PRX and Kickstarter FAQ
What is PRX doing on Kickstarter?
PRX has a curated page on Kickstarter, which means we can feature projects that we like and want to help promote. Curated pages from various organizations are then featured by Kickstarter.
How does PRX choose what to put on the curated page?
We're new here too, so this may change over time. Currently, we've curated projects that we like because of their focus on public media, storytelling, or journalism, or that we just think are awesome. We’ve also curated projects by PRX.org member producers and stations, so if you're a PRX member with a Kickstarter project that isn't on our curated page yet, make sure to alert us.
Have public radio producers done Kickstarter projects in the past?
A few, and we think there is great potential here for more. It's part of the reason PRX wanted to start a curated page. You'll see on our page now there are a few different ways public media has set up campaigns: funding for equipment, art exhibits, video docs, and audio programs.
Will PRX help me with my Kickstarter project?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. We will promote projects on the curated page, and continue to gather and share insights on what goes into a successful Kickstarter campaign. PRX will also help distribute and promote projects that result in radio programs, and, more selectively, we plan on putting our own funding into projects to help them reach their goal.
How do I learn how to make a Kickstarter project?
Kickstarter has excellent help docs: Help Center and Creator Handbook.
We also found these articles about Kickstarter really helpful:
Integrated Media Association: Crowdfunding Public Media
NTEN: Embracing Next Generation Philanthrophy
PBS: 'Granito’ Filmmakers Make a Run for 2012 Oscar Consideration with Kickstarter Campaign
PBS Mediashift: Your Guide to Crowdfunding Public Media Projects
Native American Public Telecommunications: My Kickstarter Campaign
Boston.com: Audio: Panel on using Kickstarter to raise money for startups and creative projects
Good.is: The 6 Variables Behind a Kick-Ass Kickstarter Project
What makes a good Kickstarter project?
Your campaign should be for a specific achievable goal, not something general. For example, it could be a new season of your show, a video documentary to go along with an episode, etc.
Then, you'll need education and commitment.
Before your project: Get educated
Do your homework! You get up to 60 days from the day you launch your project to get it funded. Most projects are actually more successful with 30-day limits. So don't do it until you're ready.
First, you should read the Kickstarter help docs (linked above) about how to create a good campaign. You should also look at successfully funded campaigns (of which there are many on our curated page) of projects of different kinds. Read various articles and do your online research (some great ones to start with are above). Gather what you need to make the project page successful: video (projects with a video succeed at a much higher rate and they also raise more money), awards you will provide to backers, etc.
Elements to think about and relay to the public on your project page should include:
- How you will do the project if funded
- How the funds will be used
- Your qualifications to complete this project
- The identities of the people on your team (if you have one)
- How far along your project is
When you post your project: Stay committed
A successful Kickstarter campaign needs A LOT of time and effort. From the day you launch, you'll need to be extremely active within your project's time period to get the funding, or you don't get any at all. During this time period, you'll want to keep your supporters engaged via regular updates on your Kickstarter project. You’ll want to promote project to friends, family, your professional network, etc.
Suppose I want to do a campaign. What next?
Get in touch with us. PRX is considering funding and partnering with producers to help them with the Kickstarter process.
Oh yeah? What will PRX provide in terms of support?
We're in the process of forming how we will help producers on Kickstarter. We plan on backing some projects (as mentioned above), and we plan to help distribute the ones that get funded. ("Backing" is Kickstarter's term for a person/organization providing funding for the project; "funding" occurs when the project meets its fundraising goal and the money is given to the project by Kickstarter.)
