The minimum amount is a specific type of funding goal for a crowdfunding campaign. If you set a minimum amount, your campaign will operate on an "all-or-nothing" basis (AON): All contributions are therefore contingent on the campaign reaching its funding goal.
This means: Your campaign will only be considered successful if you reach the minimum amount by the end of the campaign period—only then will the funds be collected and disbursed.
Not every project has a minimum amount. This is a deliberate choice to follow an "all-or-nothing" approach—alternatively, you can fund your project flexibly (available starting with the Pro Plan).
When should I use a minimum amount—and when shouldn't I?
A minimum amount and the "all-or-nothing" approach make sense if you need a specific amount to be able to carry out your project at all, or to better motivate yourself and your supporters. This has the following advantages:
- Commitment leads to success: A clear goal motivates you to communicate with your community on an ongoing basis. Experience shows that projects with a minimum funding goal are significantly more successful.
- Protection against underfunding: You only begin production once enough money has been raised—for example, in the case of a product run that’s only profitable once a minimum quantity has been reached.
- Less risk for you: You won't take on any obligations that you couldn't fulfill without the necessary funds.
- Realistic Planning: Setting a specific goal forces you to carefully calculate your costs and work out the details of your project.
- Security for your crowd: Your backers' money will only be collected if the goal is reached and your project can actually be carried out.
Typical examples: a book publication with a minimum print run, a concert that can only take place if a certain amount of money is raised, or the initial production of a product.
On the other hand, you should make a conscious decision to opt for flexible funding—which is available starting with the Pro Plan. It’s a good fit if your campaign isn’t about a specific product but rather about ongoing support. Every euro counts, and no promises are broken if you raise less than hoped for. It’s suitable, for example, for:
- Campaigns with voluntary donations, where every amount makes a direct difference.
- Projects that rely on ongoing support and do not require a fixed minimum goal.
- Projects that can be implemented step by step and don't require an all-or-nothing approach.
What is the difference between the minimum amount, the funding goal, and milestones?
On Startnext, every target amount is a funding goal. Every project has at least one initial funding goal.
- First funding goal: This can be a minimum amount—a special type of goal that is contingent on the campaign's success (all-or-nothing). Without a minimum amount, your project will run flexibly.
- Milestone Goals: All funding goals beyond the first one. They are set above the first goal and each has its own title, amount, and rationale.
For more information, see the articles “Funding Goals” and “Can I set multiple funding goals?”.
How do I calculate my minimum amount?
Distinguish between your funding needs—that is, what your project actually costs—and the total amount of funding you need to raise through Startnext so that enough remains after all deductions.
Here's how to do it:
- Determine your funding needs: Include all costs that will be covered by the crowd—especially production, product, and personnel costs, as well as a buffer for unforeseen expenses.
- Planning Your Marketing Budget: We recommend setting aside about 10% for marketing and including that amount in the minimum budget as well.
- Add the following to the total funding amount: the Startnext commission (including any discounts), transaction fees, and sales tax.
The Target Amount Calculator is required during the onboarding process and provides you with guidance right from the start. It automatically factors in the Startnext commission, any potential discounts, transaction fees, and sales tax—so you can reliably calculate the total funding amount you need based on your funding requirements.
How do I set the minimum amount?
You set the minimum amount as your first funding goal in your project interface.
Here's how to do it:
- 1Open your project interface under Crowd & Funding > Funding Goals.
- 2Set your first goal (title, amount, reason).
- 3Enable the "all-or-nothing" principle (AON) so that this amount is your minimum amount.
Can I change the minimum amount later?
Yes—as long as you haven't reached the minimum amount yet, you can adjust it at any time.
You can change it under Crowd & Funding > Funding Goals. The new amount must be higher than the amount already raised. Your supporters will be notified of the change via email.
For more information, see the article “Adjustments During the Financing Phase.”
What happens if I don't reach the minimum amount?
If you do not reach the minimum amount by the end of the funding period, your project will be considered unsuccessful:
- No payments will be collected; all financial assistance will be canceled.
- There are no financial obligations for you.
- Your backers will be notified by email when the project ends.
What are my responsibilities if the project is successful?
Once you've reached the minimum amount and the project is over, it's considered a success. Then you carry out your project as promised and deliver your thank-you gifts to the crowd.
- Carry out your project exactly as you announced it.
- Send the promised thank-you gifts to your supporters.
- Handle tax and legal issues on your own: Startnext is the platform; it's up to you to make it happen.
What happens if I receive more than my minimum amount?
Congratulations—your project is already a success, and every additional euro is a bonus!
Now is the perfect time to keep the momentum going:
- Publish a blog post celebrating the success and keeping your audience in the loop.
- Set up new thank-you gifts to encourage further support.
- Set additional milestones so your community can see what will be possible with more funding.
There's no upper limit: As soon as one goal is reached, the next one is automatically unlocked. Motivate your crowd to work together to get as far as you want—until the funding phase ends.