The minimum amount is the amount a project must raise in order to be successful. This means the campaign operates on an “all-or-nothing” basis: Your contribution will only be charged if the project reaches its minimum amount by the end of the campaign period. Not every project has a minimum amount—some are funded flexibly.
What happens to my donation if the minimum amount isn't reached?
If an all-or-nothing campaign does not reach its minimum goal by the end of the campaign period, the project is considered unfunded. Your contribution will then be canceled and will not be charged.
- Your donation amount will not be charged.
- If a reservation or pre-authorization temporarily appears on your credit card or PayPal account, it will disappear again. Depending on your bank or payment provider, this may take a little while.
How can I tell if a project has a minimum goal and whether it has been reached yet?
You can see whether a project has a minimum amount and what stage it's at in several places on the project page:
- On the funding bar: The minimum amount is listed directly on the funding bar, and the current progress is displayed as a percentage.
- In the list of funding goals: The minimum amount is clearly marked as the first funding goal. If it has already been reached, you'll see that here as well.
- In the project disclaimer, under the "Thank You" section: This section explains whether the project is funded on an "all-or-nothing" basis or flexibly, and whether the minimum amount has already been reached.
What happens if a project raises more than the minimum amount?
If so, the project is already a success and can continue to raise funds. Many projects set additional funding goals beyond the minimum amount—so-called milestone goals. Your support counts in any case and helps reach the next goal.
What is the difference between this and flexible financing?
With flexible funding, there is no minimum amount: Your contribution will always be collected, even if the funding goal is not fully reached.