Unlocking Collective Action: The Best PledgeBank Alternatives
PledgeBank, launched by mySociety in 2005, pioneered a unique approach to collective action. Its core premise – "I will do X if Y number of people agree to do the same" – provided a powerful, non-coercive mechanism for solving public good problems. While PledgeBank served its purpose well, the landscape of online collective funding and action has evolved. If you're looking for a modern, feature-rich PledgeBank alternative, you're in the right place. This article explores top platforms that empower individuals and groups to achieve shared goals, from funding creative projects to driving social change.
Top PledgeBank Alternatives
Whether you're aiming to launch a new product, fund a community initiative, or rally support for a cause, these platforms offer diverse functionalities to help you succeed where PledgeBank once stood as a singular solution. Let's dive into some of the most prominent options available today.
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a leading online threshold pledge system for funding creative projects, ranging from indie films and music to innovative product designs. As a commercial web and iPhone platform, it offers robust crowdfunding features, making it an excellent PledgeBank alternative for those seeking to bring artistic or innovative endeavors to life through community backing.
SelfStarter
SelfStarter provides a powerful solution for those who want to build their own crowdfunding site. This free, open-source platform, compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, web, and self-hosted environments, offers a customizable way to replicate PledgeBank's functionality with full control, leveraging Ruby and JavaScript for development.
mintMe
mintMe revolutionizes crowdfunding by allowing both project creators and supporters to earn through token creation. This free web-based platform offers a wide array of features including blockchain integration, cryptocurrency support (Bitcoin, Monero), tokenization, and a robust trading platform, making it a unique and innovative PledgeBank alternative for tech-forward initiatives.
Crowd Supply
Crowd Supply stands out by vetting products for originality, usefulness, feasibility, and a commitment to user rights. This free, open-source web platform is an excellent PledgeBank alternative for creators focusing on hardware and open-source projects, ensuring a high standard of quality and transparency in crowdfunding.
Donor Tools
Donor Tools is a commercial donor database designed to help charities, churches, and growing organizations manage donations and raise more money. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and web, it focuses specifically on the needs of non-profits, offering robust features for managing contributions, making it a strong PledgeBank alternative for charitable fundraising.
Crowdsourcer.io
Crowdsourcer.io offers an alternative crowdsourcing platform for software-related projects, allowing contributors to build their profiles and earn income. This free web-based platform combines crowdfunding with developer tools, providing a unique and collaborative PledgeBank alternative for tech communities to collectively build and fund software.
Designbook
Designbook is a free web platform where startup founders can find passionate collaborators and investors. It combines crowdfunding with a social network aspect, making it an ideal PledgeBank alternative for entrepreneurs seeking to build their team and secure funding through community engagement and shared vision.
Go Get Funding
Go Get Funding is a free personal web platform that allows users to raise funds for a wide range of plans and projects, from everyday needs to life-changing initiatives. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a straightforward and effective PledgeBank alternative for individuals and groups looking for a general-purpose fundraising platform.
CircleUp
CircleUp is a commercial web platform that leads in equity-based crowdfunding, specifically focusing on angel investments in consumer product companies. For entrepreneurs seeking serious capital and investors looking for promising consumer brands, CircleUp offers a sophisticated PledgeBank alternative for high-stakes funding.
Revv Online Fundraising Platform
Revv is a commercial web-based fundraising platform designed to maximize donations for organizations. With powerful features like marketing automation and up-sells, it's a comprehensive solution for charities and non-profits looking to significantly boost their fundraising efforts, serving as a robust PledgeBank alternative for sustained donation campaigns.
The spirit of PledgeBank lives on through these diverse platforms, each offering unique strengths to facilitate collective action and funding. Whether your goal is creative, charitable, entrepreneurial, or community-focused, exploring these alternatives will help you find the best fit for bringing your shared vision to life in today's digital landscape.