

Why Choose GoFundMe: Its reach and donation-based model are ideal for community-oriented, charitable initiatives.

Patreon

Overview: Patreon allows social entrepreneurs, particularly content creators and artists, to earn monthly income through subscriber-based support. This subscription model can provide ongoing funding for mission-driven creators.

Best For: Creators, educators, and social entrepreneurs producing regular content for an audience.

Key Features:

• Supporters pledge monthly or per-creation, providing a steady income.
• Ideal for social entrepreneurs offering ongoing content or services.
• Allows multiple membership levels to incentivize more significant contributions.

Why Choose Patreon: Perfect for entrepreneurs creating consistent value, such as educational content, in exchange for monthly support.

Mighty Cause

Overview: Mighty Cause focuses on nonprofit and charitable organizations, helping them raise funds for social causes and missions. It’s an all-in-one platform that supports donation-based fundraising and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Best For: Nonprofits and social entrepreneurs looking to organize ongoing campaigns and manage donations.

Key Features:

• Provides tools for year-round fundraising, events, and donor management.
• Options for peer-to-peer and team fundraising.
• Access to a large donor network passionate about social change.

Why Choose Mighty Cause: Mighty Cause is highly versatile for nonprofits looking to create a sustainable fundraising pipeline.