How do you fund a side project?

Raise money for the first version only, not the whole dream. Pick a reward you can make in your spare time, set a goal that covers just that, and ask the people who already follow what you do. A small campaign that reaches its goal beats a big one that misses.

Why start with a small first version?

Because it's all or nothing. A goal set high to look impressive can miss by a little and bring in nothing. A small goal you reach gets you started, and gives you backers to come back to for the next version.

Small also protects your evenings. Every reward you promise is work you owe on top of your day job, so promise what you can deliver in the time you really have.

What reward should a side project offer?

The thing itself, early: the first copies, the first batch, early access. Digital rewards cost nothing to ship, which suits a project built after hours.

Keep the reward tiers few and clear. Two or three levels, each saying exactly what the backer gets and when, beat seven that blur together.

How do you fit a campaign around a job?

Plan the campaign like the project: a launch date, a short list of people to tell on day one, and a set time each week for an update. About 30 days suits most campaigns, and most pledges tend to come at the start and near the end.

So pick a deadline that keeps those busy days away from your busiest weeks at work. The contract lets you set any date in the future.

What does it cost, and is it taxable?

Opening a campaign costs $5 on the free plan, and each pledge pays 1.5% plus a flat $0.99. The fee calculator shows what you'd keep here and on other platforms.

The money is usually taxable, even for a hobby, because backers get something for it. If the amount matters to you, ask an accountant before you launch.