My clients and colleagues have successfully used the crowd-funding websites Kickstarter, Indieagogo, and USA Artists to fund projects ranging from $2,800 to $32,000 for projects involving travel, tuition, casting sculpture, and the completion of a documentary. For tips about how to participate in crowd-funding read:

Kickstarter Handbook (The): Real-Life Success Stories of Artists, Investor, and Entrepreneurs by Don Steinberg (Quirk Books, 2012). The author interviewed dozens of people who have raised at least $100,000 on Kickstarter. Discusses strategies for an effective campaign as well as the perils and pitfalls. Available September 2012. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594746087/artisthelpnetwor

Hacking Kickstarter, Indiegogo: How to Raise Big Bucks in 30 Days (Secrets to Running a Successful Crowd Funding Campaign on a Budget) by Patrice William Marks. Amazon Digital Services, 2013. The author identifies readily available and inexpensive but powerful media technology tools to make your project successful. www.amazon.com/dp/B00CSBE8S4/?tag=artisthelpnetwor

Crowdfunding for Filmmakers: The Way to a Successful Film Campaign
by John T. Trigonis. Michael Weiss Productions, 2013. Offers practical information, tips, and tactics for launching a successful film campaign by detailing traditional models of fundraising, utilizing today’s technological and social innovations, and augmenting each step with an added personal touch. Examines various ways to meet and exceed one’s crowdfunding goal through chapters ?on team building, audience outreach, and crowdfunder etiquette, along with a section containing case studies from successful film campaigns. www.amazon.com/dp/1615931333/?tag=artisthelpnetwor