Crowdfunding is a powerful tool, used to raise money for thousands of projects and businesses around the world. However, without the right knowledge and planning it’s easy to fall into the 70% of failed campaigns. This course, through case studies, lectures, workshops and one-to-one support, will equip you with the right skills to help you succeed and stand out from the masses.

What will I learn? 

• Benefits and pitfalls 
• Building a targeted network of supporters 
• How to stand out 
• Preparing a compelling pitch video 
• Developing a social media strategy 
• Perks and rewards 
• Choosing the right platform

This is an introductory course and no previous experience of having studied in this area is required.

Why study this course at Goldsmiths? 

Engagement with the creative industries and the not-for-profit cultural sector has long existed across many of Goldsmiths’ academic departments and research centres. Goldsmiths is known for creativity and innovation. By taking this course at Goldsmiths, you’ll benefit from an accessible approach to quality teaching, and knowledge that can be applied practically in the real world. This course is developed by Goldsmiths’ Anthropology Department, an academic department pioneering new fields in the anthropology of modernity.

Who will teach the course? 

Nicola Lockey is an anthropologist and entrepreneur, with strategic marketing experience in the UK and USA advising start-ups and global companies.

Following 10 years living and working in Silicon Valley, Nicola has spent the past three years studying and writing about the evolution of the crowdfunding market, participating in policy discussions, industry meetings and conferences. She serves on the All-Party Parliamentary Committee for Crowdfunding, chaired by Barry Sheerman MP, that meets quarterly at the House of Commons 

Her work has contributed to many award-winning campaigns for both non-profits and famous brands. As Board Member of a local arts and education charity, Nicola has been exploring the fast-moving world of crowdfunding and its potential for democratizing finance by broadening access to capital for community-building and entrepreneurship. 

The aims of the course 

Over 3 Saturdays (5, 12 and 19th November 2016), through a series of lectures, case studies and workshops. This course will give you the essentials skills to prepare and plan a crowdfunding campaign. The aim is to familiarise you with the various types of crowdfunding, allow you to assess which approach is best for you, and to understand what makes a crowdfunding campaign successful.

What are the learning outcomes? 

• Essential steps for planning a crowdfunding campaign
• Developing your pitch: challenges, pitfalls and success factors
• Choosing the right crowdfunding model and platform  

Next Steps 

Whether you work in the non-profit or business world, the ability to raise funds and capital is an indispensable asset, this course will give you the knowledge and skills to mount a strategic crowdfunding campaign. 

How to Apply

Please click on the date of the course you'd like to attend below. You'll be taken to Eventbrite, which is our booking system:

• 5, 12, 19 Nov 2016
• 4, 11, 18 Mar 2017
• 10, 17, 24 Jun 2017

Fees

£270.00