8 Toronto projects in search of crowdfunding
Although Kickstarter's American-based Amazon payments system has proven a stumbling block for Toronto entrepreneurs and artist-types looking to fund their creative projects, there's no shortage of worthwhile local ideas looking for subsidy at any given time thanks to Indiegogo, which features hundreds of pitches at any given time. Given the sheer number of projects out there looking for funding, it can be a bit of chore sifting through them all. So here are 10 Toronto-based creative/entrepreneurial endeavours currently looking for funds that are worth taking note of.
Canadian Air & Space Museum
Looking to raise? $500,000
Raised so far? $8,260
Days left? 114
The Canadian Air & Space Museum was pushed out of its former home at the de Havilland hanger at Downsview Park due to redevelopment plans last year. It now looks as though there might be a space to host the museum at Pearson Airport, but it needs to raise funds for a hanger in which to display its collection of vintage planes, which include a CF-105 Avro Arrow replica.
Metal Evolution: Extreme Metal 'The Lost Episode'
Looking to raise? $135,000
Raised so far? $27,081
Days left? 30
Do you like death metal (who doesn't)? Based on the television series Metal Evolution, which traced the roots of metal and tracked its various manifestations in modern music, this campaign seeks funds to make "the missing episode" on death metal. Apparently the subject matter posed problems for network television so the producers / creators have started this campaign in the hopes of addressing this most unfortunate omission from the series.
The Gravy Train Restaurant
Looking to raise? $20,000
Raised so far? $730
Days left? 78
We've already written about the Gravy Train restaurant idea, so I won't rehash the details here, but I highlight the project merely because it looks like it could use a little nudge to get people actually contributing some funds rather than just "liking" the idea on Facebook.
Cubit's Farmraiser
Looking to raise? $2,500
Raised so far? $1,575
Days left? 32
This one should appeal of those with home vegetable gardens and fans of heirloom tomatos — and features decent rewards for relatively small contributions based on the modest nature of the sought-after funding. Cubit's Farmraiser is the brainchild of a local family looking to start an organic farm in Prince Edward County, and offers carrots and tomato seeds in return for contributions ranging from $20 to $50.
A Trip to the Island
Raised so far? $9,420
Looking to raise? $10,000
Days left? 6
This one is almost there! And while there are numerous film projects spread across the Indiegogo pages, A Trip to the Island has a strong local focus in terms of setting — the entire narrative takes place on Ward's and Algonquin islands — and based on the ever-so-endearing campaign video, it'd be nice to see it get the remaining $580 the filmmakers are after to get started.
Muse: The Brain-Sensing Headband
Looking to raise? $150,000
Raised so far? $109,645
Days left? 25
The future is now. "Muse measures your brainwaves in real-time. It sends those brainwaves to your smart phone or tablet showing you how well your brain is performing and also translates your brainwaves into instructions to interact with content on your iOS or Android device." It look kind of dorky, but, come on, haven't you always wanted to become Borg-like?
Day Job: A Story of Chasing Dreams
Looking to raise? $25,000
Raised so far? $1,440
Days left? 13
It'd be hard to imagine a more fitting documentary project to seek crowdfunding as this self-reflexive film about the challenges that face startups. Not only does it take viewers inside Toronto's Extreme Startup Accelerator, but it acts as an examination of the filmmakers themselves as they try to get their own project off the ground.
Portrait of a Serial Monogamist
Looking to raise? $60,000
Raised so far? $9,100
Days left? 35
This is a Toronto-set RomCom from two filmmakers with promising resumes looking to get off the ground. I'm not much of a fan of genre, but given Christina Zeidler's former projects, I have some faith that this'll actually turn out well should enough people get on board to fund the project. Plus, if you're willing to throw down $200, you'll get an invite to the set to see the film being made. Now that could actually be pretty interesting.
OTHER PROJECTS WORTH A LOOK
Helping with health care:
Crowdfunding campaigns aren't limited to creative endeavours — there are also appeals for help to get through the ost dire of circumstances.
Know of a project that you think deserves highlighting? Let us know in the comments.
Lead photo by Daifuku Sensei
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