crowdfunding

When Kristie Fields was undergoing treatment for breast cancer nine years ago, a nurse suggested she go on the local news and ask for help with her medical bills. Fields says she and her husband quickly dismissed the idea.

'We're not doing that': A Black couple won't crowdfund to pay medical debt

5:05am June 26, 2023

by Noam Levey

Kristie Fields, a cancer patient in Virginia was urged to go public to seek help for her medical bills. But she worried about feeding hurtful stereotypes.

Crowdfunding campaigns have raised millions of dollars for treatments of questionable efficacy, two studies published recently say.

Health & Safety

Crowdfunding Drives Funds And Attention Toward Questionable Medical Treatments

3:42pm January 02, 2019

by Rachel D. Cohen

Many Americans turn to crowdfunding to pay for medical care. But sometimes the money covers unproven treatments. Should crowdfunding companies be held accountable for spreading false hopes?

Headphone company Ossic announced Saturday it was shutting down, having delivered just 250 of the 10,000 pairs of virtual reality headphones that its backers had crowdfunded.

Crowdfunders Left Hanging By 3D Headphone Startup's Abrupt Closure

10:01pm May 21, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

"To fail at the five-yard line is a tragedy," the company said in a statement. More than 10,000 people had shelled out $200 or more for Ossic X headphones on Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

Online banking, sending and receiving money with a smartphone

After Outcry, Crowdfunding Site Patreon Backs Off Plan To Raise Fees

6:47pm December 13, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

The site — popular with independent musicians, writers and artists — allows fans to make small, repeated payments to creators. A change in the pay structure sent shock waves through the Internet.

The ruined castle of La Mothe-Chandeniers in central western France. The crowdfunding site Dartagnans organized an effort to buy the chateau for 500,000 euros.

World News

7,500 Strangers Just Bought A Crumbling French Chateau Together

10:09pm December 05, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Each paid at least 50 euros to "adopt" the castle and help restore it. The campaign is part of an effort to crowdfund the protection of the country's cultural heritage sites.

Democratic congressional candidate Regina Bateson (left) speaks with local resident Paige Stauss outside a public library in Granite Bay, Calif., following a campaign event.

Thinking Of Running For Office? A Website Lets You Test The Waters

7:33am August 30, 2017

by Aarti Shahani

Think you may want to run for public office? A new site lets you crowdfund a potential campaign. See how a California congressional candidate was inspired to give it a try.

Queue Listen Now

Janet (left) and Jackie Carter's wedding in August 2015. They set up a crowdfunding site to help defray the considerable costs of IVF.

Please, Baby, Please: Some Couples Turn To Crowdfunding For IVF

4:30pm December 18, 2016

by Stephanie O'Neill

Infertility is often a private struggle. But some couples are going public — via crowdfunding sites — to help subsidize in vitro fertilization treatments that can cost as much as $20,000 each time.

Queue Listen Now

The Quicken Loans Arena is decorated to welcome the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Politics & Government

Some Trump RNC Delegates Surprised About Paying Their Own Way To Cleveland

7:51am July 14, 2016

by Lauren Chooljian

Hotel rooms can cost $300 a night for delegates, who also have to pay for their own travel and meals. Some are turning to crowdfunding sites to pay for their trips.

Crowdfunding For Small Businesses Gets Kick-Start

5:07pm May 16, 2016

by Chris Arnold

Small companies now can raise up to $1 million from ordinary investors through what are called "crowdfunding portals."

Is Crowdfunding An OK Way To Raise Money For Zika Research?

4:54pm April 19, 2016

by Wudan Yan

The Zika Virus Challenge has posted researchers' projects and is asking for pledges. Should the reaction be skepticism — or enthusiasm?