Getting started with crowdfunding

Use this guide to understand the project timeline, choose a project type, and set up the key parts of your campaign.

This page is for creators. If you’re new to Gamefound, start with Become a creator.

In this article

Before you start
Project types and what they mean
Project timeline on the dashboard
Key topics you set up for a smooth launch

Before you start

What you need

A creator account
A project page draft (basic description, images, and rewards)
A plan for shipping, taxes, and refunds (see Key topics)
Eligibility check
Fees

Quick setup overview

Different creators set things up in different orders. Some settings depend on your project type and your current phase.

Use this list as a map, not a step-by-step checklist.

Choose a project type (for example, Crowdfunding, Express Crowdfunding, Pre-orders, Store).
Set up your project page and explain why it’s worth backing (project story, “Why back now”, gameplay, rules, and other key sections).
[Optional] Add your key timeline dates in the Timeline settings (Upcoming, Crowdfunding, Funded, Late Pledge, Pledge Manager).
Add rewards and add-ons (product options, stock limits).
Set shipping and taxes and inform about it on project page.
Turn on features you need (Stable Pledge, Stretch Pay, Stretch goals).
Test the flow in tester mode.
Submit your project for review when you are ready to go live.

Project types and what they mean

Gamefound supports different ways to collect funds and manage orders:

Crowdfunding - you run a campaign with a funding goal.

Express crowdfunding - this format collects payment and shipping details at checkout, so creators can move faster on fulfillment for eligible projects.
Pre-orders - pre-orders are not enabled for any creator by default. If you need this project type, contact Support.
Store - you sell items like in an online store.
Pledge Manager - the place where backers finalize their orders after the campaign. They confirm shipping details, add optional items, and complete any remaining payments before fulfillment starts.
External Pledge Manager – a way to collect money and manage orders. You can import backers shipping details, add-ons from funding campaign run from another source.

Project timeline on the dashboard

On the project dashboard, the timeline shows your project phases as tiles. The current phase is highlighted, and the next phase is marked as Next step.

Between key phases, your project goes through review steps, for example Upcoming to Crowdfunding, Funded to Late Pledge or Pledge Manager, and Late Pledge to Pledge Manager.

Note: Store and Pre-order projects use a different flow and do not show the same timeline tiles.

Table 1. Timeline phases - meaning and use

Phase	What it means	What you typically do
Draft	You prepare the draft of the project page before you publish anything.	Create a project page, post regular updates, answer comments, and set up a follower gift.
Upcoming	Your project is visible, and you build your audience before crowdfunding starts.	Set shipping and taxes, define refund rules, and review your project page. Share the page, collect followers, post updates, engage in comments, prepare campaign assets, and stretch goals.
Crowdfunding	Your campaign is live and you collect pledges.	Post updates, answer questions in comments, track progress, manage stock limits, and communicate stretch goals.
Funded	Crowdfunding ended successfully and you prepare for the next stages.	Prepare Late Pledge and Pledge Manager. You can add new products. Editing products that were offered during the campaign.
Late Pledge (optional)	You accept new pledges and upgrades after crowdfunding, without collecting shipping data or shipping fees.	Keep communication active, offer upgrades and add-ons, and manage the orders.
Pledge Manager	You may accept new pledges and upgrades, while collecting shipping details and shipping fees. You can also limit or close new pledges and allow only order finalization.	Collect shipping fees, handle order edits, and support.
Late Pledge ended (status)	Late Pledge is closed. Backers can’t place new late pledges or upgrade through Late Pledge. Only Gamefound staff can close Late Pledge. This status may not appear as a separate tile on the timeline.	Communicate what changes for backers and focus on finalizing orders.
Pledge Manager closed	Pledge manager closes and order data becomes stable for fulfillment.	Export/hand off order data, prepare fulfillment, and handle late support cases.
Closed	The project lifecycle is finished in the timeline.	Wrap up communication and final admin actions.
Crowdfunding cancelled	The project was cancelled.	Communicate the reason and next steps; possible refunds.
Crowdfunding failed	The project didn’t reach its funding goal.	Communicate the outcome; backers aren’t charged.

Dates on the timeline

Past and current phases show real dates.
Future phases show planned or estimated dates.
If a planned date passes, the timeline shows a warning.

Key topics you set up for a smooth launch

These topics cover the most common setup areas creators need before launch. Use the table to quickly check what to configure and where to do it.

Table 2. Key setup areas for creators

Topic	Why it matters	What to set up	Where to do it (quick hint)
Eligibility and onboarding	Helps you confirm you can run a campaign before you invest time in setup.	Check who can run a campaign and what requirements apply.	Creator onboarding in the dashboard. Project settings > Business tab
Risks	Helps backers understand what can change and what to expect.	Describe key risks and how you handle delays or changes.	Creator onboarding in the dashboard. Fill it in as you prepare your project page. Project settings > Project details > detailed description
Fees	Helps you avoid cost surprises when you plan pricing and margins.	Review platform fees and how they apply to your project.	Project planning + fees details in Help Center.
Refunds	Helps you handle refund requests consistently.	Define refund rules.	Project Page > Refunds and Cancellation.
Following the project and follower gifts	Helps you build an audience before launch.	Set up follower gifts if you use them.	Project settings > Project Details > Follower gifts
Communication (updates and comments)	Keeps backers informed and reduces support load.	Plan how you use updates vs comments and how often you post.	Project > Project communication.
Stable Pledge	Reassures backers with a refund if the creator can’t deliver due to changes in production or shipping costs.	Choose if you use Stable Pledge.	Dashboard bar to start Stable Pledge
Stretch Pay	Supports flexible payment handling for selected projects.	Turn on Stretch Pay and review how it affects payments and orders fulfillment.	Project settings > Stretch Pay
Taxes	Helps you set clear expectations across countries.	Set up tax handling and how you charge taxes to backers.	Set taxes during your shipment setup
Stretch goals	Helps you drive engagement during crowdfunding.	Set up stretch goals and plan how you communicate progress.	Campaign planning and project page content.
Add-ons and product options	Helps backers customize their order without confusion.	Set up add-ons, product options (variants), and stock limits.	Products/Add-ons setup in project admin.
Rewards	Helps backers understand what they get and choose the right pledge.	Set up reward tiers, included items, and clear descriptions.	Rewards setup in project admin.
Shipping settings	Prevents missing or incorrect shipping fees and regions.	Set up shipping zones and fees.	Shipping settings in project admin.
Tester mode	Helps you catch issues before launch.	Test checkout, choices/surveys, notifications, and order flow.	Project admin (Testing view).
Managing orders	Keeps order data clean and support manageable.	Set up your order workflow: stages, edits, and issue handling.	Orders section in project admin.
Late Pledge and Pledge Manager prep	Helps you move smoothly from crowdfunding to fulfillment.	Set up timeline dates and decide what’s available in Late Pledge and Pledge Manager.	Timeline + Late Pledge / Pledge Manager settings in project admin.
Endgame	Extends the last minutes of Crowdfunding when backers pledge or upgrade close to the end.	Decide if you keep it on, turn it off, or stop it during the campaign.	Project settings, General.