The first time I was made aware of this concept (crowdfunding) was in a TED video (surprising I know, I love TED). Amanda Palmer, a muscician who has refined the “Art of Asking” (http://www.ted.com/talks/amanda_palmer_the_art_of_asking.html), talked about using social media to get what you need, and gave examples of needing a place to stay while on tour, tweeted out her needs, and was offered a place to sleep by a complete stranger! She also asked for money on crowdfunding to help cover the cost of producing, touring, etc. associated with being a musician – and was very successful (if you look her up on Pandora they have more information about that). She provides some other great examples too. But the main concept is ask for what you NEED, nothing more, nothing less.

Then at spring conference Dr. Hibberd brings up kick starter, another online public funding source where you pitch your idea, and if people like it, they help make it a reality.

Thinking this had to be a sign that in less than four months I had received two separate information bites about public funding… I had to research it more. Upon doing so I came across this great article talking about all of the different online public funding options, their pros and cons. I encourage you to check out this article: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/crowdfunding-sites/ and see what you think.

Personally, I have been inspired to give it a go and put something up there – an Extension program series!! What’s the worst that can happen? It doesn’t get funded? Well chances are, it probably wouldn’t have anyway! Are any of you inspired to put a proposal (personal or professional) online for a public funded project?