Whether it’s an organization that celebrates “nerdy girls,” jackets that let customers’ personalities shine through, or a store for rustic home decor, these enterprising female fundraisers are working hard on projects that inspire and empower.
Check out these 5 women-led crowdfunding campaigns:
1. Customizable Jackets for Everyone (via Kickstarter)
The Business: Danielle and Jabu Powell are the dynamic duo behind Letter Baby, a designer of gender-neutral varsity jackets that can be customized with Velcro patches. “Trends constantly change, and finding apparel that fits your child’s personal taste and style can sometimes feel impossible,” the campaign for the Orlando-based venture says. In addition to coats for kids, the pair has also found adults who want jackets of their own. Now, they’re preparing to produce their first line, but need help getting to the finish line.
The Money: The Powells are hoping to raise at least $10,000 by or before March 11. Those funds would be used to produce the jackets, create additional patches, launch new marketing initiatives and more.
2. Rustic Accent Pieces for your Home (via Indiegogo)
The Business: Candace Herrero and her husband, Bill, are the co-owners of Rusted Roots, a store in Mebane, N.C., that specializes in farm-inspired home decoration items. They first opened up in Hillsborough, N.C., in 2014, and quickly cultivated a fandom of both in- and out-of-state customers. The pair outgrew their original store location and bought the Mebane property last fall to accommodate the increased foot traffic. Unfortunately, it didn’t come with a parking lot, and they need one ahead of their planned re-opening this spring.
The Money: Herrero is trying to raise $10,000, and has 23 days left to do so. The money from this campaign would go toward properly installing the parking lot.
3. Established Book Characters Teach About Bats (via Kickstarter)
The Business: For the past 10 years, Beaverton, Ore., author Rebecca Hicks has been writing and illustrating books and a webcomic featuring her “Little Vampires.” Now, she has nearly completed a new book — about bats. “I did extensive research about bats to make sure the text is educational as well as entertaining,” she says, adding that she hopes that the new title, “The Little Vampires Are Confused About Bats,” will appeal to curious readers of all ages.
The Money: Hicks’ campaign ends on March 17. If it generates at least $6,000 by then, she will use the money to cover production and shipping costs, among other items.
4. A Teaching Tome for Sewing Students (via Indiegogo)
The Business: The book bug has also bitten London-based seamstress Jennie Caminada of Cheekyhandmades, who has been toiling away on her planned publication for the past 4 years. She wants to sell the book to her sewing students and to “people who can’t come to my classes, as it will be infused with my friendly, helpful voice telling you that you too can do it, and here is how.” Though she is paying for much of the publication of the book herself, she needs help to get it finished and in the hands of sewing fans.
The Money: If Caminada’s campaign succeeds, the money will help fund production of 500 books. A month remains for her crowdfunding effort, and she hopes to raise £500 before it concludes.
5. More Opportunities for ‘Nerdy’ Girls (via Indiegogo)
The Business: NerdyGirlsRock, based in Rialto, Calif., is an online community that brings women together and lifts them up. It was founded by motivational speaker Monica Stockhausen, who says that “through vlogs, blogs and events, I share all of my resources with my Nerdy Girls, all in an effort to empower them to own their brilliance so they, too, can create their own lifestyles.” In an effort to broaden the reach of her organization, Stockhausen is turning to crowdfunding for help.
The Money: Stockhausen’s crowdfunding effort will pay for online advertising tailored to reach more nerdy girls. Within the next two months, she hopes to raise $20,000.
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Want to be featured in The Story Exchange’s Crowdfunding column? Drop us a line and tell us about your campaign at [email protected].
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