- Demonstrate how passionate you are about your project through your video, pictures and description.
- Tell all your friends and family members so that you get their loving support of you, and their loving support dollars for your project. ;)
- Promote using the integrated Facebook, Twitter, and email functions.
- Start a blog and Tweet
- Tell fellow entrepreneurs, artists, poets, singers, painters, dancers, and countrymen alike
The lowdown
What is Springboard? back to top
We help people raise funds for their projects through crowdfunding to get them a step closer to making their vision a reality. These projects can include anything from business ideas, the arts, or simply anything that someone can be passionate about!
What is crowdfunding? back to topCrowdfunding is collecting small amounts of money from a bunch of different people for the purposes of executing a project idea. This is quite the opposite of collecting large sums of money from a few sources like angel investors. Funds are raised by people sponsoring projects in exchange for rewards.
What are rewards? back to topRewards are the tidbits that project owners give their sponsors in exchange for sponsorship. These include products, services or any creative gift idea. For instance, if you’re an aspiring band rewards could include, VIP concert tickets, a hang with the band day, or even guitar lessons. The idea is to have varying levels of rewards based on the different amounts for sponsorship, and they can be as simple or as creative as the project owner wants them to be.
How do I start a project? back to topAll project owners must first have an account with Springboard. Then, click “Start a Project” and answer the questions for us to evaluate your idea. We’ll confirm within a few days whether approved or not
How do I sponsor a project? back to topTo become a Springboarder, you must have a user profile and a PayPal account. Then sky’s the limit on who, and how much you sponsor. :)
What about ownership rights, debt or equity? back to topIt’s a pure and simple sponsorship, meaning the project owner retains 100% ownership, and no debt, or equity changes are involved.
What is all or nothing funding? back to topIf a project owner reaches their funding goal within their timeline – they get to keep! If they don’t, they get absolutely nothing, and sponsors won’t be charged anything.
What fees are charged for using Springboard? back to topWe charge 5%, and PayPal charges another 3-5% of the total sponsorship amount from successful projects only. There are no initial costs to start a project and no hidden fees.
What’s a user profile? back to topA user profile is needed in order to start, sponsor, or follow a project. We will not disrespect your privacy (see Privacy Policy).
What types of projects can be posted on Springboard? back to topProjects that exude a ridiculous amount of passion will quite potentially qualify. For example, entrepreneurs with a killer new product idea that will forever change the world; photographers seeking to publish photos of obscure worldly pictures, from unknown corners of the earth; or someone looking to make the world around them a better place. This, and anything in between, or even remotely similar might show up on Springboard.
Do I need to have a PayPal account in order to sponsor a project? back to topFor the time being yes
How are projects promoted to potential sponsors? back to topAnybody in any country, but you must have PayPal to sponsor, or start a project.
Sponsors
How do I sponsor a project? back to top
To become a Springboarder, you must have a user profile and a PayPal account. Then sky’s the limit on who, and how much you sponsor. :)
What do I get in exchange for sponsoring? back to topRewards.
What are rewards? back to topRewards are the tidbits that project owners give their sponsors in exchange for sponsorship. These include products, services or any creative gift idea. For instance, if you’re an aspiring band rewards could include, VIP concert tickets, a hang with the band day, or even guitar lessons. The idea is to have varying levels of rewards based on the different amounts for sponsorship, and they can be as simple or as creative as the project owner chooses to be.
Can I make an anonymous sponsorship? back to topYes, but you must remember, any anonymous sponsorships will be considered strictly a donation to the project and will not receive a reward in return.
Note: Anonymous sponsorships cannot be converted into standard sponsorships.
How do I stay updated on a project after I’ve sponsored it? back to topAll project owners are encouraged to remain active by posting project updates when necessary, and responding to all comments and messages. Also, take note of these features:
- Sponsored Tab - displays projects you’ve sponsored
- Blog Tab - Let’s owners post new project info and progression
- Comments Tab – Discussion board about projects
- Social Media – Follow the projects and project owners
- Email and Private Message – Don’t be afraid to communicate with project owners!
If a project owner raises all their desired funds within their timeline – they get to keep! If they don’t, they get absolutely nothing, and sponsors won’t be charged anything.
What does “board” mean? back to topFavorite, follow, star… board means it all. It is the easiest way to keep up with a project. Get notifications when the projects you have boarded have ended, new blog posts have been published, etc.
Can I board projects without actually sponsoring then? back to topYes. You can see all of the projects you have boarded on your user profile page under the Boarded tab.
back to top- Project owners will see your name, sponsorship amount and the reward you requested. Other users will see your name only. We will not disrespect your privacy (see Privacy Policy).
- If the project is successfully funded, the project owner will be provided with your email address to get your information to send you your reward.
Minimum is 15 days, maximum is 75 days
How little, or how much money can be raised? back to topThere is no minimum or maximum. We will decide if the amount requested makes sense given the type of project before we approve it.
Do I need to have a Paypal account in order to sponsor a project? back to topYes.
When am I actually charged for sponsoring a project? back to topAfter a project has been fully funded and the funding timeline is complete.
Is there a way to cancel my sponsorship? back to topCancelling a sponsorship is frowned upon :(. However, if you must, you do so through your PayPal account.
Can I sponsor a project from anywhere in the world? back to topYes. Anywhere underneath this great big sky! We are also accepting sponsorships from the international space station.
Is my sponsorship tax deductible? back to topOnly projects classified as Goodwill are eligible, and even then it depends on the project’s charity guidelines and whether it’s a legally tax deductible project.
Project Owners
How do I start a project? back to top
Create a user profile then submit a project through your profile page. You’ll be asked to fill out a form so that we can review your project idea, and we’ll get back to you within a few days. Upon approval, fill out the information on the project page, and include a video, pictures and a description. Then tell everyone you know about your project!
What types of projects can be posted on Springboard? back to topProjects that exude a ridiculous amount of passion will quite potentially qualify. For example, entrepreneurs with a killer new product idea that will forever change the world; photographers seeking to publish photos of obscure worldly pictures, from unknown corners of the earth; or someone looking to make the world around them a better place. This, and anything in between, or even remotely similar might show up on Springboard.
What criteria are projects evaluated on in order to be approved? back to topProjects need to be oozing with passion! Ideas that are creative, unique or innovative are sure to be favoured. New designs and technology will also be looked upon highly, and so will projects that tickle the senses, expose the truth or flirt with danger! Or, if it’s just a really darn good idea, that works too.
If I get denied, can I re-submit my project at a later date? back to topAbsolutely! In fact we’ll even provide you with feedback that can increase your odds of getting approved later on if you ask for it. But we do suggest a six-month waiting period from when you first submitted your project.
What information do I need to have on my project page? back to topPresent your idea, funding goal, timeline, and rewards; and demonstrate your passion for your project! All of these will be outlined on your project profile page through your video, pictures and project description.
Who maintains ownership of the project and idea? back to topProject owners retain 100% ownership
What are rewards? back to topRewards are the tidbits that project owners give their sponsors in exchange for sponsorship. These include products, services or any creative gift idea. For instance, if you’re an aspiring band rewards could include, VIP concert tickets, a hang with the band day, or even guitar lessons. The idea is to have varying levels of rewards based on the different amounts for sponsorship, and they can be as simple or as creative as the project owner chooses to be.
Who pays shipping for rewards? back to topProject owners do. So be sure to include the cost of freight (if necessary) in the calculation of each sponsorship amount.
What’s the procedure for sending out rewards to my sponsors? back to topOnce you’ve achieved your funding goal within your timeline, you’ll need to make arrangements to ship your rewards (if necessary). To gather sponsors’ mailing addresses, click the Export Sponsor List link on the Sponsors tab (note: this can only be done once a project is successfully funded).
From there notify the sponsors of the next steps in your project. If you are unable to deliver your reward immediately after funding, it is up to you to notify each person on the delivery date. You can find templates for contacting sponsors on the Resources page.
How is money transferred from sponsors to project owners? back to topOnce a timeline ends and 100% or more of the funds have been raised, funds are transferred from the sponsor to the project owner through PayPal. This takes about 2 days, but can take up to 15.
As all projects are funded in Canadian Dollars, please ensure your PayPal account accepts Canadian funds by using the Currency Converter located on the My Account tab, and selecting Canadian Dollar from the list of available currencies.
How are projects promoted to potential sponsors? back to top- Demonstrate how passionate you are about your project through your video, pictures and description.
- Tell all your friends and family members so that you get their loving support of you, and their loving support dollars for your project. ;)
- Promote using integrated Facebook, Twitter, and email functions.
- Start a blog and Tweet.
- Tell fellow entrepreneurs, artists, poets, singers, painters, dancers, and countrymen alike.
We have a featured projects section, as well as a blog, email, and social media. To be featured in any of these, your project must be stellar, and your project page should have updates, comments, and in good shape to receive a bunch of sponsorship donations.
What if I don’t raise all my required funds within the designated timeline? back to topYou get nothing… But look at the bright side, you don’t owe anything either :)
What if I raise more money than my goal within my timeline? back to topYou get to keep it!
Can I update my project once I’ve started fundraising? back to topYou can update your rewards and project information. But you cannot change your funding goal and timeline once your project is active. We encourage you to be optimistic, yet realistic at the same time.
How do I keep my sponsors informed about my project? back to topAll project owners are encouraged to remain active by posting project updates when necessary, and responding to all comments and messages. Also, take advantage of these website features:
- Blog - Post new project information and progression
- Comments – Discussion board about your project
- Social Media – Post info on your project
- Email and Private Message – Don’t be afraid to communicate with your sponsors
Absolutely - up to three to be exact. However, do keep in mind that you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. But as long as you can proficiently handle the projects, the more power to you!
How little, or how much time does a project have to raise money? (Project owners) back to topMinimum is 15 days, maximum is 75 days
How little, or how much money can be raised? back to topThere is no minimum or maximum. We will decide if the amount requested makes sense given the type of project before we approve it.
How do I track my sponsors and the rewards I owe them? back to topUnder the Manage Project page there is a tab called Sponsors that tracks who has sponsored you, and what you owe them.
Can I cancel a project once it has started raising funds? back to topYou can request to have your project canceled by emailing us at support@getspringboarded.com. This is considered a last resort action, but is recommended if you know your project will bust whether or not you raise funds.
If my project isn’t approved to be posted, can I re-submit my project idea at a later date? back to topAbsolutely! In fact we will even provide you with feedback that can increase the odds of getting approved later on if you ask us. However, we do suggest at least a six-month waiting period.
If I do not achieve my funding goal, can I re-submit my project idea at a later date? back to topAbsolutely! However, we do suggest at least a six-month waiting period.
Can I start a project from anywhere in the world? back to topYes. Anywhere underneath this great big sky!
Rewards
What are rewards? back to top
Rewards are the tidbits that project owners give their sponsors in exchange for sponsorship. These include products, services or any creative gift idea. For instance, if you’re an aspiring band rewards could include, VIP concert tickets, a hang with the band day, or even guitar lessons. The idea is to have varying levels of rewards based on the different amounts for sponsorship, and they can be as simple or as creative as the project owner chooses to be.
Are rewards mandatory? back to topYes.
How do project owners get sponsor’s mailing info and clothing sizes (if required)? back to topWhen a project has ended, if the project has exceeded its funding goal, the project owner can export the project sponsors’ email addresses. The project owner is required to send a form to their sponsors in order to gather their information.
How can we be sure that rewards are sent out properly? back to topAfter a project has achieved its funding goal and the timeline has ended, it is up to the project owner to ensure that all rewards are sent out to their sponsors. If they need to physically send out an item, they will send their sponsors a form that requests mailing address and clothing size (if required). Unfortunately we are unable to monitor this and thus it is a part of the honor system that makes crowd-funding work. This is of course the real world, so we’d like to remind you to use your Internet IQ – if for some reason you feel that you can’t trust the project owner, play it safe and perhaps find another project to sponsor.
What are the minimum and maximum reward values? back to topMinimum is $1, maximum is $2,000
Can there be a limited number of rewards? back to topYes, you are able to limit the number of rewards. It is a good way to make sure you don’t spread yourself too thin in some area.
Website
What is a user profile? back to top
A user profile is required in order to board, sponsor and/or start a project.
What website features can be used to communicate and stay updated on projects? back to top- Blog - Post new project information and progression
- Comments – Discussion board about your project
- Social Media – Post info on your project
- Email and Private Message – Don’t be afraid to communicate with your sponsors
- The display image is shown on the home page and the browse/search results page. It should represent you project and make a great first impression.
- The Display Image is required to publish your project and can be updated at any time after the project has been published.
- All display images are required to be 200x100 pixels and must be a jpeg or gif. If you do not have any picture editing software, try using Picnik.
- The Project Image/Video will take up residence at the top of your project page and will be visible on all project pages. We highly recommend users take the time to create a video for their project.
- The Project Image/Video is required to publish your project and can be updated at any time after the project has been published.
- Project videos are on Springboard must be embedded on the manage project page. There are two reasons for this, 1.) this ensure that your video will load extremely quickly and 2.) this allows you to easily use your video as a promotional tool on other websites (which can drive traffic to your project).
- Springboard supports only Vimeo and YouTube videos for embedding. All videos will be automatically re-sized to fit in a 600x350pixel window.
No, but it’s a great way to spruce up your project page and connect with your audience.
What makes a good video? back to topDescribe your project, show your passion, tell them how the money will be used, lure them with rewards, and give them props for watching. Try and keep it to 3 min or less.
What is the maximum file size allowed for images, and what file types? back to top- Max 5MB
- JPEG and GIF
Vimeo and YouTube videos can be embedded in the project description as well as the blog section.
