Kickstarter Culture Fund

Kickstarter's first entirely self-financed fund gives independent creators direct financial support while their project is actively fundraising. Funding comes as a pledge to the creator's own Kickstarter campaign , a credibility signal to other backers as much as a cash contribution and, like all Kickstarter funding, is all-or-nothing: it only releases if the campaign hits its goal.

Creative Scotland is the fund's first partner organization, and Kickstarter says it's actively seeking more partners to grow the pool beyond the initial $1 million. $1,000 minimum pledge per project, with the exact amount depending on project needs. Selected creators also get promotional support across Kickstarter's own channels plus campaign guidance.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout 2026, with decisions within 6 weeks.

Projects must launch by December 31, 2026.

• Must be 18 or older.

• Project must be in art, photography, dance, theater, film, fashion, or music.

• The Kickstarter project can be live or still in draft (draft just needs a main image and description filled in).

• Project must launch by December 31, 2026.

• Creator must be based in one of Kickstarter's 25+ eligible countries, which includes the U.S.