Projects must create something to share with others.

Kickstarter can be used to create all sorts of things: art and gadgets, events and spaces, ideas and experiences. But every project needs a plan for creating something and sharing it with the world. At some point, the creator should be able to say: “It’s finished. Here’s what we created. Enjoy!”

Projects and backer statistics must be honest and clearly presented.

Our community is built on trust and communication. Projects can’t mislead people or misrepresent facts. Creators should be candid about what they plan to accomplish and how they plan to do it. When a project involves manufacturing and distributing something complex, like a gadget, we require projects to show backers a prototype of what they’re making, and we prohibit the use of misleading imagery. Creators should not misrepresent or artificially inflate the number of backers or amounts pledged to their projects.

• Prototype demonstration should reflect a product’s current state and should not include any CGI or special effects to demonstrate functionality that does not yet exist. If a project requires software and hardware integration, creators are required to show that functionality and any dependency clearly, or disclose that it has not yet been developed.
• Misleading imagery includes photorealistic renderings and heavily edited or manipulated images or videos that could give backers a false impression of a product’s current stage of development.

Additional context on our rules requiring prototypes and prohibiting misleading imagery can be found here. Further guidance on crafting an honest and clearly presented project can be found here. Additional context on presenting facts about backers can be found here.

Projects can’t fundraise for charity.

While nonprofits are welcome to launch projects on Kickstarter, projects can't promise to raise funds to donate to a charity or cause. Funds raised on Kickstarter must go towards facilitating the project outlined by the creator on the project page.

Projects can't offer equity.

Investment is not permitted on Kickstarter. Projects can't offer incentives like equity, revenue sharing, or investment opportunities.